Federal Housing Extended Tax Credit
Federal Housing Extended Tax Credit
I am sure that many of you have heard and read about the Extended and Expanded Federal Housing Tax Credit. For those of you that have questions, here are answers to frequently asked questions…
~~~~~~~CLICK TO VIEW FAQ about the Move-Up/Repeat Home Buyer Tax Credit~~~~~~~
Thanksgiving Decorating Ideas from HGTV
Welcome your guests on Thanksgiving Day with these stylish ideas from www.HGTV.com
StarMama – Flickr.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~CLICK Here to View~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Joe Shlabotnik – Flickr.com
A Barefoot Contessa Thanksgiving
A Barefoot Contessa Thanksgiving
tuchodi – Flickr.com
Food Network and Ina Garten share some wonderful Thanksgiving Recipes and Memories!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~CLICK Here to View~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CarbonNYC – Flickr.com
My Life as a Realtor – Day 111
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 111:
Happy Veteran’s Day! and Happy Birthday Jonathan – my youngest turns 14 today!!
All the kids are home today – left them enjoying Jonathan’s gift – a new X-Box 360 - while I flew to the office – Century 21 VJF Realty – did some needed paperwork – then headed out to meet with my clients – First Time Home Buyers purchasing a home in Brewster, NY. Today was their inspection day!
All went well – Dennis with Mr. Inside Out – thoroughly inspected the home, even getting up on the roof – which some inspectors will not do – and discussing helpful tips on living with a home that has a well and septic system.
Google Imagery
Then I was off to the races! Picked up Melissa at the Danbury Fair Mall – she worked until 2pm and her car is still being repaired! Then stopped at the A & P in Danbury, CT .
Then home to make dinner – since it’s Jonathan’s Birthday, he got to choose – it was Meatballs and spaghetti. Afterwards, we had Ice Cream Cake and wished Jonathan a wonderful year!
Flickr Foto Fun Friday – Fall!
Here are some great fotos from friends on Flickr of Fall! Hey, say that a few times!
basykes – Flickr.com
Pink Sherbert Photography – Flickr.com
shelley_ginger – Flickr.com
peasap – Flickr.com
joyosity – Flickr.com
Jan Tik – Flickr.com
www.Flickr.com – It’s awesome!
My Life as a Realtor – Day 110
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 110:
Not a very busy day today – mostly catching up with e-mails and paper work since I was out all day yesterday. Still working on trying to get my clients closing to happen for this week – and getting all ready for an inspection tomorrow.
The weather is quickly changing – it’s cooler and windy – Fall is in the air with Winter on its heels – Oh, how I hate the cold. Although, it is nice living in the Northeast and being able to go through all 4 seasons. My least favorite being winter! Once the holidays are over – and the crisp, clean snow is just dirt and sand mush – and… we’ve hit over $2,000 in oil expense to heat our home - I’m DONE with Winter and long for Spring! Sorry – I’m just venting.
Well, again – Fall is here and Thanksgiving Day will be arriving soon. I’ve started planning my menu and I’d like to bake an Apple Cake. I think I may experiment with a few apples I have here…
Talking Turkey from Healthy Eats
Talking Turkey from Healthy Eats…
ukanda – Flickr.com
Thanksgiving Day was a holiday that was celebrated at either my parents or my in-laws home. In the past few years, my husband and I have taken on this holiday. We invite both sides of our families and friends – and I am thankful for all the on-line help from useful sites like www.HealthyEats.com !
tuchodi – Flickr.com
My Life as a Realtor – Day 109
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 109:
Early – really, really early wake up time for me today – Ugh! Faith picked me up at around 5:20 – AM! to meet with Linda, Eva and Faith. We made our way from Brewster, NY to Mohegan Sun Resort & Casino in Uncasville, CT for Century 21 annual New England Fall Fest. Did I mention we left really, really early.
This all day event started with breakfast and trade show – I purchased a blouse with the Century 21 logo – hope it fits. We moved on to a motivational speech, breakout sessions and a lovely lunch in the middle of it all.
Before heading home, we decided to take advantage of being at a casino and gamble! I spent a whole 5 bucks. Yup - 5 whole dollars!
After a day of Education – Motivation – Eating – and fun, we made our way back home…
HomeGain.com – Top 5 Home Improvements
According to www.HomeGain.com survey – The Top 5 Home Improvements that Realtors recommend to home sellers based on cost and return on investment (from highest to lowest ROI) are:
1. Cleaning and de-cluttering ($200 cost / $1,700 price increase / 872% ROI)
2. Home staging ($300 cost / $1,780 price increase / 586% ROI)
3. Lightening and brightening ($230 cost / $1,300 price increase / 572% ROI)
4. Landscaping ($320 cost / $1,500 price increase / 473% ROI)
5. Repairing plumbing ($385 cost / $1,250 price increase / 327% ROI)
~ CLICK ~ Here to view to entire list of Top 12 Do it Yourself projects ~
My Life as a Realtor – Day 108
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 108:
FRIDAY!! Friday’s are my favorite day of the week – Oh… and Saturday’s too.
Today, lots of buzzing around – trying to confirm a closing for next week. For my buyers sake, I hope all goes well for them – I really, really do.
Our November Birthday’s have started – my niece, Kristin is 20 today – Hubby-hub’s is on Sunday – my brother-in-law, Richie, is on Tuesday – my youngest, Jonathan, is Wednesday – as well as my niece Isabella. Then, towards the end of the month, we have my other niece, Anna Carolina and my mom! Lots of partying and… CAKE!
Took a photo of the back yard – can’t believe the leaves are almost completely fallen, now we have a better view of the stream and when the deer come to frolic in the woods.
Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes from Food Network.
I have started my Thanksgiving Menu. The fun part is preparing the menu – Mashed Potatoes is at the top of my list! ~ CLICK ~ Here for the recipe
Rhett Sutphin - Flickr.com
Best Ever Green Bean Casserole
I am in the mood for a Green Bean Casserole – so…
hozae – Flickr.com
From Food Network – Best Ever Green Bean Casserole
~~~ CLICK ~~~ Here for the recipe
kevindooley – Flickr.com
Emeril’s 20 – 40 – 60 Fresh Food Fast
Google Imagery
Quick – healthy – fun meals! ~ CLICK ~ Here to view the video as Emeril shows you some of his recipes on Good Morning America – from his new Cookbook - “20 – 40 – 60 Fresh Food Fast”
- Spicy Pork Stir-Fry with Green Beans – 20 minutes or less
- Emeril’s Turkey and Pinto Bean Tostada - 40 minutes or less
- Braised Chicken Thighs – 60 minutes or less
jslander – Flickr.com
My Life as a Realtor – Day 107
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 107:
It’s Thursday – Morning Office Meeting today to go over Listing Book – a great way for buyers to search like an agent! Information on each listing is updated approximately every 30 minutes.
I have 2 accounts – Connecticut - DianaSantosCT.ListingBook.com
and New York – DianaSantosNY.ListingBook.com
After the meeting, home – back out for errands – back home for dinner – and back out to pick up Jonathan at soccer practice… that he had in the pouring rain…
New Fairfield High School Turf Field
When Jonathan got into the car, he said, “This was the best practice ever!” Oh, I wouldn’t have been so cheery – I hate getting caught in the rain and I hate the cold! When I retire, it should be somewhere in the South.
My Life as a Realtor – Day 106
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 106:
Wednesday - Workshop day again. Faith picked me up and drove to the office to pick up Eva and Carolyn. We set off for Elmsford, NY – looking forward to another informative class.
Today, we discussed different ways on Obtaining Price Reductions. The market has changed and we all need to adapt.
I must admit, sitting for 4 hours can make me get very jittery – Thank goodness for out lunch break!
Faith & Eva having lunch in the Hotel’s lounge
Congress Extended & Expanded Housing Tax Credit!
Congress has Extended and Expanded the Housing Tax Credit. Now, not just for First Time Home Buyers, this tax credit will also be available for Repeat Home Buyers!
~ CLICK ~ Here to view NAR Issue Brief Home Buyer Tax Credit Change Chart
KaCey97007 – Flickr.com
Gift Wrap Station from Lowes
bingbing – Flickr.com
Make your own Gift Wrap Station with step-by-step directions from www.Lowes.com …
cuttlefish – Flickr.com
Mickey Glitter – Flickr.com
My Life as a Realtor – Day 105
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 105:
Tuesday – Happy Election Day! Kids are home from school – I’m working from home, but left for a bit to do some errands.
As I drove down the driveway, I wondered why we have som many acorns all over – maybe it’s because there aren’t as many squirrels as last year…
Thanksgiving Kickoff – Sweet Potatoes
NatalieMaynor – Flickr.com
From Healthy Eats ~ Thanksgiving Kickoff – Sweet Potatoes!! And I LOVE sweet potatoes – Yummy-Yum-Yum!
not a hipster – Flickr.com
~ CLICK ~ Here to view Nutrition Facts ~ Recipes ~ Tips and more!
My Life as a Realtor – Day 104
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 104:
Monday, Monday…
I couldn’t resist – The Mamas & The Papas – 1966 – Monday Monday
Just another ordinary Monday – work, work, work… clean, clean, clean… cook, cook, cook – Ah – Life is Good!
Took a picture of our driveway – couldn’t believe that Joe had blown all the leaves – and we woke to the driveway being covered in fallen leaves again!
My Life as a Realtor – Day 103
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 103:
I can’t believe it’s November! Halloween is over, so let’s talk Turkey! In 26 days, I will be making 2 Turkeys to host the Holiday – Thanksgiving Day – to 30 somewhat guests.
For today, it’s catch up with work and housekeeping – since I had an appointment and Halloween party yesterday. I also squeezed in a trip to Shaw’s – a few other errands and Jonathan’s soccer game. I am thankful it’s not an away game, saving me about 2 hours in commuting time. We played at home… and won!
New Fairfield High School Turf Field
I was very happy for Jonathan and his team – and was very cold – so I admit, I watched the game from my car.
Selling Your Home During the Holidays
FrontDoor.com has the Top 10 Tips for Selling Your Home During the Holidays ~ CLICK ~
Michele Eve – Flickr.com
Before we know it, the Holiday’s will be upon us – helpful ideas like these from FrontDoor.com
Pot Pie Recipes from Pillsbury
Cooler weather makes us crave for warm foods – www.Pillsbury.com has some great recipes for Pot Pies!
N8trOn – Flickr.com
- Chicken ot Pie with Biscuits
- Patchwork Pot Pie
- Ground Beef Pot Pie
- Turkey-Sweet Potato Pot Pies
- Chicken-n-Broccoli Pot Pies
- Chili Pot Pie
- Classic Chicken Pot Pie
Y’amal – Flickr.com
My Life as a Realtor – Day 102
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 102:
Happy Halloween!!!
My day started off with showing a few homes – starting in New Fairfield – then Bethel and ending in Brookfield.
After dropping off my clients, I made a trip to Wal-Mart to purchase some more Halloween items to complete our costumes – 4 wigs at $6 a piece – awesome price!
Joe and his wig – which he kept complaining that his hair was going in his mouth so I had to clip it back!
We were invited to my brother’s house in Brookfield, CT for his yearly Halloween party – my sister-in-law, Leia out did herself again with all the decorations! For our costumes… Melissa was a Pirate, David a Ninja, Amanda a Baseball Player, Sara a Gypsy, Jonathan was Britney Spears, Joe was Morticia and I was Octomom!
We had a blast! Which started with getting dressed – Joe and Jonathan both needed help getting into their dresses – Ha!
Then, we stopped at the New Fairfield Food Market to pick up a 3′ Wedge I had ordered. Since we were all dressed in our costumes, we debated who would be going into the store to pick up the wedge. Amanda graciously offered while the rest of us sat in the car getting stares from people coming out of the store – the photo of Joe above was taken while we were waiting and he kept getting the most stares – I was laughing so hard I could hardly drive!
Jonathan (Britney Spears) going into the “Haunted House” for our party
We arrived at my brother’s and had a great night – food, drinks, a “Best Costume” award – which was given to my brother, Louie, who was a Bagel and his wife, Leia, who was a box of Philadelphia Cream Cheese – very original and hand-made.
I will be adding photos to this post as soon as I get my camera back – I left it at Lou & Leia’s! The photos above were taken with my camera phone.
Caramel Apples
OK – I love Caramel Apples! I think it’s a combination of my love for Caramel and the memories of being a kid and eating this delicious treat.
joyosity – Flickr.com
Simple, simple, simple – and still I managed to screw my batch that I made on Halloween. I melted my caramel with 2 tablespoons of water – had my apples washed, dried and stick ready. I poured the caramel over the apples – Mmmm! Well, I should have waiting a bit for the caramel to cool off just a bit – enough that I could still pour it over my apples. Instead, my caramel ended up rolling off my apples leaving just a light layer on the skin – the rest ended up at the bottom of my tray. Oh well, they were still edible – we sliced the apples and scooped up the caramel! Next time, I’ll know to be a bit more patient – and to add 2 tablespoons of milk instead of water as Paula Deen does on the Food Network ~ CLICK ~ for recipe.
My Life as a Realtor – Day 101
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 101:
Friday – Wahoo!! It’s Halloween tomorrow and I swear strange things are starting to happen!
This morning – I took care of a few errands – including stopping by the office to set up appointments for tomorrow.
Three of my kids are going camping with their cousins – and they couldn’t have picked a better day. It is warm with no wind or rain in sight… yet!
Pulling into our driveway – a beautiful day!
I’m in the Mood to Bake – Pumpkin Muffins!
I’m in the mood to bake… Pumpkin Muffins!
Wyscan – Flickr.com
Halloween is over – but Fall is still here and soon Thanksgiving Day will be upon us. With cooler days and Pumpkins galore – what better time to bake some Pumpkin Muffins – CLICK – here to view recipe from … www.FoodNetwork.com
Norwichnuts – 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. 
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HouseLogic
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Live Better. Own Smarter. Here is How.
HouseLogic
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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