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

May 2008

1 -- May Day
5 -- Cinco de Mayo
11 -- Mother's Day
12 -- Kite Day
19 -- Full Moon Day
24 -- International Jazz Day
25 -- Wine Day
26 -- Memorial Day
28 -- Whale Day

Park Like Setting

Existing-Home Sales Slip in March

According to a late-April report from the National Association of Realtors®, existing-home sales edged down in March, remaining within a narrow range of sales activity that has persisted since September.

"Though mortgage rates are at historically low levels, some borrowers are facing restrictive lending practices in declining markets," said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. "At the same time, many buyers continue to bide their time with a large number of homes to choose from, while other potential buyers remain on the sidelines."

A mix of market conditions continues around the country, but areas showing healthy price gains include Des Moines, Iowa; Austin, Texas; and Durham, N.C.

According to Freddie Mac, the national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage rose slightly to 5.97 percent in March from 5.92 percent in February; the rate was 6.16 percent in March 2007, the report said.

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Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat.
-- F. Scott Fitzgerald

6 Common Mistakes Buyers Make

1. Buyers misinterpret the role of an agent -- Be sure you clearly understand the roles and duties of everyone involved in the transaction, especially who represents whom. Know the difference between a buyer's agent, a listing agent, and dual agency.
2. Buyers share personal information -- Don't discuss any confidential information about your housing preferences, financial situation or negotiating strategies until you understand agency (and have chosen an agent to represent you).
3. Buyers underestimate the effect of a competing offer -- When a seller has multiple offers, he's in a better position than you are. Many buyers don't put in their best offer not realizing they may be making another buyer's offer look great in comparison, and they lose the house.
4. Buyers don't attend the home inspection -- Many buyers put too much trust in the home inspection report. A "hairline crack in the foundation" may not sound all that bad in a report, but become a huge concern when observed in person. Be sure to see it for yourself.
5. Buyers think sellers pay the closing costs -- While escrow and several other costs are often split 50-50, most closing costs are negotiable.
6. Buyers fail to recognize the value of enhancing their equity position -- Buying a property below market value puts you in a much better equity position a few years down the road than buying it at or above market value.

If you have time to whine and complain about something then you have the time to do something about it.
-- Anthony J. D'Angelo

Cleaning Up Spills ... the Right Way

If you didn't look after the spill right away, it will likely become a stain. To remove it, pour club soda on the spot, wait a minute, and blot it dry with a clean, white towel. If that doesn't work, you may want to try a carpet stain remover product, though these seldom work any better than club soda.

For older stains, try this slightly acidic solution. Mix 2 tablespoons detergent with 3 tablespoons vinegar and one quart warm water. Spray the solution onto the stain until it's soaked, wait a minute, then blot dry. Absorb all the solution with clean, white towels (you may need more than one). Allow the area to dry thoroughly and vacuum.

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Democracy:  The state of affairs in which you consent to having your pocket picked, and elect the best man to do it. 
-- Benjamin Lichtenberg

Trivia Challenge

Question 1.) What is considered the first outline of a government for the English colonies?
a.) U.S. Constitution
b.) Proclamation of 1763
c.) Articles of Confederation
d.) Mayflower Compact

Question 2.) Which ice cream company offers the Grateful Dead flavor?
a.) Gandy's and Dryers
b.) Art and Simon
c.) Blue Bunny
d.) Ben and Jerry's

Question 3.) Which U.S. President was the first to have a female cabinet member?
a.) Franklin D. Roosevelt
b.) Herbert Hoover
c.) Jimmy Carter
d.) Dwight D. Eisenhower

Question 4.) What is America's oldest grocery store?
a.) A&P
b.) Kroger
c.) Piggly Wiggly
d.) Safeway

Question 5.) Who is generally considered the first political cartoonist, responsible for the Republican elephant and the Democratic donkey?
a.) Thomas Nast
b.) Paul Conrad
c.) Bernhard Gillam
d.) Herbert Block

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Never work before breakfast; if you have to work before breakfast, eat your breakfast first. 
-- Josh Billings

Still the Most Important Meal of the Day

• Eating a healthy breakfast provides your body the fuel necessary to function properly and helps set you up for balanced eating the rest of the day.
• Children and adults who eat breakfast are more likely to perform better in school and at work. A balanced breakfast can lead to better concentration and productivity.
• Skipping breakfast often leads to snacking and over-eating at lunchtime.
• A low-fat breakfast that features whole grains, fruits and other breakfast foods high in fiber may help you maintain desirable cholesterol levels and lower risks for a number of diseases, including heart disease and colorectal cancer. In addition, you'll feel fuller, more satisfied and have more energy.

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May Movie Releases

• May 2
  • Iron Man
  • Made of Honor
• May 9
  • Speed Racer
  • What Happens in Vegas
• May 16
  • The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
• May 22
  • Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Cyrstal Skull
• May 30
  • Sex and the City
  • The Strangers

Sonoran Shrimp Scampi

• 3 poblano chiles
• 1 pound medium shrimp -- shelled and deveined
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic -- finely chopped
• 2 red bell peppers --cored, seeded and thinly sliced
• 1 1/2 sun-dried tomatoes -- chopped or thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon lime zest
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 4 cups farfalle -- preferably whole wheat, cooked
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro -- chopped

1. Place chiles directly over the burners of a gas stove. Roast over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until skin is charred and chiles soften, 10 to 15 minutes. (To roast in oven, cover a large cookie sheet with foil. Place chiles on sheet and broil, turning occasionally, until skin is charred and chiles soften, 12 to 17 minutes.)
2. Remove from heat and cool. Remove peel and seeds. Slice thinly; set aside. Sprinkle shrimp with half the salt and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a large pan over high heat. Cook shrimp, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes. Add garlic; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in chiles, red peppers, tomatoes, zest and lime juice. Cook until liquid reduces by half and shrimp are no longer translucent, 1 to 2 minutes.
4. Add wine and reduce until slightly syrupy. Stir in pasta. Reduce heat to low and cover 1 minute. Top with cilantro and serve.

• Ethnik Blanc Vin de Pays du Mont Baudile 2006

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Like all great travelers, I have seen more than I remember, and remember more than I have seen.
-- Benjamin Disraeli

Easily Translate Text into Another Language

If you travel to countries that speak a different language than you, bookmark this valuable website on your computer or tag it on del.icio.us or some other social bookmarking site.

You can easily translate blocks of text or an entire web page into more than a dozen different languages. In addition, the program will translate the linked pages into the chosen language as well. This comes in very handy whether you're looking for a restaurant, directions to a museum or a handyman to fix your kitchen sink.The site is very simple to use -- and it's free.

Give it a try at: http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=eomqrmcab.0.0.nximoccab.0&ts=S0339&p=http%3A%2F%2Frobertmclaughlin.createsend.com%2Ft%2F1%2Fl%2Fpzty%2Fl%2Fbabelfish.altavista.com%2F

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

This eNewsletter contains information, facts and opinions from various individuals and organizations. This eNewsletter is provided on an "as-is" basis without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. I/We are not responsible for any errors or omissions. Consult with your doctor, fitness consultant, attorney, accountant, or other professional advisor when necessary. © 2008 eNewsletterSolutions.