Independence Day is the number one holiday for barbecues and outdoor cooking. 80% of adults say they plan to host or attend a cookout this 4th of July, according to results from a new 2010 Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) national grilling poll.
HPBA tips for grilling:
1. Evaluate your grill.
a. For Gas grills, visually inspect hoses for abrasion, wear and leaks before each use. Use a soap and water solution to test for leaks.
b. For Charcoal grills, use starter specifically made for lighting charcoal briquettes or wood chunks.
c. For Electric grills, make sure to connect to ground fault interrupter (GFI) outlet.
2. Know the cooking heat of a charcoal fire
a. Use barbeque thermometer on the outside of the grill.
b. Carefully hold your hand, palm side down, just above the cooking grid, if you can keep it there for:
i. 5 seconds - the heat is low
ii. 4 seconds - the heat is medium
iii. 3 seconds - the heat is medium hot
iiii. 2 or 1 second - the heat is hot
3. Make sure you have enough propane, cooking wood and/or charcoal for the cookout.
Before you celebrate it is important to properly prepare.
1. Thaw frozen food and marinate foods in the refrigerator and never on the counter.
2. Sanitize cutting boards and counter tops with chlorine bleach.
3. Marinate meats at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator before cooking to add flavor and coat the meat.
4. Position your grill, fryer or smoker in an open area away from buildings and high traffic areas.
5. Use a meat thermometer or an instant read digital thermometer inserted horizontally into the side of meat, poultry and seafood to check doneness.
Make your life easy after the celebration. Tips for easy clean up helps.
1. Before lighting the grill, apply non-stick spray on the grates.
2. For charcoal grills, line the bowl with aluminum foil.
3. Squirt grease-cutting dishwashing detergent on the grill and grates (once cool). Scrub with brush or abrasive pad, then rinse. Repeat as necessary.
For more information visit www.hpba.org
Keep it safe and PROUDLY FLY OUR FLAG. Happy 4th of July!
6/30/2010
6/13/2010
Now Is The Time To Buy Vacation Real Estate
The recession producing low prices in just about every location in the nation coupled with mortgage interest rates at the lowest levels in history has open up an investment opportunity not to be passed up.
A vacation property is no longer for the affluent or the retiring generation. The Internet has provided an avenue for young investors to experience success lining up renters.
According to HomeAway, leading online vacation rental, second homeowners who rent their homes to travelers, on average, generate more than $35,000 in rental income each year.
On average, second homeowners are renting their properties to travelers 20 weeks a year and the rental income generated is helping many owners offset mortgage and upkeep costs. In fact, the HomeAway report found 38% of owners generate enough rental income to cover 75-100% of their mortgage. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of owners earn enough to cover at least 50% of their mortgage.
Despite the recession, second homeowners throughout the country find that travelers are continuing to book stays, due in large part to the value afforded by a vacation home compared with a traditional hotel. In choosing between a vacation rental and hotels, 77% of travelers choose a vacation rental over a hotel because of the home-like experience.
So if the mountains or ocean front property is your goal, send me an email at mbracket@hotmail.com. I have the property for you! Don’t let this opportunity pass you by.
A vacation property is no longer for the affluent or the retiring generation. The Internet has provided an avenue for young investors to experience success lining up renters.
According to HomeAway, leading online vacation rental, second homeowners who rent their homes to travelers, on average, generate more than $35,000 in rental income each year.
On average, second homeowners are renting their properties to travelers 20 weeks a year and the rental income generated is helping many owners offset mortgage and upkeep costs. In fact, the HomeAway report found 38% of owners generate enough rental income to cover 75-100% of their mortgage. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of owners earn enough to cover at least 50% of their mortgage.
Despite the recession, second homeowners throughout the country find that travelers are continuing to book stays, due in large part to the value afforded by a vacation home compared with a traditional hotel. In choosing between a vacation rental and hotels, 77% of travelers choose a vacation rental over a hotel because of the home-like experience.
So if the mountains or ocean front property is your goal, send me an email at mbracket@hotmail.com. I have the property for you! Don’t let this opportunity pass you by.
So You Have A Job But Are You Stable?
Many families with jobs but whose income has been reduced are finding they can’t make it. They have to make the difficult choices of spending less within their budget making it a tremendous challenge.
Millions of Americans are earning less. They are the jobless—but also those who can only get part-time work, those who have landed new jobs with lower salaries than what they once earned and others simply getting smaller paychecks in the jobs they’ve had all along.
More than 9 million people are currently in that situation, including workers whose hours had been cut because of slack business conditions.
Nationwide, half of employers froze pay for at least some workers last year and others made salary cuts, according to a survey by World at Work.
The downward pressure on wages caused by the job competition in today’s market, ripples through the economy to grocery stores, retailers and businesses getting less money from reduced-income customers.
This economy still has a long way to go before we see real sustainable relief.
However, not everyone is experiencing these conditions. Some are stable. Those that are will be able to reap the rewards that come with investing in a down market. Look for the treasures and you will find them. For inventory email me at mbracket@hotmail.com
Millions of Americans are earning less. They are the jobless—but also those who can only get part-time work, those who have landed new jobs with lower salaries than what they once earned and others simply getting smaller paychecks in the jobs they’ve had all along.
More than 9 million people are currently in that situation, including workers whose hours had been cut because of slack business conditions.
Nationwide, half of employers froze pay for at least some workers last year and others made salary cuts, according to a survey by World at Work.
The downward pressure on wages caused by the job competition in today’s market, ripples through the economy to grocery stores, retailers and businesses getting less money from reduced-income customers.
This economy still has a long way to go before we see real sustainable relief.
However, not everyone is experiencing these conditions. Some are stable. Those that are will be able to reap the rewards that come with investing in a down market. Look for the treasures and you will find them. For inventory email me at mbracket@hotmail.com
Behind On Your Mortgage? Consult Your Attorney If...
As more and more people lossed their jobs, foreclosures increased which made loan modifications the last best hope for keeping a home. If you tried lender negotiations by yourself you probably ran into a stone wall. Following are a few senerious on what you may have encounter. Please consult an attorney if.....
You may have been the victim of high-tech identity theft if your Social Security Number and credit report were used to legitimize and to showcase the quality of the pool…which was probably loaded with loans designed to fail.
You may be the victim of servicing fraud wherein the servicer falsely states that you haven’t insurance, didn’t pay your property taxes, or missed your payment, and then uses this to extract fees and penalties, and default the loan.
You may be the victim of servicing fraud if you were told that to be eligible for a modification you had to be behind in your payments and your credit was damaged as a result. Or, your home was foreclosed with no notice while you were supposedly awaiting approval of your modification.
You may have been the victim of high-tech identity theft if your Social Security Number and credit report were used to legitimize and to showcase the quality of the pool…which was probably loaded with loans designed to fail.
You may be the victim of servicing fraud wherein the servicer falsely states that you haven’t insurance, didn’t pay your property taxes, or missed your payment, and then uses this to extract fees and penalties, and default the loan.
You may be the victim of servicing fraud if you were told that to be eligible for a modification you had to be behind in your payments and your credit was damaged as a result. Or, your home was foreclosed with no notice while you were supposedly awaiting approval of your modification.
Current Market View
Reductions in property values have many homeowners’ equity position to negative levels, and returning to break-even will require several years. A significant portion of these homeowners will walk away from their homes, even when they have the financial means to make the payments. Most homeowners will take up to at least five years to return to break even value.
Apartment investors are benefiting as residential defaults continues and homeowners become renters. Metropolitan areas undergoing the most severe home price reductions will be subject to the longest delays in a market recovery.
Those that are stable and currently searching for a second home are strategically position to pick up a sound investment. Low prices and interest rates makes current market conditions perfect for purchasing the vacation home that was previously unaffordable.
Apartment investors are benefiting as residential defaults continues and homeowners become renters. Metropolitan areas undergoing the most severe home price reductions will be subject to the longest delays in a market recovery.
Those that are stable and currently searching for a second home are strategically position to pick up a sound investment. Low prices and interest rates makes current market conditions perfect for purchasing the vacation home that was previously unaffordable.
6/06/2010
Home Improvement Easy To Do Maintenance List
Quarterly Maintenance List
Check for leaky faucets, clean aerators and replace washers.
Replace heating and cooling system filters
Clean kitchen exhaust fan, hood and air filters
Test GFI outlets
Test smoke detectors and fire extinguishers
Repair cracks in exterior siding/paint
Clean clothes dryer exhaust duct, lint trap and space under the dryer
Semi-Annual Maintenance List
Drain hot water heater to remove sediment
Check for proper insulation in attic and for evidence of rodents or birds
Check caulking around windows and doors for cracks
Inspect root for leaks
Trim shrubbery around walls; remove tree limbs and debris
Chane batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Annual Maintenace List
Exercise circuit breakers
Remember, property maintenance will prevent large repair bills and save you money.
Check for leaky faucets, clean aerators and replace washers.
Replace heating and cooling system filters
Clean kitchen exhaust fan, hood and air filters
Test GFI outlets
Test smoke detectors and fire extinguishers
Repair cracks in exterior siding/paint
Clean clothes dryer exhaust duct, lint trap and space under the dryer
Semi-Annual Maintenance List
Drain hot water heater to remove sediment
Check for proper insulation in attic and for evidence of rodents or birds
Check caulking around windows and doors for cracks
Inspect root for leaks
Trim shrubbery around walls; remove tree limbs and debris
Chane batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Annual Maintenace List
Exercise circuit breakers
Remember, property maintenance will prevent large repair bills and save you money.
6/03/2010
Fannie Mae Owned Homes Closing Cost Assistance Deadline Extended
Fannie Mae extended its incentive for buyers of 3.5% who close on Fannie Mae owned homes listed on www.HomePath.com by June 30, 2010. The program is only for owner occupants purchases of either first or second homes. This incentive may be used for:
Closing costs
Purchase of a new Whirlpool appliance
A combination of both
Closing costs
Purchase of a new Whirlpool appliance
A combination of both
6/02/2010
Summer Time Should Equal Vacation Time
During these tough economic times, spending on a vacation can be difficult if not impossible for your finances. So plan a fund-but-affordable vacation and stop it from becoming a budget disaster.
Here are some tips to help you plan within a budget:
Do a budget
Plan a trip you can pay off completely within 3 months.
Transportation
Traveling by car is usually cheaper than flying. Distances can make it impossible to do so. So try picking a place you can drive to. If you need to fly make airline reservations that books flights during off-peak hours or midweek. A website that might save money is airfarewatchdog.com.
Alternative to Hotel Rooms
Hotel rooms are normally pricey. But you can look for vacation cabins, homes, and bed-and-breakfast inns. Vacation homes can be found in sites like VacationRentals.com and Bed & Breakfast at BedandBreakfast.com.
Getting Fuel
GasBuddy.com gives you the cheapest and nearest gas stations throughout the US. Use the AAA website, www.csaa.com, which provides driving routes across the US with the nearest lodgings, restaurants, and gas stations.
Eating
If driving take a cooler stocked with drinks, and cold cuts for sandwhickes. When booking a room try for those that have kitchenette, or complimentary breakfast included. Stock up in the local supermarket on drinks, cereal, breads, and salads. Make your bigger meal lunch where the menu prices are less than dinner.
Staying in Town
Vacationing in your home town is a low-cost way to get away within a budget. Look up free things that the kids will enjoy doing.
Here are some tips to help you plan within a budget:
Do a budget
Plan a trip you can pay off completely within 3 months.
Transportation
Traveling by car is usually cheaper than flying. Distances can make it impossible to do so. So try picking a place you can drive to. If you need to fly make airline reservations that books flights during off-peak hours or midweek. A website that might save money is airfarewatchdog.com.
Alternative to Hotel Rooms
Hotel rooms are normally pricey. But you can look for vacation cabins, homes, and bed-and-breakfast inns. Vacation homes can be found in sites like VacationRentals.com and Bed & Breakfast at BedandBreakfast.com.
Getting Fuel
GasBuddy.com gives you the cheapest and nearest gas stations throughout the US. Use the AAA website, www.csaa.com, which provides driving routes across the US with the nearest lodgings, restaurants, and gas stations.
Eating
If driving take a cooler stocked with drinks, and cold cuts for sandwhickes. When booking a room try for those that have kitchenette, or complimentary breakfast included. Stock up in the local supermarket on drinks, cereal, breads, and salads. Make your bigger meal lunch where the menu prices are less than dinner.
Staying in Town
Vacationing in your home town is a low-cost way to get away within a budget. Look up free things that the kids will enjoy doing.
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