Diane's Blog

Thank you Men and Women of Our Military

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:54:05 -0600

Via Kevin Cavanaugh Associate Broker, ABR (Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate - Rand Realty):

This was taken this year in August to honor the 812 Military Police returning from Iraq. The parade was held in Tappan, NY in Rockland County. It was quite a nice time and also very moving during the ceremony. It makes you really appreciate what these men and women are asked to do. Have a great day everyone.

FOR ALL YOUR ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY REAL ESTATE NEEDS, CONTACT ME AT KEVINCAVANAUGHONLINE.COM

The DC Memorials To Veterans

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:47:32 -0600

Via Richard Iarossi, Crofton MD Real Estate, Annapolis MD Real Estate (Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.):

Living in suburban Maryland, I'm only a short trip to Washington DC and the many memorials to our Veterans of all wars. I'm not able to go down there today but I've been there many times in the past. Here are a few photos from the past years visits.

The military remembers it's own at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetary. Dedicated to those soldiers who's remains couldn't be identified. Known only to God.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is guarded 24/7/365 by one of their own. The Changing of the Guard Ceremony at the Tomb is meticulous in its execution, and compelling in its meaning.

With a precision only the military can achieve, the gravesites can be seen in any direction. Together forever.

It took far too long for the country to honor those veterans from WWII with their own Memorial. Many of the veterans never got the chance to see how the country chose to honor their huge accomplishment to humanity. Every day you can see the last of the generation sitting on stone benchs with their memories.

Too bad the "War To End All Wars," didn't.

The Memorial consists of two large, identical, pavillions. One dedicated to the war in the Atlantic, and the mirror image to the war in the Pacific. Smaller memorials dedicated to each State and Territory who sent their own to fight for freedom.

The wall of stars in front of a small reflecting pool. I was told by a park employee that each star represents 100 Americans who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. There are 4,000 stars on the wall. Far too many.

Korea, the forgotten war. Statues of soldiers on patrol, thousands of miles from home. Its seems like that's always the case.

Large numbers that many of us have forgotten.

No truer words were ever written, especially on Veterans Day.

Reflecting wall with the ghostly images of veterans of the Korean War.

There is no more compelling Memorial than the Vietnam Memorial. The start black granite, with the names of soldiers who never returned can't adequately be described. When you experience it, you will never be the same.

The reflections of the crowd on this day was a very surreal effect. The mixing of the reflections of the living with the names of the dead.

Nothing needs to be said here.

The contribution of the nurses who served in Vietnam can never be diminished.

These pictures belong to the nation and you're free to use them with the respect that they deserve.

Wordless Wednesday ......nothing else needs said....or does it?

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:43:01 -0600

Via Zane Coffin (Geneva Ohio Real Estate Agent) (Century-21 Homestar):

Do I really have to say anything more?...Yes one thing...THANK YOU

We Salute the Veterans!!!! Thank YOU!!!!!

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:20:32 -0600

Via Scott Larson SRES (Towne Square Realty):

On Wednesday we remember our brave serviceman, "Veterans Day"

I would like to extend a personal Thank You to all the men and women who serve and have served in the United States Armed Forces. Your service, dedication, and sacrifice are greatly appreciated, for we know that freedom isn't free. Also I extend a special note of sympathy to the families of Fort Hood. May God uphold you and comfort you in your time of grief.

From Scott Larson of Towne Square Realty in Monroe, Wisconsin

“Your Realtor of the Region”

E- Mail scott@greencountyhomeguide.com

On the web at greencountyhomeguide.com

I think you will be surprised how affordable the Dairyland is,

so come to my land of cows and plows and visit for a day, but stay for a lifetime

608-2124-9844 Direct

Moose Monday... A little closer this time....

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:52:22 -0600

Via Debra Leisek (Broker Bay Realty Homer Alaska):

It is snowing again... our winter has arrived and there is no turning back... it is snowing right now... but Winter in Alaska is beautiful ... and with the snow comes the snow machines and the cross country skiing and the dark winter nights with stars and northern lights... it is peaceful in the winter... there are plenty of things to do in the winter... and with the snow we get more and more guests thru the yard.... Peacefully grazing all the way......I don't need a zoom lens today!

When You Need results Bay Realty Works

Remembering a true hero.... RIP

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:39:41 -0600

Freeman

You're a 19 year old kid.

You're critically wounded and dying in the jungle in the Ia Drang Valley.

November 11, 1965.

LZ X-ray , Vietnam ...

Your infantry unit is outnumbered 8-1 and the enemy fire is so intense, from 100 or 200 yards away,

that your own Infantry Commander has ordered the MediVac helicopters to stop coming in.

You're lying there, listening to the enemy machine guns and you know you're not getting out.

Your family is 1/2 way around the world, 12,000 miles away, and you'll never see them again.

As the world starts to fade in and out, you know this is the day.

Then - over the machine gun noise - you faintly hear that sound of a helicopter.

You look up to see an unarmed Huey. But ... it doesn't seem real because no Medi-Vac markings are on it.

Ed Freeman is coming for you.

He's not Medi-Vac so it's not his job, but he's flying his Huey down into the machine gun fire anyway.

Even after the Medi-Vacs were ordered not to come.

He's coming anyway.

And he drops it in and sits there in the machine gun fire, as they load 2 or 3 of you on board.

Then he flies you up and out through the gunfire to the doctors and nurses.

And, he kept coming back!! 13 more times!!

He took about 30 of you and your buddies out who would never have gotten out.

Medal of Honor Recipient, Ed Freeman, died last Wednesday at the age of 80, in Bo ise , Idaho .

May God Rest His Soul.

I bet you didn't hear about this hero's passing, but we've sure seen a whole bunch

about Michael Jackson. . ..

Silent Saturday - I Love This Sign!

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:02:16 -0600

Too Funny must share....

Via Souza Realty - California (Lots & Land, Custom Construction):

Silent Saturday - I Love This Sign!

I took this photo at El Sol Winery in Livermore Wine Country, CA:

*****************************************

"We Dream. We Design. We Build."

Bob Souza & Leilani Souza, CRS, e-PRO, TRC

Copyright © 2009 Souza Realty | All Rights Reserved | CA DRE Lic. #01262541

Keeping Healthy

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:22:37 -0600

This is a time of year when people are preparing for the cold and FLu season, getting their shots of the maybe strain that might occur or this year the swine flu. I have been doing something to prevent colds and increase my immunity and overall health for the past 3 months and I have never felt better. I use a system of natural herbs and supplements that have increased my energy levels, decreased my stress levels and have regulated my system as well as detox my system. I feel great. I just had my yearly physical and my doctor asked what I was doing different because all of my labs came back much better than usual and I showed her what I'm doing, her response was keep doing it. I use Qivana Stabilze, Vitalize and Optimize... And soon Defense. I feel great. If you want to learn more about these products , ( less costly than the vitamins I used to take) check out this website and get more information at www.myqivana.com/daley I'm not worried about the flu this year... I feel great!

Todays Topic: Be Careful of what you wish...we have it but you may not want it.

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:41:12 -0600

Via Steve Loynd, Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., Loon Mt, NH.:

I want property with no neighbors and a great view...I don't mind if it rural I just want some privacy!!

                        O.K. how's this spot?

At the pointer of the three arrows above you can barely make out this home in Campton New Hampshire.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

We are looking for 100+ acres, Water-frontage, and views of the mountains and ski slopes...and would prefer if it abutted conservation land as well.

This 114 acre property is beautiful has spectacular views and will require a bridge to be built to gain access - a small bridge for a single home will do but if developed a bridge large enough for a firetruck will be required.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

We are looking for a rustic camp...post and beam possibly, it doesn't have to be on a lot of land but it has to be close to town services, closing to recreation and have a fantastic view.

1966 post and beam...built into a hill side no yard 0.60 acre site walk to town, 3 miles from ski resort...needs work...dirt roads and rustic: asking price 1/2 million dollars....But this is the view from the living room.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

My Mother Used to say…if you could have it all where would you put it? Please share your be careful for what you wish for listings.

                                                                                                                                 Steve Loynd-Your-White Mountain New Hampshire real Estate Expert

   steve@alpinelakes.com toll free 800-926-5653 /cell 603-381-7898

    MLS search and Realtor web site: www.alpinelakes.com

    My outside Blog: www.steveswhitemountainblog.com

   Lincoln NH & Local interest site: www.localism.com/nh/lincoln

Active Rain PhotoBlogger - Sharpen Your Photos for Your Blog

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:41:12 -0600

Via Debi Boucher - Memories DVDs Slideshows "Real Estate Showcase"/ Photographer (Memories DVDs "Bring your Photos to Life!"):

Sharpening Photos Makes a Difference!

Digital cameras, whether it is a point and shoot, or a DSLR produce inherently 'soft' photos. Sharpening your photos can make a big difference.

When we use a resizing program to make our photos smaller for our blogs, the problem of 'softness' increases.

Here are a couple examples - notice how much more detail is visible:

Unsharpened Photoshop High Pass Filter at 2.0

Unsharpened

The photo below was sharpened using FocusFixer V2 at 1.7, threshold at 60%. Look at the difference in this wolf's eyes.

Just about any photo editing program will offer a sharpening tool. And there are many ways to do it - ask 10 people what method they use, and you might expect to get 10 different answers! How much sharpening to use, and which sharpening tool to use, are all a matter of taste. I really like FocusFixer.

If you have a favorite sharpening method or software, would you share it with us?

For a tutorial on using the high pass filter in Photoshop- click here

Then, make an action for it so it can be done in seconds anytime you need it!

'Soft', dreamy shots can be fun too. Just depends on the effect you want :)

DBoucher Photography

Nature and Wildlife Photography Notecards

Real Estate Showcase Slideshows

Position yourself above your competition - Utilize a "Real Estate Showcase" Slideshow as a listing tool. Post it on your own website - Realtor Showcase Members can upload it to Realtor.com - Post it on your blog to showcase your listings.

"Real Estate Showcase" Slideshow and Web Presentations, more captivating than a virtual tour!

Photos taken by Debi Boucher, DBoucher Photography, all rights reserved, may not be reproduced without express written permission.

Motivational Monday - "Journey"

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:39:28 -0600

Via Steve Hoffacker - Real Estate Sales & Marketing Consulting and Strategies (Hoffacker Associates LLC):

The journey to the top of the mountain begins from where we are. Sometimes the path is well-marked at the beginning. Sometimes it is less clear and we have to forge our own way.

───

For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. You can also listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings.

© Steve Hoffacker, 2009. All Rights Reserved.

Photography displayed is original composition and artistic expression of Steve Hoffacker, and as such is copyrighted. Photos are in their original digital image state and have not been cropped, edited, or enhanced in anyway.

Wordless Wednesday - Cultus Lake, B.C. - Autumn Rays

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:53:26 -0500

Via Liz Moras ~ Realtor, Landmark Realty Chilliwack (Hope, Abbotsford, Langley & the Fraser Valley):

Interested in Properties for Sale in Cultus Lake?

Also see: Beautiful Cultus Lake - A Perfect Family Getaway - Chilliwack, B.C.





If you or someone you know is thinking of Buying or Selling property in Cultus Lake, Chilliwack, Hope, Abbotsford, Langley or anywhere in the Fraser Valley Area of B.C. - or if you would like more information please give Liz  Moras of Landmark Realty Chilliwack a call at- 604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@gmail.com.

Copyright © 2009 By Liz Moras, All Rights Reserved. All photos by Liz Moras ( except the one's I'm in!). All information provided by this author is only an opinion, it is not guaranteed, may be based on information collected from several sources, and may be time sensitive. It is not necessarily representative of the opinions of Landmark Realty Chwk. Ltd..

For The Dog Lover In All Of Us

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:50:16 -0500

Via Gary Woltal - Associate Broker REALTOR® Dallas Ft. Worth (Keller Williams Realty):

New Dog Breeds

The following breeds are now recognized by the AKC:

Collie + Lhasa Apso = Collapso, a dog that folds up easy for transporting

Spitz + Chow Chow = Spitz-Chow, a dog that throws up alot

Pointer + Setter = Poinsetter, a traditional Christmas pet

Great Pyrenees + Dachshund = Pyradachs, a puzzling breed

Pekingnese + Lhasa Apso = Peekasso, an abstract dog

Irish Water Spaniel + English Springer Spaniel = Irish Springer, a dog fresh and clean as a whistle

Newfoundland + Basset Hound = Newfound Asset Hound, a dog for financial advisors

Terrier + Bulldog = Terribull, a dog that makes awful mistakes

Bloodhound + Labrador = Blabador, not a popular dog with CIA agents

Malamute + Pointer = Moot Point, owned by... oh, well, it doesn't matter anyway

Collie + Malamute = Commute, a dog that travels to work

Deerhound + Terrier = Derriere, a dog that's true to the end

Photos of Mossy boulders and Water Falls / the White Mountains NH...

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:48:44 -0500

Via Steve Loynd, Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., Loon Mt, NH.:

Please enjoy the photos Taken today on my hike in the Woods...Caution It's time to wear hunter orange if you're out in the Woods. Today's photos focus of Moss and waterfalls. Woodstock New Hampshire.

This section of Glover Brook Stays in the shade throughout the year, and the moss is everywhere...one of my favorite hikes when a have an hour to run off in to the woods...all shots with in a mile of my home.

    I hope you enjoyed seeing them as much as I enjoyed taking them...More to come.

                                                                                                                      Steve Loynd, White Mountain New Hampshire real Estate Expert

   steve@alpinelakes.com toll free 800-926-5653 /cell 603-381-7898

    MLS search and Realtor web site: www.alpinelakes.com

    My outside Blog: www.steveswhitemountainblog.com

   Lincoln NH & Local interest site: www.localism.com/nh/lincoln

HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE HALLOWEEN!

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:35:41 -0500

Via Marilyn Harrell (Century21 Smith-Miller, Inc.):

HERE IS A LITTLE SOMETHING TO KEEP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY HAPPY AT HALLOWEEN THIS YEAR.

HOPE EVERYONE ENJOYS TRICK-OR-TREATING

Carving Pumpkins can be great fun, it can also be dangerous. Make sure children are supervised, and make sure they have no sharp objects. They make SAFE pumpkin carving kits.

TEN TOP SAFETY TIPS FOR HALLOWEEN:

1. Nobody goes alone, always make sure children are supervised.

2. Make sure to check all candy prior to letting children eat it.

3. Make sure that children's costumes fit correctly so that they can see.

4. Children get very excited for Halloween, so make sure you lay out a plan beforehand.

5. Make sure that children stay out of the middle of the street, and look always for traffic.

6. Make sure each child is actively seen: glowsticks, light colors, reflectors can all be used.

7. Make sure to watch the weather report before hand.

8. Be aware of pets: strange costumes can trigger a reaction.

9. Only go to homes that have lights on.

10. And most importantly follow your instincts.

Motivational Monday......................

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:22:12 -0500

Well done!

Via Tony & Darcy Cannon - The C Team (ERA Realty Center):

Have you ever had one of those days when things just keep popping up and you lose your focus:

Then there are just some days that things get in your way, causing you to lose sight of the "big picture":

These are the times when you just have to keep on pushing through until the "big picture" comes back into view!
If you're looking to buy or sell real estate in Cedar City, Utah; please give us a call. We would love to earn your business!

"Good Morning Activerain Members" and here is a Halloween sunrise to get you in the mood!

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:58:10 -0500

Via ROBERT A.SWETZ - Commercial Real Estate (Commercial Real Estate - www.VegasBuildingsForSale.com):

"Good Morning Activerain Members" and here is a Halloween sunrise to get you in the mood!

Check out the deep red orange colors of this sunrise, it looks kind of scary and Halloweenish. This photo was taken on Cross Lake in Minnesota and I have posted several others that are very similar, but not the same.

This sunrise was so impressive that I took around 100 pics because the colors would change every minute or so.

photograph by Robert Swetz

www.VegasBuildingsForSale.com

www.LakeOwner.com

www.SearchMyPics.com

www.RealEstateNationwideListings.com

www.UFOsAliens.org

http://DarksideofDavid.ning.com

Speechless Sunday - No Jet Lag Here

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:54:04 -0500

Via Judi Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946:

Photo Courtesy of Morgue File

beglib user
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Life in Southeast Oklahoma is GREAT! If you're looking for a home or land in my part of the country, please give me a call, and give me a chance to earn your business!

Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946

Integrity Realty
Integrity Real Estate
Lake Raymond Gary Homes
Fort Towson Homes
Valliant Homes
McCurtain County
Choctaw County
Broken Bow Lake
Lake Raymond Gary
Raymond Gary Lake
Commercial Property List
===================================

Judi Barrett
Broker - Integrity Real Estate Services
Our Name Says It All.
Real Estate Services You Can Trust.
580-212-5946

Do You Put Your Best Forward Every Day?

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:43:39 -0500

Via Terry Bonnie Westbrook Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids Forest Hills MI Real Estate (Westbrook Realty Broker-Owner):

Nature has so many lessons to teach us. We don't always pay attention to what

she is saying but when we do....we have a chance to share a moment of clarity and

wisdom. On our excursion through the Grand Rapids area yesterday, we encountered

this maple tree. How many times have we sped past and not noticed it?

Hundreds, probably. Why did we notice it yesterday?

It shone out its brilliant yellow light on a rainy day, saying: Look at me! In a few days

my golden leaves will be on the ground, so notice me today....right now!

We did. We stopped to take a photo and share it with you. Each day we have the

opportunity to notice and appreciate the beauty around us.




                                                    Westbrook Realty ~ Grand Rapids Real Estate

                                                        Copyright 2009 all rights reserved

                                                    Call 1-616-292-7263 or email me: terry@terrywestbrook.com

Nuture Your "Children"

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:51:39 -0500

Via ROBERT A.SWETZ - Commercial Real Estate (Commercial Real Estate - www.VegasBuildingsForSale.com):

Nuture Your "Children"

Do you take care of your "children"?

You may never have thought of your dreams as children, but that's what they are.

They are offspring - the joy of your today and the hope of your future.

Protect them.

Feed them.

Nurture them. Encourage them to grow. Care for them. For someday, they may take care of you.

Cherish your visions

and your dreams as they are the children of your soul; the blueprints of your ultimate achievements.

- NAPOLEON HILL -

This photograph was taken in the (wild) not a farm in Mono County California by: Robert Swetz

Foto Friday...smoke on the mountains

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:43:06 -0500

NH mountians from Steve....

Via Steve Loynd, Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., Loon Mt, NH.:

I know there are a lot of flat-landers out there...These are people that come from out of state to see the beautiful mountains of New Hampshire...or recreate in the White Mountains. I took a couple of pictures this morning that I just got around to down loading in to the computer. The cloud cover was struggling to get over the 4,000 to 5,000 foot peaks, and it looks like smoke trapped in the valleys.

About a month ago I was at this same spot for a few fall foliage pix...Same view different feel.

We have several building projects and land for sale in this neighborhood...so I'm at this spot frequently. No matter the season The views are striking, so I try to get a shot of different weather ...and leaf coloration.

This shot is getting me in the mood for snow...once the leaves have passed I'm ready for the white stuff, honestly I don't like the in between seasons. Full on summer, Peak Foliage or a major dumping of the white stuff...I'm good with any of those. Spring is O.K. if it comes on fast, but I don't love the rain anytime of the year.

And back to a deep green again...The White Mountains are beautiful, even when they are not white. So for all you flat-landers out there...there is no bad time to visit the Mountains of New Hampshire we have something for everyone.

                                                                                                                      Steve Loynd, White Mountain New Hampshire real Estate Expert

   steve@alpinelakes.com toll free 800-926-5653 /cell 603-381-7898

    MLS search and Realtor web site: www.alpinelakes.com

    My outside Blog: www.steveswhitemountainblog.com

   Lincoln NH & Local interest site: www.localism.com/nh/lincoln

Cedar City's Advantageous Lifestyle..................

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:41:41 -0500

Too nice not to re-blog!

Via Tony & Darcy Cannon - The C Team (ERA Realty Center):

Cedar City, Not just a beautiful city, but a great lifestyle as well. Here in Cedar City, Utah, we live in one of the most beautiful areas of the United States, we are the gateway to several National Parks and Monuments.

We are nestled against the mountains and enjoy each of the four seasons.

We also enjoy great opportunities to enjoy the outdoors with walking and hiking trails, ATV trails.

The Brian Head Ski Resort isn't far, and we also enjoy a golf course that is set against the red hill for a dramatic and beautiful backdrop.

For those looking for something more, we also enjoy the Utah Shakespearean Festival, a Tony award winning production of the works of William Shakespeare, as well as many other Broadway caliber plays during the summer and fall seasons.

Another festival that coincides with the Shakespearean Festival is the Neil Simon Festival, many of the great plays of this remarkable playwright come to life each summer. For both of these festivals, professional actors come to perform, making these well-done, professional plays.

There is usually one Festival or another going on, making this the Festival City. So come on up and enjoy this Festival City known as Cedar City, Utah. Stay a day or a lifetime, you will enjoy yourself!
If you're looking to buy or sell real estate in Cedar City, Utah; please give us a call. We would love to earn your business!

FHA Refinance

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:58:00 -0500

Via Julie Staradumsky CREN (Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Shore):

FHA Refinance

Learn About Your Mortgage Options

Homeowners enjoy the benefits of investing in their property year after year. For some, there comes a time when that investment can come in handy. Refinancing with an FHA loan can prove to be an effective way to put that equity to work.

Sending a child to college, consolidating bills, taking a much needed vacation, or making home improvements are some of the ways homeowners tap into the equity they have accumulated in their home to help with these expenses. Keep in mind that FHA refinancing is only available to homeowners who are currently using their home as their principal residence.

FHA offers several different options to homeowners who are considering an FHA refinance mortgage:

FHA REFINANCE: CASH OUT REFINANCING

This refinancing option is especially beneficial to homeowners whose property has increased in market value since the home was purchased. A Cash Out refinance allows homeowners to refinance their existing mortgage by taking out another mortgage for more than they currently owe, therefore repaying their current mortgage and using the equity they have built up in their home to take out another larger mortgage. This allows the homeowner to access the equity they have built up in their home and put it to good use where needed.

In order to get the most benefit from refinancing your mortgage, it is often best to consider refinancing after you have had time to build up a significant amount of equity in your home. If the property was purchased more than one year prior to the refinance, the homeowner can refinance the existing mortgage for up to 85 percent of the appraised value plus the allowable closing costs, which vary from state to state.

FHA REFINANCE: STREAMLINED REFINANCING

This refinancing option is considered streamlined because it allows you to reduce the interest rate on your current home loan quickly and oftentimes without an appraisal. FHA Streamlined Refinance also cuts down on the amount of paperwork that must be completed by your lender saving you valuable time and money.

In order to qualify for a Streamlined Refinance your original home loan must be an FHA loan in good standing and the refinance must lower your monthly interest payments. This type of refinancing option reduces your monthly expenses by lowering your payments but there is no option to receive cash back. This works well for people who are in good financial standing with no significant debt because it allows you a little extra money each month that can be put to good use elsewhere.

Observation in Grand Rapids, Michigan Parking Lot

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:40:01 -0500

Put things into prospective...

Via Terry Bonnie Westbrook Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids Forest Hills MI Real Estate (Westbrook Realty Broker-Owner):

We are so busy and distracted in our lives, we often walk right by things that

are interesting or novel. It just takes a moment to notice and it can

certainly change your outlook and maybe.... make you smile.

We were in a store shopping for kitchen hardware for a new listing the other day.

It was a cold, windy day and we were backing out of our parking spot, when we

noticed two little ones that had found a warm, safe place to sit for a few moments.



This close up below shows them much better.

Were the tires warm?

Are they looking for food ?

We don't know the answers but it gave us a little different perspective on the day.

We were inside a nice warm car with a nice warm lunch we had just finished. These two little

sparrows were happy to find a temporary shelter hoping to glean a crumb or two from

people coming and going in the  parking lot. The natural world is just a glance away.

Are you looking??




                                                    Westbrook Realty ~ Grand Rapids Real Estate

                                                        Copyright 2009 all rights reserved

                                                    Call 1-616-292-7263 or email me: terry@terrywestbrook.com

Protect yourself....

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:58:47 -0500

Take extra steps to prevent swine Flu....

The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.

While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):

1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).

2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).

3. *Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.

4. Similar to 3 above, *clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. *Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but *blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.*


5. *Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits). *If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.

6. *Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. *Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.