chris hooks: Sweet Of The Month Club - Lime-Glazed Citrus Tea Cakes - 02/19/12 04:33 PM
Sweet Of The Month Club - Lime-Glazed Citrus Tea Cakes
In the summer of 2011, The Pennsville Public Library held their 2nd annual Luau to raise funds for their operating budget.  When asked for a donation, The girls at Coldwell Banker Pino Agency wanted to help, but felt the crunch of a stretched budget.  So, utilizing one of our hidden talents, 'The Sweet of The Month Club' was born.  We made a menu chock-full of some wonderful choices of baked goods and offered it up for the silent auction at The Luau. 
Since the auction, the girls have prepared bread pudding, German chocolate cake, apple pie, … (5 comments)

chris hooks: Should You Get Your Real Estate License in 2012? (Or 16.5 Ways To Earn $$ in the Real Estate World This Year) - 02/16/12 03:06 PM
Should You Get Your Real Estate License in 2012?  (Or 16.5 Ways To Earn $$ in the Real Estate World This Year)
I know what you're thinking....."why on earth would anyone decide to get a Real Estate license now?" 
The new semester at The South Jersey Real Estate Academy began last week and it caused me to think about the many ways one can earn money with a Real Estate license now-a-days. 
Here is my unofficial list of 16.5 Ways To Earn $$ in the Real Estate World This Year:
1)  List properties
2)  Represent buyers 
3)  Auction properties
… (8 comments)

chris hooks: This Is Why I Just Love Salem County, NJ! - 02/01/12 03:25 AM
This Is Why I Just Love Salem County, NJ!
While driving back from Oldman's Township yesterday, something off on the side of the road caught my eye.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
After swinging the car around, I quietly stepped out and snapped this picture for you.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
.......and this one, too.  Momma peered a me and turned her attention back to her babies.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I … (3 comments)

chris hooks: Oldman's Township in Salem County, NJ, 08067 - 01/29/12 02:45 PM
Oldman's Township in Salem County, NJ, 08067
Oldman's township is located in Salem County, NJ. It is bordered by the Delaware River, Oldmans Creek, Carneys Point and Pilesgrove Township. The communities of Pedricktown and Auburn are located within Oldmans Township.  The population is approximately 1,800 made up of 654 households. 
The Oldman's Township School District serves public school students in Kindergarten through eighth grade. The school had an enrollment of 244 students as of the 2005-06 school year.A majority of public school students in grades 9-12 from Oldmans Township attend PennsGrove High School as part of a sending/receiving relationship with the PennsGrove-Carneys Point Regional School District, with the balance attending Woodstown High School in … (1 comments)

chris hooks: Job Opportunities In The Salem County Area - 01/29/12 12:08 PM
Job Opportunities In The Salem County Area
The Perfect Resume Workshop recently held at The Pennsville Public Library was chock full of Resume Tips as well as good advice of how to conduct yourself on the job interview.  Here are some opportunities that will allow you to put those tips to good use.  Best wishes!
Customer Service Administrator:  Sterigenics 75 Tilbury Road, Salem or email:  salemjobs@sterigenics.com
Church Administrative Assistant:  Olivet Methodist Church 16 to 20 hrs. email: olivetmethodist@aol.com
Customer Service/Logistics:  Full time, college degree required, Centerton Nursery, 345 Woodruff Road, Bridgeton
Dietary Aide:  Part-time MaterDei Nursing Home 176 Route 40 Elmer 
Technology Coordinator:  East … (2 comments)

chris hooks: Resume Writing and Interview Skills Wrapup - 01/29/12 12:04 PM
Resume Writing and Interview Skills Wrapup
This post is the third and final in a series based on a workshop, The Perfect Resume facilitated by Bob Marino, recently held at The Pennsville Public Library.  Resume tips were covered quite extensively.
Here's a quick checklist to recap those tips:
1)  Keep it short - one page if possible.
2)  Create a powerful profile/summary.
3)  Write as if YOU were going to read it.
4)  State your value.
5)  Shy away from restricting words - full time, in NJ, day work, work-at-home, etc.
6)  Always incorporate words from the ad.
7)  Pick your format … (1 comments)

chris hooks: Statistics for Salem County, NJ - 2011 Year End - 01/29/12 10:24 AM
Statistics for Salem County, NJ - 2011 Year End
Let's take a look at 2011, as a whole, and compare it to 2009 and 2010.

Settled units:  459 (2009)     394 (2010)     356 (2011)
The 2011 number reflects a 23.7% decrease since 2009.
Average Sold Price:  $166,000 (2009)     $157,000 (2010)     $154,000 (2011)
The 2011 number reflects a 7.33% decrease since 2009.
Average Sold Price/Original Price:  87.11 (2009)     87.18 (2010)     84.81 (2011)
The 2011 number reflects a 2.80% decrease since 2009.
Unfortunately, these numbers show -- across the board -- that the market is still trending down here in Salem County.  Out of … (0 comments)

chris hooks: Statistics for Salem County, NJ Fourth Quarter - 2011 - 01/29/12 09:43 AM
Statistics for Salem County, NJ Fourth Quarter - 2011
The last three months of 2011 wrapped up a very challenging year for Salem County, NJ in the Real Estate world.  The total inventory lowered slightly to 627 active listings while the inventory accumulation measured 21.10 months. At one point in 2011, the inventory accumulation was 26.5 months, so this was a mild improvement.
Median saleprice = $139,700 - a 5.3% decrease over 4th quarter 2010
Average saleprice = $146,740 - a 3.8% decrease over 4th quarter 2010 
% of original price/sold price = 84.7%
Average days-on-market = 188
At the end of 2011, there were only 26 … (0 comments)

chris hooks: Tips On Resume Writing - 01/26/12 03:23 PM
With so many people looking for employment, many of them older displaced workers, brushing up on resume writing and interview skills is a necessity.  Bob Marino, an adjunct professor with Temple and Salem Community College, facilitated a workshop at The Pennsville Public Library on January 26th, 2012.  Here are his top 'Tips On Resume Writing'.
1)  Use good quality 8 1/2 x 11 paper
2)  Your resume should be consistent. If you place dates at the end of information, do the same throughout the resume.  (You don't need dates, although they are fine.)
3)  Highlight marketable assets with bold or italics.
… (8 comments)

chris hooks: "Welcome To The Perfect Resume" - Tonight's Workshop at The Pennsville Public Library - 01/26/12 12:03 PM
"Welcome To The Perfect Resume" - Tonight's Workshop at The Pennsville Public Library
Bob Marino, past adjunct professor at Temple University in Philadelphia and currently on staff at Salem Community College is clearly in favor of 'giving back to his community'. 
This evening, Bob facilitated an extremely valuable and much-needed class on how to properly prepare a resume in order to attract attention by today's employers. What is most impressive is that Bob conducted this workshop at no charge.  (Thanks, Bob!)
The resume has changed in the last ten years, in case you didn't know.  It is most important to tell the potential employer … (2 comments)

chris hooks: Sunday Funday - Fruit, Beautiful Fruit - 01/22/12 02:48 PM
Sunday Funday - Fruit, Beautiful Fruit

"Those who think they have no time for healthy eating, will sooner or later have to find time for illness.”         ~ Edward Stanley
Chocolate is certainly more exciting, but if you're looking to become a better you......fruit is the way to go!  We all know it, but how many of us really follow our doctor's advice to eat five to seven servings of fruits and veggies each day? 
So, I'm here to wish you a good, productive......and a very fruitful week! You may be surprised at how good you feel!
 
… (3 comments)

chris hooks: "Who Do You Think You Are.....My BOSS???" - 01/21/12 03:57 PM
"Who Do You Think You Are.....My BOSS???"
oh yeah, that's right.......you are!  ;-)
I haven't had a manager since 1996'ish, as I shared in yesterday's post, so it's a somewhat new experience for me to once again have a supervisor. In fact, I've only had two previous managers.  The first was not present in the office very much while the second had a tremendous effect on me. 
Kellyann Peterson will be my third manager......and I'm sure she will be the best.  I have a good feeling about the future of our office!  Kellyann has an ambition and drive to grow the business that is refreshing.  She … (8 comments)

chris hooks: Please Join Me In Thanking 'The Friends of The Pennsville Public Library'! - 01/18/12 06:12 PM
Please Join Me In Thanking 'The Friends of The Pennsville Public Library'!
Twenty years ago, several women noticed that the Pennsville Public Library could use a helping hand.  There were always books to buy -- programs in need of sponors -- unexpected repairs to be made -- events to host -- rooms to build -- futures to improve and dreams to nuture.
These energetic women founded a new nonprofit organization who's sole purpose was to work side-by-side with both the Board and the Staff to make things better for our community.  The Friends have sponsored trips, replaced broken vaccuum cleaners, painted rooms, purchased … (1 comments)

chris hooks: Today's Real Estate Activities - January 18, 2011 - 01/18/12 05:07 PM
Today's Real Estate Activities - January 18, 2011
The morning started out with a quick trip out to one of my listings.  The property was under agreement at the end of 2011 and we all had high hopes that it would settle before the New Year was rung in.  Well.....four little letters put a stop to our excitement:
M - O - L - D
A home inspection had been done recently that made it necessary for us to have some further evaluations of the property.  There are some electrical issues and flashing problems, in addition to the MOLD situation.  Of all … (3 comments)

chris hooks: It's Official! I'm Going Back To School! - 01/13/12 09:08 AM
It's Official!  I'm Going Back To School!
This is all William Johnson's fault. Day after day -- week after week -- month after month -- he consistently posts some of the most beautiful and stunning photos that I've ever seen online.  (Be sure to click on the link provided to enjoy his post today!)
When I had the chance to sit in on a photography class at our state's Real Estate convention, I jumped right in. It only made me want more! I had visions of William's photos dancing in my head.
For that reason, I've decided to take a photography class at Salem Community … (8 comments)

chris hooks: Business Planning With My New Assistant - 01/10/12 05:42 PM
Business Planning With My New Assistant
Billy and I put our heads together the other day to brainstorm about our marketing activities for 2012.  He was excited because he had an idea to share with me.  I asked him to 'hold on' while I finished something first.  I was focused on social media and blogging as I have a 'talk' with the Salem County Chamber of Commerce coming up at the end of this week,  I was in the midst of preparing the outline for my presentation.
Billy was insistent that I slow down and hear him out. I found it interesting that after only one project as my new assistant … (8 comments)

chris hooks: "Blessings overflow and are unceasing. Be thankful......." - 01/08/12 03:25 PM
"Blessings overflow and are unceasing.  Be thankful......."
I recently noticed a lovely passage posted on the bulletin board in the pool area at the local YMCA in Carneys Point, NJ.  After a particularly strenuous swim, it caught my eye.  I now read it each and every time I exit the pool.  I hope it touches you, as it touches me. 
"Blessings overflow and are unceasing. Be thankful for robusthealth to make life and work a joy, and joy abundant to pass on to others.  Wealth enough to support your needs and those in need,and determination to make each day better than the … (2 comments)

chris hooks: Realtors Who Know Their Real Estate - Chamber Chat - Jan. 2012 - 01/03/12 12:12 AM
Realtors Who Know Their Real Estate - Chamber Chat - Jan. 2012
 
Chamber Chat is a monthly Today's Sunbeam feature that profiles Salem County Chamber of Commerce business members and the advantages they offer consumers who shop locally.  Chamber Chat appears on the first Monday of the month. 

 
Address:  70 N Broadway, Pennsville,NJ  08070
Phone 856-678-HOME (4663)
e-mail: askchris@coldwellbanker.com
Services provided: Residential & commercial consultations, sales and rentals;  educating, coaching & training for licensed Realtors
 
Issue:  This month we spoke with Chris Hooks with Coldwell Banker Pino Agency and member of the Chamber of Commerce Board.
 
T.S.: … (0 comments)

chris hooks: New Year's Day - A Southern Tradition For This Yankee - 01/01/12 01:16 PM
New Year's Day - A Southern Tradition For This Yankee

I heard eating black-eyed peas is a southern tradition and ensures good luck.
So........
I ate the whole bowl!
2012 is going to be GREAT!
… (2 comments)

chris hooks: 1st Day Of Training For My New Assistant - 12/29/11 05:18 PM
1st Day Of Training For My New Assistant
I just love my new assistant!  He is always so happy and pleasant when I ask him to help me.  And he dresses quite nicely for work.  He's thorough, loyal and attends to details.
I couldn't ask for a more devoted helper.

Billy went right to work when I asked him to look at the shed in the backyard at 670 Fort Elfsborg Road in Elsinboro, NJ.  The property is situated on a quiet 'country' road.  In fact, it borders a farmer's field.  It offers 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, a formal diningroom, … (5 comments)