Treasure Coast of Florida

Attorney's Advice for Identity Theft

2008-10-19T20:07:00.003-04:00

It seems today that we need to ever watchful of our identities being stolen. An email was sent to me by a friend who ran across information that a corporate attorney sent to the employees of his company to reduce the risk of being a victim of identity fraud. I would like to share these with you as it may help you or someone you know some day. Here they are:

1) Do NOT sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put "PHOTO ID REQUIRED".

2) When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the "For" line. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won't have access to it.

3) Put your work phone number on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a P O Box use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a P O Box, use your work address. Never have your social security number printed on your checks (DUH!). You can add it if it is necessary, but if you have it printed, anyone can get it.

4) Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. Also, carry a photocopy of your passport when you travel either here or abroad. We've all heard horror stories about fraud that is committed on us in stealing a name, address, social security number, credit cards.

The attorney who wrote this article also said: "Unfortunately, I, an attorney, have firsthand knowledge because my wallet was stolen last month. Within a week, the thieves ordered an expensive monthly cell phone package, applied for a VISA credit card, had a credit line approved to buy a Gateway computer, received a PIN number from the DMV to change my driving record information online, and more." He went on to give some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know:

5) We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately. But the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them.

6) File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc. were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward in investigation (if there ever is one).

7) Most important, though, is to call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and also call the social security fraud line number. This is important because an application for credit can be made over the internet in your name. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen, and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit. The attorney whose wallet was stolen didn't do this until two weeks after the wallet was stolen - and there were records of all the credit checks initiated by the thieves purchases - which none he knew of before placing the alert. Since he placed the alert no additional damage had been done and the thieves threw away his wallet and someone turned it in as the thieves were no longer able to make purchases using his identity.

Now, here are the numbers you need to contact to notify about your wallet, etc being stolen:

1) Equifax: 800-525-6285
2) Experian (formerly TRW): 888-397-3742
3) Trans Union: 800-680-7289
4) Social Security Administration fraud line: 800-269-0271

Feel free to share this information with those you know.

GET DUCKS IN A ROW BEFORE PUTTING HOME UP FOR SALE

2008-09-15T16:57:00.002-04:00

Get Ducks in a Row before Putting Home up for Sale

In reading this article it occurred to me that it might be nice to share it with many others who are thinking of selling their homes. This article was just released through RIS Media.

By Alan J. Heavens

RISMEDIA, Sept. 16, 2008-(MCT)-A colleague has decided to downsize to a condo and has added her house to the substantial existing-home inventory in Philadelphia.

She and her late husband were part of the urban-pioneering movement in their neighborhood in the early 1970s. For their efforts, and as a result of the housing boom in the early part of this decade, they accumulated a substantial amount of equity that even this bump in the real estate road cannot reduce.

But she faces a buyer’s market, with all that implies, made more difficult by tighter credit in the aftermath of the subprime debacle of August 2007. The price she is asking is within the financial means of a young professional single or couple-I’ve seen newly minted lawyers buy Rittenhouse Square condos for about the same amount.

She also is willing to negotiate, and that puts her ahead of the pack. Agents tell me that there are plenty of sellers who remain unwilling to budge from the wrongheaded “but my neighbor sold his house in 2006 for a zillion dollars” view of proper pricing.

Still, she and her agent realize that she cannot sell the house “as is.” With record inventory on the city market and sales down about 25% from a year ago, buyers can afford to be picky. So seller and agent need to come up with a game plan to turn the house into a sale. Simple things: Toilets need to flush, faucets mustn’t drip or drain sluggishly, water heaters must operate properly. Heating and central air-conditioning systems go without saying. It would be better if they were newer, for the sake of maximum energy efficiency, but if they operate properly and well, and look as if they’ll do the job for a few more years, then they should be fine. Prospective buyers may ask to see your monthly heating and cooling bills, as well as your water bills.

Living costs are rising, salaries are flat, and today’s buyers are adding a whole host of expenses to the monthly mortgage payment to see whether they can handle homeownership. Lots of insulation, efficient windows and doors, a roof that doesn’t leak or need replacement, gutters and chimneys that are clean and in good working order are also important.

The exterior of a house tends to be more a buyer issue than the interior, since the innards are exposed to the wider world by invitation only. Today’s shoppers won’t be fooled by mulch or freshly planted flowers, just as they know the potpourri, freshly baked bread and boiled cinnamon stick ploys, too. If the exterior needs painting and repair, pay for it. If the interior is gorgeous but too dark, washing the windows will let in natural light.

Don’t worry about the interior. If they don’t like the colors, that’s easy to change. Remember, listen to your agent. One who’s worth the commission will know the market and the competition.
Most of all, hang in there. It may take awhile, but your house will sell - maybe even for more than the “proper price.”

© 2008, The Philadelphia Inquirer.Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
RISMedia welcomes your questions and comments. Send your e-mail to: realestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com.

WOW! DID YOU KNOW THAT?

2008-08-18T20:20:00.006-04:00

A friend sent me this information via email. Not sure where the information came from, but it certainly is interesting.

LIFE IN THE 1500'S

The next time you are washing your hands and complain because the water temperature isn't just how you like it, think about how things used to be. Here are some facts about the1500s:

Most people got married in June because they took their yearly bath in May, and still smelled pretty good by June. However, they were starting to smell, so brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide the body odor. Hence the custom today of carrying a bouquet when getting married.

Baths consisted of a big tub filled with hot water. The man of the house had the privilege of the nice clean water, then all the other sons and men, then the women and finally the children. Last of all the babies. By then the water was so dirty you could actually lose someone in it. Hence the saying, Don't throw the baby out with the Bath water.

Houses had thatched roofs-thick straw-piled high, with no wood underneath. It was the only place for animals to get warm, so all the cats and other small animals (mice, bugs) lived in the roof When it rained it became slippery and sometimes the animals would slip and fall off the roof. Hence the saying It's raining cats and dogs.

There was nothing to stop things from falling into the house.. This posed a real problem in the bedroom where bugs and other droppings could mess up your nice clean bed. Hence, a bed with big posts and a sheet hung over the top afforded some protection. That's how canopy beds came into existence.

The floor was dirt. Only the wealthy had something other than dirt. Hence the saying, Dirt poor.

The wealthy had slate floors that would get slippery in the winter when wet, so they spread thresh (straw) on floor to help keep their footing. As the winter wore on, they added more thresh until, when you opened the door, it would all start slipping outside. A piece of wood was placed in the entranceway. Hence the saying a thresh hold.

(Getting quite an education, aren't you?)

In those old days, they cooked in the kitchen with a big kettle that always hung over the fire. Every day they lit the fire and added things to the pot. They ate mostly vegetables and did not get much meat. They would eat the stew for dinner, leaving leftovers in the pot to get cold overnight and then start over the next day. Sometimes stew had food in it that had been there for quite a while. Hence the rhyme, Peas porridge hot, peas porridge cold, peas porridge in the pot nine days old.

Sometimes they could obtain pork, which made them feel quite special. When visitors came over, they would hang up their bacon to show off. It was a sign of wealth that a man could, bring home the bacon. They would cut off a little to share with guests and would all sit around and chew the fat.

Those with money had plates made of pewter. Food with high acid content caused some of the lead to leach onto the food, causing lead poisoning death. This happened most often with tomatoes, so for the next 400 years or so, tomatoes were considered poisonous.

Bread was divided according to status. Workers got the burnt bottom of the loaf, the family got the middle, and guests got the top, or the upper crust.

Lead cups were used to drink ale or whisky. The combination would sometimes knock the imbibers out for a couple of days. Someone walking along the road would take them for dead and prepare them for burial. They were laid out on the kitchen table for a couple of days and the family would gather around and eat and drink and wait and see if they would wake up. Hence the custom of holding a wake.

England is old and small and the local folks started running out of places to bury people. So they would dig up coffins and would take the bones to a bone-house, and reuse the grave. When reopening these coffins, 1 out of 25 coffins were found to have scratch marks on the inside and they realized they had been burying people alive. So they would tie a string on the wrist of the corpse, lead it through the coffin and up through the ground and tie it to a bell. Someone would have to sit out in the graveyard all night (the graveyard shift.) to listen for the bell; thus, someone could be, saved by the bell or was considered a dead ringer.

And that's the truth!

Port St Lucie Property Taxes

2008-08-04T09:40:00.006-04:00

You can discover and learn what is going on in the City of Port St Lucie by clicking on to the above link. The good news I wanted to share with you is this (which I have copied and pasted from the city's website), for your information.

City Council To Leave Property Tax Rate Unchanged

The City Council will leave the property tax rate of $4.22 per $1,000 of assessed value unchanged for the 2008–2009 budget year. The city’s rate—it's lowest since 1989—is one of the lowest among Florida’s larger cities and the lowest on the Treasure Coast. Given the pressure on the city's budget from lower revenues resulting from state-mandated cutbacks and lower property valuations, maintaining the low rate means some services may be reduced in the years ahead. For the past 18 months, in anticipation of lower revenues, the city has been doing everything it can to limit expenses to minimize the disruption of services to residents. You can click on to the above link to find out more information.

DANGERS OF USING CREDIT CARDS

2008-07-28T19:31:00.005-04:00

SCENE 1.

This is a new one. People sure stay busy trying to cheat us, don't they?

A friend went to the local gym and placed his belongings in the locker.

After the workout and a shower, he came out, saw the locker open, and thought to himself, 'Funny, I thought I locked the locker.Hmm.' He dressed and just flipped the wallet to make sure all was in order.

Everything looked okay - all cards were in place.

A few weeks later his credit card bill came - a whopping bill of $14,000!

He called the credit card company and started yelling at them, saying that he did not make the transactions.

Customer care personnel verified that there was no Mistake in the system and asked if his card had been stolen. 'No,' he said, but then took out his wallet, pulled out the credit card, and yep - you guessed it - a switch had been made. An expired similar credit card from the same bank was in the wallet.

The thief broke into his locker at the gym and switched cards.
Verdict:
The credit card issuer said since he did not report the card missing
earlier, he would have to pay the amount owed to them.

How much did he have to pay for items he did not buy?

$9,000! Why were there no calls made to verify the amount swiped? Small amounts rarely trigger a 'warning bell' with some credit card companies.

It just so happens that all the small amounts added up to one big one!

SCENE 2.

A man at a local restaurant paid for his meal with his credit card.
The bill for the meal came, he signed it, and the waitress folded the receipt and passed the credit card along. Usually, he would just take it and place it in his wallet or pocket. Funny enough, though, he actually took a look at the card and, lo and behold, it was the expired card of another person. He called the waitress and she looked perplexed.

She took it back, apologized, and hurried back to the counter under the watchful eye of the man.

All the waitress did while walking to the counter was wave the wrong expired card to the counter cashier, and the counter cashier immediately looked down and took out the real card.

No exchange of words --- nothing! She took it and came back to the man with an apology.

Verdict:

Make sure the credit cards in your wallet are yours.
Check the name on the card every time you sign for something and/or the card is taken away for even a short period of time.

Many people just take back the credit card without even looking at it, 'assuming' that it has to be theirs.

FOR YOUR OWN SAKE, DEVELOP THE HABIT OF CHECKING YOUR CREDIT CARD EACH TIME IT IS RETURNED TO YOU AFTER A TRANSACTION!

SCENE 3:

Yesterday I went into a pizza restaurant to pick up an order that I had called in.

I paid by using my Visa Check Card which, of course, is linked directly to my checking account.

The young man behind the counter took my card, swiped it, then laid it on the counter as he waited for the approval, which is pretty standard procedure. While he waited, he picked up his cell phone and started dialing.

I noticed the phone because it is the same model I have, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

Then I heard a click that sounded like my phone sounds when I take a picture..

He then gave me back my card but kept the phone in his hand as if he was still pressing buttons.

Meanwhile, I'm thinking: I wonder what he is taking a picture of, oblivious to what was really going on.
It then dawned on me: the only thing there was my credit card, so now I'm paying close attention to what he is doing.

He set his phone on the counter, leaving it open.

About five seconds later, I heard the chime that tells you that the
picture has been saved.

Now I'm standing there struggling with the fact that this boy just took a picture of my credit card.

Yes, he played it off well, because had we not had the same kind of
phone, I probably would never have known what happened.

Needless to say, I immediately canceled that card as I was walking out of the pizza parlor.

All I am saying is, be aware of your surroundings at all times

Whenever you are using your credit card take caution and don't be careless. Notice who is standing near you and what they are doing when you use your card.

Be aware of phones, because many have a camera phone these days.

When you are in a restaurant and the waiter/waitress brings your card and receipt for you to sign, make sure you scratch the number off.

Some restaurants are using only the last four digits, but a lot of them are still putting the whole thing on there.

I have already been a victim of credit card fraud and, believe me, it is not fun. The truth is that they can get you even when you are careful, but don't make it easy for them.

FORWARD THIS TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS YOU CAN THINK OF. LET'S GET THE WORD OUT! JUST BE AWARE!

New Rules for Mortgage Lenders

2008-07-21T19:09:00.003-04:00

Fed Announces New Rules for Mortgage LendersThe Federal Reserve Board on Monday announced rule changes for home mortgage lenders to help protect consumers from deceptive lending practices. The new rules, which amend Regulation Z of the Truth in Lending Act, adds four key protections for higher-priced mortgage loans. -Prepayment penalties will be banned if the payment can change in the initial four years. For other higher-priced loans, the prepayment penalty period cannot last more than two years. -Creditors must verify income and assets to determine repayment ability. -Lenders must establish escrow accounts for property taxes and homeowner’s insurance. -Lenders are prohibited from making a loan without regard to the borrowers’ ability to repay the loan from income and assets other than the home’s value. In addition, the following rules apply to all mortgage loans regardless of price: -Mortgage lenders cannot coerce an real estate appraiser to misstate a home’s value; -Mortgage companies must provide a good faith estimate of the loan costs, including a schedule of payments, within three days after a consumer applies for a loan; -Loan companies will be prohibited from certain practices, such as pyramiding late fees. They will also be required to credit loan payments as of the receipt date and provide a payoff statement within a reasonable time period. All of the rules, except the escrow requirement, will take effect October 1, 2009. Posted Tue, Jul 15, 2008.

My thoughts - many of these "new rules" should have been already in place a long time ago. I do not understand why the Fed is giving lenders until October 2009 - a little more than a year from now, to implement these changes.

VODKA - Who Would Have Thought....

2008-06-28T16:08:00.004-04:00

DIFFERENT USES FOR VODKA!

To remove a bandage without pain saturate the bandage with vodka. The stuff dissolves adhesive.
To clean the caulking around bathtubs and showers, fill a trigger-spray bottle with vodka, spray the caulking, let set five minutes and wash clean. The alcohol in the vodka kills mold and mildew.
To clean your eyeglasses, simply wipe the lenses with a soft, clean cloth dampened with vodka. The alcohol in the vodka cleans the glass and kills germs.
Prolong the life of razors by filling a cup with vodka and letting your safety razor blade soak in the alcohol after shaving. The vodka disinfects the blade and prevents rusting.
Spray vodka on wine stains, scrub with a brush then blot dry.
Using a cotton ball, apply vodka to your face as an astringent to cleanse the skin and tighten pores.
Add a jigger of vodka to a 12-ounce bottle of shampoo. The alcohol cleanses the scalp, removes toxins from hair and stimulates the growth of healthy hair.
Fill a 16 oz. trigger spray bottle with vodka and spray bees or wasps to kill them.
Pour one-half cup vodka and one-half cub water into a Ziploc freezer bag and freeze for a slushy, refreshing ice pack for aches, pain or black eyes.
Fill a clean, used mayonnaise jar with freshly packed lavender flowers, fill the jar with vodka, seal the lid tightly and set in the sun for three days. Strain liquid through a coffee filter, then apply the tincture to aches and pains.
To relieve a fever, use a washcloth to rub vodka on your chest and back as a liniment.
To cure foot odor, wash your feet with vodka.
Vodka will disinfect and alleviate a jellyfish sting.
Pour vodka over an area affected with poison ivy to remove the urushiol oil from your skin.
Swish a shot of vodka over an aching tooth. Allow your gums to absorb some of the alcohol to numb the pain.

AND SILLY ME! I thought it was only for drinking.....

Received this email from a friend. Not sure if this works or who composed it, but thought it was interesting and wanted to share with others. If in fact you know some of these things are valid and work, please let me know. Thank you!

10 TIPS TO SELL A HOUSE FASTER

2008-05-10T11:43:00.003-04:00

10 Tips to Sell A House Faster This Spring

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" is never more true than when purchasing a home.

No one needs to remind sellers that today's market is a challenging one. In fact, there are on average more than 11 months of inventory on the market at any given time.

So it is vitally important that you make sure your home stands out above the others in competing for the buyer's attention.

Here are some very basic pointers to help you get headed in the right direction:

1. De-Clutter: This one is simple. De-clutter everywhere; inside and outside. If it's taking up space it is a potential candidate to be thrown out. As a seller, you need to make that all important mental conversion from "home to live in" to "house for sale." Personal things are a big distraction as you want the buyers to be able to visualize their own belonging in the house.

2. Repair: Buyers want everything working so don't disappoint them - dripping faucets, broken windows, leaking roofs, damaged walls and doors, etc, beg the question in the buyer's mind...What else is broken or doesn't work?

3. Lots of Light: The last thing home buyers want to see is a dark home with all of the doors and windows covered. Let the light in and open some windows to let in some fresh air. Room deodorizers leave the impression of covering something up as does a window that has the blinds drawn.

4. Clean Windows: Buyers want to know and see the view they will have from every room - don't make them look through dirty windows. If they do, the impression of a having great view is literally going "out the window."

5. Kitchen and Bathrooms: Two of the most important rooms in the house. They must be spotless and first class. Just cleaning up isn't going to be good enough - you need to "deep clean" all counters, floors, cabinets and all the fixtures in the bathrooms. In the bathrooms consider new fixtures or countertops and perhaps redoing the shower and tub enclosures. If new fixtures are not in the budget you may want to consider having them refinished. Think about having all the tile steam cleaned and make sure all grout is free from grease and dirt.

6. Odors: Absolute deal killers are cigarette or pet odors. If this is a problem - have the drapes, carpets and furniture professionally cleaned and please..."no smoking" in the house. Also, cooking odors are not a good thing. The best bet is to always for plan fresh air. Often a little lemon oil mixed with water in a spray bottle used lightly used will add just a bit of freshness without overpowering the house.

7. Paint: A fresh coat of paint on the outside or inside is an excellent way of freshening up your home. Be sure to use neutral colors and avoid accent painting. Don't try and guess what a potential buyer will like. In most cases you should use a professional painter because it's always a bigger job than most people think.

8. Yard Work: Deal with overgrown bushes, shrubs and trees. Everything in the yard needs to be trimmed, watered, manicured and "living." Remove everything lying around the yard including sports equipment, boats, trailers, toys, etc. You may also add some color by placing some annuals in planters in the back as well as in the front. Curb appeal makes that all important "first impression."

9. Furniture: The bottom line... less is best. If it's old, worn or dated, you should put it in storage. Remember that you are setting a stage and the actor needs to be the house - not their furniture.

10. Hardwood Floors: Hardwood floors can be a huge plus for buyers unless they look like a 20 year old basketball court. It may be a great investment to have them all refinished - but keep in mind that it's not a simple weekend project.

Changing "lived in homes" into "houses for sale" is what it's all about.

Tips for this article was taken from article written by Jay Medley of Staging Specialist.

IMPORTANT! LADIES - Stay SAFE!

2008-04-14T10:16:00.003-04:00

You may have seen this warning before, but it is always good to refresh ourselves especially now that warmer weather is coming and we'll be outside more.

When this was sent to me, I was told to forward it to my lady friends, but I forwarded it to most everyone in my address book. My men friends have female friends and this information is too important to miss someone.

Please pass it along.

A group of rapists and date rapists in prison were interviewed on what they look for in a potential victim and here are some interesting facts:

1) The first thing men look for in a potential victim is hairstyle. They are most likely to go after a woman with a ponytail, bun, braid or other hairstyle that can easily be grabbed. They are also likely to go after a woman with long hair. Women with short hair are not common targets.

2) The second thing men look for is clothing. They will look for women who's clothing is easy to remove quickly . Many of them carry scissors around specifically to cut clothing.

3) They also look for women on their cell phone, searching through their purse, or doing other activities while walking because they are off-guard and can be easily overpowered.

4) Men are most likely to attack & rape in the early morning, between 5:00a.m. and 8:30a.m.

5) The number one place women are abducted from/attacked is grocery store parking lots. Number two: is office parking lots/garages. Number three: is public restrooms.

6) The thing about these men is that they are looking to grab a woman and quickly move her to another location where they don't have to worry about getting caught.

7) Only 2% said they carried weapons because rape carries a 3-5 year sentence but rape with a weapon is 15-20 years.

8) If you put up any kind of a fight at all, they get discouraged because it only takes a minute or two for them to realize that going after you isn't worth it because it will be time-consuming.

9) These men said they would not pick on women who have umbrellas, or other similar objects that can be used from a distance, in their hands.

Keys are not a deterrent because you have to get really close to the attacker to use them as a weapon. So, the idea is to convince these guys you're not worth it.

10) Several defense mechanisms he taught us are: If someone is following behind you on a street or in a garage or with you in an elevator or stairwell, look them in the face and ask them a question, like what time is it, or make general small talk: "I can't believe it is so cold out here," "we're in for a bad winter." Now you've seen their face and could identify them in a line-up; you lose appeal as a target.

11) If someone is coming toward you, hold out your hands in front of you and yell STOP or STAY BACK ! Most of the rapists this man talked to said they'd leave a woman alone if she yelled or showed that she would not be afraid to fight back.
Again, they are looking for an EASY target.

12) If you carry pepper spray (this instructor was a huge advocate of it and carries it with him wherever he goes), yell I HAVE PEPPER SPRAY and holding it out will be a deterrent.

13) If someone grabs you, you can't beat them with strength but you can by outsmarting them. If you are grabbed around the waist from behind, pinch the attacker either under the arm (between the elbow and armpit) OR in the upper inner thigh VERY VERY HARD. One woman in a class this guy taught told him she used the underarm pinch on a guy who was trying to date rape her and was so upset she broke through the skin and tore out muscle strands - the guy needed stitches. Try pinching yourself in those places as hard as you can stand it - it hurts.

14) After the initial hit, always GO for the GROIN. I know from a particularly unfortunate experience that if you slap a guy's parts it is extremely painful. You might think that you'll anger the guy and make him want to hurt you more, but the thing these rapists told our instructor is that they want a woman who will not cause a lot of trouble. Start causing trouble and he's out of there.

15) When the guy puts his hands up to you, grab his first two fingers and bend them back as far as possible with as much pressure pushing down on them as possible. The instructor did it to me without using much pressure, and I ended up on my knees and both knuckles cracked audibly.

16) Of course the things we always hear still apply. Always be aware of your surroundings, take someone with you if you can and if you see any odd behavior, don't dismiss it, go with your instincts!!!

You may feel a little silly at the time, but you'd feel much worse if the guy really was trouble.

1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do: The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do!

2.Learned this from a tourist guide in New Orleans . If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. Toss it away from you....chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you, and he will go for the wallet/purse. RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!

3.If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won't see you, but everybody else will. This has saved lives.

4.Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit (doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc.) DON'T DO THIS! The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go. AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR, LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE.

a. If someone is in the car with a gun to your head DO NOT DRIVE OFF, repeat: DO NOT DRIVE OFF! Instead gun the engine and speed into anything, wrecking the car. Your Air Bag will save you. If the person is in the back seat they will get the worst of it. As soon as the car crashes bail out and run. It is better than having them find your body in a remote location.

5. A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot or parking garage:

A.) Be aware: look around you, look into your car, at the passenger side floor, and in the back seat.

B.) If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars.

C.) Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle, and the passenger side. If a male is sitting alone in the seat neare st you r car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out.

IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead.)

6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. (Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot. This is especially true at NIGHT!)

7. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN! The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times. And even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN, preferably in a zigzag pattern!

8. As women, we are a lways trying to be sympathetic: STOP! It may get you raped or killed. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well-educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked "for help" into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.

9. Another Safety Point: Someone just told me that her friend heard a crying baby on her porch the night before last, and she called the police because it was late and she thought it was weird. The police told her "Whatever you do, DO NOT open the door."

The lady then said that it sounded like the baby had crawled near a window, and she was worried that it would crawl to the street and get run over. The policeman said, "We already have a unit on the way, whatever you do, DO NOT open the door." He told her that they think a serial killer has a baby's cry recorded and uses it to coax women out of their homes thinking that someone dropped off a baby. He said they have not verified it , but have had several calls by women saying that they hear baby's cries outside their doors when they're home alone at night.

Please pass this on and DO NOT open the door for a crying baby ----This
should be taken seriously because the Crying Baby theory was mentioned on America's Most Wanted this past Saturday when they profiled the serial killer in Louisiana.

I'd like you to forward this to all the women you know. It may save a life. A candle is not dimmed by lighting another candle. I was going to

FABULOUS BUY ON THE GOLFCOURSE!

2008-03-19T21:39:00.008-04:00

Wonderful 3 bedroom 2 bath 2 car garage + den POOL home on the 18th fairway in St James Golf Club is now available! Only $239,900 and owner says, "Let's talk"

Click on the above Title "FABULOUS BUY ON THE GOLFCOURSE" to see a virtual tour of this lovely property.

What To Do In a Kitchen Fire

2008-02-21T19:54:00.004-05:00

Send this to your loved ones…we all panic at a fire…very good to be reminded every so often. This one might save someone a terrible burn someday . . . Kitchen Fire This is a dramatic video (30-seconds, very short) about how to deal with a common kitchen fire ... oil in a frying pan. Read the following introduction, then watch the show ... It's a real eye-opener! At the Fire Fighting Training school, they would demonstrate this with a deep-fat fryer set on the fire field. An instructor would don a fire suit and using an 8 oz cup at the end of a 10 foot pole, toss water onto the grease fire. The results got the attention of the students. The water, being heavier than oil, sinks to the bottom where it instantly becomes superheated. The explosive force of the steam blows the burning oil up and out. On the open field, it became a thirty foot high fireball that resembled a nuclear blast. Inside the confines of a kitchen, the fireball hits the ceiling and fills the entire room. Also, do not throw sugar or flour on a grease fire. One cup creates the explosive force of two sticks of dynamite. This is a powerful message --- watch the video and don't forget what you see. Tell your whole family about this video. Or better yet, send this to them.

Make sure you adjust your speakers and then play the following video.
KitchenOilFire.wmv
Pass this on to your friends and relatives.

Mary Gibbins, Mary@Gibbins.com

THINKING ABOUT SELLING???

2008-01-06T15:33:00.000-05:00

In today's competitive real estate market, how can you get your home sold and get as much money as possible? What you do or don't do will affect the final price.

So, what can you do to get the most money possible? Most people who are looking to purchase a home want one that is CLEAN and in good condition. Moving itself is a lot of work, no one wants to have to also clean and fix up the house before or as soon as they close the sale - unless of course they have purchased a foreclosure or a property with an extremely low price.

First you must look at your home, inside and out from the buyers eyes, being as objective as possible. Curb appeal is number one - when a potential buyer drives up to your house do they like what they see? Is the landscape appealing? or do they see lots of weeds in the flower beds, bare spots where there should be grass, falling down fence? It is important to mow and edge your lawn regularly. Use weed and feed, water regularly if possible. Keep flower beds free of weeds, trim around base of trees, walls and fences. Replace any broken stepping stones, replace or remove dead plants, shrubs, trees. If you need color, plant some bright flowers near the front door or put a pot of bright colored flowers at the door - make the entry clean and cheerful.

Okay, the buyers have pulled up in front of the house, what else can you do to make the outside appealing? Clean around trash bins/cans, haul away rubbish, clean up pet droppings in the yard, paint or clean the front door, polish the door hardware (handle), paint or replace the house numbers, make sure the doorbell works, clean oil stains from driveway, patch and reseal driveway if needed. Make sure the outside lighting is clean and functional, gutters are clean and not leaking.

Make the house light and bright. Put 100 watt bulbs in the carport/garage and porch. Open blinds/verticals, let the light in. Light makes a room seem larger. Clean and wash windows and screens. Step through your front door - what do you see? Do the rooms look dark and dreary or cluttered? If they seem a little like that to you, it will look a lot like that to a buyer. Be sure to "declutter" your rooms. If the room is cluttered it will look small, crowded and the buyer may decide the house is too small for them. You may have to remove and store some furniture for a while. A clean, light and bright room helps the buyer visualize their furniture and "stuff" in your home, the buyer will linger, this is a good sign!

The two main areas of a home that are of biggest concern, especially to a woman, is the kitchen and baths. The kitchen should sparkle - dishes clean (or inside the dishwasher), food out of sight, pantries and cupboards at least somewhat organized. Clean appliances, range hood & light bulb, nothing worse than touching the range or hood and getting grease or dirt on the hand. Eliminate cooking odors. It is always nice to have fresh bread or cookie smell in the kitchen. Or put a couple cinnamon sticks and water in a pot and simmer on the stove for a little while. Clean light fixtures, keep the floor clean. Clean out or organize and declutter under the sink.

Keep BATHROOMS spotlessly clean. (I know, you may have to send your kids to the neighbors to use the bathroom. haha). Shine mirrors, empty wastebaskets, keep fresh clean towels on the racks, clean shower door, lubricate track if needed. Remove all soap residue, mildew and mold from sink, tub and shower (a little bleach in soapy water can get rid of the mildew). Remove stains from sink, tub and toilet, remove lime deposits. Fix any leaky faucets. Replace torn/moldy shower curtains, clean tile grout, make sure the toilets flush properly, replace mechanism if necessary. Clean exhaust fan, replace if noisy.

Another important part of a house, especially to a woman, is closet and storage space. Keep closets clean and free of clutter. Throw out or pack away non-essentials - less is more when it comes to closet space. If the closet is full or cluttered the buyer thinks there is not enough room for their clothes and shoes. If possible, put some form of organization in your closet, e.g. all pants together, shirts together, etc. Adjust/repair sliding doors, lubricate sliding door hardware. Be sure to eliminate any mildew odors.

Most men need a place to "tinker" or a place to put their "stuff". The garage is usually what is important to the man. Keep the area clean and uncluttered. Hang up and put away tools, clear away any cobwebs. Remove oil/paint stains from the floor. Adjust tension rod to eliminate sag from the overhead garage door. Lubricate/adjust/repair garage door opener. Again, here less is more - if the garage is not crowded, is clean, light and bright (100 watt bulb) it will appeal to the buyer. I've seen garages I didn't even want to step into because of the way it looked. The extra work and cleaning will pay off.

In Florida two large costs in a home are the roof and air conditioner. You will want to be sure the roof is clean (no mold and mildew on shingles or tiles), the air conditioner should have a new filter, clean the intake vent, remove any items on or close to it.

Now I'm sure you are exhausted just thinking about all the work you may have to do, but I have a few final points that can make the difference between selling your home or just having a lot of people looking but making no offers. Some of these things only take cleaning, others may cost some money. Clean especially around doors, windows, light switches, baseboards, chair rails. Make sure doors open and close smoothly, clean for cobwebs in all corners, use area rugs where needed, make beds and fluff pillows, remove or pull back dark curtains, wash lace curtains, have draperies cleaned, fix any scratches in wooden floors, replace worn flooring/carpet, empty wastebaskets. Lubricate window slides (soap for wooden/silicone or candle for metal). Start packing your personal items not being used, e.g. books, pictures & photos, this will help make the house seem cleaner and larger. Most of this is just common sense, but sometimes we may need to be reminded of some things.

I can promise you that you will have a much better chance at selling - quicker and for more money if you do these things. If you were looking to purchase a home, wouldn't you like to see one that has been well maintained and is clean?

PEROXIDE - Who Would Have Thought - Interesting!

2007-12-15T20:15:00.000-05:00

DID YOU KNOW THIS ABOUT PEROXIDE?

It's funny, but today I went to my dentist and she confirmed this is true!

This was written by Becky Ransey of Indiana (a doctor's wife), and I want to share it with you. She was over recently for coffee and smelled the bleach I was using to clean my toilet and counter tops.

This is what she told me:

I would like to tell you of the benefits of that plain little ole bottle of 3% peroxide you can get for under $1.00 at any drug store. What does bleach cost?

My husband has been in the medical field for over 36 years, and most doctors don't tell you about peroxide. Have you ever smelled bleach in a doctor's office? NO!!! Why? Because it smells, and it is not healthy! Ask the Nurses who work in the doctor's offices , and ask them if they use bleach at home. They are wiser and know better!
Did you also know bleach was invented in the late 40's? It's chlorine, folks! And it was used to kill our troops. Peroxide was invented during WWI in the 20's. It was used to save and help cleanse the needs of our troops and hospitals.

Please think about this:

1. Take one capful (the little white cap that comes with the bottle) and hold in your mouth for 10 minutes daily, then spit it out. (I do it when I bathe.) No more canker sores, and your teeth will be whiter without expensive pastes. Use it instead of mouthwash.

2. Let your toothbrushes soak in a cup of peroxide to keep them free of germs.

3. Clean your counters and table tops with peroxide to kill germs and leave a fresh smell. Simply put a little on your dishrag when you wipe, or spray it on the counters.

4. After rinsing off your wooden cutting board, pour peroxide on it to kill salmonella and other bacteria.

5. I had fungus on my feet for years until I sprayed a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water on them (especially the toes) every night and let dry.

6. Soak any infections or cuts in 3% peroxide for five to ten minutes several times a day. My husband has seen gangrene that would not heal with any medicine but was healed by soaking in peroxide.

7. Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water and keep it in every bathroom to disinfect without harming your septic system like bleach or most other disinfectants will.

8. Tilt your head back and spray into nostrils with your 50/50 mixture whenever you have a cold, plugged sinus. It will bubble and help to kill the bacteria. Hold for a few minutes, and then blow your nose into a tissue.

9. If you have a terrible toothache and cannot get to a dentist right away, p ut a capful of 3% peroxide into your mouth and hold it for ten minutes several times a day. The pain will lessen greatly.

10. And of course, if you like a natural look to your hair, spray the 50/50 solution on your wet hair after a shower and comb it through. You will not have the peroxide-burnt blonde hair like the hair dye packages but more natural highlights if your hair is a light brown, faddish, or dirty blonde.
** It also lightens gradually, so it's not a drastic change.

11. Put half a bottle of peroxide in your bath to help rid boils fungus, or other skin infections.

12. You can also add a cup of peroxide instead of bleach to a load of whites in your laundry to whiten them. If there is blood on clothing pour it directly on the soiled spot. Let it sit for a minute, then rub it and rinse with cold water. Repeat if necessary.

13. I use peroxide to clean my mirrors. There is no smearing, which is why I love it so much for this.

I could go on and on. It is a little brown bottle no home should be without!

With prices of most necessities rising, I'm glad there's a way to save tons of money in such a simple, healthy manner!

This information really woke me up. I hope you gain something fro! m it, to o. I've known that with an infection, a bit of peroxide on that will fizz and help to cure the infection. I've also known that if you had a dog that's flea infested, a bit of peroxide in it's bath water will kill them immediately. But never thought of all the above uses. It is a very useful bottle to have in your home.

Pass this on to ALL your friends and family!

10 TIPS FOR BUYING A FIXER-UPPER

2007-10-26T10:04:00.000-04:00

NOW is the time to buy a house. Prices have been drastically reduced in our market. The question you may be asking yourself is, should I buy now or wait? Are prices going to continue to decline? When will prices start going back up? Unfortunately my crystal ball is broken, however, what I can tell you is that is really is a great time to buy. Below are some common sense tips I came across in reading real estate periodicals and thought they were worth sharing. I hope they help you. If you have additional questions, or if I can be of assistance to help you find a "fixer-upper" or foreclosure, please contact me. Thanks! Mary@Gibbins.com.

10 Tips for Buying a Fixer-Upper

Buying a basically sound house and updating the cosmetics is a profitable thing to do in almost any market. But be careful what you buy or it may end up costing you later on.

Here are 10 things to consider when selecting a fixer-upper:

1. Purchase homes that are at least 30 percent below the market value of comparable nearby homes.

2. Choose a location with a low crime rate, good schools, and quiet streets. There isn’t anything you can do to cure a poor location.

3. Choose a house with three or four bedrooms. Smaller homes are unlikely to have enough buyer appeal.

4. Avoid homes that need major unprofitable repairs, include wiring, major plumbing, foundation repairs, major kitchen and bathroom renovation, room additions, and/or a new room. Spending money on these basics doesn’t add value. Buyers expect them.

5. Find a home that needs profitable cosmetic improvements like fresh paint inside and out, new light fixtures, new carpets and flooring, and fresh landscaping.

6. Look for affordable, low down-payment financing, such as taking over an existing mortgage, lease with option to buy, seller carry-back financing, or a combination.

7. Avoid obtaining new bank financing until the fix-up work is completed and the home’s market value has increased.

8. Don’t buy a fixer-upper that is more than 60 minutes from your current residence because it is important to visit everyday while the renovation work is being done.

9. Make sure that the seller or tenants will vacate immediately upon transfer of title.

10. Look for sellers who are motivated to sell and who want to make the sale happen.

Source: Inman News, Robert J. Bruss (09/01/07)

GREAT TIPS ON PUMPING GAS

2007-09-29T18:50:00.000-04:00

This article was sent to me via email from a friend. Not sure where she got it from, so cannot give credit where credit is due. But I thought the information was important enough to share with everyone who reads my blog.

TIPS ON PUMPING GAS--GOOD INFO!
>
>I don't know what you guys are paying for gasoline....Here in
>California we are also paying higher, up to $3.50 per gallon. But my
>line of work is in petroleum for about 31 years now, so here are
>some tricks to get more of your money's worth for every gallon.
>
>Here at the Kinder Morgan Pipeline where I work in San Jose, CA we
>deliver about 4 million gallons in a 24-hour period thru the
>pipeline. One day is diesel the next day is jet fuel, and gasoline,
>regular and premium grades. We have 34-storage tanks here with a total
>capacity of 16,800,000 gallons.
>
>Only buy or fill up your car or truck in the early morning when the
>ground temperature is still cold. Remember that all service stations
>have their storage tanks buried below ground. The colder the ground
>the more dense the gasoline, when it gets warmer gasoline expands, so
>buying in the afternoon or in the evening....your gallon is not
>exactly a gallon.
>
>In the petroleum business, the specific gravity and the temperature
>of the gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, ethanol and other petroleum
>products plays an important role. A 1-degree rise in temperature is
>a big deal for this business. But the service stations do not have
>temperature compensation at the pumps.
>
>When you're filling up do not squeeze the trigger of the nozzle to a
>fast mode. If you look you will see that the trigger has three (3)
>stages: low, middle, and high. In slow mode you should be pumping
>on low speed, thereby minimizing the vapors that are created
>while you are pumping.
>
>All hoses at the pump have a vapor return. If you are pumping on the
>fast rate, some of the liquid that goes to your tank becomes vapor.
>Those vapors are being sucked up and back into the underground
>storage tank so you're getting less worth for your money.
>
>One of the most important tips is to fill up when your gas tank is
>HALF FULL or HALF EMPTY. The reason for this is, the more gas you
>have in your tank the less air occupying its empty space. Gasoline
>evaporates faster than you can imagine. Gasoline storage tanks have
>an internal floating roof.
>This roof serves as zero clearance between the gas and the
>atmosphere, so it minimizes the evaporation. Unlike service stations,
>here where I work, every truck that we load is temperature compensated
>so that every gallon is actually the exact amount.
>
>Another reminder. If there is a gasoline truck pumping into the
>storage tanks when you stop to buy gas, DO NOT fill up--most likely
>the gasoline is being stirred up as the gas is being delivered, and
>you might pick up some of the dirt that normally settles on the
>bottom.

TREASURE COAST HOUSING MARKET UPDATE

2007-09-25T13:24:00.000-04:00

Recently I attended a seminar where a local economist presented facts about what is going on in the housing market on the Treasure Coast of Florida. The facts were interesting and somewhat sobering. We all know that the "boom" and craziness of housing prices is a thing of the past (at least for the foreseeable future). We have priced ourselves out of the affordability market. A majority of the people who live here and work here cannot afford the houses once the taxes and insurance are added on to the payment. You all know of course that our state legislators are working on those issues. Cheap money (aka subprime lending) along with the investors and speculators (flippers) really helped drive up the prices of homes.

The tri-county area (Indian River, St Lucie and Martin Counties) has seen a decrease of 43% in building in the past year. The inventory of vacant homes has increased 390% since the second quarter of 2005. You know that is evident just by driving down any street. Also, in our tri-county area there is a 44.7 month supply of vacant developed lots, which is expected to remain excessive for the next 24 months.

Indian River County currently has a 13.6 month supply of homes under construction and homes currently on the market for sale. The bulk of the homes being built there are in the $300,000-$500,000 range. However, the number of units under construction has fallen to 2003 levels and so total inventory has declined over the past three quarters.

In St Lucie County, as of the 2nd quarter of 2007, there was an inventory of 1,368 vacant homes - that is a 9.5 month supply. Add to that the homes currently under construction and there is a 15.3 month supply of NEW homes for sale. Now add to that all the houses, condos and townhouses for sale (new and not new) and you have a 20.8 month supply of housing inventory in St Lucie County. Per the economist, we should reach equilibrium some time in late 2008 - meaning that the number of properties for sale will come much closer to the number of buyers out there looking to purchase. In 2007 40% of homes for sale are priced between $300,000-$400,000 - which is out of range for 60% of the local market of buyers. In 2005 St Lucie County was one of the fastest growing counties in the United States - and now, we have one of the largest inventory hangovers.

Martin County which seems to have a more "controlled growth" mentality has a smaller amount of inventory available. Building starts are down. It is surmised that Martin County will possibly reach equilibrium late in 2007.

In the tri-county area there is a 35.1 month supply of vacant lots for sale. Two of the newer subdivisions in St Lucie County have many vacant lots, for example, in Tradition there are 717 lots available to build on. In Tesoro there are 468.

Foreclosures are on the rise, as are "short sales". Foreclosures are expected to even go higher by mid-2008 as adjustable rate mortgages reset (their rates). So what will it take to get back to "normal" (whatever normal is)? The rising home prices far outpaced the increases in income which affected the affordability of the homes. Prices in most markets will have to decline - some even significantly in order to restart the market. It is painful, won't be pleasant and won't be pretty, but this correction must occur to get the housing market back on track.

The economist who provided much of the facts in this article is Mr. william Pittenger, Senior Vice President, Chief Real Estate Economist and Risk Advisor for Seacoast Nation Bank. He said something that I thought was right on and which I would like to quote for you now: "Value is not an inherent quality. It is directly linked to the supply and demand relationship in the marketplace. As a result, land value (or houses(my words)), like the value of other commodities, can be subject to wild price swings." The housing market will improve, will come back, but it will take time.

FIVE IMPORTANT CELL PHONE USES

2007-09-14T14:46:00.000-04:00

I received an email from a friend a few days ago that I thought was important enough to pass along to all who read my blog. I am not sure what source my friend received the information from, so cannot give the credit where credit is due, but I still want to share this information. This is the article:

There are a few things that can be done in times of grave emergencies. Your mobile phone can actually be a life saver or an emergency tool for survival. Check out the things that you can do with it and pass it along to family and friends. It may save a life!

1) Emergency - The Emergency Number worldwide for Mobile is 112. If you find yourself out of the coverage area of your mobile network and there is an emergency, dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing network to establish the emergency number for you, and interestingly this number 112 can be dialed even if the keypad is locked.

2) Locked keys in the car:
Have you ever locked your keys in the car? Does your car have a remote keyless entry? This may come in handy someday. Good reason to own a cell phone: If you lock your keys in the car and the spare keys are at home, call someone at home on their cell number from your cell phone. Hold your cell phone about a foot from your car door and have the person at your home press the unlock button, holding it near the mobile phone on their end. Your car will unlock. Saves someone from having to drive your keys to you. Distance is no object. You could be hundres of miles away, and if you can reach someone who has the other "remote" for your car, you can unlock the doors (or the trunk).

3) Hidden battery power:
Imagine your cell battery is very low. To activate, press the keys *3370#
Your cell will restart with this reserve and the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged when you charge your cell next time.

4) How to Disable a STOLEN mobile phone:
To check your Mobile phone's serial number, key in the following digits on your phone: *#06#. A 15 digit code will appear on the screen. This number is unique to your handset. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe. If your phone gets stolen, you can phone your service provider and give them this code. They will then be able to block your handset so even if the thief changes the SIM card, your phone will be totally useless. You probably won't get your phone back, but at least you know that whoever stole it can't use or sell it either. If everybody does this, there would be no point in people stealing mobile phones.

5) Free Directory Service for Cell Phones
Cell phone companies are charging us $1.00 to $1.75 or more for 411 information calls when they don't have to. Most of us do not carry a telephone directory in our vehicle, which makes this situation even more of a problem. When you need to use the 411 information option, simply dial 800-FREE 411, or 800-373-3411 without incurring any charge at all. Program this into your cell phone now.

Hope you never have to use any of these options, but if you do, you now have the information you need. Thanks!

2007-09-09T22:18:00.000-04:00

MAINTENANCE FREE LIVING

Location: Lake Charles

If you prefer to spend you time with family, friends, having fun or just relaxing, you will want to see this lovely two story townhome. Your outside building maintenance and landscaping is done for you. This gated community is well manicured, has sidewalks and streetlights, is close to shopping, fine dining, entertainment venues, major thoroughfares. It contains two master suites - one upstairs and one downstairs. 3rd bedroom is also downstairs, currently used as a den. Soaring ceilings and many windows make this place very light and bright and pretty! The kitchen has tons of storage space with all the cabinets, countertop, an island with storage, a single pantry, a closet under the stairwell AND a double pantry in the adjacent laundry room. There is more than 2100 sq ft of living space here. All the windows and even the patio have hurricane shutters - which are still under warranty too! Oh yes, I almost forgot, there is a flowing waterway to enjoy while relaxing on your scr porch - waterfront living without the waterfront price!

Information

Contact Information

Mary Gibbins

772-528-8641

Pricing

Asking Price: $249,900

Additional Pricing Information: Quarterly fee is $793.00 Maintenance fee includes common area maint, lawn maint, building maint, insurance on bldg, recreational facilities, manager, security, cable, pool service, real estate taxes on common areas.

Features

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 3

Parking: yes

Year Built: 1996

Subdivision: Lake Charles

Attached on: 1 Side

Garage Size: 2

Square Footage: 2667

Agent Name: Mary Gibbins

Broker: Dr Eugene Gibbins

MLS #: R2817874

Attributes

Appliances

Range/Oven

Full Refrigerator

Washer/Dryer

Dishwasher

Sink Disposal

Microwave

Interior Amenities

Security System

Kitchen Island

Vaulted Ceilings

Exterior Amenities

Patio

Grass Lawn

Photo Gallery

View as Slideshow View Photo Gallery (10 Photos)

Equal Housing Opportunity

VFLYER ID: 1289099

Interesting Facts About Body Parts

2007-09-03T22:19:00.000-04:00

Every once in a while I receive an email from someone with some interesting details about different subjects, different objects. Recently I received an email about the human body and how it is a machine of wonder with a definite Creator. Here are some of the facts I found interesting:

Scientists say the higher your I.Q. the more you dream
The largest cell in the human body is the femaile egg and the smallest is the male sperm
You use 200 muscles to take one step
Your big toes have two bones each while the rest have three
A pair of human feet contain 250,000 sweat glands
The acid in your stomach is strong enough to dissolve razor blades
It takes 7 seconds for food to get from your mouth to your stomach
The average human dream last 2-3 seconds
Men without hair on their chests are more likely to get cirrhosis of the liver than men with hair
There is about one trillion bacteria on each of your feet
Your body gives off enough heat in 30 minutes to bring half a gallon of water to a boil
Blondes have more hair than dark-haired people
Your thumb is the same length of your nose

(I bet you already checked that out didn't you?)

Now that you are so smart you can go out and impress your friends and family!! Enjoy!

MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK

2007-09-03T22:07:00.000-04:00

What can you do to improve the value of your home without costing you an arm and a leg (so to speak). What improvements return the best value?
The best way to come to that conclusion would be to do a little research about the homes in your neighborhood. What is the average age of the homes? What is the new hot button in the neighborhood for home improvements? Is it new windows? Is it kitchen remodels? Is it bathroom remodels? Is it additions to the home, e.g. decks, 2nd story, family rooms? By knowing your neighborhood you can get a better sense of which projects will bring you the highest return for the dollar spent on any home improvements.
According to the Cost vs Value Report, replacing vinyl siding is the least expensive way to add value and increase the selling price for your home - that of course depends on what part of the country in which you reside. That type of "improvement" would not add value to a home in an area that does not use vinyl siding on homes. As always, remodels for kitchen and baths have high value. The newest thing to really add value to a home is the "green" value - meaning those things in a home which improve on energy efficiency, products that are environmentally friendly, and things that can be recycled.
By knowing your neighborhood and your region of the country you can make better decisions on what you might need to do to add value to your homes value and appeal!

SUPER EXEMPTION TAX PLAN

2007-08-21T10:25:00.000-04:00

Please click on to the link for a power presentation (prepared by the Florida Association of Realtors in conjunction with the Florida legislature) to help you understand what is being proposed to help property owners in Florida with the tax burden.

http://www.floridarealtors.org/LegislativeCenter/TopInitiatives/upload/Property%20Tax%20Reform%20PowerPoint%20for%20Local%20Boards.pdf

Things to Know About MOLD

2007-08-12T23:24:00.000-04:00

The information in this article has been taken and summarized from an article written by Steve Rodriguez and published in the Realty Times in July of 2007. I feel it is important for us to know, recognize and understand the issues concerning mold and how it may affect us in our homes, especially if you are considering SELLING your home.

1. Molds are EVERYWERE and have been around forever. It is our "awareness" of the presence of mold that has changed. Mold is nothing to fear, but to focus on eliminating it, preventing it and controlling it. Just how do we do that?

2. Use common sense (duh....). That means, reduce indoor humidity by venting bathrooms, dryers. Use air conditioners, dehumidifiers, increase the ventilation in the home. Use exhaust fans. Add insulation to surfaces that attract condensation such as windows, piping, roofs, floors, etc. Excessive exposure to mold can cause problems for people with athsma, or babies or elderly people or people who have chronic pulmonary disorders.

3. You cannot "spot" the toxic or black mold by looking at it. Most molds are black or dark green in color - and laboratory testing is the only way to determine if the mold is the type that can be harmful to ones health.

4. Mold can be cleaned and corrected. If you find mold on a non-porous surface, it can be cleaned with a 1 to 16 ratio of bleach to water (be sure to open a window or have good ventilation, wear rubber gloves and eye protection). If the area containing mold is larger than 10 feet you should consult the EPA's guide entitled, "Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings" or call 1-800-438-4318. If the affected area is porous, remove it and throw it away. Again, if the area is extensive you will need to contact professionals to remove the materials. Be sure to NEVER mix household cleaners. Mixed chemicals can make toxic combinations - gases, bad fumes, explosions, etc.

Remember, you are not the mold expert - get the home professionally inspected - and if you are selling, it is BEST to do it BEFORE placing the house on the market for sale, or as soon as the mold (or suspected mold) is discovered!

I hope this has shed some light for you about mold. Feel free to respond, add suggestions or comments. They are welcome. Thank you!

SMART TIPS FOR SAVVY HOMEOWNERS

2007-07-22T21:34:00.000-04:00

Every well-run household has its own unique solutions and quick fixes to keep it humming smoothly. Here are some pearls of wisdom to add to your collection.

Have you tried baby wipes on carpet stains? They work so well you'll be wondering why no one told you sooner.

Keep candles in the refrigerator for several hours before use to slow down dripping and make them last longer.

The best way to attack cooked-on spatters in your microwave: Heat a half-cup of water for two minutes on high. The steam will soften the food and the mess will wipe right out.

To eliminate cooking odors (fish, fried bacon, garlc, curry, etc.) heat white vinegar in an uncovered pot on the stove. (Don't boil). Remove after 30 minutes. The light vinegar smell dissipates quickly, taking odors with it.

When run through your coffee grinder, a handfull of dried rice will sharpen the blades.

After your next party, share flat leftover beer with your garden. Plants love the yeast.

Place unusable remnants of soap in a ventilated plastic bag and pack it away with seasonal clothes. This will keep the moths away, and your clothes will smell much better when you take them out of storage.

Ants hate anything spicy. Sprinkle ground pepper, cayenne, even cinnamon, in their path, and you'll stop them in their tracks.

Your chimney will stay clean if you throw a handful of salt on the fire.

To clean tarnished silverware: Line a large cake pan with aluminum foil. Fill with 8 cups of warm water (150 degrees) mixed with 1/4 cup of baking soda. Lay silverware in pan, and watch the stains disappear.

Fill nail holes with a paste made from cornstarch and water. Works just as well as putty!

Leather needs to breathe, so never hang coats or jackets in plastic. Instead, make a dust cover from a pillowcase by cutting a hole in the top for a hanger.

When a wooden door or gate sticks, bring out the hair dryer. By blowing hot air directly on the wood where it's sticking, you'll remove the moisture and the swelling will go down.

Squeaky doors? For a dripless solution, use petroleum jelly on the hinges instead of oil.

Simmer a sliced apple and a couple of cinnamon sticks in water on your stove. Your whole house will smell like apple pie.

Information taken from 2006 Buffini & Company July IOV/A

$5 Ideas for Making House More Appealing!

2007-06-29T22:05:00.000-04:00

Whether you are selling your house or wanting to spruce it up because "company" is coming, here are five simple and inexpensive ways to do just that:

1) Give the trim around the front door a fresh coat of paint, covering up fingerprints and dings.

2) Fertilize the grass so it looks bright green.

3) Hang a small flag that says, "Welcome".

4) Place a big pot of yellow marigolds in the foyer (or beside the front door) - yellow makes people feel comfortable.

5) Dribble a few drops of vanilla on the oven door and turn it to low (it'll smell just like cookies are baking).

If you have any other ideas please comment to this post and help us all! Thank you!

EASY CURES USING HOME PRODUCTS

2007-06-29T21:29:00.000-04:00

Achy muscles from a bout of the flu? Mix 1 Tablespoon of horseradish in 1 cup of olive oil. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, then apply it as a massage oil for instant relief for aching muscles.

Sore throat? Just mix 1/4 cup of vinegar with 1/4 cup of honey and take 1 Tablespoon six times a day. The vinegar kills the bacteria.

Cure urinary tract infrections with Alka-Seltzer. Just dissolve two tablets in a glass of water and drink it at the onset of the symptoms. Alka-Seltzer begins eliminating urinary tract infections almost instantly.

Listerine therapy for toenail fungus: Get rid of unsightly toenail fungus by soaking your toes in Listerine mouthwash. The powerful antiseptic leaves your toenails looking healthy again.

Honey remedy for skin blemishes: Cover the blemish with a dab of honey and place a band-aid over it. Honey kills the bacteria, keeps the skin sterile and speeds healing. Works overnight.

Easy eyeglass protection: To prevent the screws in eyeglasses from loosening, apply a small drop of Maybelline Crystal Clear nail polish to the threads of the screws before tightening them.

Smart splinter remover: Just pour a drop of elmer's Glue-all over the splinter, let dry, and peel the dried glue off the skin. The splinter sticks tot he dried glue.

Hunt's tomato paste boil cure: Cover the boil with Hunt's tomato paste as a compress. The acids from the tomatoes soothe the pai and bring the boil to a head.

Balm for broken blisters: To disinfect a broken blister, dab on a few drops of Listerine, a powerful antiseptic.

Vinegar to heal bruises: Soak a cotton ball in white vinegar and apply it to the bruise for 1 hour. The vinegar reduces the blueness and sppeds up the healing process.

Eliminate ear mites: All it takes is a few drops of Wesson corn oil in your cat's ear. Massage it in, the clean with a cotton ball. Repeat daily for 3 days. The oil soothes the cat's skin, smothers the mites and accelerates healing.

Kills fleas instantly: Dawn dishwashing liquid does the trick. Ad a few drops to your dog's bath and shampoo the animal thoroughly. Rinse well to avoid skin irritations. Good bye fleas!

Rainy day cure for dog odor: Next time your dog comes in from the rain, simply wipe down the animal with Bounce or any dryer sheet, instntly making your dog smell springtime fresh.

Did you know? That drinking two glasses of Gatorade can relieve headache pain almost immediately - without the unpleasant side effects caused by traditional "pain relievers".

Did you know? Colgate toothpaste makes an escellent salve for burns.

Before you head to the drugstore for a high-priced inhaler filled with mysterious chemicals, try chewing on a couple of curiously strong Altoid peppermints. Tehy'll clear up your stuffed nose.

Quaker Oats for fast pain relief: It's not just for breakfast any more. Mix 2 cups of Quaker Oats and 1 cup of water in a bowl and warm in the microwave for 1 minute. Cool slightly and apply the mixture to your hands for soothing releif from arthritis pain.

These suggestions are from NOVANT HEALTH INC..