Our Nation's Symbol Was Almost The Turkey

 

        Our Nation's Symbol Was Almost The Turkey...           

After the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, a committee was formed to come up with an idea for the new country's seal. The committee members were Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams. The idea they selected was of a woman representing liberty, and holding a shield that would represent the states.  Congress didn't like it, and hired an artist that came up with a design that included an eagle.

Franklin didn't like the eagle idea, claiming the bird was of "bad moral character" because they had a tendency to 'steal' from other birds who had worked hard for their catch. Franklin argued that the turkey, being an American native as well, and much more respectable, would make a better symbol for the new United States.

Congress did not agree, and the bald eagle was decided upon.

Thank goodness.

Imagine eating bald eagles instead of turkeys on Thanksgiving.

 

 

             He doesn't look crazy about the idea either.

 

               Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

 

 

 

 

 

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. 

 

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Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers

With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cautious.  The major concern is that individuals don't become a victim of fraud or identity theft.

The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data.

The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice:

** If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don't know into your home.

** Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. Do not give your Social Security number, cre dit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census. While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, the Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers nor will employees solicit donations.

Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. However, the Census Bureau will not contact you by Email, so be on the lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census.

Never click on a link or open any attachments in an Email that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.

For more advice on avoiding identity theft and fraud, visit http://www.bbb.org/.

Larry Bettag - Regional Vice President, Midwest Region

Illinois FHA Specialist

630-417-7172

  

               

An Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee

 

Updating - Where should I invest my time and money.

You have decided to sell your home. You have set your budget and now .....

WHERE DO YOU START?   WHAT WILL MEAN THE MOST TO BUYERS?

Updating Lighting: New light fixtures fall under Lightening and Brightening. A $200-$300 cost will give you a $1000-$1500 price increase with a 572% return on investment and 95% of Agents recommend it according to the HomeGain 2009 survey. If you are in a newer home and you have basic builder fixtures, replace them in key areas. Keep within your budget while going for style. This shows the buyer you have made the house your home. Light is important to buyers. They value bright cheerful rooms. Make sure the light fixtures you are not replacing are in good working order. Keep the wattage at the highest safe level for the fixtures.

 

 

Updating Flooring: Carpeting should be shampooed or replaced. Clean the carpeting making sure spots and high traffic areas have come clean. If the carpeting is worn in those high traffic areas or those spots or pet damage/odors did not come out then consider replacing the carpeting. You look and the sheet flooring is has paths worn in it or the seams are separating. The style or color is no longer in vogue and dates the house. Replace the flooring. A $400-$500 cost gives a price increase of $1000-$1500 and a 295% return on investment. 97% of Agents recommend it in HomeGain's 2009 survey.

 

Updating Landscaping: Curb Appeal is important when you are selling your home. You have 7 to 10 seconds when the buyer arrives to make that great first impression. Trim the shrubs, edge the lawn, mow the grass regularly, weed and add flowers for color. Remember the buyer has to be able to see the house from the curb. You may need to remove plant material that was ok when you planted it but now hides the front door. If the landscaping is just old and overgrown, consider removing it and planting new material. Choose shrubs within your budget and freshen up your curb appeal. In the backyard, show the buyer where they can entertain and their children can play. Get those weeds out of the cracks in the patio. A $300-$400 cost gives $100-$2000 price increase and a 473% return on investment with 94% of agents recommending it according to HomeGain's survey.

Updating a Kitchen: There is a kitchen update for everyone's budget. You can totally replace the kitchen which really falls into the category of a renovation. You can update by replacing the counter,back splash, sink and faucets. You can paint walls and cabinets, replace flooring, or new window treatments. New cabinet hardware will also make a difference. Buyers need to feel they can move in and live comfortably. A $1000-$1500 cost gives a $2000-$3000 price increase and a 237% return on investment.

Updating a Bathroom: Like the kitchen there is an update for you. Your goal is to make the buyer feel the bathroom is functional all the way to their dream bath. Replace the vanity counter,sink and taps if necessary. Look at the flooring. Most importantly does it look CLEAN everywhere. How is your shower curtain or door? Do you have a mold problem? Does everything function at peak performance? Once again changing cabinet hardware can bring that vanity into the present. Maybe your tile is dated. You may want to replace it or you may just need to find a different paint color that co-ordinates with it. Do you have wallpaper that is past it and need to paint for a fresher look? A $750-$1000 cost can give a $1000-$1500 price increase with a 172% return on investment (HomeGain survey 2009).

 

 

Updating your home can be done over time if you know that moving is in your future. You can also do it right before the sale. Get advice from a professional before you start so that you are investing in the correct areas of your home.A Home Stager and/or Agent can look at your home with the eyes of a buyer and guide you. Together you can look at your budget and decide where your time and money will do the most good.

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