ACTIVE RAIN MEET UP ON LONG ISLAND'S NORTH SHORE - AT LAST! - 03/30/12 05:36 PM
To be honest, this is the first time I'm re-blogging and I don't even know if I'm doing it right. Jill says it best, "Such fun to finally meet someone you've been corresponding with for over a year." 
Active Rain friendships are the best, even my kids get jealous of how I speak about so many of you.
Now that Jill and I are connected, and we have the photos to prove it, we both can continue to believe in the powers of AR in creating lasting friendships.
And just to prove I do have hair, not like the shots below … (20 comments)

Friday Night Dating? or Real Estate Surfing? - 03/23/12 05:21 PM
Here is a reblog of one of my first posts. Considering what to do tonight, sit and watch a movie with my husband or continue searching MLS for a new buying customer, I recalled this fun blog.
Hope you enjoy it, then go hang out with someone you love!
 
  What do Real Estate and online dating have in common?
While keeping abreast of Real Estate articles, blogs, and trends, it came to me quite easily to assimilate that most of today’s buyer’s transactions are treated just like an online dating experience. 

First of all, the computer has become the lead … (21 comments)

Getting Framed #5 (a surprise addition to my series) - 03/20/12 03:41 AM
If you've been following my series on cost effective ways to decorate your walls with pictures you'll see I have a surprise!
#5 addresses what if You can't afford the frames. Yes, you can often find inexpensive ones in some stores, but what about making use of something you already have that wont cost you a dime, at least not for the reuse!
I'm sure you have shoe boxes, or other shallow small fairly rigid boxes lying round. So here's a throwback to my days as a package designer, making a 3D frame.
Start with choosing a box and select a … (23 comments)

Getting Framed #4 (a 4 part series) - 03/19/12 03:43 AM
For those of you who've been following this series, here is one of my favorites. They get bigger and require a little more skill, but worth it, the results are great.
Find some of your favorite photos, vacation images work great, as do anything you really love. Like I said previously, you need computer software or a program to alter a photo. Here are some photos I manipulated with a watercolor type finish. They look like paintings. 
  
Now let me ZOOM IN!
   
It works with any photo; people, pets, water, landscaping. What works             … (23 comments)

Getting Framed #3 (a 4 part series) - 03/18/12 06:43 AM
Here is the third in the series of ways to frame and decorate on a budget. This creative idea is as plain as black and white! You can create drama and appealing design.
#1 start with black and white images, perhaps greeting cards, your own photos, or your pick on the web.
#2 Create a theme, florals, scenic, kids photos....
#3 Make sure they are all in the same tone, there are sepia's, warm blacks, bluer blacks, and others. Try to match up several that are the same shades & values.
       
#4 Add spot color to them if you desire, and have the … (21 comments)

Getting Framed #2 (a 4 part series) - 03/17/12 07:45 AM
This is second in a series on how to get frames up on a blank wall. Tired of waiting for the right image to come along? Don't get intimidated just get inspired and create your own. You'll be surprised at what you can do, and save money too!
#1 First decide on the focal point of your room, it should be your inspiration. Note its colors, patterns, shape... Decide what you like about it!
 Here I chose the color, the flower and flowing shapes, the gold faucets. 
#2 Search the Internet or through your own digital photos for images to work with your inspiration. Make … (19 comments)

Getting Framed! (a 4 part series) - 03/16/12 03:37 AM
You finally closed on that home you really wanted! Closing costs, moving fees, mortgage payments... how are you going to decorate?
As a creative designer, I have a few tips for inexpensive fun ways to frame and decorate your walls.
This is the first in a 4 part series.
Everyone has magazines! Sports, fashion, children's themes, golf..? Take out that pile and find your favorites; magazine covers are preferred and avoid torn, crinkled, or those with coffee cup rings..
                      
Cut them neatly, using a straight edge of steady hands with a … (25 comments)

Just Listed, NEW CONSTRUCTION, GLEN HEAD 11545 - 03/15/12 03:46 AM
Just listed and already getting interest, a 4000 sq ft New Construction, on a rare 3/4 acre in the Hill Terrace development in Glen Head. It is near beaches, parks, golfing, shopping, and trains less than 1 hour to NYC. In the North Shore School District.
It will comply to the new Energy Saver standards and be a high efficiency performing home. It boasts 5 bedrooms, 4.5 Baths and a flowing open layout. Complete with a Gourmet Kitchen and adjoining Great Room. The foyer and living room have cathedral ceilings an a balcony off the Master Bedroom looks out and over … (19 comments)

The "Whale Tales" #17 - 03/09/12 03:37 AM
Here's my next "Whale Tale", "Take 17.... Ready, Set, Shoot!" This one address one the trends today necessary as a Realtor to set us apart; TAKING VIDEOS! We see them popping up all over here in the Rain. We have several masters, and many willing to share their secrets and techniques. Let's not forget about YouTube Thursdays.
This "Whale Tale" is dedicated to  Richard Yates . He is constantly posting blogs with tips, and Free Advice for all of us looking to become video newbies. He really embodies the principles of a modern Realtor, who goes the distance for his clients. See Richard Fly!

In … (36 comments)

What's A Dust Bunny? - 03/06/12 01:44 PM
I'm about to tell you, there are two meanings of a Dust Bunny or dustbunnies. Neither one should be seen in your house if it is on the market to be sold.
First Wikipedia, defines it as also called dustmice, small clumps of dust that form under beds and furniture in areas that are not cleaned often. They are made up of hair, lint, dust, rubbish and debris, and held together by static electricity. Besides being unsightly, they are harmful to electronics, because they can obstruct airflow, and ultimately shorten the live of electronic components. 
The second one is the product … (29 comments)

Photos of Sicilian Waters - 03/05/12 05:38 PM
While Vacationing in Sicily many summers as we would go, one of the most beautiful sights is the water. Often it is contrasted against mountains, rocks and sky. Several of these were taken under the most unusual circumstances. You see, when we are there we give our tickets and passports to a friend to watch for safe keeping. Well, one year we had packed, and said our goodbys the night before we were to leave. When they gave me back our passports and tickets, i checked them only to find we mixed up the dates and we had an extra day. … (20 comments)

The "Whale Tales" #16 - 03/02/12 03:38 AM
Welcome to my 16th "Whale Tale". This one adresses a fairly new topic of my awarness and practices in Real Estate. New to me but not to
Debb Janes, EcoBroker Camas, Washington EcoBroker
You see, a few weeks ago I posted that my husband is back to building. As he applied for the permits for the new house he's going to build, he found out there are new requirements, as of 2012 New Construction must conform to be eco-friendly and energy efficient. With this he needs to hire a outside consulting firm, that inspects and assists into conforming with the requirements. … (34 comments)