Want Free Stuff?

In this challenging economy, now more than ever it is very important that we all get the best deal for our dollar. Getting something of value for FREE is an even better deal right? If you think freebies are too good to be true, then think again! There are so many no-strings-attached, no-cost goodies to be found online. I personally have taken advantage of so many of the freebie deals available online. Many of them are not advertised, so I wanted to share a list of them here on my blog. If you want free stuff, then here is a list of deal-finding sites that provide items of value or services for FREE:

Free Shipping.org - A list of free shipping codes for major retailers

Amazon.com, Walmart.com and mp3.com - All these sites have free music downloads on all kinds of music. Just search for free music downloads

HeyItsFree.net - All kinds of free items

FreeStuff.com - All kinds of free items

Buxr.com - All kinds of free items

Mysavings.com - Free samples, free stuff from A-Z and coupons

Sephora.com - Offers free weekly specials with free cosmetic gifts with each order

Origins.com - Every first time customer is treated to a free facial. Plus Origins will give you a free week's supply of any product before you buy

MyKidsEatFree.com, KidsEatFree.com and MommySavers.com - Free restaurant meal offers for kids... by area

FreeBirthdayTreats.com - Birthday giveaways, free birthday meals, free birthday desserts

SilverJewelryClub.com or MyFreeSilverJewelry.com - They offer earrings, rings and more at not charge

ShopDi.com - Search for free jewelry

HouseParty.com - Lots of free goodies and all you have to do is host a product party and invite friends to check out the merchandise

WalMart.com - Free samples weekly

CoverGirl.com - Free offers for cosmetics

WildGames.com - Find software that lets you search for video games online and play them for free

FreewareGames.net - Play the hottest online games for free

MomsView.com - Deals and online coupons

Tropicalbreezefragrance.com - Free men's fragrance sample

Moodflow.com - Free wallpaper and music for your computer

Petmassage.com - Free 26 minutes of audio download on the benefits of pet massage

AnnualCreditReport.com - Only true free credit report site

This list consists of only a few of the free and online deal sites that are available. There are many more that are not advertised but these are a good start. So check these sites out and get your share of the free stuff today!

Three Essentials to Happiness

Did you know that there really are only three essentials to happiness? They are pretty simple when you think about it.

1. Something to do....such as a job, sport or hobby you enjoy
2. Something to love.... such as your family, friend, pet or home
3. Something to hope for....such as whatever your dream is

We all have the ability to do something, love something and hope for something. So think about what you have to do, to love and to hope for and you will realize that you have so much happiness to give and to live. One smile can brighten someone's spirits. One word can improve someone's whole outlook. And, one act of kindness can provide happiness to both of you in a way you didn't see coming. Your time and energy are too precious to spend on anything but happiness. Your life will be much easier to endure when you let out your inner joy.

Remember that the really happy person, is one who can enjoy the scenery when on a detour!

Have a happy day!

State of Nevada Releases Names of Legal Loan Modification Companies

Here in Nevada as well as all across the country, many people are using loan modification companies to help them stay in their home. A legal loan modification company will mediate between borrows and lenders regarding a mortgage loan and will not charge upfront fees. These companies are also referred to as debt settlement companies or debt consolidation companies. A loan modification will do one or a combination of the following: decrease monthly payments, lower interest rate or extend the term of the loan, to ultimately avoid foreclosure and save the home. Unfortunately, there a too many illegal loan modification companies and scams taking advantage of desparate homeowners. Therefore, consumers need to be aware of this situation and make sure they are protected.

The state of Nevada has released a list of 28 companies they say are legally conducting loan modification businesses. A new state law forces those companies to carry a $75,000 surety bond which is meant to protect consumers. The Nevada Division of Mortgage Lending warned they would close any loan modification business that did not carry the bond.

Struggling homeowners can see the list of companies that are authorized to provide loan modifications. Consumers are also able to file a complaint using this form.

For a list of the companies who failed to meet the extended deadline, which was last Friday, please click here: http://www.lasvegasnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=11435476

Source of portions of this information: www.lasvegsnow.com

State of Nevada Business and Industry- http://business.nv.gov/PressReleases/PR-2009-11-02MLDBondingDeadline.pdf

4 Interior Painting Tips

Painting is a quick and easy way to liven up a listing. But some smart prep work can make a huge difference in the quality of the results. Here are some tips to help you get your home ready to list.

1.Get the surface ready.
You want the paint to glide on smoothly, so be sure the surface is clean before you start painting. Remove any handprints, dirt, or scuff marks. Lightly sand any glossy spots to avoid streaks.

2. Select a paint sheen and color.
Ah, the choices! Many paint stores are making it easier to narrow down your choices by offering small trial sizes so that you can test the color at home and look for any variations in daylight and night. Lighting has a big effect on the way color appears. Remember: Higher sheen paints tend to offer more durability than flat paints, so use them in high-traffic areas. Stain or low-lustre finishes offer more warmth and depth than a flat paint. Consider a high sheen paint on the ceiling, which offers good reflection in the room.

3. Don’t go cheap on the paint.
It’s always tempting to save a buck, but it might not be worth it on paint. Painting is a big job, so you want the expense and quality to show. The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute, a national painting education group, recommends purchasing top-quality acrylic latex interior paint, which will go on smoothly and allow for easy soap and water cleanups.

4. Choose the right paint tools.
If you’re using a roller to paint, select the right length of roller nap cover for proper paint coverage. The smoother your painting surface, the shorter the nap should be. Use synthetic materials, which are made from nylon or polyester, when applying latex or water-based paints.

Source: The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute

How To Buy An Energy Efficient Home Appliance

You go shopping for a new refrigerator, and you’re on a budget. The best buy is the ’fridge with the lowest sales price, right? Not necessarily. If you buy the lowest-priced refrigerator, you may end up spending more than if you buy a more expensive one. The reason? The cost of owning a home appliance has three components: the initial purchase price, the cost of repairs and maintenance, and the cost to operate it.

To figure out how much you’ll spend over the lifetime of the appliance, you have to look at all these costs. The appliance with the lowest initial purchase price, or even the one with the best repair record, isn’t necessarily the one that costs the least to operate. Here’s an example of how an appliance’s energy consumption can affect your out-of-pocket costs.

Suppose you’re in the market for a new refrigerator-freezer. Different models of refrigerators with the same capacity can vary dramatically in the amount of electricity they use. For one popular size and configuration, for example, the annual electricity consumption varies across models from a low of about 600 kilowatt-hours a year to a high of more than 800 kilowatt-hours a year. Based on national average electricity prices, that means the annual cost to operate this refrigerator can range from about $50 to $70, depending on which model you buy. A $20 difference in annual operating costs might not sound like much, but remember that you will enjoy these savings year after year for the life of the appliance, while you must pay any difference in purchase price only once. As a result, you may actually save money by buying the more expensive, more energy-efficient model.

You can learn about the energy efficiency of an appliance that you’re thinking about buying through the yellow-and-black EnergyGuide label it displays. The Federal Trade Commission’s Appliance Labeling Rule requires appliance manufacturers to put these labels on:
• Refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, clothes washers
• Water heaters, furnaces, boilers
• Central air conditioners, room air conditioners, heat pumps
• Pool heaters
When you shop for one of these appliances in a dealer’s showroom, you should find the labels hanging on the inside of an appliance or secured to the outside. The law requires that the labels specify:
• The capacity of the particular model
• For refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, clothes washers and water heaters, the estimated annual energy consumption of the model
• For air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces, boilers and pool heaters, the energy efficiency rating
• The range of estimated annual energy consumption, or energy efficiency ratings, of comparable appliances.

Some appliances also may feature the EnergyStar logo, which means that the appliance is significantly more energy efficient than the average comparable model. For more information on the EnergyStar program, operated by the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency, visit the EnergyStar website at www.energystar.gov

Source: Federal Trade Commission Bureau of Consumer Protection Division of Consumer and Business Education

Tips to Lower Your Monthly Energy Bill

Being an energy-smart consumer means getting the most from the energy you use. Here’s how you can cut energy waste without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

• Move your refrigerator if it’s near the stove, dishwasher or heat vents. Vacuum the coils every three months to eliminate dirt buildup that reduces efficiency. Check the door gaskets for air leaks. Defrost the freezer when more than a quarter-inch of ice builds up.

• Scrape but don’t pre-rinse dishes by hand if you have a dishwasher that automatically pre-rinses or has a rinse/hold cycle. Use the “energy saver” option found on many machines.

• Use pots that fit the size of your stove-top burners. Use lids on your pots and pans so you can cook at a lower burner setting.

• Match the water level and temperature settings on your clothes washer to the size of your load. Don’t fill the whole tub for a few small items.

• Clean your clothes dryer filters after each use or as necessary.

• Ensure that the temperature on your water heater is set to 120 degrees. Some thermostats are preset at the factory to 140 degrees.

Source: Federal Trade Commission Bureau of Consumer Protection Division of Consumer and Business Education

Lighting Energy Saving Tips

We should all be concerned about saving energy as it benefits everyone in many ways. So start saving your share of energy by utilizing these great lighting tips.

Making improvements to your lighting is one of the fastest ways to cut your energy bills. An average household dedicates 10% of its energy budget to lighting. Using new lighting technologies can reduce lighting energy use in your home by 50% to 75%. Advances in lighting controls offer further energy savings by reducing the amount of time lights are on but not being used.

Indoor Lighting
Use linear fluorescent tubes and energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) in fixtures throughout your home to provide high-quality and high-efficiency lighting. Fluorescent lamps are much more efficient than incandescent (standard) bulbs and last about 6 to 12 times longer. Today’s CFLs offer brightness and color rendition that is comparable to incandescent bulbs. Although linear fluorescent and CFLs cost a bit more than incandescent bulbs initially, over their lifetime they are cheaper because of how little electricity they use. CFL lighting fixtures are now available that are compatible with dimmers and operate like incandescent fixtures.
Indoor Lighting Tips
• Be sure to buy ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs.
- They will save you about $30 or more in electricity costs over each bulb’s lifetime.
- Producing about 75% less heat, they are safer to operate and can cut home cooling costs.
- Visit www.energystar.gov to find the right light bulbs for your fixtures. They are available in sizes and shapes to fit in almost any fixture.
- They provide the greatest savings in fixtures that are on for a long time each day. The best fixtures to use qualified CFLs in are usually found in your family and living rooms, kitchen, dining room, bedrooms, and outdoors.
• Consider purchasing ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures. They are available in many styles including table, desk and floor lamps — and hard-wired options for front porches, dining rooms, bathroom vanity fixtures, and more.
• ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures distribute light more efficiently and evenly than standard fixtures and they deliver convenient features such as dimming on some indoor models. • Controls such as timers and photo cells save electricity by turning lights off when not in use. Dimmers save electricity when used to lower light levels. Be sure to select products that are compatible with CFL bulbs; not all products work with CFLs.
• When remodeling, look for recessed downlights, or “cans”, that are rated for contact with insulation (IC rated).
• Take advantage of daylight by using light-colored, loose-weave curtains on your windows to allow daylight to penetrate the room while preserving privacy. Also, decorate with lighter colors that reflect daylight.
• If you have torchiere fixtures with halogen lamps, consider replacing them with compact fluorescent torchieres. Compact fluorescent torchieres use 60% to 80% less energy and do not get as hot as halogen torchieres.

Outdoor Lighting
Many homeowners use outdoor lighting for decoration and security. When shopping for outdoor lights, you will find a variety of products, from low-voltage pathway lighting to motion-detector floodlights. Light emitting diodes, or LEDs, thrive in outdoor environments because of their durability and performance in cold weather. Look for ENERGY STAR LED products such as pathway lights, step lights, and porch lights for outdoor use.
Outdoor Lighting Tips
• Because outdoor lights are usually left on a long time, using CFLs in these fixtures will save a lot of energy. Most bare spiral CFLs can be used in enclosed fixtures that protect them from the weather.
• CFLs are also available as flood lights. These models have been tested to withstand the rain and snow so they can be used in exposed fixtures. Most though, cannot be used with motion detectors.
• Look for ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures that are designed for outdoor use and come with features like automatic daylight shut-off and motion sensors.

LED – A New Kind of Light
Light emitting diodes, or LEDs, offer better light quality than incandescent bulbs, last 25 times as long, and use even less energy than CFLs. Look for ENERGY STAR qualified LED products at home improvement centers and lighting showrooms.

Source: NAR Energy Savers: Tips on Saving Energy & Money at Home

Some Simple Tips to Help Build Your Confidence

1. Stop worrying and take action on the things you have control over and the confidence will come.

2. Find a mentor who is already a confident person and model them.

3. Act “as if” you already were confident and before long it will become a habit.

4. To get want you want, many times you have to ask for it. So believe in yourself and that people truly do want to help you with your goals and your confidence will grow.

5. When doing something for the first time, just imagine that you have already done it by thinking it, feeling it and seeing it happen in your mind’s eye. Your confidence will increase.

6. Get rid of that negative internal voice of fear with help through meditation. Tell yourself to allow only positive thoughts to enter and form a positive internal voice. Your confidence level will soar.

Las Vegas Economy: When Will It Bounce Back?

Las Vegas Economy: When Will It Bounce Back? This is the big question that everyone who lives, works, does business or invests in Las Vegas wants a difinitive answer to. Many different experts have many different opinions as to the future of Las Vegas. We have to look for the good in every situation. So, I tend to lean on the more positive side and agree with the expert in this article, that we will see it bounce back sooner rather than later.

LAS VEGAS, NV -- The recent spike in homeowners foreclosing on their properties, businesses closing their doors, and people losing their jobs has us all wondering when things will turn around. One expert thinks it will be sooner rather than later.

Don Burnham flies around the country buying up bargain properties. He lives in Florida and has his sights set on Las Vegas. He says our market has reached bottom and believes it will bounce up by the beginning of next year. When Burnham looks at Las Vegas, he sees a sure bet.
"When do you want to get involved, you want to get involved when it hits the bottom and comes up," Burnham said. He says there is no question Las Vegas housing and the economy has hit the bottom. In fact, he feels so strongly that he says if you buy real estate in Las Vegas right now, you cannot lose.

The demand for homes is a big reason why he says home values will shoot up at the beginning of next year. He also feels the Las Vegas economy will surge too. "Remember you had a pent up demand, there were a ton of people in Vegas who rented because they could not afford it during the boom. Now they can afford it," Burnham.

Applied Analysis Principal Jeremy Aguero looks at the local economy for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitor's Authority. He's a little more cautious. "We cannot turn a blind eye to the fact that we have a 13% unemployment rate. How many people are near foreclosure in this valley? We estimate that at about 100,000 people," Aguero said. Aguero admits some positive financial signs are starting to show like the number of home sales increasing each of the last three months. "Right now what is encouraging is that we have two offsetting factors, where six months ago we had one factor, down," Aguero added. Aguero says in the second half of 2010 we will start to see increases in home values as well as the economy. Both Aguero and Burnham agree it will happen; it's a matter of when.

So, the real estate investor says home prices and our economy will significantly increase in the beginning of next year. The analyst says the end of next year. In this case the million dollar question is -- who do you believe?

Source: http://www.lasvegasnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=11145179

All Homes Aren't Created Equal - What's Your Architectural Style?

There are many different kinds of architectural home styles. Like people, architectural styles have a personality all their own. So if possible and depending the stage of life and affordability we are in, we are more likely to pick a style home that either compliments or is much like our personality style. There are so many styles of homes to suit the needs and wants of everyone in every country. For example: Some architectural style homes are more popular then others and some styles are only found in one country or a specific part or region of a country. Certain architectural style homes require more maintenance then others, while other styles are more suited for children and families. Some styles are flat, plain or curved and some have ornate designs. Although I have lived in several different architectural style homes, the style that most compliments my personality is more Victorian, French Provincial or Neo-Classical. Here are just a few of the more common architectural home styles. Which one do you think is most suited to your personality?

Colonial (1700-1850) This period style features a rectangular, symmetrical design and a simple formality.

Contemporary (1965-present) "Contemporary architecture" refers to today's diverse building types.

Cape Cod (1600's - 1930-1950) Early American settlers developed this northeastern U.S. style, which is known for its gabled roof and plain front.

Victorian (1840-1910) "Victorian" refers to several ornate architectural styles that developed during the Victorian era.

Art Deco (1925-1940) A mix of smooth swirls, curves and high-gloss finishes, Art Deco style evokes 1930s movie-star glamour.

Spanish Colonial (1890-1930) This style shows strong Latin influences and fosters a connection to nature.

Modern (1905-1965) The broad term "modern" includes several mid-20th-century architectural styles.

Neo-Classical (1885-1925) Recalling the architecture of ancient Greece and Rome, Neoclassical homes are formal and timeless.

Tudor Revival (1890-1950) Half-timbered exteriors, steep roofs and gables mark the Tudor Revival style.

Ranch (1930-1980) Single-story, open ranch homes are modeled after the casual style of true Western homes.

Picture above is from www.frontdoor.com and is Thomas Jefferson's Monticello in Virginia, the most famous neo-classical architectural style home. You can find more information on the different architectual style homes on www.frontdoor.com

The Future is Looking Grand in the Desert

The City Center project, specifically Aria Resort & Casino is due to be revealed in December 2009. In the midst of all the negative publicity, this is very positive news for the future of Las Vegas as it brings revenue, jobs and investors. So, I thought that it was necessary to share the following more positive Las Vegas article:

Gambling casino’s are loosing money from Atlantic City to Vegas and every where in between. Gaming Centers Nationwide are tightening up on their budgets to get through the next year or so of tough economic times. It’s no surprise with the economy in the state that it is in; budget tightening is hurting not only the gambling industry but also in the towns where they are located.

Leave it up to MGM to bring not only revenue to Vegas but also jobs. MGM is spending around $9.1 billion for the massive City Center project which is due to go live by the end of 2009. This city within a city has anything and everything do whether it is shopping, gambling, lodging, golf, sports, dining, you name it, and the City Center has it, a city with in a city that sustains itself with no help from the outside.

Analysts are predicting that the economical recession will more than likely subside in 2010 and right in that time frame city center will have brought at least 12,000 new jobs into Las Vegas, bringing the city back on track and enjoying the economic booms that it had before the recession happened.

Some say that, believe it or not, this is the time to be investing into Las Vegas. Las Vegas homes are very cheap at this time and realtors can’t even give the houses away. The new project will more than likely bring more upscale gamblers and visitors back into Las Vegas. The future is looking just grand in the desert.

Source - EarlyVegas.com/citycenter

http://www.earlyvegas.com/news/citycenter-las-vegas-coming-in-december-09/

Buyers Rush to Beat the Tax Credit Deadline

Update on the federal goverment's $8,000 tax credit as the deadline approaches:

Buyers Rush to Beat Tax Credit Deadline

Real estate professionals report that first-time home buyers are flooding the sale market, pressed to finalize a deal before the federal government's $8,000 tax credit offer expires on Nov. 30. Because mortgage approvals, residential inspections, and other steps in the buying process typically take about two months, buyers hoping to take advantage of the incentive will need to have a contract by the end of September. The new flurry of activity now as house-hunters try to meet the deadline is triggering bidding wars and energizing the property market, which historically is slow at the end of summer. As a result, more homes are getting their full asking price.

Source: Chicago Tribune, Kathleen Lynn (08/14/09)

Experts Say Now Is The Time To Buy

Many investment experts advise it's time to buy. With prices falling, it is a once-in-a-generation chance to load up on property, they say. How much of an investment portfolio should be devoted to real estate? David Swensen, who manages Yale University's endowment, says 20 percent is a smart number. One possibility is real estate investment trusts (REITs), which, despite the fact that they are slashing dividends to conserve cash, are still paying average yields of 7.3 percent. That’s double the yield on Treasurys. Should a home be part of the equation? Michael Kirby, founder of Green Street Advisors, says no. "You should own a house to provide shelter," says Kirby. "In a way, it's not an investment, and it's not part of your investment portfolio. It's really just a living expense. By owning a house you are prepaying rent."

Source: Forbes (08/03/2009)

*With homes at their lowest price in years in Las Vegas, now is definitely the time to buy and I can help! www.jennenesvegasrealestate.com

email: jennenes.vegasrealestate@yahoo.com

Warning! Fraudulant Property Tax Reduction Service

I am in the business of buying and selling real estate and I am also a homeowner in Las Vegas, Nevada. Therefore I have an interest in and a concern for, keeping myself and others informed about information relating to real estate. So, I wanted to post on my blog some important information regarding the surfacing of some recent fraudulant activity, relating to property taxes for homeowners.


I recently received a document in the mail that immediately became a red flag for me. I did some research and found out that it was a scam. Later I also received a notice from the GLVAR stating that it was confirmed by the Nevada Attorney General's office that it was indeed a FRAUD. It is important to me that I share this information in an effort to forewarn others not only within the Clark County region, but with everyone everywhere. Apparently these types of letters are surfacing in other states across the country too. Therefore, the following is more detailed information regarding the letter that I received and that was confirmed to be a FRAUD SERVICE:

The document states it is a: 2009 Property Tax Reduction Form -It states it was sent from: PROPERTY TAX REVIEW BOARD - Not a Government Agency - REGIONAL PROCESSING CENTER - PO BOX 98258 LAS VEGAS, NV 89193-8258 - (800) 581-0628

The form states in bold boxed letters "Notice for Clark County Property Owners" and it is designed to appear legitimite and to create a sense of urgency. There is an "estimated savings" box in the top right hand corner of the form, along with a due date. The service claims to be able to reduce your Annual Property Tax bill by a huge savings. An upfront fee of $189.00 is required and stated on the form. There is a frequently asked questions section on the back of the letter. There is also a deadline date and return envelope included for the fee.

Again, the Nevada Attorney General's Office states that this service is a FRAUD and has surfaced in numerous states. So please warn your family, friends, colleagues and clients about this document form.

House Extends High Limits for Federal Loans

Here is some good news worth sharing for prospecitive home buyers and families facing foreclosure:

The House Appropriations Committee approved an extension of the $729,750 loan limits for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Federal Housing Administration financing in high-cost areas through September 2010. Without this extension, the loan limits revert at the end of the year to $417,000 in the highest-cost areas. The spending bill also would extend FHA’s Home Equity Conversion Mortgage reverse mortgage program for seniors. And it provides $70 million to continue pre-purchase counseling for prospective home buyers and counseling for families facing foreclosure.

Source: Inman News (07/21/2009)© Copyright 2009 Information Inc.

New Federal Law For Tenants in Foreclosed Properties

There are a lot of people who are renting homes that are in the process of being foreclosed. Therefore, I am posting some helpful information for tenants who are occupying foreclosed properties. A new federal law protects the rights of tenants in this situation. Please click on the link below for detailed and helpful information on the new law. It is in pdf format and can be easily read and saved.

Tenants in Foreclosed Properties Will Benefit from New Federal Law

http://www.tenantstogether.org/downloads/S.896RenterProtections.pdf

Home Warranties for Buyers and Sellers

Recently, I read an informative article on Home Warranties so I wanted to share it with others here on my blog.

Home Warranties for Buyers and Sellers
The seller or the buyer can purchase a home warranty. This is usually paid for at closing time. Home warranties cover repair or replacement for appliances or other things associated with the home. Each warranty is specific to the home it covers. If you're looking at new home construction, most builders are required to provide at minimum a one year builder's warranty. This is in case of problems that can be encountered after closing. That warranty, however, is different than a warranty for an already existing home. Listed below are details regarding warranties for pre-existing homes.

Differences in Hazard Insurance and Home Warranty
A hazard insurance policy is different than a home warranty. A hazard insurance policy will replace items that are damaged by fire, wind, flood, or other covered events. Discuss with your insurance provider what specific events are covered, as these vary greatly by area. A home warranty will replace items that fail on their own, such as appliances.

Coverage
There are several kinds of "standard" home warranties. Some include coverage for appliances, plumbing, and heating and cooling units, while others cover the roof, etc. Study each policy carefully to understand their definition of standard coverage, as well as to understand what items are not covered. Some items can be purchased for an additional fee. Also keep in mind that coverage might differ for buyers and sellers. A real estate agent should be able to give you information about different providers, but if not, you can search the internet, ask friends or check your local listings.

Duration of Coverage
Again, the "standard" warrant is effective for one year from the date of coverage, and often includes an option to renew. However, renewing usually costs more than the original fee paid for coverage.

Cost of Coverage
Cost will vary depending on what standards are included and the area of the new home. Average coverage could start at $350, but contact a provider for a more definite price. Try to compare coverage from several providers, prices, and what "standard" coverage actually includes.

Seller Benefits
If you choose to provide a warranty with the home you're selling, it instantly makes your home more attractive to a potential buyer. Also, although a buyer shouldn't contact you if something goes wrong after closing, they still might do so. If you have a home warranty, it will offer some peace of mind both to you and the buyer. Also, if the included appliances and other items are a little older, the buyer might not be as concerned about replacement. If you think a home warranty might help your home sale, consider several companies before choosing one.

Buyer Benefits
There are no specific rules stating who pays for a home warranty, buyer or seller. The seller might offer one as a tool to market their home, but a buyer can purchase one or ask the seller to do so, if there isn't one offered. As a buyer, you might consider that coming up with funds for purchasing and closing a home can leave you without a lot of extra cash. If you think there's a possibility an appliance will need to be replace within your first year, it's definitely worth considering a home warranty.

Policy Offerings
Remember to ask certain questions when inquiring about a package. Find out which items are included under standard coverage. Ask which items can be added on as needed. Question how much you'll be required to pay for the policy, additional add-ons, and inquire about the co-payment- most insurance's will cover the entire cost of the repair, after you've made the co-payment. Also, if possible, talk to other clients or customers to find out what kind of quality and resolution you can expect from a particular company. Good luck in your choice!

Source: www.yourmayflower.com/resources

Tips to Save Energy Today

Easy low-cost and no-cost ways to save energy.

• Install a programmable thermostat
to keep your house comfortably
warm in the winter and comfortably
cool in the summer.

• Use compact fluorescent light bulbs
with the ENERGY STAR® label.
• Air dry dishes instead of using your
dishwasher’s drying cycle.

• Turn off your computer and monitor
when not in use.

• Plug home electronics, such as TVs
and DVD players, into power strips;
turn the power strips off when the
equipment is not in use (TVs and
DVDs in standby mode still use
several watts of power).

• Lower the thermostat on your
hot water heater to 120°F.

• Take short showers instead of
baths.

• Wash only full loads of dishes and
clothes.

• Drive sensibly. Aggressive driving
(speeding, rapid acceleration and
braking) wastes gasoline.

• Look for the ENERGY STAR label
on home appliances and products.
ENERGY STAR products meet strict
efficiency guidelines set by the
U.S. Department of Energy and the
Environmental Protection Agency.

• Visit www.energysavers.gov for more energy-saving ideas

Source: National Association of Realtors

Free Annual Credit Report Information

Did you know that according to the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you are entitled to a free annual credit report from each of the three major credit agencies? I am finding out that some people are aware of this and others are not, so I thought this information would be helpful to post.

Some websites and advertisements indicate that the credit reports are free but they require you to purchase something else, take a survey, subscribe to a service, or participate in some other activity in order to get your free reports. You have to be careful of those kinds of gimmicks when sharing your personal information. However, there is only one website (that I am aware of) that doesn't require you to do anything or purchase anything in order to get your truly free annual credit reports. The nation's three credit reporting agencies have teamed up and built a website to provide you with your free annual credit reports. The site is recommended by the government and your reports are available immediately, if you have the ability to download them. The website is: http://www.annualcreditreport.com/ . I use this website nearly every year and I have never had any problems and I have always gotten my reports truly free with no gimmicks. Give the website a try.

If needed, below are the three main agencies and their united and individual contact information:
Main Phone number to request all three reports: 877-322-8228

Equifax Information Services, P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, Ga. 30374, 800-685-1111, http://www.equifax.com/.

Experian, P.O. Box 2104, Allen, Texas 75013, 888-397-3642, http://www.experian.com/.

TransUnion Corp., P.O. Box 390, Springfield, Pa. 19064, 800-916-8800, http://www.transunion.com/.

Jennene Shanholtz, REALTOR®
Email: jennenes.vegasrealestate@yahoo.com

Build-A-Bear Workshop ® Experience

I have had some really wonderful bonding experiences with my six year old granddaughter, Alexis at a place called Build-A-Bear Workshop ® and I wanted to share a little of them on my blog. I am sure that many of you have heard of Build-A-Bear Workshop ® since it has been around for nearly 12 years. I had been in the store before but never really lived through the experience of it until recently. My granddaughter and I love bears so much that we decided it was time to experience this fine establishment together.

Build-A-Bear Workshop ® is an innovative retail company and a family-friendly fun entertainment place. The stores are places where kids and adults have fun creating customized furry bears and other friends. To make their stuffed teddy bear or other furry friend, "guests" (i.e. kids and adults of any age) visit a round of bear-making stations.

We began our experience at the "choose me" station by having Alexis pick out her bear, well she chose a puppy to be exact. Next we visited the sound station where she was able to choose a sound or tune for her furry puppy friend. Then she proceeded to the "stuff me" station where the store associate or master bear associate as they call them, stuffs the furry friend but with the guest's foot assistance. Then the associate inserts a heart but only after a wish is made on it by Alexis. The associate then inserts a barcode so that if the animal is lost it can be returned to any Build-A-Bear Workshop ® and its owner (Alexis) can be identified. Then the associate inserts the sound in the animal's paw and stitches the animal up. Then Alexis proceeds to the "fluff me" station or spa where she brushes and fluffs her puppy. Then she heads to the "dress me" station where she can pick out an outfit for her new furry friend. There is a mirror and vanity for us to sit and try clothes on her new furry friend. Once we found just the right outfit, we then headed to the "name me" station. It is there that Alexis sat at a computer and decided on a name for her new furry puppy friend. She names her 1st new furry puppy friend "Angel" and later her second puppy friend "Abby". She then begins to type the name and other information on the computer for its birth certificate. Once completed, the birth certificate is printed and we head to the "take me home" station. This is where we pay for her new friend and all its trimmings. She also receives a stuff club member card, some matching bows for her furry friend and a cub condo carrying case for her new furry friend. We also learned all about buildabearville.com, an amazing and educational virtual experience for the guest and their furry new friend. That is a whole other wonderful and exciting thing to blog about! Build-A-Bear Workshop ® is truly a special treat or unique gift for any child of any age. During our visits we saw girls and boys of all ages having fun with this educational and fun experience. They have so much to offer and do. What a joy!

Las Vegas Breaks Record For Monthly Home Sales

Now here is a positive Las Vegas housing article to post on my blog!

Las Vegas breaks record for monthly homes sales
By Brian Wargo (contact) Wednesday, July 8, 2009 11:27 a.m.

What housing slowdown?
Las Vegas set a record in June with more existing homes sold than any other month in history, according to the Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtors. The group reported 4,702 single-family homes, town houses and condominiums were sold in June, topping the previous record of 4,414 sales in June 2004. Most of last month’s sales were existing homes, but the Realtors also handle some new homes.

In addition to the record number of sales, the median price of homes held its own for the first time in nearly two years. The median price of single-family homes sold in June was $140,000 — the same as May. That’s the first time there wasn’t a decrease in prices since August 2007 when they rose 1.7 percent. Prices have fallen 38 percent since June 2008 and 55 percent since the peak of $315,000 in June 2006. “I think it’s significant that we sold a record number of homes last month. We’ve been closing in on this mark for a few months,” Sue Naumann, president of the Realtors’ group, said in a statement. Naumann said it’s positive for the economy to have housing prices stabilize, especially when bank-owned properties are still dominating the market.
There is a strong demand from first-time buyers and investors, Naumann said.

In June, 3,785 single-family homes sold, a 16 percent increase over May and a 70 percent jump from June 2008. Also, 917 condominiums and town houses sold last month, a 24 percent increase over May and a 212 percent increase from June 2008. The median price of town houses and condos sold in June was $66,000, a 1.5 percent increase over May. The price is 52 percent below where it was a year ago.

Nevada Foreclosure Process - Steps, Timeframes and Resources

I’ve been getting a lot of inquiries about the timelines and steps in the foreclosure process, so I thought I would post some information here on my blog. The following information is excerpted from a foreclosure course taught by Arthur Marvin of Business Seminars for Success. Visit his website for more information and his ebook entitled: "21 Ways to Stop Foreclosure"

The Foreclosure Process in the state of Nevada typically takes about 6 months from the time the Notice of Default is filed to the Eviction of the homeowner.

Notice of Default starts the foreclosure process - it is prepared, recorded, mailed, posted, published and a copy sent to all parties (owner, all lenders, IRS, local, state, and federal tax agencies) who have an interest in the property.

Reinstatement Period (month 1) - starts on the first day the notice of default is recorded. This is a 35 day period in which the homeowner can reinstate the loan by making any back payments, foreclosure fees and other allowable expenses.

Redemption Period (months 2-3) - starts on day 36 from the recorded date of the Notice of Default. Now the homeowner is now responsible for paying the remaining loan balance along with all foreclosure fees and other allowable expenses. It should also be noted that approximately 10 days before the end of the redemption period, the trustee will notify the lender for permission to prepare the Notice of Trustee Sale for publication.

Publication Period (month 4) means the Notice of Sale must be published once a week for three consecutive weeks (21 days) prior to the Trustee Sale.

Trustee Sale (month 5) is the final step in the foreclosure process and it is extremely important to remember the homeowner has no right of redemption after the sale is finalized. If there is a successful bidder at the sale, the new owner will purchase the property in "as is" condition with no warranties. If there are no bidders at the sale, the lender becomes the sole owner as an REO (Real Estate Owned).

Eviction (month 6) process starts after the Trustee Sale is finalized. The eviction process is initiated by posting a 3 day Notice to Quit on the property. If there is no response, the new owner will file a 5 day Eviction Notice with the court. If there is no response by 5pm on the 5th day, the Constable will evict the resident.

Additional Resources:
Nevada Foreclosure Help Useful resources and info from Nevada Department of Business & Industry
Nevada Revised Statutes - Chapter 107 - Deeds of Trust
Nevada Foreclosure Law Summary
Jennene Shanholtz, REALTOR®
Email: jennenes.vegasrealestate@yahoo.com

Low Cost Tips For Increasing Your Home's Value

Here are a few small low cost tips that you can make to your home, to help increase its value.

Home Improvement Tips: Under $100
Tip 1: Spend an hour with a pro. Invite a realtor (Jennene in Las Vegas) or interior designer over to check out your home. Many realtors will do this as a courtesy, but you will probably have to pay a consultation fee to a designer. Check with several designers in your area and usually for less than $100 an hour, they can give you lots of good ideas for needed improvements. Even small suggested improvements, such as paint colors or furniture placement, or just storing some of your personal items, can go a long way toward improving the look and feel of your home.

Tip 2: Inspect it! Not every home improvement is cosmetic. Deteriorating roofs, termite infestation or outdated electrical systems or plumbing should be checked. Afterall, you can't fix it if you don't know it's broken. So hire a home inspector to check out the areas of your home that you don't normally see. They may discover hidden problems that could negatively impact your home's value. Small problems (such as a hidden water leak) can become big, expensive problems quickly; the longer you put off repairs, the more expensive those repairs will be.

Tip 3: Paint, paint, paint. One of the simplest, most cost-effective improvements of all is paint! Freshly painted rooms look clean and updated and that shouts value. When selecting paint colors, keep in mind that neutrals appeal to the greatest number of people; therefore, making your home more desirable. On average, a gallon of paint costs around $25, leaving you plenty of money to buy rollers, painter's tape, drop cloths and brushes. So buy a few gallons and get busy painting!

Tip 4: Find inspiration. An alternative to hiring a designer is to search for remodeling and decorating inspiration in design-oriented magazines, books, TV shows and websites. Simply tear out or print off the ideas you want to try and start your to-do list. Always keep it simple especially when remodeling on a tight budget, do-it-yourself projects are best option.

Tip 5: Cut energy costs. The amount of money you spend each month on energy costs may seem like a fixed amount, but many local utility companies provide free energy audits of their customers' homes. They can show you how to maximize the energy efficiency of your home. You may not realize how much leaving that computer on 24 hours a day costs you. An energy-efficient home will save you money now, which can be applied to other updates, and is a more valuable and marketable asset in the long run.

So before you decide to sell your home, maximize its value by doing these few low cost home improvements tips.

Where To Get Foreclosure Help

Since there are so many dubious assistance programs and out-right scams preying on homeowners facing foreclosure, it can be difficult to find legitimate help. So I thought it might be helpful if I posted some legitimate resources for assistance here on my blog.

Here’s a list of programs that are either operated by the U.S. government or have its seal of approval:
To find a counselor, contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) at (800) 569-4287 or (877) 483-1515, or go to www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hccprof14.cfm
Call (888) 995-HOPE, the Homeowner’s HOPE Hotline to reach a nonprofit, HUD-approved counselor through HOPE NOW, a cooperative effort of mortgage counselors and lenders to assist homeowners.

Visit NeighborWorks America’s Web site at www.nw.org/network/home.asp
Go to this Web site for information on federal mortgage modification and refinancing programs: http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/

The Controller of the Currency’s consumer information site for banking-related questions is http://www.helpwithmybank.gov/

OCC Customer Assistance Group and consumer assistance site: www.occ.gov/customer.htm

Federal Trade Commission: www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/homes/rea04.shtm

Federal Reserve Board: www.federalreserve.gov/pubs/foreclosurescamtips/default.htm

NeighborWorks America: http://www.nw.org/

HOPE NOW: http://www.hopenow.com/

Source: Controller of the Currency (04/21/2009)

My Interview Article with Bobvila.com Is Posted

Last month I posted a blog about my bobvila.com interview experience. I recently found out that it was selected and the article was placed on bobvila.com. The article is about today's multi-use of a garage. Other professionals also contributed to the article, along with some additional tips from Bob Vila himself. If you own a home with a garage, you will find this article helpful in getting the most use from your garage space. You can add more storage or create a new space that fulfills your household needs. You can find the article and read more about it by clicking on the following link: http://www.bobvila.com/HowTo_Library/Today_s_Multi_Use_Garage_Add_More_Storage_or_Create_a_New_Living_Space-Garage-A4002-2.html

The Basics: 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

Bringing the Dream of Homeownership Within Reach
As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market and address the economic challenges facing our nation, Congress has passed legislation that grants a tax credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers. Here is more information about how the 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit can help prospective home buyers become part of the American dream.

Who Qualifies?
First-time home buyers who purchase homes between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009. To qualify as a “first-time home buyer” the purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase.

Which Properties Are Eligible?
The 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit may be applied to primary residences, including: single-family homes, condos, townhomes and co-ops.

How Much Will the Credit Be?
The maximum allowable credit for home buyers is $8,000. Each home buyer’s tax credit is determined by two factors: The price of the home—the credit is equal to 10% of the purchase price of the home, up to $8,000. The buyer's income—single buyers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000—may receive the maximum tax credit.

If the Buyer(s)’ Income Exceeds These Limits, Can He/She Still Get a Credit?
Yes, some buyers may still be eligible for the credit. The credit decreases for buyers who earn between $75,000 and $95,000 for single buyers and between $150,000 and $170,000 for home buyers filing jointly. The amount of the tax credit decreases as his/her income approaches the maximum limit. Home buyers earning more than the maximum qualifying income—over $95,000 for singles and over $170,000 for couples are not eligible for the credit.

Will the Tax Credit Need to Be Repaid?
No. The buyer does not need to repay the tax credit, if he/she occupies the home for three years or more. However, if the property is sold during the three-year period, the credit will be recouped on the sale.
Source: Realtor.org

More Info - www.jennenesvegasrealestate.com

Roses For Mother's Day

The second most popular day for the gift of roses is Mother’s Day. The most popular day of course is Valentine’s Day. Roses are my favorite flower and their beauty and fresh cut fragrance is heavenly to me. Roses are about 35 million years old and have about 150 species. Roses almost always have five petals, each one a unique specimen of nature. There are so many interesting facts, beliefs and myths about roses. The oldest garden rose is the apothecary rose and it was believed to have cured a multitude of illnesses. It is said that during the 15th century the rose was used as a symbol for faction fighting to control England. The white rose symbolized York and the red rose symbolized Lancaster so the conflict was known as the war of the roses. The rose is the national floral emblem of the United States. A rose stirs us with its beauty, fills our senses with its perfume and expresses our love. So it is only natural that it would be the perfect flower about mothers and for mothers. Roses For All Mothers on May 11th, Happy Mother’s Day!

An Angel Gift

Recently a very dear friend of mine gave me a beautiful hardcover book entitled "Angels" as a gift. The hardbinding and cover of the book was in a beautiful shade of lavendar with the messengers of the divine picture on the front cover. My dear friend told me that when she saw the book, it had my name written all over it. Knowing my favorite color of all shades of purple, my love for books and my love for and connection with the angels, she just knew that I had to have the book and she was right. It is a fascinating book that provides some background information about these mystical beings from the perspective of several different religous beliefs. The information is interesting and the pictures are breathtakingly beautiful and realistic. It's energy is of divine love. One can read this book many times and still enjoy and appreciate it. I own and have read so many books on angels and this book is just another fine piece of writing to add to my collection. So again, many thanks and blessings to Lonnie for her thoughtfulness and treasured friendship.
Remember that Angels Are Among Us in many forms and ready to assist whenever needed!

Do You Have a Strong Connection?

Do you have a strong connection to another era, a person, a place or a thing and you aren’t sure why? If so, then perhaps it is because you lived a prior life in another time period. One way to find out is through meditation or a past life regression. I know that the life I had prior to this life was during the Victorian era of 1837-1901, which was the period of Queen Victoria’s reign. This explains my strong connection in this life to the Victorian era and my love of Victorian architecture, theatre, opera, piano, poetry, fashion and decorative arts. I look forward to visiting Europe in the near future to bring me even closer to my connection and familiarity with all things Victorian. Here is just a sample of some Victorian items around my home:

BobVila.com Interview

Another exciting opportunity occured for me this past week. As a result of my writing and media work with Gladiator GarageWorks, I was contacted by bobvila.com. I received a call from a writer for bobvila.com asking me to do an interview right on the spot. The interview was for an article about my opinion and experience as a Realtor, regarding the value, consumer desire and the return on investment (ROI) of finishing and/or organizing a garage. It was a good interview that was appreciated and the article will be posted on bobvila.com in the near future. Here is the link to the site: http://www.bobvila.com/. It is sort of comical that I was contacted by bobvila.com because my husband has always called me Mrs. Bob Vila for fixing things around the house. :)

Spring Can Renew You!

Like all the growing things around you, the dreams you've planted are ready to blossom. Tend to your dreams daily and as you grow you will feel lighter and more rejuvinated. Today could be the day your dreams come true so let Spring renew you!

You can go as far as your mind lets you. What you believe, remember, you can achieve....Mary Kay Ash

Update on Jasmine

We received a call from the vet doctor with good news. They got the results back from the lab and informed us that the cancer had not spread and that they had removed it all. Jasmine had her surgery early enough for a good prognosis and it turned out to be a great prognosis! We prayed and asked the angels to heal her and remove all the cancer and they did! She goes back to the doctor for her follow-up visit on Tuesday 4/7. Her stitches will not be removed for another week yet. She is improving and seems to be doing fine.

My First Podcast Interview

PODCAST - Recently, I was ask as a real estate expert, to do a podcast for Gladiator GarageWorks a Whirlpool Company. A podcast is an informational interview that is recorded and then posted on a website. Many companies use them to answer consumer questions and provide additional information with a more personal touch or approach. Doing this interview for the podcast was an interesting experience that I enjoyed very much. I previously did other media work for this company, which I have written about and proudly posted. It was great meeting the people of Gladiator, working with them and learning all about their great products, while providing my expert real estate opinion through the media. So, check out my latest media event here: http://www.gladiatorgw.com/content.jsp?pageName=NewsEvents
or click on Podcast for Gladiator GarageWorks under Jennene's Personal Links

Jasmine's Health Ordeal

My Beagle Jasmine
The past two weeks have been difficult after finding out that one of my beloved dogs has skin cancer. When I had Jasmine, my beagle in for her monthly injection for her Addison's disease, the doctor noticed a lump on her belly. He was concerned and immediately took a sample for testing. My husband and I were also very concerned to say the least. We hadn't noticed the lump and didn't know how long it had been there. We suspect that it was no more then month because the doctor hadn't noticed it during last month's injection visit. Later that evening the doctor called to tell me that the test confirmed that it was a Mast Cell Tumor that was a type of skin cancer. He said if we were able to get the lump removed within the next two to three weeks, her prognosis would be good. He gave me a cost estimate of between $400-$500 for the tests and surgery. Knowing our situation because of the economy, he said he may even be able to do it for a little less. They are a great group of doctors who are very caring and we trust them. After hanging up the phone I just sat and cried. I felt so bad for my little Jasmine after all she has been through with her health. Plus, I also didn't know what we were going to do because I knew that we didn't have the extra money with my husband being out of work for so long. We have had one expense occur after another and we are already living very tight. So I prayed and prayed for guidance and answers and the healing of my little Jasmine. Then we received a call from a family member who was willing to help with the costs to save our precious Jasmine. We had the surgery done earlier this week, only a week after she was diagnosed. The doctor said afterwards that it looks good but we are still waiting on the final test results to know for sure. They will tell us whether or not they got it all and/or if it has spread throughout the rest of her body. We are again praying for the best outcome. It was a rough two days after surgery for Jasmine and for us with sleepless nights but she is doing much better now. Her stitches are healing nicely and she is getting around pretty normal again. She goes for a follow-up next week and hopefully we will have the final test results by then too.

Stainless Steel Appliances Are Home Sellers

Check out my latest article in the Staten Island Advance news publication today, St. Patrick's Day! Another great opportunity this was for me to marry my real estate career with my newest career in writing in its early stages. The two things for a career that I really enjoy doing have merged together very nicely so far. I am looking forward to advancing them both separately and together as time moves forward.

http://www.silive.com/homegarden/homeimprovement/index.ssf/2009/03/post_75.html

A New Door Is About To Open

Are you feeling stuck and don't know what to do or where to go for help? Not sure how you even got to that point or what the answers are? Well don't worry because it only means that a new door of opportunity is about to open. The answers are there behind a door that is deep within you. All you need is some divine guidance to help you figure out how open that door. It is really very simple once you put your mind to it. All the answers to your life are really within your reach, deep within your mind and soul. All you need to do to get there is first take a couple of deep breaths. Then really relax your mind and free it from clutter and negativity, until it is nearly blank from thoughts. Then slowly begin to see yourself asking your angels for guidance. Watch them very closely as they lead you to a closed door. You then notice that a key is already in the keyhole of the door. Continue to watch through your mind's eye as you slowly begin to approach the door. Then you turn the key to open the door. As you open the door, you suddenly begin to feel a new wave of infused knowledge descend upon you. It is a very strong feeling. You then look ahead of you and what you see are several options spread out for you. Those options are your answers, your opportunities that are awaiting your actions. Your new door has opened and your action has begun. Your soul is leading your heart to the best answers for your life. Follow it now and you will triumph.

Carrot Money

She was just four years old and enjoying the outdoors while helping her Great GrandPappy in his backyard in Pennsylvania, when she suddenly noticed a bunny rabbit. “Look Pappy there’s a bunny!” she exclaimed. “Yeah I see it and it better stay out of my garden!” said Pappy. Little Alexis giggled as she stared at the bunny for a few seconds. She turned away and continued helping her Great GrandPappy, all the while remembering to check on that bunny nearly every few seconds. She wanted to make sure the bunny didn’t go in the garden. All of a sudden she noticed the bunny was gone. She looked all around and then she said “Hey Pappy the bunny is gone!” Pappy said “Yeah he is. Where do you think he went?” Oh he went to Grammy’s house in Las Vegas” said Alexis with such certainty in her voice. Pappy chuckled and said “Now how did he get from here all the way to Las Vegas already?” Alexis put her hands on her hips and looked directly at her Great GrandPappy in a very matter of fact manner and said “Duh! He used his carrot money Pappy that’s how!” Needless to say, she gave her Great GrandPappy his laugh for the day! Alexis will be six years old in this month, March 2009. What a fond memory!

Dogs Are All Worth It!

I have recently been working on a real estate video that has ended up with a funny story connected to it. My friend a professional photographer and videotographer was taping me going through and presenting my own house as if it were for sale. We are practicing on my house before going live on a house that really is for sale for the final tape. My intent is to put the final tape online on you tube and other sites as a marketing tool for business. So anyway during the taping, my friend decided to include my dogs Princess and Jasmine for fun. A few days later, after some editing and transferring to a dvd, she brought the dvd over for review. When we got to the part that showed my dogs as they barked once or twice and then you heard the sounds of their footsteps over the tile, well both of my dogs ran towards the TV. They began barking at themselves on the dvd. Then my beagle Jasmine saw herself up close on a zoom shot laying on the bed. She began to growl and howl at herself! She would then bark louder, with her hair standing on end and at times, with one leg up while standing on three legs! It was the funniest site to see and listen to. Jasmine was barking, howling and carrying on in a ferocious manner all at just watching herself on TV. We laughed hysterically and my friend thought we should have taped it for America's Funniest Videos. Dogs are wonderful and truly all worth it!

Lemon Blossom Friendship

After a meeting, a class, a few business phone calls and then delivery of a key to a client, I was ready to take a break with a hot cup of tea. It was not just any tea that I had a taste for but a special blend; Stash's Lemon Blossom tea. So good and refreshing that my mind and body totally relaxed. A smile came to my face as I sipped my tea and thought of my dear friend Candy. She recently started a wonderful society, Lemon Blossom League and received a gift of a lemom blossom tree which she proudly named Lulu. I thought about how Lulu is blossoming and looking so beautiful so quickly. It reminded me of when Candy and I first met and how quickly we realized how much we had in common. Although we haven't seen each other since she moved away several years ago, we have kept in touch and to our amazement our friendship has blossomed even more. What a wonderful feeling to have such a blossoming friendship!

A Smile Is Powerful

A smile is a powerful weapon; you can even break ice with it. So start a chain reaction and smile today!

Expert Real Estate Host

I just spent the last two days at the International Builders Show here in Las Vegas hosting for Gladiator GarageWorks, a Whirlpool company. The days were busy, exciting, tiresome on my feet all day but very educational and informational. How did I end up hosting at the show? Well, it all started with an article that I wrote and posted online several months ago. Gladiator GarageWorks saw the article, contacted me and after several discussions we had a contract. Before I knew it, I was their expert real estate host for their products at the show. Gladiator asked that I talk to the media, builders, developers and members of the industry about the importance of garage organization and how it adds value to a home. So I talked to many magazines, newspapers, .coms, and I did live radio. Check out a news brief about me at the show here: http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/01-20-2009/0004957257&EDATE=
I will be working on a podcast for them next week. I met a lot of people and contacts while handing out a lot of business cards at the show too. It was a great experience for me in so many ways. It Was All Worth It! I had not heard of this garage company until they contacted me to host their product. Then I did the research on them and the show. Wow! They have an outstanding product that meets the needs of the consumer in so many ways. An organized and functional garage with multiple uses, increases the value of a home. You can transform your garage in just about anyway you want with their versatile products. They are sold at: Lowe's, Sears, Ace Hardware and at many other garage dealers. Check them out online too at: www.gladiatorgw.com

Angels Are Always There

When life feels like a tightrope walk, remember that angels are always there, holding a net.

An Enlightened Woman

As she sat against a beautifully fanned palm tree with her eyes closed, she could feel the warmth of the sun on her face and the wind in her hair. She could feel the fine white sand between her toes as she listened to the peaceful sounds of the ocean. She took several deep breaths allowing her mind and body to totally relax in her serene environment. As she slowly released the deep breaths, she became even more calm and relaxed. She was becoming more in tune with her inner self, thoughts, feelings and experiences. In doing so, she began to imagine and then feel all the negative energy just flowing from her body. She felt it leave through the bottoms of her feet and then saw it being swept away by the wind and into the ocean. She could clearly see in her mind’s eye all that negative energy with several labels including sadness, pain, fear, doubt, insecurity and bad habits. The negative mass was leaving her body, her mind, her soul and her aura. She knew that the ocean was gracious to accept it and would never return it. She now felt such a relief, as if a huge load was lifted from her shoulders. She hadn't realized how heavy it truly was until now. She felt the windows of her soul swing open, to receive all the love, peace and abundance that she ever wanted for herself, her family and her friends. She continued to breathe in all that was positive. As she felt the positive energy enter her soul, she began to visualize all that she was grateful for in this life. Suddenly she saw a bright white figure with the most beautiful purple light emanating from around it. Almost at once she was overcome by a state of divine bliss, exuberance and peacefulness, a kind of ecstasy with her soul, unlike anything she has ever felt before. She knew that she was once again, ready to face all that life had to offer her. So as she began to slowly open her eyes, a smile appeared upon her face and she saw the ocean smile back. She knew that she had become an enlightened woman.

You Are Terrific Just the Way You Are

So what if you don't always have the perfect outfit to wear or the perfect thing to say? So what if your house is a little messier than you'd like? You are so much more than clothes or small talk or decor. You have your own unique vision, beauty and path. Your caring reaches further that you think and so do your dreams. You're already somebody special. True beauty isn't the kind that takes makeup and clothes. True beauty goes much deeper. So see true beauty every day by looking in the mirror. :)