I'm Taking A Few Days Off Well it's that time of year again.  Time for the Triple Play Realtor Convention and Trade Show in Atlantic City, NJ.  I look forward to this convention every year.  First, because the courses are very good, Secondly, it's close and thirdly, it's inexpensive ($60).  For $60, every Realtor in the state of new jersey (new and old) should attend this convention.  I attend every year and I always learn something that will help my real estate clients in Burlington Township, Burlington County, NJ. This year the keynote speaker is Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. He will be speaking on the topic, A Contract With Our Future.  I look forward to hearing him speak.  In addition, I will attempt to attend the following courses: Survival of The Prepared: Adapting To Changing Markets S... 12/08/2008

DON'T FORGET THE GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE   Somebody Please Put Me Out Of My Misery!!   Every year about this time IT starts.  What is IT you ask?  I am glad you asked because I am going to tell you.  Every year French's start running commercials for IT...the dreaded green bean casserole.  There is a cute little   keeps saying "don't forget the green bean casserole".   Every year for about 20 years my dear sister Chrysta would make IT for Thanksgiving.  I ate IT for many years and then I said to myself......self, why are you eating this mess? One year I stopped by her house right before the holidays and I finally had to let it out.  I gave it to her with both barrells.  I started by telling her that I hope she was not making that casserole. I went on a 20 minute rant abo ut all of the terri... 11/26/2008

Should I REALLY Thank Active Rain For THIS Phone Call????? I repeat once again that I LOVE Active Rain.  Active Rain has been the forum that allowed me to meet and exceed one of my goals for 2008.  That goal was to increase my web presence and position myself as an expert when it comes to real estate and Burlington Township, New Jersey.     I recently did a post about the Burlington Bristol Bridge Closing.  Yesterday I received the following phone call   Me:  Good Afternoon, Leander speaking Caller:  Ah yes, can you tell me if the Burlington Bristol Bridge was closed last night? Me:  According to the schedule it was supposed to be closed, but I am not sure. Caller:  Is there any way you could find out for me, because I REALLY need to know. Me:  One second while I check the Bridge Commis... 11/21/2008

I have always told my clients that there are several things that sell a home.   1. Location 2. Price 3. Condition 4. Accessibility Price Seller Concession Interior Size  Days On Market  # of Price Reductions  Current Status Beds Full Baths 1/2 Baths # of Pics Notes  $  229,000  $           -    1, 930+          473 4 Active 5 2 0 10 busy main street  $  225,000  $           -        1,930           85 0 Active 3 1 1 11 Solid house, needs some updating, no hardwood floors, low traffice  $  223,500  $           -        1,930         528 2 Active 4 1 1 1  low traffic  $  219,000  $           -        1,930           16 0 Active 3 1 1 9 solid house, needs updating - tenant occupied, low traffic  $  199,000  $           -        1,930         140 1 Expired 4 1 1 8 Many colors including car... 11/19/2008

One For The Guys Ok fellas.  I know many of you are wondering what happened to your buddy Leander McClain.  The Burlington County New Jersey Realtor & Real Estate Consultant.  The mans man.  The one who talks about man caves and other manly things.  I have had many guys ask me "dude.....what's up with cookie recipes"?  So for my fellow guys (and ladies), here is an easy recipe that you can cook and impress your significant other.  Pair this with a pack of Birds Eye or Green Giant Steamers (vegetables, rice) and a bag of salad and you will have a dinner that cannot miss.  Just pop the steamers into the microwave for 5 minutes and serve.  What could be easier. Try different types of ravioli & beer.  Enjoy. Pumkin Ravioli with Samuel Adams Octoberbest, Brown Butter and Sage Ingredients: 24... 11/18/2008

IMAGINE THIS! I had an open house this past weekend.  I was excited because it was a new listing.  The sellers had cleared their house of things they were no longer using and cleaned from top to bottom.  I planted a few fall flowers to spruce the place up a bit.  I even through a cake into the oven to give the house the smell of home. IMAGINE MY SURPRISE After the open house I went pick up my signs and found that one of my signs was GONE, VANISHED, POOF...disappeared. Now I gotta tell you that I was just  a little bit peaved.  These were brand new signs and this was the first time I had used them.  Has anyone ever had this happen to them and what did  you do to prevent it at you next open house. Have a great day Leander McClain, Realtor & Real Estate Consultant, EXIT Buyers Plus Realty,... 11/05/2008

OUT OF MANY, WE ARE ONE! History was made yesterday.  Senator Barack Obama was elected as the 44th President of The United States of America.  He will be the nation's first African-American president.  As an African-American, this is truly a proud moment for my race.  It is a proud moment not only because of his racial background. It is a proud moment for me because this country is struggling right now.  We need a change.  We need strong leadership.  I am hoping that President-Elect Obama will be the leader to help us return to our glory days.  I look forward to the leadership of the Obama-Biden White House. GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA     Leander McClain, EXIT Buyers Plus Realty, 15 E. Broad Street, Burlington, NJ 08016 609-505-6578 11/05/2008

 The Presidential Election Is Upon Us Not matter which way you turn, someone is discussing politics. Whether you are for McCain or Obama, everyone has an opinion.  Some have been taught to never discuss religion or politics or children when you don't know the other persons stance.    Why is that?  I think it comes down to one word. IGNORANCE! I support Barack Obama for President.  However, I know that there is someone else out there who feels just as passionate about John McCain.  So what's wrong with that?  I say nothing.  People tend to go overboard with their political stance.  I want to post my political poster while tearing down yours.  I want to promote my candidate while silencing yours.  I don't think that is how it should work. The United States of America is a great country.  ... 11/03/2008

Tuesday November 4th Is Election Day For many years my mother Cora Cherry has worked the polls.  She is a faithful worker and always puts her all in to whatever she does.  When I talked to mom this morning, she reminded me that there were a few things that people should be aware of when it comes voting.  These helpful hints are valid in New Jersey and may also apply to other states.    VOTE your conscience.  May the best man win. Bring photo ID.  It may not be required, but why chance it. Don't wear political paraphernalia into the polling place.  All polling places have a sign which state "no electioneering within 100 feet of this polling place".  Wearing a political hat, buttons, t-shirts into the polling place is considered electioneering. Challengers will be stationed inside the pol... 10/29/2008

I LOVE ACTIVE RAIN! I believe that blogging is a very beneficial thing and that some of the greatest people in the world belog to Active Rain.  And yes.....I believe soon I will be facing and Intervention, (My name is Leander and I am addicted to Active Rain).    Now onto the point of this post.  I really believe in the six degrees of separation theory.  Every one knows someone, who knows someone, who knows someone else.  I also believe James when he says "ye have not because ye ask not".   Readers of my blog know that recently my commuter car died.  I am now in the market for a replacement.  I have decided that I would like to purchase a 95-98 Subaru Legacy Wagon.  This car will be used to haul around all of my real estate crap as well as my keyboards and amp (just picked up a new gig ... 10/27/2008

I just joined a heating oil cooperative called HEAT USA.  If you heat with oil, this may be worth looking into.  Membership is only $25 per year. Read below to see all that $25 buys you.  This is a bargain in my book.  You can read more or join at their website www.heatusa.com  HEAT USA is the largest heating oil buying group in the United States, with over 40,000 households and 200 heating oil dealers participating. HEAT uses the combined buying power of its membership to negotiate discounted rates for heating oil and service.  As a member, you will enjoy discounted heating oil.  In order to reduce your cost of heating oil Heat USA gets their dealers to reduce their profit margin substantially compared to what they would normally charge. Your HEAT dealer still makes money on your busi... 10/17/2008

Free Money & Power Saving EBook I was recently given a copy of an e-book filled with energy saving tips.  This book will eventually sell for $37.00 however, David Miller said that I could offer this book FREE to my clients in Burlington & Camden County New Jersey.  This book is filled with information that your local utility company may not want you to read. In order to get a copy of this FREE copy of this book, just shoot me an email: lee@njsouthrealestate.com         Have a Great Day Leander McClain | Realtor & Real Estate Consultant | EXIT Buyers Plus Realty| Burlington| NJ | 08016|609-505-6578 10/16/2008

LIFE Have you ever seen a kid in a candy store?  So many choices.  So many limitations. Life is just like being a kid in a candy store.  You really CAN have whatever you like.  The question is, are you willing to do what it takes to get what you want?  The kid is first faced with a limitation.....Candy costs and he has a limited supply of money. When I was a kid, penny candy costs a penny (some 2 for a penny).  In order to get money for candy, we would collect returnable bottles, old scrap aluminum, wash cars, clean out basements, carry groceries, help people move, etc.  Once he has collected his money, he must make a choice.....which type of candy will I buy today? Life is the same for all of us.  You must start out with a vision.  And you must be able to see your vision daily.  Sean "... 10/14/2008

I HAD A BAD DAY :(well not really) Readers of my blog know that I am generally a happy guy.  My family and friends know  that even more.  I am quick with a laugh or a smile.  I always try to look at the bright side of life and I enjoy helping others.  Even when things are not going well, I am generally happy. Well, yesterday was an exception.  Thursday on the way to work, the camshaft broke in my car (ie - you need a new engine kiddo).  I have another personal situation that I can't seem to get resolved, and I had a blog post removed from a Christian group (somehow a picture of someone flipping the bird was not Christian like).  Friday morning, I was not in the greatest of moods.  I decided to take the day off and tear out my bathroom walls.  I was feeling a little down so, I figured...... 10/11/2008

We are less than four weeks from the next Presidential election.  At this time, everyone with an interest in the future of the United States of America is closely following their favorite candidate. There is also another group of Americans following the election and wondering if they too can participate in this process. This group would be Americans with criminal convictions.  There has been much confusion over this subject.  Part of the confusion comes about because the rules are different depending on the state you reside in.  The American Civil Liberties Union has has published. Voting With A Criminal Record.  Click herefor further information. Below is summary of the voting righs of prisoners and ex-offenders.   Alabama Some w/felony conviction can vote Alaska Felony conviction: can... 10/08/2008

With summer now a passing thought and fall right around the corner, it is time to think about upcoming holidays (not Columbus Day).  You guessed it folks, Halloween!  Last year, much to the chagrin of my grown daughter, I decided to pass out my business cards with the candy.  I placed a piece of candy (or several pieces, depending upon how soon I wanted to "run" out) in each trick or treaters bag along with one of my business cards.  I thought this would be a great way to market myself to not only my farm area (I use my neighborhood as my farm area) but to those people who transport their children from surrounding neighborhoods who probably think our candy is better than in their neighborhood.  What a great marketing tool I thought and it's a free way to advertise. The result you ask?  ... 10/03/2008

Have you ever been fingerprinted?  Well, I don't expect you to answer but it is an interesting experience. I recently had to be fingerprinted as part of the process to become a licensed Public Adjuster.  As I sat in the waiting room anticipating my name being called and what was going to be done to me, I had an opportunity to speculate about the other people waiting for their turn.  There was a man sitting to my left who had a form in his hand similar to mine but for the life of me I could not see what was on the paper without him knowing I was trying to be nosy.  For some reason, however, he left before his name was called.  What was that all about?  Was he a criminal and was there at the request of the police but thought now was a good time for a fast getaway?  No, that could not be a... 09/26/2008

Rain date is this Sunday...come on out, there's always a lot to see and do, plenty of parking...   Community Day   Date:   Saturday September 27, 2008 Time:   11:00 am - 3:00 pm Location:   Green Acres Park on Old York Road. Notes:   Rain date for this event is Sunday, September 28, 2008.The police department is seeking assistance with their first annual food drive title, "Operation Helping Hands". Donations of canned goods and nonperishable products will be accepted and distributed to local food banks and churches to help area residents in need of everyday food supplies.Everyone attending is asked to bring a canned good or nonperishable item. In return for your donation, you will be given a raffle ticket for a change to win donated items throughout the day.       09/26/2008

These days it seems that most Realtors are focusing buyers.  Many agents do not want the task of selling a home in this market.  You hear..."it's a great time to buy a home", it's a buyers market, "there are too many sellers and not enough buyers".  Well I am going to make the argument that NOW may a great time to SELL your home.    Let's make a couple of assumptions.  1) Your current home is a 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bath, 1,500 square foot home in a nice neighborhood.  Two years ago, your neighbor sold the identical home for $250,000.  Data suggests that home prices have fallen in your area 10% over the last two years.  You are interested in a larger home (3,000 square feet) and this home sold for $400,000 two years ago. Data suggest that home prices have fallen in this area by 10% over the s... 09/22/2008

Did Someone Say Free? With the economy in it's current state, many people are searching for bargains.  Especially parents with children.  Well fear not.  Borders and Waldenbooks stores across the country are throwing open their doors to welcome kids and their families for the retailer's first ever nationwide free "Kids Party" from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Kids are sure to have a great time listening to stories, singing songs, playing games including the "bucket toss" and the "candy walk," coloring to their hearts' delight, plus much more! While the kids are involved in their activities, parents can take the opportunity to get some early holiday shopping done or simply enjoy the "Kids Party" activities with their children. To locate a Borders or Waldenbooks store, visit www.borders.com and click... 09/22/2008