FINALLY...a New Year!

Another year passing, a new one beginning. Everyone making plans for the next year, full of hope and promises for changes and a better life. A fresh start, especially in these troubled times.  Every day is a new chance, every sunrise a new start, every new year...a rebirth of hopes and dreams that we attempt to make our reality. It's never too late to make it happen. It may start anew January 1st or July 20th. Any day is as good as the next and hopefully better than the last.  Here's to taking advantage of another year to get you motivated to the next level of greatness...even if it's a baby step...we all learn to crawl before we learn to run. Take this New Year celebration to set a goal, put forth a plan, set it in motion. Making the decision that there's something more, something better, that you can and will make it happen is the first and most important step. Everything else will start to fall into place and let motivation and faith guide you the rest of the way. May this year be better than the last. May it be more prosperous and happier than all those passed. May every new year bring you hope and newer dreams of bigger and better things that are yet to come. May every new year leave you grateful for the last and looking forward to the next. Happy New Year From Nikki and Jessica...Team Black and Boo!!!!

Happy New Year!

We want to wish everyone a very happy, safe and prosperous New Year from Team Black and Boo!!!

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This Morning's Phone Call...

I normally wouldn't post things that are so personal but with the latest events that have happened, it shows that the children are concerned and that they have questions too. It also gives a little peak into how a child's mind works. I posted this on my personal Facebook page and the number of comments within minutes was staggering. Many people said that this brought them to tears...

 

Phone call this morning...

Matthew: Hi Mommy. Do I have to go to school?Me: Why Baby? What's wrong?Matthew: What if some bad guy comes to my school? Why would someone shoot kids Mommy?
Me: (Trying to convince myself of what I'm about to say) He was a sick man and we really don't know why he did what he did, but you're safe in your school Baby. You'll be fine and I'll talk to you as soon as you get home. Ok?Matthew: Remember when you said that there's a Heaven for kids.Me: Yes.Matthew: What's it like?Me: Well, I think it would have lots of happy kids running around and playing and they would have all of their favorite things with them. I also believe that they are all Angels and that they can see their families and let them know they're ok.Matthew: So...do all kids go to Heaven?Me: Yes Baby. All kids go to Heaven.A few moments of silence...
Matthew: But grown ups can't go to Kid Heaven? Me: I don't think so Buddy. I think it's just for children.
SilenceMe: Are you ok Matthew?Matthew: Yes. I'm going to school. I know that nothing can happen because I can't go to Heaven.Me: Why would you think you can't go to Heaven Buddy?Matthew: If all kids go to Heaven and they have their favorite things there, then I can't go to kid Heaven because you won't be there and my favorite thing is when we cuddle and I couldn't give you hugs and that's one of my favorite things too, so I am safe.
(Speechless!)

Matthew: Ok Mommy. Love you. Bye!

Thank you JetBlue!!!

JetBlue makes Special Delivery in time for Newton, CT. funerals!!!! 

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Remember the victims...

Sadly it takes such a tragedy to unify us. Morgan Freeman said it beautifully as he points towards the media for making wrong-doers into celebrities.  I am not going to get political, religious, or get on some form of soapbox rant.  I am simply asking to forget about the madman that created such a tragedy and do not celebritize him. Remember the victims and their families...including the survivors that are sure to have a long healing process ahead from this traumatic experience as well as the first responders that walked into such a horrific scene in hopes of being able to save even one of these poor souls. 

Sandy Hook Elementary Child Victims:

Daniel Barden, 9/25/2005
Olivia Engel, 7/18/2006
Josephine Gay, 12/11/2005
Ana M Marquez-Greene, 4/4/2006

Dylan Hockley, 3/8/2006
Madeleine F Hsu, 7/10/2006
Catherine V Hubbard, 6/8/2006
Chase Kowalski, 10/31/2005
Jesse Lewis, 6/30/2006
James Mattioli, 3/22/2006
Grace McDonnell, 11/4/2005
Emilie Parker, 5/12/2006
Jack Pinto, 5/6/2006
Noah Pozner, 11/20/2006
Caroline Previdi, 9/7/2006
Jessica Rekos, 5/10/2006
Avielle Richman, 10/17/2006
Benjamin Wheeler, 9/12/2006
Allison N Wyatt, 7/3/2006

Adults Sandy Hook Elementary Victims:
Rachel Davino, 7/17/1983
Dawn Hocksprung, 6/28/1965
Anne Marie Murphy, 7/25/1960
Lauren Russeau, 6/8/1982
March Sherlach, 2/11/1956
Victoria Soto, 11/04/1985

Nancy Lanza



My Home...I HOPE!!!!

SO....I am a REALTOR working with an amazing partner...together we unoffically call ourselves Team Black and Boo...(Jessica Black and Nicole Boo).  I am currently in the process of purchasing my own home. Adorable, small, 3 bedroom ranch in a great location...it's a perfect fit for restarting my life with just me and my little boy.  Needless to say, I am SUPER excited and crazy nervous...chewing at the bit awaiting the blessings from the Mortgage Company and the Underwritting Gods.  It's a reminder, although we do this job ...and we do this job well...being a client is still a completely different animal.  We forget how nerve racking the negotiations can be, although that is probably my favorite part of the entire real estate transaction, then again...maybe not so much when it's my wallet being tapped into and my son's future home on the line.  So as I wait to hear back that I will get a Clear To Close, I have a new appreciation for what the people I represent are feeling as we continue to move forward with our deals.  This will be my 3rd home purchase and it has been a great reminder...maybe even a swift knocking down of a peg or two...to be sympathetic to others concerns and no matter what the price tag is on the property, every transaction is equally as important in one way or another to every client. Whether it be the multi-million dollar lake front vacation home or the $100,000.00 primary residence/starter home, every Buyer is in the same boat and every transaction is just as much work. Keep your fingers crossed...we all know how easily deals can fall apart...

Slow Cooking for a Hectic Holiday Season

Slow Food
Relaxed Cooking for a Hectic Time of Year
By Kirk Leins

The term "Slow Food" refers to an eco-gastronomic movement that started in Italy in 1989. The primary goal of its founder, Carlo Petrini, was to undermine the popularity of fast food. Carlo and I may have the same agenda, but I'm going about it in a different way. Get ready to dust off your Crock-pots ladies and gentleman. It's time for some slow food.

The end of the year is always frenetic. We get a taste of this crazy pace around Halloween, followed by a slight reprieve during the first week or so in November. Our schedules ramp up again right before Thanksgiving, and by the time December hits...it's on!

I probably don't have to get into the particulars of your to-do lists because everyone reading these words knows just how busy their days and evenings are about to get. What I will say, however, is that many of us will undoubtedly sacrifice our nightly meal preparing in order to accommodate these demands. This is not good.

No matter if it's "fast food" or not, eating at restaurants several nights a week can reek havoc on both your waistline and wallet. The good news is it doesn't have to be this way. By using a slow cooker once or twice a week you can free up your schedule without sacrificing your home cooked meals.

A Little about Slow Cookers
Most of us have at least some experience with slow cookers. For those who don't here's a brief synopsis.

The slow cooker technology began when the Naxon Utilities Corporation of Chicago developed their Naxon Beanery All-Purpose Cooker. In 1970, Rival Industries purchased Naxon and reintroduced the product under the name Crock-Pot. The product name is now owned by Sunbeam Products, but slow cookers are currently being made by a variety of companies and are available almost everywhere.

The technology is fairly simple. A lidded cooking pot, usually made of glazed ceramic or porcelain, sits inside a housing that contains a thermostatically controlled electric heating element. This allows for any food placed inside the pot to cook at a low temperature for a long amount of time. The lid, usually made of glass, sits in a groove that collects vapor, creating a low-pressure seal and a consistent atmosphere inside the pot. That's it!

Slow cookers come in a range of shapes and sizes, as well as with some additional features on pricier models. The bottom line, however, is that most versions do a great job. When purchasing a slow cooker, I suggest beginning by figuring out the size that works best for you. The amount of people you generally cook for, as well as your available storage and counter space, will determine your decision. At that point, your best bet for finding the lowest price is to scour the Internet.

If you're wondering why you should be interested in a product that lengthens cooking time as opposed to shortening it, give me a moment to explain.

My first goal for this article was to come up with three slow cooker recipes that require little more than prepping a few ingredients and putting them into your slow cooker. That said, the 6 to 10 hours it takes to cook the upcoming recipes can be used to accomplish items on your holiday to do list without worrying about dinner. Your slow cooker is taking care of everything for you. All that's left to do is eat.

In addition, the recipes I'm putting forth yield a sizeable amount of food. This means there is the possibility of quality leftovers. I don't know about you, but when my schedule gets tight there's nothing like having a meal in the fridge that was prepared a day or so beforehand. I simply reheat the food, prepare a green salad, and a home cooked meal is on my table in minutes.

Lastly, most ingredients that do well when cooked low and slow have a tendency to be on the cheaper side. Less expensive ingredients, plus the ability to enjoy a meal over the course of a few nights, equals more money in your pocket. Include the fact that I have kept these meals on the healthier side and it's almost like you can't afford not to make them.

I hope you enjoy!

SLOW COOKER MEATLOAF (serves 4 to 6)

A super moist and incredibly tasty version of a traditional American meatloaf

• 2 lbs ground beef (20% fat)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 3/4 C whole milk
• 2/3 C breadcrumbs
• 1/2 onion, grated
• 1 celery stalk, chopped fine
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed or minced fine
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence
• 3 tsp Kosher salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

For the sauce:

• 1/2 C ketchup
• 2.5 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 tsp liquid smoke
• 1 garlic clove, crushed or minced fine

In a large bowl, thoroughly mix all of the meatloaf ingredients with your hands. Form the mixture into a loaf and place into the center of your slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours.

Mix together all of the ingredients for the sauce. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, spoon the sauce over the meatloaf and increase the temperature on your slow cooker to high.

Remove the meatloaf from the slow cooker and allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Cut into slices and serve along with the side dishes of your choice. Any leftovers can be turned into excellent meatloaf sandwiches.

SLOW COOKER CHICKEN CACCIATORE (serves 4 to 6)

An unbelievably easy version of the Italian classic comfort dish

• 2 lbs boneless/skinless chicken thighs
• 1 onion sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped fine
• 14-oz can chopped tomatoes in sauce (not juice)
• 6-oz can tomato paste
• 1 C low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 C dry white wine
• 2 tsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 2 tsp Kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Place all the ingredients except the chicken into the slow cooker and mix to combine. Add the chicken thighs, submerging them under the sauce. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. Taste sauce and re-season if necessary. If you desire a slightly sweeter sauce, feel free to add 1/2 teaspoon or so of sugar.

Serve on top of pasta or rice.

SLOW COOKER YANKEE POT ROAST (serves 4 to 6)

The epitome of a "one-pot meal"

• 2-2.5 lb chuck pot roast
• 1 onion sliced
• 3 large red potatoes, quartered
• 2 cups baby carrots
• 8 mushrooms, halved
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 3/4 C low-sodium beef broth
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Trim the excess fat from the roast and discard. Slice the meat into 1/2-inch thick slices and season both sides of every slice with salt and pepper.

Place the vegetables and herbs in the slow cooker and lay meat on top. Pour the broth over the meat. Cover and cook on low for 9 hours.

To serve family style, place the slices of meat on a serving tray and arrange the vegetables around it. Ladle a small amount of the broth over the meat and serve with horseradish, and a green salad on the side.

It's important to know that all of these slow cooker recipes are highly adaptable for your family's taste. Feel free to spice up these recipes anyway you'd like. In terms of the cooking times, each of these dishes will do just fine if they cook longer than the time allotted, giving you even more flexibility with your daily schedule. Who couldn't use that during a busy month?

Here's to slow food, slow cooking, and a happy holiday season!

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Great Staff!!!! Testimonial for Jessica of Black and Boo at Keller Williams... Click on this link to read about it!!!

PLEASE HELP FIND THIS MISSING GIRL!!!!


Click on the title to see info on this girl that went missing 10-25-12.  Please pass it out and help her family find her!!!!

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Better to Buy Used????

Do you have an aversion to buying second-hand items? Don't like the idea that someone else used them first? Well, get over it because you can save a lot by buying used rather than new.
Many pre-owned items can cost up to 50% to 75% less than the price you'd pay if you purchased them new. Often you can find "used" goods that have hardly even been used. And with some items, retailers or manufacturers refurbish and repackage them so that they're practically new again.

Here are 12 things that you should consider buying used because you often can find them in good or almost-new condition at a fraction of the price you would pay by buying them new.

Furniture. If you want to avoid the straight-out-of-the-furniture-showroom look or just don't have a lot of money to spend outfitting your abode, hit up estate sales, consignment stores, antique stores or even yard sales to find unique and affordable pieces. Craigslist.org is another good source of used furniture. For example, we found a china cabinet, dining table and six chairs for sale on the site for $475. A similar table and chairs was $1,199 at Macys.com and similar china cabinet was $1,499. Word of caution: Don't buy used mattresses (unless you want to risk getting bed bugs) and consider getting upholstered items professionally cleaned before bringing them into your home.

Designer jeans. A pair of designer jeans (brands such as True Religion, 7 For All Mankind, Paige, Joe's Jeans) typically cost $150 to $200. But you can find a gently worn pair at an upscale consignment store for a third of that price. Don't like the idea that someone else wore them? Well, there's a good chance at least one – maybe several – people tried on the "new" jeans you bought at the store. (And you probably didn't think to wash them before wearing them because you assumed they hadn't been worn.)

Tablets. The way to get a deal on pricey tablets is to buy refurbished models, which are tested to meet manufacturer specifications. For example, a new iPad2 with Wi-Fi, 3G and 16GB costs $529 new but only $399 refurbished. When buying refurbished, look for tablets with a warranty – one year is ideal, according to dealnews.com.

Swing sets. High-end, deluxe wooden swing sets can cost as much as several thousand dollars. But even simple models are at least $300, which can be a lot to pay for something your kids will quickly outgrow. That's why it's smart to buy used swing sets, which you can find for half the original price. Check your local paper's classifieds or Craigslist.org.

Books and college textbooks. You can pick up paperbacks at yard sales for $1 (or less) or find them at used bookstores or online at sites such as Amazon.com for a lot less than you'd pay if you bought them new. You also can cut the cost of college textbooks in half by buying used. Use sites such as BigWords.com, CampusBooks.com and AllBookstores.com to scan multiple online retailers to find the lowest-price. See How to Cut Your Textbook Costs in Half -- or More for more information.

Kids' bicycles. No need to spend a lot of money on a bike that your child will quickly outgrow. You likely can find a used one with little wear and tear (because the previous owner outgrew it quickly) at a fraction of the cost of a new bike.

Video games. If your kids (or you) aren't intent on buying the latest, greatest video games at the time of their release, you can spend half as much buying games used rather than new. Among the retailers that sell pre-owned video games are Amazon.com, Best Buy, GameStop and Walmart.

Lawn equipment. Mowers, trimmers, pressure washers and other outdoor equipment are good things to buy used because you can easily see what sort of condition they're in. If the equipment is clean and the parts are barely worn, you know it's been gently used.

Power tools. Sometimes people buy tools to complete a project, then never use them again – and unload them at great prices. So no need to pay full price for a tool that you can buy gently used for a lot less. You can find reconditioned tools at Amazon.com, or search Craigslist.org or the classifieds for like-new tools.

Baby gear. The cost of all the gear parents often buy when having a baby -- such as a crib, bassinet, stroller and high-chair -- can add up quickly. But there's no need to spend a lot buying these items new when you can find them in mint condition at consignment sales or online auctions for a lot less. Don't buy used car seats, though, because they might have been involved in an accident, their safety features might have been compromised or they might have been recalled.

Baby, toddler and kid clothing. Because kids -- especially babies -- grow out of clothing so quickly, it doesn't make sense to spend a lot on their apparel. You can find name-brand children's clothing in good condition for just a few bucks per item at upscale consignment stores, which are selective about the items they accept.

Exercise equipment. Plenty of people have every intention of starting an exercise regimen when they purchase treadmills or elliptical machines, but many times this pricey equipment just gathers dust. That's why it's often easy to find used exercise equipment in great condition at great prices -- and you don't have to feel so guilty if you don't end up using it as much as you anticipated. For example, we found many name-brand treadmills and elliptical trainers listed for $300 or less on the Washington, D.C., Craigslist.

It's Official!!!!

Welcome to Our Hawley Office!!!

Petunia loves the new Hawley Office

Fresh Ideas for this Holiday Season!

Deck the Halls with Fresh Ideas
Easy and Unique Holiday Decor

Are you tired of reusing the same holiday decorations year after year? Are you on the prowl for new and unique ideas that won't break your budget? Here's an impressive list of fun and unusual decorating ideas that are both easy to pull off and guaranteed to add a little something extra to your holiday memories.

Jar to the World
Oversize apothecary jars come in all shapes and sizes. In fact, any clear glass vessel is perfect for displaying collections of eye-catching baubles. For a colorful display–and no electricity required–fill one with old-fashioned incandescent light bulbs. Try another with spools of holiday ribbon and peppermint sticks, tree ornaments, or even cranberries topped with fresh daisies. Jars with lids can even be topped with artificial snow for a cool effect. If it's Hanukkah you're celebrating, fill a jar with inexpensive dreidels sprayed with metallic paint that will reflect light from the menorah, and top the jar with white hydrangea.

Wreath Remix
Nothing welcomes guests into your home quite like a holiday wreath and adding your personal touch couldn't be easier. Make five or six small bunches of boxwood clippings by wrapping green florist's wire around the ends, then overlap them around a circular wreath base with more wire. Visit CountryLiving.com for more detailed instructions. Add a uniquely memorable scent by accenting with smaller bunches of favorite herbs. For a bold approach, try only herbs–oregano, sage, bay leaves, and rosemary will create a delightfully aromatic entrance. For colorful accents add tallow berries, rose hips, pepper berries, sweet gum seedpods, poppy seedpods, love-in-a-mist pods, or dried celosia.

Gelt Garland
For Hanukkah, create a sensational display on your mantel with plastic coins and ribbon. Measure the width of your mantel with the ribbon, allowing extra slack so it hangs loosely in a few tiered layers (four looks about right). Then glue two coins back to back onto each ribbon 3 or 4 inches apart. Tie the ends of the ribbon together and fasten to each side of the mantel with thumbtacks.

Merry Thesaurus!
If your Scrabble® game is collecting dust in the closet, you can use the trays and tiles to spell out your holiday greetings, or use them as place cards for a holiday gathering. Paint the trays in festive colors to give some pop to the tiles. If you don't want to chance ruining your set, Amazon.com sells replacement tiles and trays you can use exclusively for decorating.

Odds, Ends, and Pineapple Stems
Dress up inexpensive store-bought stockings by adding beads, ribbon trimmings, rickrack, even strings of berries. Lit candles put even the biggest Scrooge in a holiday mood. Add garlands of tree clippings around entire doorways to welcome guests to your dining experience. Place a pineapple on the mantle recalling an early-American tradition symbolizing hospitality. Glass vases filled with artificial snow make a great centerpiece. If you have too little room on the dining table, however, here's an idea for the brave: Suspend a bare tree-branch from the ceiling above the table using eye hooks and fishing wire, then hang ornaments of various shapes and sizes from the branch.

Nearly all these ideas can be accomplished inexpensively with a trip to your local craft or discount home goods store. But keep your eyes peeled and ask around, you're sure to come up with even better ideas of your own!

Try Social Networking Via Facebook

Networking is and always has been one of the very best ways for real estate agents to grow their business. Going to a mixer or local networking event in your area is always a great reason to dust off the business cards and work on your elevator pitch. But how about instead of attending an event, you create one?

With social media, it is easier than ever to create your own event. As you work on your 2013 business plans, one thing to think about is, ‘how many times am I going to get face to face with potential clients?’ Social media is the great facilitator for this.

Here are 7 keys to creating and promoting events on Facebook:

1. Set up an event on Facebook. If you have a business page, set up your event there (not through your personal profile.) . This does two things – it tells people about your event and it also promotes your business page because you are driving traffic to your page!
2. Include all the details on the event page. Make sure to include a link to purchase tickets (if applicable) and all the details – time, place, refreshments and more.
3. Promote your event. Tweet that link out, email it out to your sphere, promote it from your personal Facebook profile, and more! Also make sure you invite people to the event using the “invite your friends” tab on the event page. Make sure you only invite people locally who could attend (not your entire friend list!)
4. Create an ad. Because you created a Facebook event, you can also purchase ads around that event. For a minimal amount of money ($10 a day) you can create ads on Facebook to drive eyeballs to your event tab. Try running a 7 day ad.
5. Post event updates on the wall of your event page. Post updates as the event gets near. Everyone who has RSVP’d for the event on Facebook will get a notification when you post. It also will show up in the Ticker on the right side of Facebook.
6. Send an email update. Facebook allows you to send an email update to all attendees of the event – this is a great thing to do a day or two before with any last minute reminders.
7. After the event post photos. Post photos to your  Facebook business page and then post to the wall of the event that photos are on your page. Encourage people to tag themselves in your photos! Make sure in your admin settings on your business page that you allow tagging.

Meet the Team!!!

This is US out and about!! We are Partners and Friends and looking to make a Big Splash here at the Lake!  We have made our big move to Keller Williams in Hawley, getting settled in and taking the market by storm! Let our enthusiasm, ambition and knowledge work for you! Team Black and Boo!! (Nicole Boo - left, Jessica Black - right)

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Click on this link to see what Warren Buffet has to say and why now is the time to buy!!!!     Buy Real Estate Now!!! 

If the latest move by the Oracle of Omaha is any indication, the housing market is back and ripe for profit.

Warren Buffett said Tuesday that his Minneapolis-based HomeServices of America has bought a stake in two real estate brokerage networks. As part of the deal, he intends to launch his own branded brokerage franchise.

HomeServices, part of Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway business empire, has acquired a majority interest in the Prudential and Real Living brokerages in a joint venture with the Toronto private equity firm Brookfield Asset Management.

The new company creates a real estate mega-franchise that will be known as Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. Based in Irvine, Calif., the brand is expected to show up on storefronts and lawn signs in the third quarter of 2013. Terms were not disclosed.

HomeServices is the nation's second-largest real estate brokerage company and the parent of Edina Realty and 25 other brokerages.

The new franchise is "built upon the financial strength and leadership of Brookfield and HomeServices," said Buffett, chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, in a statement. "I am confident that these partners will deliver value to the residential real estate industry, and I am pleased to have Berkshire Hathaway be part of the new brand."

Steve Murray, editor of Real Trends, a Colorado-based real estate consulting and communications company, said the move won't fundamentally change the way business is done or the way services are delivered. But in the fragmented real estate market, it creates "another big player with lots of capital that wants to grow its footprint."

"Much like Berkshire Hathaway has bought into certain industries in the past, which signaled their faith in that business and the future of the economy, this is Berkshire doubling down its wager in housing," he said.

HomeServices of America is an umbrella company for 26 realty firms in 21 states. It offers consumers a full range of services when buying property and also has a joint venture with Wells Fargo. The company's 16,000 agents had $32 billion in residential real estate sales in 2011.

Brookfield: $72B in Sales 

HomeServices became part of Buffett's conglomerate in 1998, after being purchased by MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co., a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway.

Brookfield manages $150 billion in assets worldwide and is co-listed on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges. It also operates global real estate and relocation services. Its Prudential and Real Living franchises have more than 53,000 agents, and generated $72 billion in sales last year.

The Prudential and Real Living names will remain for now, though the franchises and agents are expected to get rolled into the new Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices banner as contracts expire.

Brokerages such as Edina Realty and others in the existing HomeServices network won't be forced into the network but can add a line to their branding that identifies them as a Berkshire Hathaway company.

Marshall Saunders, broker-owner of Re/Max Results in Minneapolis, said the move came as no surprise. HomeServices has been making moves to become a national real estate company for some time, buying up midsized brokerages around the country. It recently pulled out of national websites Realtor.com, Trulia and Zillow.

"It's very anti-consumer and extremely anti-agent," said Saunders, who operates 24 offices with 700 agents in the Twin Cities, St. Cloud and Rochester.

It harkens back to the 1970s, Saunders said, before the launch of the Multiple Listing Service where agents pooled information to help buyers and sellers find each other.

But Ron Peltier, the CEO of HomeServices who ran Edina Realty for two decades, said it can be an "Achilles' heel" to have just local brands vs. a national brand, and that sites such as Trulia and Zillow are aggregators that "are not in the real estate business whatsoever."

The new company will be "creating a global brand and creating a destination site that actually is a site that customers and clients recognize and value when looking for real estate anywhere in the country and anywhere in the world," he said.

Distributed by MCT Information Services

Help your children be homeowners

Owning a home is not only the American Dream, it is considered the strategic piece of a personal financial portfolio. According to the Federal Reserve Bank VIP Forum, people who own homes have greater net worth than those who rent.

As they grow older, kids often assume they will own a home without giving it much consideration. Sometimes they imagine they will own a home just like Mom and Dad's, not realizing it took their parents many years of hard work and financial discipline to become homeowners.
Homeownership requires discipline, effort, commitment, responsibility, and accountability, and yet our educational system does not always provide our children with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the process, much less lay the groundwork in advance so they are mortgage-ready when the time comes. This begs the question: What can we, as parents, do to help our kids avoid some of our own mistakes and prepare them for the largest financial transaction in their adult life?
The Latin derivative of the word "education" means "to bring forth from within," which is predicated on the idea that we all have it within us to learn and grow. But where do we start helping our children learn and grow in the area of homeownership? What exactly do our children need to know now, especially as teenagers and college students, so they'll be prepared and financially-able when they want to buy a home?
The following suggestions will help you start a dialogue with your children, and provide them with the tools they need to get a jump-start on the path to "mortgage-readiness."

1. Think about the timing. Tell your children to really be sure about when they want to own a home, and then advise them to work toward it. If they're not intentional about getting there someday, they won't. Simple as that.
   
   
2. Get a job. Tell your children to consider getting a job during school, even a part-time job. They will need money to buy a house, but they also need a steady employment history, so they should start building up their resume as soon as possible. This will also be helpful when the time comes to secure a permanent position in their field of study. FHA loans, in many circumstances, will accept a college transcript as a component of employment history. However, your children will need the "ability to repay" which comes from steady fulltime employment.
   
   
3. Create a budget. And stick to it! Explain that their budget should be detailed enough to account for all the income and outflow each month...even the Friday night date or pizza night with friends. Also, remind them to be careful with the debit card and don't forget to record the entries into their log. The challenge with using a debit card is that we feel good since we are paying with "cash." However the convenience of the plastic cash leads to temptation to spend money you might not otherwise spend. Last, tell them to include an emergency cash fund in their budget for unforeseen expenses. Many people fail to do this and it is a great practice to begin early in adult life. The key here is for your children to be conscious of their spending.
   
   
4. Build up your credit score. Suggest that your child get a credit card or two, but no more than that, and stick to a Visa or Mastercard. Also suggest that they avoid department store cards as they can be hazardous! They often carry higher interest rates and tempt people to buy things they don't really need. Your children should routinely charge small transactions on their Visa or Mastercard to keep the account reporting as "active." However, stress to them the importance of paying off the balance monthly when possible, and being cautious in carrying a balance over an extended period of time. Other advice to pass on: Strive to keep your balances below 18% of the credit limit at all times. Maintain tight control over your spending and your accounts. When you make your payments, be sure they are on time as a late payment can hurt you. Ignoring your financial obligations will always get you into trouble and will lower your credit score. The purpose of the cards is not to build up debt–that's the opposite of what you want. Your goal is to create a history that will indicate to creditors your degree of responsibility in managing your debt. Responsible use of the cards over time will provide you with a healthy credit score, which is critical if you plan to purchase a home.
   
   
5. Minimize student loan borrowing, if possible. If it is necessary for your children to obtain student loans for their education, borrow the smallest amount you can get by with. Paying back student loans can help build their credit as well, but the monthly payments (which are initially deferred) will come due when they graduate. The monthly payments will be calculated as liabilities when qualifying for a mortgage, which will reduce their purchasing power. Also, remind your children not to use their loan money to buy a laptop, new phone, or pizza. They should keep themselves financially lightweight.
   
   
6. Learn about home finance and real estate. Obtaining a mortgage and purchasing a home are not simple things and can be emotional and stressful. There's a lot to learn and many questions will arise, such as: What is involved in qualifying for a mortgage? What kind of down payment is required? What other money is needed for the transaction? How long should I keep the house before I sell it? Are property values increasing or decreasing in my area? Tell your children to learn about the process and the lingo. You could even suggest they talk to your mortgage professional to learn some great things they can do now so they're in a good position when they are ready to buy a home. You could even work with your children to stay up-to-date on the industry, and consider reading a book or two on the subject together. It will help them immensely down the road.
   
   
7. Learn basic maintenance. One of the costs associated with homeownership is maintenance. Keeping a home well maintained is vital to keeping expenses down in the long term and will make it easier to sell later. Help your children learn how to make minor home repairs, which will save them a hefty amount of money as a homeowner.

And last but not least...tell your children to save, save, save! Whether they buy used books, drive an older car, or skip spring break, they should save a percentage of what they earn (for instance, save one out of every three dollars). Also, be sure to model that savings behavior for your children, as kids often mimic what they see rather than just do what they're told.

A great guideline for saving can be found in one of the greatest financial books of all time, The Richest Man in Babylon. Author George S. Clason says, "Gold cometh gladly and in increasing quantity to any man who will put by not less than one-tenth of his earnings to create an estate for his future and that of his family." This timeless classic reminds us to pay ourselves first and sock away ten percent of our earnings for the future.

The bottom line is that the American Dream is still alive and well. There is no secret recipe. It's a matter of spending and saving wisely and learning the necessary steps to mortgage readiness. If you have any questions about your personal situation, contact the professional who supplied you with this month's issue of YOU Magazine. Take the first step now to set your children on the path to home ownership.

Elizabeth Rose is a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist and self-proclaimed economic enthusiast. As a national speaker, she provides training and mentoring to mortgage professionals across the U.S.

Are you paying too much for your cell phone bills?

Americans waste an average of nearly $350 a year on wireless service, according to BillShrink, a service that compares rates for phone plans, among other products. Most of the excess spending comes from overestimating how many voice minutes and text messages they need and underestimating how much data usage their plans should cover. It doesn't help that plans from the major wireless carriers make it difficult to balance voice, text and data offerings to get the best price.

As the big carriers grapple with rapid changes in phone technology and competition from Skype and other Internet calling services, their service plans are becoming more and more complex – leaving consumers with a maze of prices and services to navigate. Plus, wireless providers have designed a golden-handcuffs business model that dangles an inexpensive or free phone in exchange for committing to a two-year contract. Breaking that contract means you're on the hook for a prorated fee that can be as high as $350. And to entice you to stay, your carrier is likely to nudge you to upgrade to a slick new gadget just as your contract is about to expire.

When it's time to renew your wireless contract, think twice about your options before you sign on the dotted line. These FAQs will help you figure out whether you'll benefit from switching to a no-contract plan.

How do I know a no-contract plan is best for me? It may not be. If you prefer a wide range of services and you like choosing among a variety of phones at low or no cost, a contract with a major carrier is still the best option. And contract-based service may be the most economical if you want to add multiple lines with a family plan. But if you can live without some phone choices and fewer perks – for example, some plans don't offer the fastest network speeds or the best coverage – a prepaid plan could be a winner. Study your current plan to get a sense of the services you use. A tool at BillShrink.com analyzes usage information from your plan and suggests plans that may be a better fit at a better price. The information at MyRatePlan.com can also help you make a choice.

Aren't no-contract plans prepaid? Many are. That means they may charge a flat amount upfront for a month's worth of service, or charge by the day or by the minute, deducting from a preset balance of cash or minutes. They're often a good choice if you tend to use your phone only for emergencies or you are trying to budget phone use for, say, a child. But some carriers have introduced contract-free "post-paid" plans, which bill you every month. These plans offer many of the benefits of contract-based plans, such as 4G network speeds and wide phone selection, and lower monthly charges than contract-based plans, says Schwark Satyavolu, chief executive of BillShrink.

Is there a downside to a no-contract plan? The lack of commitment you enjoy with a contract-free plan also works in a carrier's favor: It can boost rates and change terms anytime. And if you have a prepaid plan and fail to reload your account by the expiration date or a specified time thereafter, you may risk losing your phone number. Also, some plans have extra fees, such as activation charges or daily access charges. And sometimes the phone rebates associated with no-contract programs require you to maintain service for a certain amount of time.

Do I have to wait until the end of my contract to switch? No. Most carriers now charge a prorated fee when you exit a contract early rather than impose the full fee. If you're tethered to a contract, an early-termination fee could be worth the cost if you'd save a lot by switching to a new plan. If you're waiting out your contract's term and want to trim costs, study your most recent bill for each fee, or call your carrier and ask for a breakdown of the expenses line by line. Usually, you're obligated to keep only core services, such as voice, text and data plans. You can drop anything else, such as insurance or a carrier's proprietary navigation application.

Do I have to pay a lot for a phone with a no-contract plan? You'll pay more for a phone than you would if you were signing a contract. Contract plans offer significant discounts on phones because carriers subsidize the phones' costs to draw customers. The Android-powered LG Optimus S, for instance, was recently $20 from Sprint if you ordered it online and agreed to a two-year contract; the nearly identical LG Optimus V from prepaid service Virgin Mobile had a $200 price tag. But over several months you could pay that cost difference many times over on your service bill if you have a contract.

For a price, you can find the latest, greatest technology with no-contract plans. Several services offer Android and BlackBerry phone models. And you could buy an iPhone from AT&T or Verizon and use it with a no-contract plan, but you'd pay $650 for a 16GB iPhone 4, versus $200 if you signed a two-year contract.

Will I be able to surf the Web? Wireless carriers are still figuring out how to structure and price data services, which allow customers to surf the Web and send e-mail on their phones. Some no-contract plans offer unlimited Web surfing and e-mail in all-in-one plans – voice, text and data – that cost $40 to $80, and that could save you money. For example, AT&T has moved to a tiered pricing system, which charges customers based on the amount of data they download. If you have, say, an iPhone with AT&T, you'll pay $15 a month for 200 megabytes of data usage, $25 a month for 2 gigabytes and $45 monthly for 4GB. Verizon Wireless is rolling out a tiered data plan, effective July 7. New customers with smart phones pay monthly prices of $30 for 2GB of data, $50 for 5GB and $80 for 10GB.

Is the service and reception as good with no-contract plans? That depends. Some no-contract carriers are owned by the wireless giants and operate on their networks. Sprint, for example, owns Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile. Others, such as MetroPCS, use separate, smaller networks that may have spotty coverage in some areas and charge extra for roaming.

How do I make the switch? Most carriers will allow you to keep your existing phone number when you move to a new service. And they're required to port a phone number for anyone who stays within a general metropolitan area. Contact your current carrier to ask how best to schedule the move, but don't cancel your service yet.

Make the transfer when you're least likely to need your phone – you won't have service for a few hours, and possibly a day or more. Once you're set up with the new carrier, call the former one to confirm that you're canceling service.

Reprinted with permission. All Contents ©2011 The Kiplinger Washington Editors. www.kiplinger.com.

Good Morning!

Getting ready for yet another fun filled day here at the foggy lake!!! LOL! The haze looks like something out of a Stephen King novel. Excited to see what adventures lay ahead...stay tuned...

Samsung makes a great TV...but not a great phone!

Heads up!!! Samsung phones continuously sync and redowload your emails...so if you have a lot of them in your inbox, you will eat up your data every time you check your email from your phone. 

New House!

The Christmas and Holiday parties are officially starting!!! Maybe next year you'll all come to my place!!!! LOL!!! This Realtor has come to an agreed upon purchase price for her own personal residence!!! Working on financing and looking forward to many holidays in my new home with my little boy!!! Fingers crossed!