- Real Estate Update
- Buyers & Seller's Corner
- Home Improvement
- Trivia Challenge
- Health & Fitness
- New Movie Releases
- Recipe of the Month
- Travel Tips
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February 2012

2 - Groundhog Day
5 - Super Bowl XLVI
8 - Boy Scout Day
12 - Lincoln's Birthday
14 - Valentine's Day
20 - President's Day
21 -- Fat Tuesday
22 - Washington's Birthday
29 -- Leap Year Day

JD Power Award for Customer Satisfaction

Realtor Bob proudly displays the JD Power and Associates awards for 2011 as Rated #1 in Customer Satisfaction by both Buyers and Sellers. If you are considering buying or selling a home at the Jersey Shore, contact Bob at 609-290-1186 or visit his website at www.RealtorBobM.com

New Construction Home for Sale (Minutes to LBI)

NEW WOODLAND MODEL AVAILABLE FOR QUICK DELIVERY - 3-car side entry garage,9 ft first floor, hardwood floors, granite counters, large lot with wooded back yard on cul-de-sac. Spacious master suite with sitting area, huge walk-in closet, and luxurious master bath. Full basement, Anderson windows, Timberline roof, large stamped concrete driveway and walkway.

The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right place but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.
~ Dorothy Nevill

Existing-Home Sales Continue Upward Trend

According to a recent report from the National Association of Realtors®, existing-home sales continued on an uptrend in December, rising for three consecutive months and remaining above a year ago.

The latest monthly data shows total existing-home sales rose 5.0 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.61 million in December from a downwardly revised 4.39 million in November, and are 3.6 percent higher than the 4.45 million-unit level in December 2010.

“The pattern of home sales in recent months demonstrates a market in recovery,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “Record low mortgage interest rates, job growth and bargain home prices are giving more consumers the confidence they need to enter the market.”

For all of 2011, existing-home sales rose 1.7 percent to 4.26 million from 4.19 million in 2010.

The national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage fell to another record low of 3.96 percent in December from 3.99 percent in November; the rate was 4.71 percent in December 2010, according to Freddie Mac.

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You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do.
~ Henry Ford

Take the Time to Check Out the Competition

It's pretty much standard for the listing agent to prepare and present a home evaluation to a home seller before they place the home on the market. This evaluation often includes comparable homes for sale, pending and sold home prices, average number of days on the market, and more. While this evaluation is good, it doesn't always give you the whole picture.

So, before you put your home on the market, you may want to consider spending a weekend or two checking out the competition. This includes existing homes and new home developments. A good listing agent will be happy to show you a few "comps," and you can go to open houses on your own. You only need to see a few similarly-priced homes in similar neighborhoods to get a feel for your competition. You can preview new homes, of course, at the development during their regular business hours.

This research will help you determine the best sales price at which to list your home -- a key ingredient to get your home sold fast and at top dollar. You don't need to go out and buy new furniture to look like a model home, but it's important for you to see what potential buyers see.

When we got into office, the thing that surprised me the most was that things were as bad as we'd been saying they were.
~ John F. Kennedy

Clean Driveways Add Curb Appeal

If you have grease stains in your garage or on your driveway, chances are good you don't notice them since your car is usually parked over them. But, it's probably one of the first thing a friend, guest or prospective home buyer notices as they evaluate your property. While removing the stains is not a fun job -- it is a worthwhile endeavor.

To get it done: First, soak up the grease with some cat litter. Be sure to be generous and grind it in good. After removing the soiled litter, drench the stains with a highly carbonated beverage (soda water or a cola work well). Rub the soda into the concrete with a stiff bristle broom -- and once all the fizz is gone -- hose the driveway clean.

Next, mix up one cup powdered laundry detergent and one cup liquid chlorine bleach in one gallon of hot water (the hotter, the better). Pour this solution on the stain, and after letting it sit a bit, hose it down. Now, guests will be focus on your beautiful home instead of the stains on your driveway.

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What is written without effort is in general read without pleasure.
~ Samuel Johnson

Trivia Challenge

Question 1.) The second of February is Groundhog Day. It is also a special day for Roman Catholics. What is it?
a.) Ascension Day
b.) St. Andrew's Day
c.) Candlemas Day
d.) Michaelmas Day

Question 2.) What is the birthstone for February?
a.) Amethyst
b.) Garnet
c.) Ruby
d.) Sapphire

Question 3.) When did Valentine's Day become commonly observed in the United States?
a.) During the Civil War
b.) Around 1900
c.) In Pioneer Days
d.) During World War I

Question 4.) February was originally the last month of the year. True or false?
a.) True
b.) False

Question 5.) Where did the first American Mardi Gras take place?
a.) Las Vegas
b.) Mobile
c.) New Orleans
d.) Panama City

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There are painters who transform the sun to a yellow spot, but there are others who with the help of their art and their intelligence, transform a yellow spot into the sun.
~ Pablo Picasso

10 Tips for Better Mental Health

Society spends a lot of time focusing on physical health. While this is important, it's equally significant to focus on your mental health. What's the point of looking good if you don't feel good? Try some of the following ideas to raise your spirits.

1. Value Yourself -- Don't be too hard on yourself. Treat yourself with kindness and respect. Make time everyday to do something you enjoy and broaden your horizons.
2. Build Confidence -- Identify your abilities and weaknesses, accept them, and learn to make the most of it.
3. Take Care of Your Body -- Exercise, eat nutritious meals, drink plenty of water, get a good night's sleep, and avoid smoking and excessive drinking.
4. Accept Compliments -- If someone gives you a sincere compliment, enjoy it, and remember it when you need it.
5. Hang Out With Good People - Don't take your family and friends for granted. Make plans with good people and seek out positive activities together. Nurture these relationships.
6. Live Within Your Means -- Financial problems cause stress, often leading to other problems.
7. Volunteer -- Give your time and energy to help someone else. You'll meet new people, and you'll feel good about yourself.
8. Manage Stress -- Stress is a part of life. Learn to deal with your stressors head on and practice good coping skills. Try to find some humor in your problems.
9. Seek Help -- Sharing a problem with others who have had similar experiences may help you find a solution. You're not the first person to have a problem. Seek professional help if you have a mental or substance abuse problem.
10. Shake It Up a Bit -- Routines may make you more efficient and feel more secure, but they get monotonous. A change of pace, such as a road trip, mini-vacation, trying a new restaurant or learning something new is good for your mind.

Drama is life with the dull bits cut out.
~ Alfred Hitchcock

February Movie Releases

• Feb. 3
  • Big Miracle
  • Chronicle
  • The Woman in Black
  • The Innkeepers
  • Kill List
  • Perfect Sense
  • W.E.
  Feb. 10
  • On the Ice
  • Journey 2: The Mysterious Island
  • Safe House
  • Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace
  • The Vow
  • In Darkness
  • Rampart
  • Return
• Feb. 14
  • All Things Fall Apart
• Feb. 17
  • This Means War
  • Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance
  • The Secret World of Arrietty
• Feb. 24
  • Act of Valor
  • Gone
  • Tyler Perry's Good Deeds
  • Wanderlust

*Opening dates may vary depending on where you live.

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If you cannot convince them, confuse them.
~ Harry Truman

Almond Chicken with Peas

Ingredients - Serves 6

• Serves 4 1 12-ounce package peas
• 3 tb.sp. water
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1.5 lbs. skinless chicken breast -- cut into half-inch cubes
• 1 tb.sp. cornstarch
• 2 tsp. sugar
• 1 cup almonds blanched and slivered
• 1/3 cup sherry
• 3 tb.sp. premium soy sauce
• 1 tsp. minced ginger

Directions

1. In a bowl, mix ginger, sugar, cornstarch and blend in water, soy sauce and sherry. Thaw peas.
2. Heat oil on medium heat. Add almonds -- stir frequently and cook for about 3 minutes.
3. Add chicken and cook until it turns white.
4. Pour in sherry mix and cook until it thickens. Add peas. Stir-fry until hot and glazed. Serve over a bed of rice.

Wine Pairing

• Try this dish with a spicy American Gewurztraminer (try the Monterey region).

There's a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot.
~ Steven Wright

5 Steps to Getting a Passport

If you plan to travel outside the United States -- and re-enter -- you're going to need a passport; a passport is a document that verifies the nationality and identity of its bearer. You'll need two 2x2-inch photos, proof of citizenship, proof of identity, passport application and money. Here's how to obtain a passport.

1. Fill out the Application for Passport, Form DS-11. You can download this form online and bring it with you when you apply for your passport.
2. Get two passport photos taken. The identical photos must be 2 inches by 2 inches. The pictures must offer a full, frontal view of your face, from the top of your head through your shoulders. The photo must be taken with a plain white background. Many post offices, mailing service stores and photographers will take passport photos for a small fee.
3. Bring a previous U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate or a certificate of citizenship to a Passport Acceptance Facility (often at your local court house or county administration office). You can find the nearest facility by inputting your zip code on the the U.S. Department of State web site (travel.state.gov).
4. Bring proof of identity, such as a current driver's license, or government or military ID.
5. You must pay both a passport application fee (about $140 for adults) and an execution/acceptance fee (about $25) to get your passport. You will pay the fees when you file your application. It takes about six weeks after filing to receive your U.S. passport. If you are traveling soon, you can pay an additional fee for expedited service (about $60 plus delivery) and get your passport within two to three weeks.

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Trivia Answers
#1. c.) Candlemas Day; #2. a.) Amethyst; #3 a.) During the Civil War; #4. a.) True; #5. b.) Mobile

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Robert McLaughlin & Julie A. Willis
221 Lacey Road
Forked River, NJ 08731

This eNewsletter contains information, facts and opinions from various individuals and organizations. This eNewsletter is provided on an "as-is" basis without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. I/We are not responsible for any errors or omissions. Consult with your doctor, fitness consultant, attorney, accountant, or other professional advisor when necessary. © 2012 eNewsletterSolutions.