International Developments & Real Estate

'Will'' You or Won't You?

2010-11-14T20:35:00.001-06:00

No one ever wants to experience a life threatening or life altering illness. But the truth is, people face these kinds of situations everyday. It's so important to take action before a catastrophe strikes, so you can make important decisions with a clear head. This will help you insure that you and your family, income, and assets are protected in the way you want them to be.

Here are some important decisions you can make to protect yourself and your family.

Create a Will

It's been estimated that seventy percent of Americans have never drafted a will. This is amazing, because it is one of the most important documents you will ever create, especially if you have children.

In addition to your will, it is advisable to create Power-of-Attorney's to allow someone you trust to be able to make financial decisions or pay bills on your behalf if you are not able to do so yourself.

Also consider creating a living will, outlining the types of treatments that you would want or not want to have performed. Typically a living will is accompanied by a health care proxy, which is a Power-of-Attorney specifically for making medical decisions.

Start an Emergency Fund

There are dozens of reasons that it is important to build up a nest egg of cash, but one of the most important is to help protect against the loss of income that can occur during a medical crisis. Rarely considered for couples who both work, but worth mentioning, is that during a medical emergency, not only would the ill individual be out of work, but oftentimes the other would also have lowered income due to spending time and energy with the sick partner.

"Insure" Your Safe Future

Life insurance is rarely considered a popular discussion topic, but it is a very important way to protect your family. Dealing with the loss of a loved one is very difficult and there is no easy way to ease the pain. And the financial problems, although secondary, can be very serious. Loss of home, income, and savings can all be avoided with the right life insurance plan. Other types of insurance to investigate are disability insurance - which can help provide income if you are unable to work because of an injury or illness - and also long term care, which can help you preserve your assets from being eaten up by caretakers in the future.

Avoid Scams During a Loss

It's also important to be prepared during the loss of a loved one, especially as this is never an easy experience for a family, and people are often understandably distracted and overwhelmed with things to take care of. In fact, scam artists often use the obituaries in the newspaper as a way to target potential victims. Here are some tips to help you or your loved ones prepare yourselves during times of loss:

Protect Your Home: If funeral service dates and locations are listed in the newspaper obituary, scam artists will be able to tell when you will be away from home. And with friends and relatives visiting to pay their respects, neighbors may assume someone entering your house has permission to do so. To be safe, either ask a friend or neighbor to house sit while you're away, or let your neighbors know your plans so they can look out for suspicious visitors.

Know Who's Calling: If you have caller ID on your home phone, make good use of it and don't answer calls from unknown numbers. This will help you avoid calls from companies or individuals who are running cons. Remember: Any companies or people who pressure you during difficult times probably aren't looking out for your best interests.

Be Mindful of What You Pay: As you are going through papers, pay all bills that you know are legitimate like the mortgage, utilities, credit cards, and car payments. Do not pay anything from unknown parties or companies, including invoices, investment opportunities, calls for orders placed, or calls for money owed.

Get a Second Opinion: Sorting through paperwork can be overwhelming during times of loss. Consider asking a friend, family member, or even a trusted professional like an accountant or attorney to review any invoices or claims before you send a payment.

Losing a loved one is never easy. Let these tips help you be prepared when difficult times arise...and help ensure your loved ones are taken care of the way you want them to be.

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Are you using Wordpress

2010-10-26T06:46:00.001-05:00

There has been speak about using Wordpress beyond the normal web log configure, into the realms of a fully fledged content management system or CMS. Yet, the majority of people have no notion how this is even possible.

I must stress that the default Wordpress software is intended to be a blogging tool, so if you're trying to make it work like an alternative sort of content management tool you'll have to use the right plugins (enhancements) and have the a plain idea of what you need to accomplish.

While the exact gradual method is out of the scope of this article, lets explore some of the methods you can employ Wordpress, as I have personally done before.

1) Wordpress as An Article Directory

To make Wordpress work as an editorial directory, you need a special plugin, and an origin for the articles. MyArticleMarketer.com is the ideal tool for this, as the articles there are normally human-approved. They also encourage free distribution of their articles to other article sites.

After you have configure the Wordpress plugin, you should sign-up for Article Marketer's distribution list. By filling in their form and specifying the categories (or choose all categories), you automatically qualify to receive all old and new articles that are put forward to MyArticleMarketer.com

Although, with Wordpress as an editorial directory, you'll only be in a position to receive syndicated articles. Authors won't be in a position to sign-up or create a news report directly with you. It is likewise against MyArticleMarketer.com's terms or service to encourage authors to sign-up directly with you.

2) Wordpress as a Membership Site

You can set-up a free or paid membership site using Wordpress. All it takes is a couple of simple plugins to get the job done. As soon as you have installed the plugins, members will need to login to your site in order to view the content. You can also place a login form in your Wordpress style files to make it simple for users to lo inside and outside of your membership site.

Although, the plugins only create an easy membership system, so if you are expecting to create different membership levels and more advanced features, you'd probably want to sign-up with a professional membership system like AmemberPro.net and use their available plugins to ingrate with Wordpress.

Right at that moment of writing, AmemberPro.net has available plugins for a fair price and these will be installed by their support team, so you do not have to worry about the technical setbacks.

3) Wordpress as a Classified Ads System

Wordpress can work like any other classifieds site too. Users can sign-up on your website and place classifieds in the sort of new web log posts. They can also set expiry dates for their ads and specify listings or wanted ads.

Although, you will need to create all the necessary categories and even create a sign-up information page to teach your users how to place ads. The upside of using Wordpress as a classifieds site is that you can also employ tagging tactics to get traffic from web 2.0 sites and sites like Technorati.com

4) Wordpress as an Audio / Video Training Site

Utilizing the membership plugins mentioned above or AmemberPro.net's Wordpress compatibility plugins, you can make a membership site with Wordpress. Then, all of that is required to do is to include the Podpress plugin which looks after all audio and video elements on your site.

You will be in a position to display and stream MP3 audio or FLV video employing their intrinsic players. The Podpress plugin is actually robust and likewise permits you to specify setting on iTunes, so you can make this commercially and accessible to the entire iPod / iTunes community.

As you should be able to see by now, there's a whole lot of possibilities when it comes to using Wordpress to the extreme.

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A New Way to Cut a Mortgage

2010-10-01T20:04:00.001-05:00

Some homeowners who already have refinanced into low-interest-rate mortgages are using a little-known strategy to make their monthly payments even smaller.

Called "recasting" or "re-amortizing," the strategy allows a borrower to lower the monthly payment on an existing fixed-rate home loan for a small fee without having to apply for a new loan and without having to pay reappraisal and other fees.

Recasting also may enable homeowners to save on interest paid over the life of the loan, merely by putting a large sum of cash against the principal, whether or not they have refinanced already.

The bad news? Banks don't advertise the strategy, perhaps because it is less lucrative than refinancing a mortgage. And not all loans are eligible. To find out more, you will have to ask your lender directly.

At J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.'s Chase Home Finance unit, less than 200 mortgages a month are recast out of 10 million home loans outstanding, a spokesman says. At Bank of America Corp., about 200 to 300 a month recasting requests are received out of about 14 million home loans serviced by the company, a spokesman says. Neither bank has seen increased demand.

Here is how it works: A homeowner asks his loan servicer if he can put a large sum of money against the outstanding principal on the mortgage. Ordinarily, doing so would enable him to pay off the loan early, but he would still have to pay the same monthly note. But if the lender agrees to recast the mortgage, he may be able to reduce the monthly payment over the remaining term of the loan.

For example, a person with a 30-year $300,000 fixed-rate mortgage and an interest rate of 4.75% who recasted one year into the loan by putting in $60,000 toward the principal would trim his balance to $235,371. Assuming there were 29 years left on the loan, that would result in a monthly payment of $1,247 instead of the original $1,565.

Recasting can be a good choice for borrowers who have cash and want to reduce monthly payments but who can't refinance, such as those with no-documentation loans, most of whom can't get the same types of mortgages today due to tighter regulations, even if they have high income and good credit. (Self-employed professionals often find themselves in this boat.) And at a time of low interest rates on certificates of deposit and U.S. Treasury bills, paying off a mortgage early is a relatively safe investment that brings a return at least equivalent to the interest rate on the mortgage itself.

There are downsides to the strategy. Many financial experts advise against putting additional cash into one's residence, arguing that higher returns historically have been available in the financial markets and interest rates on bonds are likely to rise eventually.

They also warn of the possible tax consequences of retiring a mortgage early, because mortgage interest on a primary residence can be tax-deductible.

Mortgage recasting resembles a "cash in" refinancing-a newly popular strategy in which a borrower pays down principal on an existing loan in order to qualify for a new loan with a lower interest rate. In a recasting, though, the interest rate and the number of payments remain the same, and there are no transfer and title costs.

Getting permission to recast a loan can be tricky. The loan must be in good standing, and you need to secure permission from the loan servicer, who may or may not be the original lender. If the loan has been sold to an investor, the servicer also must secure its approval.

Since nearly two-thirds of all outstanding mortgages have been sold to investors via mortgage-backed securities, some homeowners could find this step difficult, especially those with subprime and "jumbo" mortgages. (Jumbos are loans that are too big to receive government backing through Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or the Federal Housing Administration.) If approved, the borrower will need to sign a modification agreement, a legal document recording the change of contractual terms.

Each lender sets its own fees and requirements. Chase requires a minimum $5,000 principal payment to recast a loan and charges a $150 fee, for example. Bank of America generally charges $250. It suggests at least $1,000 be paid toward the principal, but has no minimum.

John Henry Low, a fee-only financial planner in Pine Plains, N.Y., says homeowners should have one to three years in savings as an emergency fund before tying up additional cash in their homes, even if the account is "paying nothing."

A financial adviser in Pennsylvania says he refinanced a $270,000, 15-year mortgage in November 2009 on a second home at a 4.25% interest rate. This year, he inherited some money and instead of having money "sitting around in a money-market fund earning a fraction of 1% interest," he decided to put $75,000 to pay down principal on his mortgage.

So he requested a recast in a letter to Chase, which had acquired the loan. To get it, he paid a $150 fee.

With 14 years remaining on the mortgage, his balance was reduced to $170,020, factoring in additional payments he had been making toward the principal. This reduced his monthly payment of principal and interest from $2,032 to $1,322, excluding escrow payments-a savings of $710 a month.

If he puts the $710 monthly savings back into the principal, he will pay off the mortgage in a little less than eight years, saving $24,300 in interest. He also has the flexibility of a reduced monthly payment "in case I lose my job or something in the future," he says.

You don't need to recast your loan in order to save thousands of dollars in interest over its life. You can simply make additional payments toward principal on an existing mortgage without paying a dime in additional fees, or make a 13th mortgage payment each year-assuming, of course, the loan has no prepayment penalty.

One thing in homeowners' favor: The recent overhaul of banking regulations has severely restricted prepayment penalties on new mortgages.

Write toM.P. McQueen at mp.mcqueen@wsj.com

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Who is Robert J Russell

2010-07-27T06:50:00.001-05:00

Do you need a Speaker for your next event ?

Call Robert J Russell - check out his Speaking website: http://robertjrussellspeaker.weebly.com/speaker.html

Watch the video - Who is Robert J Russell > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcUlvMoPwyA

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What's the difference between a Realtor and Real Estate Agent ?

2010-07-22T05:49:00.001-05:00

I get this question all the time so I want to address it here.

Some people say they'd rather use a Realtor than a real estate agent because they believe they must have something more to offer. There is a misinterpretation that Realtors have more education, or even that they specialize in a specific niche. Realtor's and real estate agents are the same thing, with only a few very minor differences that don't mean a whole lot when you add them up. Realtors have some benefits that agents do not have, but for the most part, they do not affect the buying and selling experience of the client whatsoever.

Becoming a Realtor. In order to become a Realtor, you must already have your real estate license. To get your real estate license, you need the classes required by your state and then you must pass the exam. As a real estate agent, you are placed in a position of trust, so you must pass a background check and have nothing on your record that could lead the Departent of Real Estate to believe that you might do something illegal.

Discrimination. As a real estate agent, you cannot say or do anything that can be described as prejudice as far as race, gender, orientation, and so forth. It is a common belief that Realtors are more trusted and educated on this subject than agents, which is simply not the case. Realtors do take an orientation class that lightly covers the subject, but there is nothing that delves deep into the rights and wrongs of discrimination under the eyes of the law that wasn't already covered while they were taking classes to get their license.

Education. Some people have the misconception that Realtors are better because they've been required to take extra classes to obtain the status of Realtor, when that is actually another mistaken belief. Realtors do get some discounts on training, which most often amounts to $5-$15 in savings per seminar. This does not declare that Realtors must attend. In fact, it's completely optional for both agents and Realtors.

Medical benefits. Realtors can choose to pay extra to get medical coverage for their families, which can be a lot more convenient and inexpensive than purchasing it individually. This is one of the bonuses that nobody realizes exist unless they have joined the multiple listing service and the board as a Realtor, or are considered a real estate agent and have heard of the medical coverage benefits offered by the board. Again, this is a benefit for Realtors that does not affect the client whatsoever.

Higher status. People who become Realtor's aren't any better than real estate agents. The only true difference is that people who choose to be Realtors pay a lot more dues than those who are just agents. If that Realtor should change to an office where the broker is not a member, that agent loses their "Realtor" status and then becomes a real estate agent. Other than that, their business life continues unchanged and uninterrupted by the different title.

Naive advice. Sometimes people will give advice, in person, in books and even in articles to only use a Realtor if they want to get the best agent. However, it really doesn't make a difference in the end because they are both the same. If you are looking for a real estate specialist to help you in a transaction, choose one according to their personality, work ethic, experience, drive and other characteristics that they need do the best job for you. Then you're options will be open and a good old regular real estate agent might get an opportunity to help you with a transaction, or it could be a fantastic Realtor too.

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Which is legal - Pepper Spray or Mace ?

2010-07-16T05:39:00.001-05:00

Are self defense products such as pepper spray and mace legal?

Believe it or not pepper spray and mace are legal for self defense and personal security purposes in all U.S. states. New York, Massachusetts, and Michigan have specific restrictions that must be followed in order for users to be lawful.

Residents of New York state must purchase all defense spray from a licensed firearm dealer or licensed Pharmacist from within the state. Unfortunately, for New York residents, this means it is unlawful to purchase pepper spray products from anyone outside of the state. Specifically, residents can lawfully purchase and carry pepper spray by signing a form that affirms they are 18 years of age or older and have no felony convictions. Residents are limited to 2 canisters of pepper spray per transaction.

Massachusetts does not allow consumers to recieve pepper spray or mace by mail. All residents must purchase from a licensed firearm dealer. Residents of Massachusetts do not have to sign for their pepper spray products, so they are on the honor system. As a result, many consumers purchase defense sprays online and have them shipped to a border state for pickup.

Ironically, both New York and Massachusetts put no restrictions on the sale of bear and dog spray repellent. Some bear sprays are more potent and powerful than the human version. With no restictions on the animal version, many consumers living in New York or Massachusetts purchase online for their personal self defense.

The state of Michigan limits the concentration of pepper spray to 2% OC (oleoresin capsicum). A 2% concentration of CS tear gas is also legal. Pepper spray and tear gas cannot be combined. Again ironically, the percent concentration of OC does not necessarily correlate to hottness or potency. For example, we sell a 10% OC pepper spray concentration that is rated at 2 million SHU's, (scoville heat units are the industry accepted measure of hotness) which is illegal in Michigan. We also sell a 2% concentration that has a 5.3 million scoville heat unit rating and is legal. Michigan residents are limited to 35 grams of spray per person.

There are cities, towns, and counties who have specific restrictions regarding the use of a self defense spray like mace or pepper spray. It is advisable that you check with local law enforcement to ensure you are following all applicable laws.

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Are you on Facebook - Check out our page

2010-06-29T21:27:00.000-05:00

A big thank you to everyone who's become a fan on Facebook. If you haven't yet, we invite you to join the group .

The tips we give out aren't paid for or sponsored in any way. We're extremely grateful to have our loyal readers, because as we've mentioned in the past, our mission is to help people all over the world.

However, when you think of Robert J Russell, we hope that you will visit our website first!

Visit us online at http://www.robertjrussell.com or by phone at 972-679-9029. Thanks!

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Mother's Day planning ( don't let her read this )

2010-05-08T06:29:00.000-05:00

Mother's Day is just a few days away. If you've yet to plan a celebration for the mom or moms in your life, you'll definitely want to stick with this article. It may be too late to make reservations at a restaurant, but it's not too late to put together an incredible lunch that you can serve right in your own home.

Our moms play such an important role in all our lives, so it's only fitting that we create a special celebration on the day that honors them. Before we get into the subject of the food, let's talk a little about the day as a whole.

In addition to giving us life, moms do a whole lot for us. They are an example to their daughters of how to be a strong woman, as well as to their sons of the caliber of woman they should strive to have in their lives. They push us to do better as individuals, while at the same time provide comfort when we are vulnerable. Moms are the ultimate multi-taskers, oftentimes juggling careers with household and family responsibilities. In general, moms have very few moments to themselves. The reason - their job is 24/7, 365!

Today is mom's day to relax…completely. One duty she need not take on is planning her own Mother's Day celebration. That's going to be your job and I am going to help you do it. Don't worry. It's going to be fun. What do you say we get started?

Pampering

Considering the amount of pampering our moms do for us, it's only fair we return the favor on her big day. This may sound like a big job, but I'm going to simplify it for you by giving you two words to remember - spa day.

You'd be hard-pressed to find a mom that would not enjoy having a day of beauty. I'm serious when I say you really can't go wrong with this. Send her to the spa for a massage or a facial, or the salon to get her hair done. Even the nail salon for a manicure and pedicure, or a yoga class would work. The key is to find something she enjoys and that fits into your budget. Make her a mid-morning appointment on Mother's Day and get her out of the house for a few hours. This will give her a chance to decompress, and you a chance to put the finishing touches on a great spa-like meal.

Now, let's get cooking!

Food

It's not uncommon for a spa day to include a healthy yet satisfying lunch, as there is nothing like eating great food after a massage and a sauna. The difference on Mother's Day is that instead of mom eating that lunch at a restaurant, she'll be able to do it in the comfort of her own home…without having to do any of the work.

I'm going to set you up with a complete spa lunch menu that will not only fit the bill in terms of good eats, but it's something I'm confident anyone can pull off. First up is the Mother's Day salad.

Mother's Day Salad (serves 2)

2 hearts of Romaine lettuce (sold prepackaged in the produce section), sliced in half lengthwise

1 medium to large-sized, ripe Haas avocado, sliced in half lengthwise and seed removed

15 25-count shrimp (tails and shells left on)

12 cherry or grape tomatoes, sliced in half lengthwise

Feta cheese crumbles

Extra virgin olive oil

For the Dressing:

Zest from 1 orange and the juice of 1/2 the orange

1.5 tbsp white wine vinegar

1 heaping teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon honey

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/3 to 1/2 C extra-virgin olive oil

Poaching Liquid for the Shrimp:

3 to 4 C water

1 C dry white wine

1/2 onion sliced

2 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed

20 black peppercorns

2 bay leaves

2 sprigs of thyme

Kosher salt

1 large bowl of ice water

Poach the shrimp on Saturday evening before Mother's Day. Begin by adding all of the ingredients for the poaching liquid (except the salt) into a saucepan. Heat on a high flame until the liquid begins to boil. Reduce to a very low simmer and cover. Allow the mixture to simmer lightly for 5 to 10 minutes. Add a generous amount of salt to the water and mix well.

Add the shrimp to the liquid. The simmer should go away, so turn up the heat slightly, but do not allow the water to boil. Allow the shrimp to poach for 3 to 5 minutes, or until they are opaque. Peel one of the shrimp and cut in half to check for doneness. If the shrimp is cooked through, transfer all of them to a bowl of ice water and allow to fully cool, which should take about 2 minutes.

Remove the shrimp from the ice water and pat them dry using paper towels. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

You can make the dressing on the morning of Mother's Day. In a bowl, add the orange zest, orange juice, vinegar, mustard, honey and smoked paprika. Season liberally with salt and pepper and whisk well.

Slowly add the olive oil to the mixture, whisking continuously until it emulsifies. Set aside.

When mom arrives home and is ready to enjoy your lunch, it's time to put the finishing touches on the salad. Start by removing the shrimp from the fridge and, using your fingers, remove the shells. The tails can either be left on, or removed. Set aside.

Preheat either a grill pan, or an outdoor grill.

Brush the cut sides of the romaine hearts and avocado with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Place the avocado halves, cut side down, on the grill and cook for 1 to 1.5-minutes. Give them a quarter turn and cook for an additional minute, or until grill marks are achieved. Remove and set aside.

Place the romaine hearts on the grill and cook for 30 to 45 seconds. Rotate a quarter turn and cook for another 30 to 45 seconds, or until they are uniformly charred. Remove and set aside.

To plate your salads, place two halves of the grilled romaine onto two separate plates. Top each salad with equal amounts of shrimp. Toss the sliced tomatoes in a tablespoon or so of the dressing, and place on top of the shrimp. Using a spoon, scoop out bite-sized pieces of the grilled avocado and arrange equal portions onto each plate. Drizzle each salad with the desired amount of dressing and top with crumbled feta cheese. Serve with slices of warm baguette.

You can always serve a chilled white wine with this salad, but for a true spa experience, how about we make mom some spa water? It's some of the most refreshing and tasty water you'll ever drink.

Spa Water (makes 1 gallon)

1 lemon, sliced crosswise very thinly

1/2 English or hothouse cucumber, sliced crosswise thinly

1 gallon purified water

Place the lemon and cucumber slices in a gallon-sized pitcher and add water. Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.

Lunch has been served, and eaten, so it's time to give mom a little dessert. Here's the thing, though. Mom's day of beauty can't end with some over-the-top, ostentatious dessert, as it would completely defeat the purpose of a spa day. Here's my recipe for balsamic berries over vanilla gelato. It's sweet, delicious, and unbelievably easy to prepare.

Balsamic Berries with Vanilla Gelato (serves two)

2 C fresh strawberries, green stems removed and sliced

1 C fresh blueberries

1.5 Tbsp balsamic vinegar (good quality)

2 Tsp sugar

Vanilla gelato

Freshly ground black pepper (optional)

In a bowl, combine strawberries, blueberries, vinegar, and sugar. Mix well and allow the berries to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.

Spoon vanilla gelato into bowls and top it with the desired amount of berries and the accumulated sauce. For an interesting finish, top the berries with a little coarsely ground black pepper. I know it sounds weird but trust me it's delicious.

The roadmap has been written. All that's left is for you to follow it.

Happy Mother's Day

PS Don't forget to do the dishes!!

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You are what you drive

2010-03-05T20:50:00.001-06:00

Education level, tech smarts and wealth are just a few traits your ride can convey

Porsches smack of success. Hondas preach practicality. And, according to a recent report, Chevys proudly proclaim of their owners, "I don't use the Internet."

Your car implies more about your life than you might think. While 13% of Chevy owners don't use the Web, by contrast, less than 3% of Honda owners remain in the technological Stone Age. The antithesis of flashy, Honda owners are usually pragmatic and well educated; 70% boast a college degree or higher, compared with 35% of Chevy owners and 45% of Ford owners.

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The data was released in the spring as part of this year's New Vehicle Experience Study by San Diego-based market research outfit Strategic Vision.

"Honda buyers buy primarily for the trust and dependability they find in our vehicles," says Honda spokesman Chris Naughton. "Typically, highly functional vehicles deliver less image because customers didn't purchase for image."

Education level and computer savvy are just a couple of the things your car says about you. We collected demographic data on 10 prominent auto brands from the manufacturers themselves, as well as from neutral sources like Strategic Vision. It turns out, your wheels also give clues to your age, gender, income level and marital status--even your political leanings.

Mini Mindset

If you'd like to cultivate an image of sophistication, try buying a Mini Cooper. The line of Lilliputian hatchbacks appeals to urbane buyers with median incomes of around $125,000. But aside from wealth, Mini owners are a tough bunch to pin down, demographically speaking, since the car has broad appeal.

"It's a certain mindset," says Nathalie Bauers, spokeswoman for Mini USA. "People who relate to the brand, there's no age to that."

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Bauers says Mini owners fall into four categories: brand enthusiasts, who relish the car's British racing roots; design aficionados, who like the car's simple elegance; social butterflies, who want to be part of the Mini community; and gas misers, who crave the Mini's fuel efficiency.

Some of the latter group trade down from trucks and SUVs not because they feel financially crunched by high gas prices, but because they want to be conscientious and reduce their impact on the environment. These "right-sizers" like the Mini's eco-friendly image; all Mini models get at least 34 miles per gallon on the highway. Says Bauers: "Many of our customers are people who get a smaller car because it's the right thing to do."

Gray Area

While Minis appeal to several different types of people, owners of the classic English luxury vehicle Rolls-Royce can't be pigeonholed beyond the fact that they're rich.

"As you can imagine, our customers do not really take surveys," says Rolls-Royce spokeswoman Karen Vonder Meulen. "The one common thread that all our customers share is a passion for life and most truly love cars."

Indeed, well-known Rolls owners range from royal families to rappers. Recording artist T-Pain, who ranks No. 9 on Forbes' Hip-Hop Cash Kings list, owns North America's first Rolls-Royce Drophead. The fire-engine-red coupe boasts a 12-cylinder, 453-horsepower engine and a top speed of 150 miles per hour. Base price: $435,000.

Similarly, the Bentley trademark screams wealth--typically at least $5 million in investable assets, to be precise--but in a softer voice than some of its competitors.

"Our cars aren't as brash as some other performance-car manufacturers," says Stuart McCullough, a Bentley board member. "We tend to be understated, quintessentially English. That reflects the mood and style of our customers."

Such restraint can be considered especially important in the current climate. With unemployment rates skyrocketing around the world, many auto enthusiasts would rather drive an understated gray Bentley than a flashy red Ferrari.

"The most opulent part of a Bentley is on the inside," says McCullough. "Rich people are very aware of how others see them at the moment, the choices they make. Now is not the right time to be seen to be spending money when you're laying people off at your factory."

A note to those wealthy employers: Think twice about splurging on even an understated new car. If you see scads of Hondas in your company parking lot, their savvy owners may be wise to your ways. If you only see Chevys, you might be able to get away with it.

In Depth: What Your Car Says About You

1. Bentley

The Bentley trademark screams wealth, but in a softer voice than some of its competitors. "Our cars aren't as brash as some other performance car manufacturers," says Stuart McCullough, a Bentley board member. "We tend to be understated, quintessentially English. That reflects the mood and style of our customers." A Bentley also reflects its owner's bank account: typically flush with at least $5 million in investable assets.

2. Buick

Known as one of Detroit's geriatric brands, Buick is trying to shake its reputation with splashy vehicles like the LaCrosse. Owners of the 2010 Buick LaCrosse are 13% younger as a group than owners of the 2009 version, according to Buick reps. But on the whole, the sedan's owners remain a stodgy bunch: two-thirds are older than 55. They're also reasonably affluent, with a median household income of $75,000.

3. Chevrolet

On top of all the challenges facing Detroit automakers, Chevy must find a way to deal with the fact that its owners have a reputation for being behind the times, to put it nicely. Strategic Vision's 2009 New Vehicle Experience Study found that 13% of Chevy owners have never used the Web. By contrast, only 3% of Honda owners remain in the technological Stone Age. While 70% of Honda owners boast a college degree or higher, only 35% of Chevy owners can say the same.

4. Ford

Like Chevy, Ford faces a few unfavorable demographic trends. Only 45% of Ford owners have a college degree and 12% don't use the Internet. To combat this image and appeal to a younger, more tech-savvy group, Ford has introduced features in its cars such as Ford Sync, which allows drivers to play music from an iPod on the auto's sound system using Bluetooth technology. Drivers can request songs by voice command; Sync will even read text messages aloud.

5. Honda

The antithesis of flashy, Honda owners are usually pragmatic and well educated; 70% boast a college degree or higher. "Honda buyers buy primarily for the trust and dependability they find in our vehicles," says Chris Naughton, a Honda spokesperson. "Typically, highly functional vehicles deliver less image because customers didn't purchase for image." Honda users also tend to be tech-savvy--only 3% of owners don't use the Internet, compared with 13% of Chevy owners.

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How companies are using your Social Media Data....You Need to Know

2010-03-02T21:45:00.001-06:00

Companies are mining the social web to build dossiers on you. Information posted publicly on blogs, Facebook, Twitter, forums and other sites is fair game. It is yet another reminder that people need to be aware of what they are posting on social networking sites and to whom they're connected.

Jules Polonetsky, director and co-chair of the Future of Privacy Forum, said online users have no clue that a comment they made on a blog is being added to a database for some unknown use.

"I don't think users expect that," he said, and if consumers think idle chatter and casual conversation can be used against them by institutions, it's almost certain to create a backlash, according to Polonetsky. He said the Federal Trade Commission is right now re-examining the current privacy structure in the U.S.

But at the same time, he said consumers are always very comfortable with Amazon using data to recommend books they might like. "When users are in control of it, it's a win-win - if they feel empowered."

How Data is Being Used

Polonetsky said aggregators like Rapleaf Inc. will collate information about individuals and sell it to companies that want to learn about those customers and what they do online.

Personal finance reporter Erica Sandberg, who covered the issue of social media datamining in a story for CreditCards.com, said that if a data mining company turns your chatter and network into a behavioral pattern, and if they can prove it has some worth, then it's valuable to companies. Sandberg said this is just more information anyone can use to help them make a decision.

"I don't think there's anything scary about it," she said. "Why wouldn't they look at it? It's public." She said she is not aware of any specific examples of those who have been negatively impacted because of it.

Entities such as airlines, politicians, and even non-profits can use this data for finding new customers or targeting products to existing ones. Financial services companies such as banks and lenders are also using the same datamining services for marketing purposes and to make lending decisions. For instance, certain types of credit products, which fit your personality, could be marketed specifically to you.

"It's a helpful tool to identify the right customers, the best customers," Sandberg said.

She said the immediate fear is the misconception that it affects your credit report. She stressed that companies that do social media datamining do not have access to your credit report, and the act of collecting the publicly available data has no effect on your credit score.

However, she said, "it can affect the credit you're offered, and the credit you receive."

Social media contacts play a role in behavioral profiles as well. "I think what's most interesting is how those in your network have an impact," she said.

Do you know if your Facebook friends have good credit histories? Likely not, but if you associate with people who are a good credit risk, than you'll probably be a good credit risk, according to Sandberg. "The whole idea [is] like follows like," she said.

Learning About Customers to Tailor Experience

According to a counter on their website, Rapleaf Inc. has mined social data about more than 389 million customers. They do that by crawling the Internet just like Google or Bing does, said CEO Auren Hoffman, but that they only crawl sites such as forums, social networks, review sites, newsgroups, and blogs - where information is publicly available.

He said clients they work with include car companies, airlines, hotels, banks, retailers, non-profits and politicians. If they can learn more about their customer, then they can personalize an experience for that customer, according to Hoffman. He said consumers are already expecting this high level of service, and that it's all about the product, service, and experience that you would prefer.

"The power to personalize things is much greater," he said.

Rapleaf's blog links to a SmartMoney story about how banks and financial services firms limit their use of social media data to marketing departments, and not those "charged with making credit and lending decisions," according to the post.

Sandberg said it's up to businesses to use the information from datamining companies as they please. "This is public information. They can use it any way they want."

Social Data Helps to Prevent Fraud

Lending Club, a peer-to-peer lending service that matches borrowers with investors, has been using a variety of tools and software to help them gather social media information for six months, according to Rob Garcia, the company's senior director.

He said Lending Club uses social media data for marketing and operational purposes and stressed that Lending Club does not use any social media data for credit decisions and that it does not affect whether an applicant can get a loan. "We use this information to benefit our customers - to prevent fraud," he said.

For operational purposes, Lending Club makes sure the user's information checks out to try to protect his or her identity, according to Garcia. So they will compare application information from a credit file against information that's publicly available. He said that if there's a mismatch, it gives them more reason to go to more strict identification procedures.

"We have found a way to use this information in a positive way," he said.

Credit Card Companies Turn to Social Media

Consumers might soon be seeing more credit card offers in their mailboxes. In the last quarter of 2009, the number of credit card offers mailed were up 46% from the third quarter of 2009, according to a news release on the direct mail tracking service Synovate Mail Monitor.

Anuj Shahani, director of competitive tracking services for Synovate's Financial Services Group, told me that the number of credit card mailings is still down 40% from the fourth quarter of 2008. He said the CARD Act, which is a new federal law aimed at better disclosure and banning unfair rate hikes, and the economy were reasons for the decrease in mailings of credit card offers.

He said that because of the CARD Act, there are restrictions on spending for credit card companies. Credit card companies will have to come up with targeting models, and data companies can help them figure out those models, according to Shahani.

"Issuers will have to come up with smarter ways to target the right audience because it is so much more expensive to extend credit," he said. "I think one of them will be social media."

Credit card companies are already using social media to launch new products. Shahani pointed out that theCitiForward credit card launched in March 2009 on MySpace. He said that in December 2009, American Express launched its new Zync card on social media sites.

Shahani said the credit card issuer's goal is to find the right audience and go to the right people and that's where he expects social media would come in.

Social Media Usage Tips

Here are some tips from Erica Sandberg on the types of content to avoid posting on the social web and handling network connections.

1. Determine whether you want to go public or private with your social media profiles. If the profiles are set to be public, then be consistent with information you are posting. "The caution lies in what you say. Be truthful," she said. For example, don't post a status update joking that you're filing for bankruptcy when you're not. "It's the off-the-cuff remarks you're going to want to be aware of," she warned.

2. Eliminate people and sites from your social networks that you don't need. "Make sure people who are around you are reflective of you as a wonderful person," Sandberg said.

3. Pay attention to your friend, invite, and connection requests. "You don't want random associations," she said. Sandberg recommends first checking out that person's profile before accepting it. "I get flooded with friend requests of people I don't know," she said. "You have no idea who these people are. It's a risky thing to do."

What if opting out of being on social media is not an option? Sandberg said she's on there for business purposes and can't really go private. In that case, be careful what you write. "It underscores the importance of being honest and projecting yourself in a positive way," she said.

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Google's New Aardvark - Move aside Facebook

2010-02-23T21:10:00.001-06:00

Afterlaunching Buzz last week, Google have continued on the social track by now acquiring social search service Aardvark.

The deal, rumoured to be worth around $50 million, could see Google use the social search engine as an answer to, well, Yahoo! Answers. Through IM, Twitter and e-mail, Aardvark lets you ask full-text questions and then takes your social connections and attempts to identify the best person within your network (or extended network - friends and family) who might be able to assist in giving that answer.

Here is how Wired explains the concept behind Aardvark:

Users who sign up give (Aard)Vark access to one of their social networks - Facebook, LinkedIn or the e-mails in their contact list. Users then say what things they are confident answering questions about (e.g. chess, cooking, country music). Vark then routes future questions - such as what's the best country band out of the south from the 1970s or where's a good sushi restaurant near Santa Monica - to the right person. A series of algorithms keeps tuning the targeting by watching if a user's answers are quick and useful, deciding whether their friends are also experts, and checking if a user is online or has been asked to answer too many questions recently.

The news was confirmed by Aardvark CEO (and ex-Googler) Max Ventilla who emailed TechCrunch with the following: "We can confirm that Google has signed a deal to acquire us but have no further comment."

So I'm afraid that's all the news we have so far folks, but if we hear anything more, we will be sure to let you know.

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International Listings from your computer at home

2010-02-16T21:20:00.001-06:00

RISMEDIA, February 16, 2010-Marty Van Diest lists and sells homes in the Malanuga-Susitina Borough of Alaska through his Valley Market Real Estate office located in Wasilla, Alaska. It's an area bigger than North Carolina. He lives in Palmer and his office is in Sarah Palin's hometown of Wasilla. He's been a real estate agent for 19 years. Despite having his office in Wasilla, he can't see Russia from there, but he sees success on the Internet every day.

When you are in a place as unforgiving as Alaska in winter, organization and efficiency are essential

If you ever read Jack London's great stories earlier in your life, you know that Alaska in winter can be an unforgiving place. If you saw the movie Into the Wild, you also know it's no place for beginners at any time of year. If you had to earn your living in an area the size of North Carolina, you'd do whatever you could to make your job easier and your performance stronger. Marty started trying to make the Internet work for him about three years ago: "When I started my blog about 3 years ago, I started really trying to make something happen online. Nothing happened. Then I wanted an additional lead generating website so I tried another product last summer that didn't work out. Then I found you guys. As you can imagine, it costs a fortune to advertise across a geographic area as big as North Carolina. I ran my last ad in printed media last March and decided to go online completely, and I have been happy with my decision. My Internet presence covers everywhere and over 120 real inquiries have come into me from my Compass PROLeadS™ site in the past six months; real Alaskans asking me for what they want. I sold 45 houses last year and five so far this year (things are slow in Alaska in the winter). I get more than 60% of all my leads from Compass. Most people start their research for property on the Internet, and if you are easy to find, you will be with them from the start. Many of them take many months before they actually buy, so you are helping them from the beginning. Because I have my PROLeadS™ site, I don't have to advertise, don't have to worry if I am reaching my territory, and don't have to worry where my next sale is coming from.

It took a while for Van Diest to get lead follow-up right

"I received 45 leads while I was moose hunting in September and did not get a good chance to follow-up on those initial leads. I had just subscribed in August and figured it would take a while for things to kick in. I won't make that mistake again! I had a long learning curve on responding to the leads: it took me longer than it should have to understand that immediate response is required for Internet buyers. I realized that people who find me online want answers now. They expect immediate response and whenever possible, I give it to them. I have more success with the leads I get now because I call them right away. If possible, I call the lead within 1-2 minutes of receiving it. The lead is texted to my iPhone so I can just touch the telephone number to call them. If I am in a meeting and can't call, or if they only leave an e-mail message, I e-mail them as soon as possible: The sooner the better. The telephone calls are best because they establish a real personal touch and sometimes you can set up a face-to-face appointment. After I find more details about them, I set them up for a search for their particular real estate needs. I then follow-up with them after they start receiving emailed listings. The goal is always to set up a face-to-face appointment."

Whether you're in Alaska, Alabama, or anywhere else, the speed of your personal response to the prospect's inquiry is the single biggest factor in your success cultivating Internet leads (once you get real leads). The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) recently published a study showing that Internet leads degrade within an hour to less than half the value they had when received. For that reason, have your leads put through on SMS text to your cell phone, as well as emailed to you. It only takes a moment to begin building a great client relationship. You'll be amazed when prospects greet you warmly with "Wow! That was fast!" It gets the entire relationship off on the right foot, plus, studies show that 81% of the time, an Internet lead sticks with the first agent they contact if that agent responds to them immediately.

It's also about the quality of the leads

"I did try another company, but they didn't build me a dedicated branded website. I think they were one of those 'lead aggregators.' I don't know where their "leads" came from; they would just send me some every month. When I called the supposed 'leads,' they did not know how I got their name and in most cases, they were not interested in finding real estate. I could have generated better leads by cold calling out of the phone book. My PROLeadS™, on the other hand, are from real people who have visited my site and who want more information about something they saw there. These real leads include the person's name, phone number and/or e-mail address, and most of the time, a personal comment. The leads are from people who are really interested in talking to me. As long as I have people to talk about houses with, I will sell houses.

It's tough in Alaska, but it is tough in your neighborhood, too

There are 444 listings for Realtors in Wasilla, Alaska. How many are there in your town? You may not have to know a market as vast as Marty's, but yours is a handful, too. How much easier would your job be if you had 8 or 10 truly interested people who know who you are and what you sell write you each month and ask you for more information about something?

It's for that reason that Professionally Managed Lead Sites (PMLS) are making themselves a name in real estate: Unless you have millions of dollars to spend and countless days to learn by trial and error what works, you can't compete with them as a prospecting tool. Hundreds-if not thousands-of agents are moving to these sites, sites where experts do everything for you and generate leads exclusively for you from people who know who you are. The average agent just can't do that themselves, especially for the $235 a month such a site costs*. Agents have realized that their frustration at being unable to succeed online can be eradicated for a fraction of what their time and effort are worth, and the new technology of combining organic with paid search and all the success practices learned in online marketing is beyond their ability or desire to try to duplicate. You see, succeeding online is not a mystery to online marketing services companies anymore. It's utilizing a set of practices, whether you're in Wasilla or Washington, D.C.

Life is so much more fun with prospects to call on, no matter where you sell and list real estate.

*multiple options exist, this is offered for budget purposes.

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Foreclosures and Short Sales - Which one would you like ?

2010-02-11T21:29:00.001-06:00

Find Foreclosures Across the Country

Foreclosures: What Are They?

Foreclosure occurs when a bank repossesses a property because the owner fails to pay the mortgage. Foreclosure is not a quick process, however. Usually, foreclosure occurs when the homeowner, or borrower, misses several payments. This is called a default and starts the foreclosure process. Banks and homeowners have several options when faced with foreclosure. The home can be sold in a pre-foreclosure sale or short sale, can go to auction, or can be taken over by the financial institution and become a bank owned property (REO).

How Do Foreclosure Sales Work?

Pre-Foreclosure Sales

In a pre-foreclosure sale, a property may be bought from the homeowner of the financial institution holding the mortgage prior to the start of the foreclosure process. Generally, the seller is relieved of financial liability and the buyer is able to obtain a house at or below market value.

Auction

Some banks may place a foreclosed property into an auction to try and regain the lost amount on the defaulted property. The price for an auctioned house may begin at the outstanding amount of the mortgage, and any buyer of an auctioned property will often have to take possession of the property in an "as is" state.

REO (Bank Owned Property)

If the auction fails to attract any bids, the property may be assumed by the bank and become an REO property. If this happens, the bank will list the REO property with a brokerage, like RealEstate.com, REALTORS®, and attempt to sell the bank owned property as a normal real estate transaction. However, the bank may be willing to simple recoup the loss on the foreclosed loan.

How Can Buyers Benefit?

Buyers can obviously benefit from buying foreclosures at deep discounts off market value. Buyers may also look at foreclosed properties as investment opportunities. Buying a foreclosed property often means the buyer must be able to pay with cash and it is important that the buyer understand the local laws surrounding foreclosures and REOs. To find out more about Foreclosures, Pre-Foreclosures - visit http://www.robertjrussell.com

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On the verge of foreclosure - just stay for another six months

2010-02-11T12:27:00.001-06:00

WASHINGTON – Citigroup Inc. plans to let homeowners on the verge of foreclosure stay in their homes for six months — if they turn over the deed to their property.

Citi said Thursday it is launching the pilot program, dubbed "Foreclosure Alternatives," this week in Texas, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey and Ohio. Initially, about 1,000 homeowners are expected to participate. Citi may expand the program nationwide.

In a normal foreclosure, a lender assumes legal control of the property and evicts the homeowner. But Citi's program, like other "deed in lieu of foreclosure" efforts, allows the homeowner to avoid a completed foreclosure. While the owner must still leave the home after six months, the program results in a less severe hit to the borrower's credit score.

The policy is an attempt to deal with what lenders see as a growing phenomenon: borrowers who choose to default on their mortgages. Close to one in every three U.S. homeowners owe more on their mortgages than their homes are worth, according to Moody'sEconomy.com.

Many housing analysts say these borrowers — particularly those who owe at least 20 percent more than their home's current value — are choosing to walk away because they see little chance that home prices will come back.

Also, many states have lengthened the time it takes to complete a foreclosure, making the process more time-consuming and expensive for the lending industry.

"Why should we all go through the foreclosure process and evict people?" said Sanjiv Das, Citi's top mortgage executive. Avoiding foreclosure, Das said, is "less painful for our borrowers as well as for us."

Borrowers in Citi's program will still need to pay their utility bills. But Citi will pay at least $1,000 in relocation costs and will consider helping out with other expenses. Citi also plans to provide relocation counseling.

The program is intended to help borrowers who don't qualify for a mortgage modification or a short sale — one in which the lender agrees to sell a home for less than the total mortgage amount.

Citi's policy is similar to one announced in November by Fannie Mae, the government-controlled mortgage finance company. Fannie is allowing homeowners to hand back the deed to their properties, then rent them back at market rates.

For more information visit: robertjrussell.com

Citi to let distressed homeowners stay for 6 months

2010-02-11T10:49:00.001-06:00

WASHINGTON – Citigroup Inc. plans to let homeowners on the verge of foreclosure stay in their homes for six months — if they turn over the deed to their property.

Also, many states have lengthened the time it takes to complete a foreclosure, making the process more time-consuming and expensive for the lending industry.

The program is intended to help borrowers who don't qualify for a mortgage modification or a short sale — one in which the lender agrees to sell a home for less than the total mortgage amount.

For more information visit: robertjrussell.com

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5 Decorating Tips for a Cozy Décor After the Holidays

2010-01-20T21:27:00.001-06:00

The holidays are over and you're slowly getting your house back to normal. But that doesn't mean you have to pack away the cozy, comfortable feeling all those holiday decorations add to your home.

With some simple decorations or re-arranged furniture, you can keep the cozy feeling for the rest of the winter season. Here are 5 simple tips that can help.

1. Coziness is in the details

Every family has traditions and memories that are unique, so celebrate those differences with subtle reminders around your house. Just remember not to go overboard. A little here, a little there can go a long way to creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. But too much will look cluttered and chaotic. Try decorating your home with some of the following:

Family photos. Groupings of family photos should be first on your list. Find shelf space or side tables that could use a personal touch, and then add a few family photos. The frames don't have to match, but they should coordinate…and they should have the same design as the mood you're trying to create. If it's coziness you seek, try adding rich wood frames and classic designs to your décor.

Heirlooms and antiques. You'd be surprised what an antique camera can add to a display of family photos. Or how an antique vase can set the tone for an entire room. These items are inexpensive to purchase at an antique store, but if you have a family heirloom with a story it's even better.

Personal or seasonal touches. Remember, your family and your community are unique and should be celebrated. So, for example, if your family took a unique vacation to a sandy beach last year, you can fill a decorative jar with the sand and surround it with a photo or two. Or, you can simply bring natural elements-such as pinecones or autumn leaves-inside and place them in a large bowl or dish with photos or candles.

Warm the senses. Don't forget to fill the air with a fresh fragrance that fits the mood you're creating. Often, those fresh scents are the first things that visitors notice. So consider lighting scented candles, purchasing plug-in air fresheners with seasonal scents, or just baking homemade cookies before company arrives.

2. Setting the scene

This time of year, you're probably re-arranging some of your rooms after taking down the Christmas tree or packing away holiday decorations and candles. Before you settle back into your old layout though, take a few minutes to think about how your furniture can add to the coziness of your house.

Start with the seating. For instance, can you place the sofa and a few armchairs so they're facing each other-making it natural and comfortable for people to sit and visit? If you have a fireplace, this is the perfect time of year to make that the focal point of the room (you can always arrange your seating around the television once the winter season is over). Area rugs and throw pillows can help tie the furniture together and create a cohesive, warm feeling.

Also look for cozy corners where you can place two chairs and a small game table for checkers or cards. For even smaller spaces, consider placing a single chair, a lamp, and a stack of books or magazines for an inviting retreat.

3. A soft, warm glow

One of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to set the mood in a room is to adjust your lighting. Remember, those bright overhead lights are often harsh on the eyes and don't help create the warm atmosphere you're seeking. Try adding a few floor lamps, small table lamps, and even wall sconces for softer, more indirect lighting. Also, use lower wattage bulbs in your lights for a more relaxed environment.

During the day, make sure you're taking full advantage of the natural light that enters your house. For example, don't place larger, dark-colored objects too close to your windows; even if they don't block the light, they'll make the window feel smaller and will overpower the natural light that's trying to enter.

Finally, don't forget that the best light source is sometimes a candle. You can set a single candle on a table or create a grouping on a mantle, in a fireplace, or on a wall sconce. You can even place them in front of a mirror to heighten the impact. But don't feel like you have to overdo it…even small votive candles can make a big difference.

Of course, if you have young children or are concerned about a fire hazard in a certain location, you can opt for the warm glow of a fake candle. There are a number of sizes and options available today. Most are inexpensive and look quite real.

4. The fabric of our lives

Adding color and texture to your living space is another way to establish a mood. For example, consider using tablecloths not only on your dining room table but also on end tables in the living room. Chair covers can also warm a room. Finally, don't overlook the power of simply draping warm-colored throw blankets over a chair or loveseat. Not only will this add to the coziness of your room, but it also makes the space feel more inviting to friends and family.

5. A reading retreat

Now that the craziness of the holidays is over, it's the perfect time to relax and catch up on your reading. To help make that goal a reality, remember to design a space that's conducive to it. This may be as simple as setting out a small stack of books you've been meaning to read. Or you can actually get creative with your space and establish a reading area. You don't need much space to do this - just a chair and a lamp. To help add to the coziness, look for a small table to hold your books. You can even tip a small antique crate on its side to use as a bookshelf…that way you have function and the right mood-setting style that fits with the rest of your cozy décor.

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Cup of Coffee Pork Roast

2010-01-17T08:44:00.000-06:00

Recipe For January!

It's a cup of joe -- as in java -- that brings this poignant pork roast to life. To say it's brewing in goodness would be an understatement.

Main Ingredient

Pork

Cooking Method

Sautée Bake

Difficulty

Easy

Course/Dish

Meat

Makes

6-8 servings

1 Cup of Coffee Pork Roast

Created by The MDM Team, Sunday, 17 February 2008

It's a cup of joe -- as in java -- that brings this poignant pork roast to life. To say it's brewing in goodness would be an understatement.

Ingredients

3 lb. pork roast, trimmed of fat

1 tbsp. vegetable oil

1/4 cup soy sauce

1 cup coffee

2 bay leaves

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 tsp. oregano

2 onions, sliced

Additional coffee and soy sauce as needed

Methods/steps

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Heat oil in large skillet over high heat, and then sear meat on both sides. In a large roasting pan, combine one onion and remaining ingredients. Transfer browned meat to roasting pan and top with second onion.

Cover and bake 3 1/2 to 4 hours. Baste every hour with juices. If liquid begins to boil away, add more coffee or soy sauce as needed. Use pan juices to make gravy. Use no salt.

Additional Tips

Ready in 4 hours

For more information about Food - Visit http://www.robertjrussell.com - you won't find any recipes on this site - but I think you might like it!

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How do you Motivate Yourself ?

2010-01-14T20:12:00.000-06:00

A long time ago, my exercise routine consisted of walking daily. I felt that my body was ready to kick it up a notch. The gym was suggested to me. I wasn't crazy about it initially, but decided to give a try. I realized after a couple of visits that I actually liked it.

I knew that one of my initial challenges would be to commit going to the gym regularly. How would I go about doing this? I knew that I wanted to motivate myself … or perhaps coach myself. So I defined goals and incentives (e.g. rewards) for achieving those goals. For instance, one reward was that for each week I would go the gym, I would purchase songs from iTunes. Listening to the new songs on my iPod, while exercising, not only felt great, but also motivated me to continue my exercise commitment.

What are some ways that you motivate yourself? I would be interested to get your feedback, thanks.

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International & Luxury Properties for Sale

2010-01-12T17:53:00.000-06:00

International & Luxury Properties for Sale

Visit http://www.robertjrussell.com

Government health insurance option appears doomed

2010-01-09T20:20:00.001-06:00

WASHINGTON - Senior House Democrats have largely abandoned hopes of including a government-run insurance option in the final compromise health care bill taking shape, according to several officials, and are pushing for other measures to rein in private insurers.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other senior Democrats told President Barack Obama in recent meetings they want the legislation to strip the insurance industry of a long-standing exemption from federal antitrust laws, officials said. That provision is in the House-passed measure, but was omitted from the bill that the Senate passed on Christmas Eve.

They also want the final measure to include a House-passed proposal for a nationwide insurance exchange, to be regulated by the federal government, where consumers could shop for private coverage. The Senate bill calls for a state-based system of exchanges.

Additionally, House Democrats want to require insurers to spend a minimum amount of premium income on benefits, thereby limiting what is available for salaries, bonuses, advertising and other items. The House bill sets the floor at 85 percent; the Senate-passed measure lowers it to 80 percent for policies sold to small groups and individuals.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the negotiations are private.

The maneuvering comes as the White House and majority Democrats intensify efforts to agree on a final measure, possibly before Obama delivers his State of the Union address late this month or early in February.Government intervention into the insurance market is one of the most contentious issues to be settled. Others include the fate of a Senate-passed tax on high-cost insurance plans, bitterly opposed by some labor unions; the extent to which abortions could be covered by insurance to be sold in the new exchanges; and the amount of money available to help lower-income families purchase coverage.

Liberals long have pressed to include a government-run insurance option in the legislation, arguing it would create competition for private companies and place a brake on costs.

House Democrats included it in their legislation. In the Senate, it drew opposition from Democratic moderates whose votes are essential to the bill's fate. Even attempts to include an expansion of Medicare for uninsured individuals as young as age 55 - widely viewed as a face-saving proposal for liberals - had to be jettisoned.

Given the opposition in the Senate, Pelosi, D-Calif., signaled late last year she did not view a public option as a requirement for a final compromise. Asked in an interview Dec. 16 whether she could support legislation without it, she said, "It depends what else is in the bill."

More recently, she listed her goals for a House-Senate compromise without mentioning the provision she long has backed.

"We are optimistic that there is much that we have in common in both of our bills and that we will resolve or reconcile this legislation in a way that is a triple A rating: affordability for the middle class, accountability for the insurance companies, and accessibility to many more people in our country to quality, affordable health care," she said.

While Obama favors a government option, he has said repeatedly it is only a small part of his overall effort to remake the health care system, and is not essential.

Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., have expressed optimism about chances for a swift agreement, but there appears to be relatively little maneuvering room. That is particularly true in the Senate, where 60 votes will be needed to overcome a Republican filibuster, and any change carries the risk of alienating a Democrat whose vote is crucial.

The bill's future is further complicated by a scheduled Jan. 19 election in Massachusetts. Some polls show Democrat Martha Coakley in a closer-than-expected race against Republican Scott Brown and an independent contender. The winner will replace Sen. Paul Kirk, who became the 60th member of the Democratic caucus when he was named to his seat as successor to the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy.A Republican upset would deprive Democrats of their 60th vote.

Some House Democrats say the proposed government insurance option remains alive, although they speak publicly of its possible demise as long as insurance companies aren't let off the hook.

California Rep. Xavier Becerra, who's on the leadership team, said House members would only be willing to abandon the public plan if they were certain the final bill achieves the goals they want, as Pelosi described.

"We're willing to give up what's good for America as long as we get something good back," he said.

Rep. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, also a member of the leadership, agreed.

"I think the House is very much of a view that before they'd consider dropping the public option" they have to be assured of a bill that achieves the goals they wanted the public option to meet.

But officials said little if any time has been spent in White House meetings on the issue, and there was scant discussion of it during a conference call for members of the Democratic rank and file earlier this week.

By DAVID ESPO, AP Special Correspondent David Espo, Ap Special Correspondent

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Start your own Social Network

2010-01-07T21:53:00.001-06:00

Many people ask me how I get so much business....and it is a very simple answer but you may not believe it but I have my own Social Network.

Some people use Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace etc - I use the Robert J Russell Social Network

If you would like to join the Robert J Russell Social Network - simply click on this link:

http://robertjrussellsocialnetwork.ning.com/profiles/members/

Come Join us today !!

Robert J Russell - 972-679-9029

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Obama backs high-end health plan tax

2010-01-06T21:27:00.001-06:00

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama signaled to House Democratic leaders Wednesday that they'll have to drop their opposition to taxing high-end health insurance plans to pay for health coverage for millions of uninsured Americans.

In a meeting at the White House, Obama expressed his preference for the insurance tax contained in the Senate's health overhaul bill, but largely opposed by House Democrats and organized labor, Democratic aides said. The aides spoke on condition of anonymity because the meeting was private.

House Democrats want to raise income taxes on high-income individuals instead and are reluctant to abandon that approach, while recognizing that they will likely have to bend on that and other issues so that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., can maintain his fragile 60-vote majority support for the bill.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and four committee chairmen met with the president Wednesday as they scrambled to resolve differences between sweeping bills passed by the House and Senate. The aim is to finalize legislation revamping the nation's health care system in time for Obama's State of the Union address early next month.

Despite the dispute over the payment approach, Pelosi, D-Calif., emerged from the meeting expressing optimism.

"We've had a very intense couple of days," Pelosi said. "After our leadership meeting this morning, our staff engaged with the Senate and the administration staff to review the legislation, suggest legislative language. I think we're very close to reconciliation."

Congressional staff members stayed at the White House into the evening to continue work, and a conference call of the full House Democratic caucus was scheduled for Thursday. Obama is taking a more direct role than ever, convening Oval Office meetings Tuesday and Wednesday of House Democratic leaders.

The House and Senate bills are alike in many ways. Both impose first-time requirements for almost all Americans to purchase health insurance, providing subsidies for lower- and middle-income people to help them do so, though the subsidies in the House bill are more generous. Both establish new marketplaces called exchanges where people can go to shop for and compare healthinsurance plans. Both would ban unpopular insurance company practices including denying coverage to people with pre-existing health conditions.

Differences include whom to tax, how many people to cover, how to restrict taxpayer funding for abortion and whether illegal immigrants should be allowed to buy coverage in the new markets with their own money. The House bill covers about 36 million uninsured Americans over 10 years, costing more than $1 trillion, while the cheaper Senate bill covers about 31 million.

House Democrats are steeling themselves to abandon establishment of a new government insurance plan opposed by moderates in the Senate, but in return hope to get the Senate to rescind insurers' antitrust exemption, make subsidies more affordable and agree to establishment of national rather than state health insurance exchanges, among other things. Obama has signaled his support for the House position on the subsidies and other areas, aides said.

The difference in how the bills are paid for is emerging as among the toughest disputes.

The House wants to increase income taxes on individuals making more than $500,000 and couples over $1 million, which would raise $460 billion over 10 years to pay for the bill. The Senate wants to tax insurance companies on plans valued at over $8,500 for individuals and $23,000 for couples, raising $150 billion. Most analysts say the insurance tax would be passed on to consumers, and organized labor is strongly opposed, as are House Democrats, some of whom contend that the tax would violate Obama's campaign pledge not to tax the middle class.

"We did in our house bill something that protects middle class Americans from having to pay more for health insurance," Rep. Xavier Becerra, D-Calif., a member of the House leadership, said Wednesday. "So far we want to stay to that principle."

House members "have been very clear on that issue and working with the president to stick to what he said when he was campaigning for president, we're trying to make sure this does not affect middle class Americans," Becerra said.

Obama has defended the tax as a way to drive down health costs.

"I'm on record as saying that taxing Cadillac plans that don't make people healthier but just take more money out of their pockets because they're paying more for insurance than they need to, that's actually a good idea, and that helps bend the cost curve," the president said in an interview with National Public Radio just before Christmas. "That helps to reduce the cost of health care over the long term. I think that's a smart thing to do."

In the end the House likely will have to accept the insurance plan tax at some level - say starting with plans valued at $25,000 or more, with carve-outs for certain union professions - but it might not happen without a fight.

A provision in the Senate bill to increase the Medicare payroll tax on high-earners could provide some middle ground, although that measure would raise only $87 billion over a decade.

By ERICA WERNER, Associated Press Write

(This version CORRECTS that Obama's State of the Union address to be early next month.)

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Avoid Home Damage from Frozen Pipes

2010-01-05T16:14:00.001-06:00

Texas Department of Insurance

AUSTIN - Texas weather can change quickly, especially in the winter. A fast-moving cold front can cause temperatures to drop below freezing within hours. Outdoor pipes, pipes in unheated areas, and pipes that run along uninsulated exterior walls can burst if the water in them freezes and expands. This can shatter pipe seals or the pipes themselves, sending water pouring through your house. You can avoid thousands of dollars of damage to your walls, ceilings, carpets, and furniture by taking a few simple measures to protect your home.

Before the Freeze

·Protect faucets, outdoor pipes, and exposed pipes in unheated areas by wrapping them with rags, newspaper, trash bags, or plastic foam.

·Insulate your outdoor water meter box and be sure its lid is on tight.

·Cover any vents around your home's foundation.

·Drain and store water hoses indoors.

·Protect outdoor electrical pumps.

·Drain swimming pool circulation systems or keep the pump motor running. (Run the pump motor only in a short freeze. Running the motor for long periods could damage it.)

·Drain water sprinkler supply lines.

·Open the cabinets under sinks in your kitchen and bathrooms to allow heated indoor air to circulate around the water pipes.

·Set your thermostat at a minimum temperature of 55 degrees, especially when you're gone for the day or away for an extended period.

·Let indoor faucets drip; it isn't necessary to run a stream of water.

·Make sure you know where your home's shut-off valve is and how to turn it on and off.

·If you leave town, consider turning off your water at the shut-off valve while faucets are running to drain your pipes. Make sure you turn the faucets off before you turn the shut-off valve back on.

·If you drain your pipes, contact your electric or gas utility company for instructions on protecting your water heater.

If Your Pipes Freeze

·If a pipe bursts and floods your home, turn the water off at the shut-off valve. Call a plumber for help if you can't find the broken pipe or if it's inaccessible. Don't turn the water back on until the pipe has been repaired.

·If the pipe hasn't burst, thaw it out with an electric heating pad, hair dryer, portable space heater, or towel soaked with hot water. Apply heat by slowly moving the heat source toward the coldest spot on the pipe. Never concentrate heat in one spot because cracking ice can shatter a pipe. Turn the faucet on and let it run until the pipe is thawed and water pressure returns to normal.

·Don't use a blowtorch or other open-flame device. They are fire risks and carbon monoxide exposure risks.

If You Have a Loss

·Contact your insurance agent or company promptly. Follow up as soon as possible with a written claim to protect your rights under Texas ' prompt-payment law.

·Review your coverage. Most homeowners and renters policies pay for property repair. In addition, most policies pay for debris removal and for additional living expenses if you have to move temporarily because of damage to your home. If you can't find your policy, ask your agent or company for a copy.

·Home owner's policies may require you to make temporary repairs to protect your property from further damage. Your policy covers the cost of these repairs. Keep all receipts and damaged property for the adjuster to inspect. If possible, take photos or videos of the damage before making repairs. Don't make permanent repairs. An insurance company may deny a claim if you make permanent repairs before an adjuster inspects the damage.

·Most home owner's policies do not cover loss caused by freezing pipes while your house is unoccupied unless you used reasonable care to maintain heat in the building; shut off the water supply; and drain water from plumbing, heating, and air conditioning systems.

* Visit http://www.robertjrussell.com for any Real Estate related questions

* Visit http://www.InsurancePricedRight.com for any Insurance related questions.

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Texas study confirms lower autism rate in Hispanics

2009-12-29T21:23:00.001-06:00

Hispanic kids are less likely than their non-Hispanic white counterparts to be diagnosed with autism, and socioeconomic factors don't seem to explain the difference, according to a new study in Texas schoolchildren.

"These findings raise questions: Is autism under diagnosed among Hispanics? Are there protective factors associated with Hispanic ethnicity?" Dr. Raymond F. Palmer of the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and his colleagues write in the American Journal of Public Health.

Other research has shown a lower risk of autism among Hispanic individuals, while one study found that Hispanics with autism were typically diagnosed later than autistic children of other ethnic backgrounds. Autism could be under diagnosed among Hispanics, Palmer and his team note, given that these children are less likely to have health insurance and more likely to have trouble accessing medical care.

To investigate the factors behind the difference in prevalence, the researchers looked at data on 1,184 schools in 254 Texas counties, calculating the number of children in kindergarten through 12th grade in each district who had been diagnosed with autism.

For every 10 percent increase in Hispanic schoolchildren in a given district, the researchers found, the prevalence of autism decreased by 11 percent, while the prevalence of kids with intellectual disabilities or learning disabilities increased by 8 percent and 2 percent, respectively.

The reverse was seen as the percentage of non-Hispanic white children in a district increased, with the prevalence of autism rising by 9 percent and the prevalence of intellectual and learning disabilities falling by 11 percent and 2 percent.

The observed relationships remained for Hispanic children after the researchers accounted for key socioeconomic and health care provider factors, although "urbanicity" of a district, median household income, and number of health care professionals did explain the increased percentage of autism among districts with more non-Hispanic white kids -- a finding the researchers call "curious."

Whether lower autism prevalence in Hispanics is attributable to other, still-unexamined socioeconomic, health care delivery or biological factors "remains a crucial area for further research," Palmer and colleagues conclude.

SOURCE: American Journal of Public Health, December 2009.

http://www.robertjrussell.com

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How to hide files in .JPEG Pictures

2009-12-21T21:25:00.001-06:00

If you're looking to hide files on your PC hard drive, you may have read about ways to encrypt folders or change the attributes on a file so that they cannot be accessed by prying eyes. However, a lot of times hiding files or folders in that way requires that you install some sort of software on your computer, which could then be spotted by someone else.

I've actually written quite a few articles on how you can hide files and folders in Windows XP and Vista before, but here I'm going to show you a new way to hide files that is very counter-intuitive and therefore pretty safe! Using a simple trick in Windows, you can actually hide a file inside of the JPG picture file!

You can actually hide any type of file inside of an image file, including txt, exe, mp3, avi, or whatever else. Not only that, you can actually store many files inside of single JPG file, not just one! This can come in very handy if you need to hide files and don't want to bother with encryption and all that other technical stuff.

Hide File in Picture

In order to accomplish this task, you will need to have either WinZip or WinRAR installed on your computer. You can download either of these two off the Internet and use them without having to pay anything. Here are the steps for creating your hidden stash:

Create a folder on your hard drive, i.e. C:\Test and put in all of the files that you want to hide into that folder. Also, place the image that you will be using to hide the files in.

Now select all of the files that you want to hide, right-click on them, and choose the option to add them to a compressed ZIP or RAR file. Only select the files you want to hide, not the picture. Name it whatever you want, i,e. "Hidden.rar".

Now you should have a folder that looks something like this with files, a JPG image, and a compressed archive:

Now here's the fun part! Click on Start, and then click on Run. Type in "CMD" without the quotes and press Enter. You should now see the command prompt window open. Type in "CD \" to get to the root directory

. Then type CD and the directory name that you created, i.e. "CD Test".

Now type in the following line: "copy /b DSC06578.JPG + Hidden.rar DSC06578.jpg" and press Enter. Do not use the quotes. You should get a response like below:

Just make sure that you check the file extension on the compressed file, whether it is .ZIP or .RAR as you have to type out the entire file name with extension in the command. I have heard that some people say that they have had problems doing this with a .ZIP extension, so if that doesn't work, make sure to compress to a .RAR file.

And that's it! The picture file will have been updated with the compressed archive inside! You can actually check the file size of the picture and see that it has increased by the same amount as the size of the archive.

You can access your hidden file in two ways. Firstly, simply change the extension to .RAR and open the file using WinRAR. Secondly, you can just right-click on the JPG image and choose Open With and then scroll down to WinRAR. Either way, you'll see your hidden files show up that you can then extract out.

That's it! That is all it takes to hide files inside JPG picture files! It's a great way simply because not many people know it's possible and no one even thinks about a picture as having to the ability to "hide" files. Enjoy!

For information: Visit http://www.robertjrussell.com

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If Danny Cahill Wins the Biggest Loser, Bunn-O-Matic Corporation ® Will Donate up to $25,000 Worth of Coffee Brewers to Charity

2009-12-08T19:15:00.001-06:00

BUNN, a leader in beverage equipment, is pleased to announce that if Danny Cahill is named The Biggest Loser champion, they will donate a home coffee brewer for every pound he loses to a non-profit hunger relief organization. Danny owns a BUNN home coffee brewer and the company wants to show their support for his inspirational weight loss journey.

Springfield, IL (PRWEB) December 6, 2009 -- BUNN, a leader in beverage equipment, is pleased to announce that if Danny Cahill is named The Biggest Loser champion, they will donate a home coffee brewer for every pound he loses to a non-profit hunger relief organization.

BUNN GRX-B Home Coffee Brewer

But why Danny and not one of the other contestants?

BUNN is committed to our customers and wants to recognize Danny as an inspiration of what is possible when you are committed to a goal

Contact:

Lisa McCloud, Director of Marketing, Retail Division

Bunn-O-Matic Corporation

800-352-2866

http://www.bunn.com

Lisa McCloud, Director of Marketing, is a fan of the show and has been following Danny's weight loss progress throughout Season 8. During episode 812, she saw that Danny has a BUNN coffee brewer in his home in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. "As a fan and a BUNN employee, I was very excited to see that Danny owns one of our coffee brewers!" commented Ms. McCloud. "His success this season has been a true testament to hard work and dedication. These are qualities that we admire and that represent the products and services that we provide to our customers. We want to do something to support Danny in his final push to the finale and are guessing that he will lose between 225 - 250 pounds. That equates to up to $25,000 worth of coffee brewers that could be donated."

"BUNN is committed to our customers and wants to recognize Danny as an inspiration of what is possible when you are committed to a goal" said Aimee Markelz Tracy, Senior VP Retail Division. "We're excited to see the finale and wish Danny the best of luck."

About BUNN

Bunn-O-Matic Corporation (BUNN) is a pioneer in the beverage equipment industry. BUNN was founded in 1957 and built on innovations including the first flat-bottom paper coffee filter for commercial use and the first pourover coffee brewer. Today, BUNN continues to innovate commercial beverage equipment and home coffee brewers from its global headquarters in Springfield, Illinois and provides comprehensive service to customers throughout the world. For more information, please visit www.bunn.com or call 1-800-637-8606 or +1-217-529-6601. Find us on Facebook at http://facebook.com/BUNN or follow our news on Twitter at http://twitter.com/BUNN.

To find out about Real Estate or Insurance visit: http://www.robertjrussell.com

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Tiger Woods Design

2009-12-01T20:36:00.001-06:00

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Are you shopping on Black Friday ?

2009-11-26T22:16:00.000-06:00

NOT ME - but I am going to do it all online and make money on my own purchases - you can too - Sign up to Blastoff - it's free !!

Hundreds of Retail stores online that PAY YOU $$$$$$ to shop here!

http://my.blastoffnetwork.com/viralvideo/223487891

http://www.robertjrussell.com

Robert J Russell, IRES, REALTOR, Broker

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Extended Tax Credit for HomeBuyers and Homeowners

2009-11-23T19:29:00.001-06:00

The popular first-time homebuyer tax credit that was scheduled to end this month is being extended. President Obama signed a bill that extends the up to $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers for seven months. An additional incentive for the housing industry is for homeowners. The $6,500 tax credit will benefit some existing homeowners who are also buyers and whose primary residence has been owned, used, sold, or being sold within at least five consecutive years of the previous eight years. The legislation is part of a bill that also extends unemployment benefits.

Bruce Walker, Director of Marketing, RealEstate.com Reportedly, the credit would be available for people earning up to $125,000 a year and couples making up to $225,000 per year. This is an increase from the current income limits of $75,000 and $150,000, respectively. The extension of the first-time homebuyer credit lasts through June of next year. Buyers must sign a contract by the end of April 2010.

The incentives come at a good time for the housing industry. "We're getting into a historically slow time of year. You have the holidays and folks just aren't in the market to buy a home. I think now, you're going see a little bit more interest and we may see some upticks through the end of the year that could carry some momentum into the first part of the year which is traditionally the heaviest homebuying season," says Walker.

He believes these incentives will not only cause more homes to sell but will also have an impact on related industries. "I think one of the areas that will get a secondary benefit is going to be the home improvement industry. When someone buys a home they will often put additional work into it to make it their own. They'll paint, put up wallpaper, and hang current rods. They may clean floors -- so that home improvement sector is going to see, I believe, a secondary lift as well," explains Walker. What this means to consumers? "When they see that home prices have dropped, there's going to be fear in the market and people are going to wait to see other people get involved -- get back into the market. So, as consumers are pushed off the fence with these incentives I think we will see a strengthening of the housing market as a direct result and people are going to get re-engaged," says Walker.

But some wonder are the incentives a risk that will cause homeowners to later default? "People have been skeptical of the economy for the last year or longer," says Walker.

Economists with the National Association of Realtors estimate that approximately 2 million people will take advantage of the tax credit this year.

http://www.robertjrussell.com

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More Than 1 in 4 Homes for Sale in Price Reduction Report Have Seen Reduction

2009-11-21T07:45:00.001-06:00

RISMEDIA, November 21, 2009-Trulia, Inc. has announced that 25.6% of homes currently on the market in the United States as of November 1, 2009 have experienced at least one price cut during the past 12 months. More than 40% of the top 50 major metros across the U.S. are experiencing price reduction levels above 30%, significantly higher than the national average. The average discount for price-reduced homes continues to hold steady at 10% off of the original listing price.

Northeast Continues with Most Homes Reduced

The Northeast continues to see the highest level of price reductions, with 29% of current listings experiencing at least one price cut - Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire are all seeing over 30% of listings with price reductions. (Regions according to the U.S. Census Bureau)

-Northeast - 29% of listings with price reductions

-Midwest - 28% of listings with price reductions

-West - 25% of listings with price reductions

-South - 24% of listings with price reductions

"With mortgage rates still low and the expansion of the tax credit to trade-up buyers, we could see significant inventory - both new and 'shadow inventory' - hit the market during the next four-to-six months," said Pete Flint, Trulia co-founder and CEO. "Inventory levels this quarter are poised to be atypical of a normal real estate market, which could create tremendous pressure on sellers to price their homes competitively and move their property before the tax credit expires on April 30th."

Cities experiencing significant increases in percentage of listings with price reductions from June 2009 to November 2009 include:

-Kansas City, MO - 59% increase in price reductions

-Colorado Springs, CO - 43% increase in price reductions

-Omaha, NE - 39% increase in price reductions

-Louisville, KY - 37% increase in price reductions

-Milwaukee, WI - 30% increase in price reductions

Cities showing signs of the highest percentage of declines for listings with price reductions from June 2009 to November 2009 include:

-Las Vegas, NV - 34% decrease in price reductions

-San Jose, CA - 25% decrease in price reductions

-San Antonio, TX - 18% decrease in price reductions

-Los Angeles, CA - 16% decrease in price reductions

-Oakland, CA - 16% decrease in price reductions

Luxury Market Still Hardest Hit

Luxury homes (those listed at two million dollars and above) continue to bear the brunt of discounts being offered with an average of 14% being slashed from the original asking price compared to the national average of 10%. Additionally, luxury homes represent less than 2% of all current listings on Trulia, but are responsible for 25% of the $28.1 billion in home price reductions.

For more information, visit www.robertjrussell.com.

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The World's Top Developments by Robert J Russell

2009-11-15T21:55:00.001-06:00

Alinari at Rosemary Place :: Sarasota, FL :: View Details
	An eclectic enclave in the center of the arts, on the edge of the bay, in an unbeatable location, Sarasota is fast becoming one of the most desirable destinations on Florida's Gulf Coast. The appeal of this vibrant city and its intimate neighborhoods is hard to resist. In this artistic setting, nature provides the ultimate brushstroke, giving Alinari residents a private showing of brilliant emerald hues in the sparkling waters of Sarasota Bay and, from the top floors, the Gulf of Mexico.
Altura :: Asheville, North Carolina :: View Details
	With a focus on Wellness and Environmental Sustainability, our 240 acre development is located just seven (7) minutes from Downtown Asheville, NC, offering Grand Estate Homes, Condos, Villas, and Cottages - 85% have views! Amenities such as a proposed spa hotel, 24 hour concierge service, "Pathways to Peace" nature trails, park, garden area, swimming pools, restaurants and retail all add to hip urban living in the Mountains of North Carolina.
Aqua :: Naples, FL :: View Details
	With prices starting in the $2 Millions; Aqua, Naples' most elegant new address, offers a unique and private waterfront lifestyle for refined sensibilities, with amenities that include concierge services, a private yacht harbor with direct access and membership to Naples' most exclusive yacht club.
Ara Macao :: Placencia, Placencia Peninsula :: View Details
	The Ara Macao Resort & Marina, a master planned, residential resort community and marina, is located on the Placencia Peninsula on the southern coast of Belize, a sunny region highly prized for its great weather, turquoise water and beautiful sand beaches. The community is being developed on a 600+ -acre waterfront estate containing approximately one mile of Belize beachfront real estate on the Caribbean Sea. Contact us today to learn more about this rare opportunity.
Barker Block :: Los Angeles, CA :: View Details
	The Barker Block is a new living concept by The Kor Group, the creators behind some of the most contemporary and sought after hotels, destinations and designer residences. And now you can own this signature style in a home that showcases our obsession with design and detail, as well as our ability to create intriguing settings, social areas and gathering spaces. The Barker Block has been crafted to offer inspired homes and a true neighborhood living experience.
Bell Tower Park :: Fort Myers, FL :: View Details
	Bell Tower Park is an Award winning private gated community located in the heart of south Fort Myers. Minutes from fine dining, shopping and other retail shops. A park like setting of stylish carriage and courtyard homes, surrounding lakes and nature preserves. Residents enjoy an array of amenities including a 2 resort pools, tiki bar, 6,000 sf clubhouse, fitness center, social area, tennis courts and sport court, play area and miles of shaded nature trails. Attention to detail, included features, and architecal attention to details make this an outstanding community.
Bleu Claire :: Longboat Key, FL :: View Details
	Nestled along the pristine coastline of Longboat Key is a new level of exclusivity to define beachfront living, the taste of luxury, the reward for a lifetime of accomplishment: Your inspiration. Your dream. Your Bleu Claire. Designed to evoke the feeling of a retreat from the everyday, Bleu Claire on Longboat Key is inspired by the villas of the French Riviera. The community's understated elegance reflects the beauty of its natural surroundings and the enchanting views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Bonita Bay Highrises :: Naples, FL :: View Details
	Three waterfront parks; 12 miles of biking and walking paths; 90 holes of golf; private beach park on the Gulf of Mexico; tennis and swim center; fitness center; marina club with storage for more than 400 boats, fuel and service, a ship's store and restaurant; wine club; Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary for demonstrated excellence in environmental planning, wildlife-habitat management, resource conservation, waste management, and outreach and education. Four additional high-rises are in development.
Bridlegate Ranch :: Bandera, Texas :: View Details
	Bridlegate is conveniently located near the bustling community of Bandera yet poised amidst the Hill Country's scenic beauty along the gentle Medina River, Bridlegate features nearly 4 miles of Medina River frontage, 2 to 5 Acre homesites with premier riverfront homesites available, tremendous Hill Country views, majestic Live Oaks, quality covenants to protect the integrity of the land, clubhouse with pool, tennis court, fitness center, guest suites, equestrian facilities with riding trails and a private property owners' park on the river for tubing, fishing, and relaxing. Buyers can purchase now and build when ready as well as choose their own custom builder. Bridlegate is being developed by Southerland Communities, a premier developer of Hill Country acreage communities.
Brookfield Homes Hawaii :: Honolulu, HI :: View Details
	Brookfield Homes Hawai'i offers three exclusive resort communities on two of the Hawaiian islands; each of them are adjacent to gorgeous beaches, championship golf courses, tennis clubs, fine dining, and rejuvenating spas. Our communities also offer their own luxurious recreation villages designed for outdoor gatherings, swimming, and fitness. On the Island of Kaua'i we offer you Nihilani at Princeville and PiliMai at Po'ipu, resorts of unparalleled natural beauty. On the Big Island we offer you KaMilo at Mauna Lani, one of the most renowned resorts in the world. These three resort communities define what it means to feel at home in Hawai'i.
Chinquapin :: Cashiers, North Carolina :: View Details
	Nestled contentedly in a rolling expanse of the Cashiers area of the Blue Ridge Mountains, there exists a place where home settings and amenities emerge naturally from the land-as if they always have been. It's a place surrounded by pristine national wilderness, so you know it always will be. It's a place where new beginnings and new discoveries spring naturally from every moment out of the spectacular beauty that is Chinquapin.
Citrus Square :: Sarasota, FL :: View Details
	A new concept on in-town living is coming to a neighborhood set apart by a new pedestrian-friendly, tree-lined streetscape with quaint open square and distinctive lampposts. Great city location on Orange Avenue just three blocks to Main Street. Walk to your favorite downtown Sarasota restaurants, shopping, and cultural arts.
Cliffs Communities :: Asheville,NC and upstate SC, North and South Carolina :: View Details
	Named CNBC's 2007 World's Best International Development, The Cliffs Communities include eight private, residential mountain-lake communities located between Asheville, North Carolina and Greenville, South Carolina, bordered by hundreds of thousands of acres of protected forests, crystal lakes, streams, and waterfalls. Members enjoy eight championship golf courses, spectacular clubhouses, restaurants, wellness centers and spa facilities. Plus, access to The Cliffs international vacation properties in British Columbia, Chile and the Bahamas.
Copper Ridge :: New Braunfels, Texas :: View Details
	Located just five miles west of New Braunfels on Highway 46 in the New Braunefels school district, Copper Ridge is a distinctive acreage community with homesites available on a ridgeline that offer spectacular long distance views with level building sites as well as homesites with large trees and open meadows. This community of 1+ acre tracts will also be secured with a gated and guarded entrance and will have curbed streets, high quality covenants and a homeowners' park with resort-style pool, pavilion, sports courts and walking trails. Buyers can purchase now and build when ready as well as choose their own custom builder or use one of Copper Ridge's designated showcase builders. Copper Ridge is being developed by Southerland Communities, a premier developer of Hill Country acreage communities.
Cristal Beach Resort :: Cabrera, Dominican Republic :: View Details
	Cristal Beach is a luxury residential condo resort on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic with the utmost attention to natural beauty and detail. We offer 2 and 3 bedroom units with the highest finishes along with all ocean views, direct beach access, resort style pool, jacuzzi and many more amenities for you and your guests.
Firefly Cove At Lake Lure :: Lake Lure, NC :: View Details
	Set within the natural beauty of Lake Lure and the surrounding grandeur of Chimney Rock State Park, Firefly Cove, with its rich historical past, offers its residents an unparalleled waterfront and mountain lifestyle. Residents will enjoy the Village Commons area which includes the Community Lodge with Billiards and Fireplace Gathering Lounge, Heated Swimming Pool and Outdoor Amphitheater. Also, all residents have direct lake access and may enjoy the Boathouse, Canoe and Kayak Area and Lakeside Docks for fishing, swimming or boating.
Florida Lifestyle Homes :: Fort Myers, FL :: View Details
	Florida Lifestyle Homes can provide one-stop shopping for your custom home in the most prestigious areas of Southwest Florida. We have used our financial strength and experience to inventory a substantial portfolio of spectacular home sites in Lee County's luxury home communities of Cape Harbour, Renaissance, Verandah, as well as, Collier County in Quail West, a Ginn Club community. If you are already an owner of a home site or if you have a home site in mind that is not in our inventory, we would be happy to build your dream home where ever you choose. We are proud to have been selected as a preferred builder in the most exclusive waterfront and golfing communities in Southwest Florida.
Hacienda :: Placida, Florida :: View Details
	Located between the tranquility of the sunrise over Charlotte Harbor and the fiery sunset on the Gulf of Mexico is a magical stretch of Florida's Intracoastal Waterway. Here lies Hacienda, the perfect Waterfront community Nestled among the oldest and most unique tropical destinations on Florida's Gulf Coast.
Hampton Lake :: Bluffton, South Carolina :: View Details
	Located in Bluffton, South Carolina, Hampton Lake is true lakefront living located minutes from Hilton Head Island, Beaufort and Savannah. The 165-acre freshwater lake with fifteen miles of shoreline, is surrounded by a 340 acre nature preserve, offering a total of over 500 acres of open space in this community of just over 900 acres. Lakeside Amenity Village was recently honored with the "Best Community in America" Award by The National Association of Homebuilders and Professional Builder Magazine.
Hermosa del Mar :: Playa Hermosa, :: View Details
	Located in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, and only 20 minutes away from Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia, Hermosa del Mar is nestled along the sparkling sands of Playa Hermosa with crystal clear waters flowing across the exotic tropical scenery...soothing ocean breezes await you in what will without a doubt become your private refuge.
Hidden Harbor :: Fort Myers, FL :: View Details
	Unprecedented, Unparalleled, Unbelievable...All these words have been used to describe Hidden Harbor. Yet there are no words that fully do justice to the beauty, serenity and uniqueness of this one-of-a-kind residential community, conveniently located midway between Fort Myers and Naples. Come, experience Hidden Harbor's Unspeakable perfection yourself
Jade Condo Hotel Residences & Beach Club :: Manuel Antonio, :: View Details
	From its stunning perch overlooking the best of Manuel Antonio, Jade Resort Residences & Beach Club will become your personal connection to "Paradise on the Pacific". Jade (Wyndham) Condo Hotel Residences and Beach Club features 190 spectacular designer suites and a private beach club that rivals everything else in Costa Rica.
KaMilo at Mauna Lani :: Kohala Coast, HI :: View Details
	KaMilo at Mauna Lani a luxurious resort lifestyle with open spaces, outdoor living, awe-inspiring landscapes, and a true sense of community. Located within the world famous Mauna Lani Resort on the sun drenched Kohala Coast of the Big Island, Brookfield Homes Hawai′i is proud to offer KaMilo, a private, gated enclave containing a mix of single-family and paired homes ranging in size from 2,599 to 3,781 square feet. Our residences are configured with 2-4 bedrooms and up to 4.5 baths and all with 2-car garages.
Laguna at Riviera Dunes :: Palmetto, FL :: View Details
	Laguna at Riviera Dunes, situated directly on the beautiful Manatee River, offers a laid-back escape from downtown condominium living at an extraordinary price. Begin and end your day with breath-taking views of the Manatee River or the magnificent Riviera Dunes Yacht Basin. Enjoy relaxing by the pool and private clubhouse. And while you'll savor the casual Florida lifestyle, a short drive places you in the midst of fine dining, exquisite shopping and exciting cultural activities, making Laguna at Riviera Dunes the perfect seasonal or year round home.
Lely Resort :: Naples, FL :: View Details
	A close-to-everything Naples location, three championship golf courses and a cosmopolitan atmosphere amid lush natural surroundings has made Lely Resort one of the most sought after addresses in Naples. Lely Resort offers 13 spectacular unique neighborhoods.
LifeSmart Homes at Hampton Lake :: Bluffton, South Carolina :: View Details
	Introducing the Cottage Imagination Collection, the first single family homes in the LifeSmart Series, starting at $315,000. These efficiently designed, simpler, more environmentally conscious homes actually live larger while creating financial freedom by reducing living costs. You'll enjoy all the award-winning - newly completed - amenities offered at Hampton Lake, only now at prices nearly half of what you're used to seeing.
Mercato :: Naples, FL :: View Details
	Mercato is a main street community located on 53 acres designed to provide ultra-convenient, pedestrian friendly environment to those who reside there as well as the Naples community. Consisting of 92 units of residential over retail The Strada is reinventing urban living. 300,000 square feet of retail and boutiques space including a 50,000 square foot Whole Foods Market; renowned restaurants including Capital Grille; luxurious multiplex movie theatre and just minutes from the Gulf of Mexico.
Naples \| 701 :: Naples, FL :: View Details
	Naples \| 701 has a distinct tucked-away feeling that hits as soon as you enter the property. Every square foot of space is engineered for optimum use - from closet room to kitchen appliance placement, with sleek fixtures and bright spaces. It's everything you need, and nothing you don't.
Nihilani at Princeville Resort :: Princeville, HI :: View Details
	Find your home on Kaua'i's majestic North Shore, in this rare opportunity to live in highly acclaimed Princeville Resort. Nihilani comprises 100 thoughtfully crafted homes with golf course and Bali Hai views on this magnificent bluff between the mountains and the sea. These award-winning townhomes are beautifully designed in the plantation style to reflect indoor-outdoor living, while featuring current home innovations. Enjoy spacious lanais, two-car garages and a private outdoor recreation center situated within beautifully landscaped gardens.
Oasis :: Fort Myers, FL :: View Details
	At The Related Group we believe that the Oasis experience is made of moments. As your private luxury resort, Oasis is designed to capture those moments. Brilliantly placed on 17 acres of tropical paradise overlooking the Caloosahatchee River and surrounded by intriguing landscapes and breathtaking waterscapes, Oasis offers an unparalleled experience in luxury Gulf Coast Living. Whether taking a dip in your beach-entry swimming pool, boating on the Gulf of Mexico or calling the valet to bring your car for an evening of dining and theatre, each moment at Oasis will be filled with luxury touches and special experiences.
Ocean Springs Place :: Biloxi, Mississippi :: View Details
	Located in the #1 Emerging Market in the United States and eleigeible for GO Zone bonus depreciation benefits. A turn key operation for investors including property managment, forgiveable loans ( up to $73,000 )administered by SRAP through HUD. Our Ocean Springs development is sitting on 260 acres that is owned and designed by a local Ocean Springs developer and resident. The development is built with the end user in mind. Of the 779 total lots available, only 330 will be available to investors. 218 of which are luxury duplexes and 112 are brick single family homes with various floor plans and designs.
Pacifico :: Playas del Coco, Guanacaste :: View Details
	Pacifico. A reflection of all the good life has to offer. A place for the adventurer and the romantic. Well-planned for practical living with an exotic flair. A new place but not unfamiliar. Fresh ideas and possibilities surrounded comfort and quality. Careful consideration of the environment, the natural surroundings, the village neighbors and the sea ensure a harmonious existence will all that makes this place such a special place to live. Pacifico is a place to be discovered. Its amenities to be experienced. Its essence unable to be captured in words or in art. It's not natural. It's supernatural.
Paseo :: Fort Myers, FL :: View Details
	Paseo. The way to say "journey". Our way of saying a wonderful place to live. Stock Development presents an exciting new Ft. Myers community designed with a blend of inspired residences, all a stroll away from the Paseo Village Center. With plenty of places and spaces for family and friends to meet and celebrate life. Priced to move you!
Perrone Construction:: Sarasota, FL :: View Details
	As Sarasota's premier builder of luxury waterfront residences since 1980, Perrone Construction's reputation for unparalleled excellence is widely acknowledged throughout the community. Our dedication to quality and our commitment to our client remain as strong today as ever. Repeat clients and referrals from former clients account for a good deal of our business, and to our company, this is the highest compliment that we could receive.
Pili Mai at Po'ipu:: Koloa, HI :: View Details
	Experience ocean, golf course or mountain views at Po'ipu's newest neighborhood. Nestled amidst the fairways and greens of Kiahuna Golf Club, PiliMai offers the comfort and casual luxury of plantation-style architecture coupled with state-of-the-art amenities and a convenient location. Choose from seven inviting floor plans designed to maximize views and privacy, with a private recreational village to include pools, spa, exercise center and gathering pavilion. Discover the experience of island living on Kaua'i's sunny South Shore.
Roco Ki:: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic :: View Details
	Set along the dramatic headlands and pearl white beaches of the Dominican Republic's fabled eastern shore is a world that offers rich culture, awe-inspiring scenery and a wealth of adventure. This is the place that will redefine luxury living for a new generation. Here is a world where the past is honored; the present is celebrated; the future is boldly envisioned. Welcome to Roco Ki.
Savannah Preserve At University Place:: University Park, FL :: View Details
	Touch remarkable quality, enjoy spectacular design. Come exclaim over upgrade upon upgrade - acres of granite in kitchens and baths, glass block garden showers, lanais with incredible views from these brand new carriage-style condominium homes. Come hear yourself say the unheard of. "Finally. Now this is worth it." Not to mention, "What a terrific University Park location." Situated near Lakewood Ranch and the new University Town Center Mall.
Shadow Lakes:: Wills Point, Texas :: View Details
	Shadow Lakes offers a relaxed country lifestyle just 35 minutes from Dallas. Shadow Lakes' offers choice 1-5 acre homesites on open meadows, in secluded woodlands, or private lakesides. Shadow Lakes was designed to preserve the peaceful, natural setting of the Texas countryside. An unobtrusive infrastructure of underground utilities, a central water supply, and sensible covenants will help preserve the country experience. The community features two stocked lakes, community pool with pavilion, sports fields and walking trails in a private 200 acre property owners' park. Buyers can purchase now and build when ready as well as choose their own custom builder or use one of Shadow Lakes's designated showcase builders. Shadow Lakes is being developed by Southerland Communities, a premier developer of acreage communities.
Summer Cove on Siesta:: Siesta Key, FL :: View Details
	Only Summer Cove on Siesta offers sophisticated, modern, island living on Siesta Key that's move-in ready with a 100% money-back guarantee. While most high-end island communities in the area are selling ideas and pictures, Summer Cove offers buyers the real thing. And by real thing, we mean gorgeous landscapes, luxurious interiors, private elevators, exceptional water views, and the finest in modern, upscale amenities from the low $1 millions.
Sunset Falls at Bald Creek:: Waynesville, North Carolina :: View Details
	A 300 acre gated community ideally located between Asheville and Waynesville, Western North Carolina. Greeters cottage, gated entrance, paved roads, and underground utilities are in place. Elevations from 3,200 feet to 4,300 feet. Long range mountains views, gentle topography. Lots from 1.3 acres to 4.55 acres. Hiking trails are complete, crystal clear steams, and a planned clubhouse with fitness center, swimming pool, outdoor pavilion & BBQ area. The first two homes are under construction at this time, both over 3,000 square feet.
Tarpon Point Marina:: Cape Coral, FL :: View Details
	Tarpon Point Marina is a resort-style community featuring five unique residential villages of single family estate homes, coach homes, and condominium towers. These distinct neighborhoods are sculpted within the community's waterways, preserves and canals, taking full advantage of its spectacular setting at the southern tip of Cape Coral where the waters of the Caloosahatchee River and Glovers Bight empty into San Carlos Bay and the Gulf o f Mexico beyond. The focal point is an existing deep water marina offering direct access to the Gulf of Mexico. Tarpon Point Marina also features The Resort at MarinaVillage Residents Club, a waterfront retail village with a 19 story luxury Residents Club, offering 1/12 fractional ownership and with resort and hotel services featuring waterfront restaurants, shopping, Esterra Spa and Salon. Daily boat shuttle to Fort Myers Beach, boat and Kayak rentals, charter fishing services, ship store and Harbor Master, Captains lounge.
TerraMont:: San Antonio, Texas :: View Details
	TerraMont is a hill country estate acreage community located in the vibrant and growing city of San Antonio. Poised on the ridgeline of the hills near La Cantera, most of TerraMont estates share a view of the spacious interior nature park and distant hills, while others have coveted views of the city skyline - especially dazzling at night. This is truly a unique opportunity to possess Hill Country property located within the city of San Antonio at great pre-development pricing. The community features a gated and guarded entrance, community pool with pavilion, sports courts and walking trails in a private property owners' park. Buyers can purchase now and build when ready as well as choose their own custom builder or use one of TerraMont's designated showcase builders. TerraMont is being developed by Southerland Communities, a premier developer of Hill Country acreage communities.
The Cove at Celo Mountain:: Burnsville, North Carolina :: View Details
	The Cove at Celo Mountain elevates the North Carolina mountain living experience to the peak of quality, beauty and enjoyment. Tucked in the spectacular Blue Ridge Mountains approximately 35 minutes from Asheville, NC this dynamic, engaging, boutique community of luxury home sites, lots, villas and cottages is a property that wholly reflects its exquisite natural landscape. Located near historic Burnsville in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, The Cove at Celo Mountain offers a fully rewarding lifestyle and a grounded sense of community deeply rooted in regional values and traditions. Rediscover an America you thought was long gone; Discover a lifestyle where natural beauty meets simple elegance; Discover The Cove at Celo Mountain. Start making your "memories for a lifetime" today.
The Fairways at Savannah Quarters:: Pooler, GA :: View Details
	Epcon maintenance free , lock and leave community in Westbrook at Savannah Quarters. A private gated community on a Greg Norman signature golf course. Townhome's for active adults, young professionals, single again adults.
The Fitzgerald:: Asheville, NC :: View Details
	The Fitzgerald sits on storied grounds. A hallowed mountain setting that caught the eye of E.W. Grove nearly a century ago. This land became the inspiration and foundation for the legendary Grove Park Inn that still entices and charms visitors today as it has for generations. It is here, on this historic site, that The Fitzgerald living experience offers itself to a limited few fortunate enough to make this dream location their home.
The Ivy Naples Grande:: Naples, FL :: View Details
	For those who want Naples' exclusivity, championship golf and oceanfront elegance, there is The Ivy. Offering more than 3,000 square feet of living, the spacious homes feature the finest interior appointments and grand architectural details. While the private clubhouse provides the residents with the perfect place to meet and socialize with family and friends.
Vivante:: Punta Gorda, FL :: View Details
	Set in the heart of the tranquil coastal town of Punta Gorda, this luxury community features gorgeous condominium residences, a Grand Clubhouse, beautiful walking paths and magnificent views of Charlotte Harbor.
Western North Carolina Homes and Land:: Whittier, North Carolina :: View Details
	All our developments and lots have mountain views and or water views. One of our developments has direct river front lots. All lots have access to the Tuckasseeggee River via a 600' private recreational area. Our lots are the best around at great prices!!

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8 fat fighting foods

2009-11-15T05:59:00.001-06:00

Combat fat! Your allies in battling bulge? Foods that do the work for you. These edibles have proven lipid-melting powers that help you slim. That's a win.

By Veronica Byrd

Almonds Almond joy! Dieters who ate 3 ounces of these nuts every day reduced their weight and body-mass index by a solid 18 percent compared with an 11 percent drop in the no-nut group, a study in the International Journal of Obesity found. Almonds are high in alpha-linolenic acid, which can speed the metabolism of fats. Stick to 12 per serving.

Berries Vitamin C-loaded fruit such as strawberries and raspberries can help you sizzle up to 30 percent more fat during exercise, suggests research from Arizona State University at Mesa. Blend a vinaigrette of 1 cup berries and ¼ cup balsamic vinegar.

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Cinnamon This spice could make your waistline nice. Sprinkling ¼ teaspoon on your food may prevent a postmeal insulin spike-this increase normally occurs after you eat and "signals the body that it should store fat rather than burn it," explains Lauren Slayton, R.D., of New York City. Add a dash to your oatmeal, yogurt or coffee.

Mustard Hello, yellow. The spice that gives mustard its color, turmeric, may slow the growth of fat tissues, a study in the journal Endocrinology notes. Eighty-six mayo in favor of any mustard; sprinkle turmeric on cauliflower and roast for a tangy side.

Oranges Prevent pound creep with this citrus star: It contains fat-torching compounds called flavones. Women who ate the most flavones had a significantly lower increase in body fat over a 14-year period, a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition finds. Snack on slices or drink freshly squeezed OJ (with pulp!) for the biggest payback.

Soybeans These green gems are rich in choline, a compound that blocks fat absorption and breaks down fatty deposits. Add ½ cup edamame to a salad.

Sweet potatoes Trade up to sweet taters. They're high in fiber, which means no drastic insulin jumps and thus less fat packed onto your hips. Bake a small sweet potato-think of two bars of soap as a portion size-and top with a dollop of lowfat or nonfat cottage cheese.

Swiss cheese Holy cow: "Calcium-rich foods reduce fat-producing enzymes and increase fat breakdown," says Michael B. Zemel, Ph.D., director of the Nutrition Institute at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Put toe to toe with some of its cheesy counterparts, Swiss is a heavy hitter in the calcium department; layer a slice on a lunchtime sandwich, or stack some on high-fiber crackers.

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Are you avoiding the detours on the road to success ?

2009-11-13T23:11:00.001-06:00

RISMEDIA, November 10, 2009-Here at Buffini & Company we've coached over 50,000 people in a one-on-one capacity, and have dedicated ourselves to studying, researching and supporting people through the growth process. One thing I've noticed recently is that people are taking a step back and beginning to examine some of the practices they employ in their business.

When the market is flying high and sticking a sign in the yard brings in multiple offers it can be easy to think you're doing better than you necessarily are. The harsh reality is, however, a tougher market always exposes the real truth behind how you're actually doing. And some of us have gotten off track. Below, I detail "The Five Detours on the Road to Success."

1. Lack of Accountability

Every human being does better with accountability because we truly cannot see our own shortcomings; outside perspective is the best way to gain clarity on our patterns.

2. Loss of Motivation

Motivation, by its very nature, is designed to dissipate so we need to seek it out continually. As my friend and mentor, Zig Ziglar, says: "Motivation is like bathing. You have to do it on a daily basis!"

3. In Need of Direction

Once you get things moving and gain some momentum you actually need more direction than you did when you were just starting out. This is borne out by countless people who work their whole life and have nothing to show for it.

4. Isolation

All you have to do is watch the "Animal Planet" documentary on predators in the wild to know how detrimental isolation can be: Predators never attack the pack; they always look for the isolated, hurt, wounded, and lost, the ones who've stopped moving forward. Self-employed people are more predisposed to this isolation than anyone else.

5. Drift

While "isolation" is a predator, "drift" is a killer; it's the "silent assassin" because we don't know how far and how fast we've drifted until something catastrophic happens.

As you can see, the "Five Detours" are things we all face and it can be easy to get off track in both business and our personal lives. But let's examine the solution side of things. If there are detours, then rest assured there are also rules of the road to get you back on track.

Stay on Track with These Rules of the Road

1. Stay Accountable

While it may not be natural to seek out accountability, let's just have a look at what happens in its absence. Tiger Woods - the greatest golfer in the world - recently missed the cut at the British Open. Just so happens it was the first time in five years he didn't bring his coach to a tournament.

2. Brainstorm and Network with Others

We humans do much better when we mastermind together, which is why we facilitate networking at our events, as well as in our Coaching programs and Small Groups. Surround yourself with positive, resourceful, successful people, because they'll lift you up rather than drag you down.

3. Plan Daily Doses of Motivation

Just think of your daily motivation like an essential vitamin, with nothing but positive, good-for-you side effects. Plan daily doses by listening to affirming CDs in your car or by reading good books - just a few lines here or there will go a long way.

4. Follow the System

You know you're in need of direction - everybody is. And we've developed a system that works. Now, I know that few people ever follow the system 100%, but what if that means you're missing out on a 30% jump in your income?! Would that be worth increasing your commitment to the lead-generation activities by just 10%? The Referral Systems work; but only if you do!

5. Work with a Coach

A Coach has the expertise, tools and strategies to help you get your business cranking. That accountability and direction will help you avoid drift - the deadly killer.

This much I do know…there's a reason our Coaching Members averaged $192,000 in income in one of the worst markets we've seen…

The fact that you're still in business means you have weathered the storm and, as I've said before, a recession is a terrible thing to waste. Follow the rules of the road and you'll be launching a great new year.

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Obama Signs Homebuyer Tax Credit Extension

2009-11-09T05:15:00.001-06:00

RISMEDIA, -President Barack Obama has approved the first-time homebuyer tax credit extension which will extend the tax credit until April 30, 2010.

The extension is part of a $24 billion economic stimulus bill that will extend the $8,000 tax credit for homebuyers who are purchasing their first home from the current November 30 deadline and expands the program to offer a credit of $6,500 to homeowners who have lived in their current home for at least five years and are seeking to relocate.

The following details apply to the homebuyer tax credit expansion:

Who is Eligible

-First-time homebuyers, who are defined by the law as buyers who have not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase, may be eligible for up to an $8,000 tax credit.

-Existing homeowners who have been residing in their principal residence for five consecutive years out of the last eight and are purchasing a home to be their principal residence ("repeat buyer"), may be eligible for up to a $6,500 tax credit.

-All U.S. citizens who file taxes are eligible to participate in the program.

Income Limits

Homebuyers who file as single or head-of-household taxpayers can claim the full credit ($8,000 for first-time buyers and $6,500 for repeat buyers) if their modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is less than $125,000.

-For married couples filing a joint return, the combined income limit is $225,000.

-Single or head-of-household taxpayers who earn between $125,000 and $145,000, and married couples who earn between $225,000 and $245,000 are eligible to receive a partial credit.

-The credit is not available for single taxpayers whose MAGI is greater than $145,000 and married couples with a MAGI that exceeds $245,000.

Effective Dates

-The eligibility period for the tax credit is for homes purchased after Nov. 6, 2009, and before May 1, 2010. However, home purchases subject to a binding sales contract signed by April 30, 2010, will qualify for the tax credit provided closing occurs prior to July 1, 2010.

Types of Homes that Qualify

-All homes with a purchase price of less than $800,000 qualify, including newly-constructed or resale, and single-family detached, townhomes or condominiums, provided that the home will be used as their principal residence. Vacation home and rental property purchases do NOT qualify.

Tax Credit is Refundable

-A refundable credit means that if the amount of income taxes you owe is less than the credit amount you qualify for, the government will send you a check for the difference.

-For example:

-A first-time buyer who qualifies for the full $8,000 credit who owes $5,000 in federal income taxes would pay nothing to the IRS and receive a $3,000 payment from the government. If you are due to receive a $1,000 refund, you would receive $9,000 ($1,000 plus the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit).

-A repeat buyer who owes $5,000 would pay nothing to the IRS and receive $1,500 back from the government. If you are due to get a $1,000 refund, you would get $7,500 ($1,000 plus the $6,500 repeat buyer tax credit).

-All qualified homebuyers can take the tax credit on their 2009 or 2010 income tax return.

Payback Provisions

The tax credit is a true credit. It does not have to be repaid unless the home owner sells or stops using the home as their principal residence within three years after the purchase.

The www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com site is being updated. Check the site next week for more detailed information on the new tax credit.

To find out more about buying or selling a house - visit: http://www.robertjrussell.com

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Are you really there ?

2009-11-01T20:59:00.000-06:00

One of the surest ways to make someone feel that you are insincere is to have them perceive you as if you are using a scripted effort at "being" sincere.

At that second, trust begins to evaporate. I call this the "Yikes, I've lost them!" moment.

The defining mark of being a professional at your craft is performing the task-at-hand in a seemingly effortless fashion.

There is no easy way to gain this seamless proficiency without practicing what we want to achieve with relentless persistence until it becomes part of our nature.

For example:

We no longer think about getting on a bicycle and pedaling down the garden path; however, I suspect there isn't one reader here who doesn't vividly remember falling off his/her bicycle before learning how to find his/her balance. We skinned our knees because the very thing we were trying to achieve distracted us.

I've played the piano since I was a little boy and went on to play professionally for many years. In the beginning, I was aware of every single key on the keyboard. After countless hours of practice, my mind and eyes no longer thought about my fingers. Once I stopped being aware of what I was doing, the mechanical playing of notes turned into - music.

So, how do we achieve a natural flow in our real estate presentations?

Some agents use video cameras. This is fine, but it's not in real time. Life is not a scripted reality show. (There's an oxymoron.) If you think you don't look sincere on camera, it may simply be your own perception of you being "aware" of yourself! Ego is hard to self-ignore. The world is saturated with You Tubesque amateurs. You Tube is a good place to go if you want to see how not to look.

Other agents will talk into a mirror. This does help if you can remove yourself from the situation - which is a hard thing to do since (again) you're looking at yourself. If you can't remove yourself, mirrors are very good if you want to get the listing on your own house…

The best suggestion I have ever received is from an actor. He advised, "Look into the camera and speak as if you are talking to a trusted friend...or a loved one." In our case, we are looking into the eyes of our clients instead of the camera.

The only "trick" is you have to mean what you say.

This method allows you to adjust your notes to your own emotional variables and you can practice your presentation using nothing more than an empty chair and your own imagination. The most important element is to be yourself. People have an inner sense of someone making a genuine effort. (Don't you?)

(Tip: If you are in your office, you may want to make people in the immediate area aware you are practicing talking to an imaginary person in an empty chair. If not, the next morning you may find all sharp objects have been removed from your desk - and/or you've been possibly nominated for Congress.)

When we first meet serious clients they are evaluating us from a highly emotional angle. Senses are heightened and the primal "fight or flight" instincts are close to the surface. One wrong nuance and we could lose them.

Of course, real estate is a business - but it's a business that concentrically effects our clients and their families on a very core level.

Whether it is expressed or not, we are being judged from the heart as well as the head.

Personally, I find great satisfaction in having gained the trust of my clients to the point where they are signing an agreement without a hint of worry or hesitation

If we "internalize" the commitment to our clients by knowing our craft and expressing an honest desire in helping to the extent that their needs become our own - we are doing our jobs at an elevated level.

It is only when we cease being "aware" of these efforts that we achieve the highest degree of natural sincerity.

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Luxury Real Estate

2009-10-29T05:34:00.001-05:00

While most luxury real estate marketing professionals are still reeling from the downturn in the market and working harder than ever just to keep up, some are seeing the enormous opportunity that the new era of the internet has to offer and they are starting to reach for the gold ring. Yes, there is a gold rush out there. But, what may not be obvious is what the new gold looks like and how to find it.

The new gold is all about identifying an uncontested niche in your marketplace where you can add extraordinary value; then staking your claim to ownership of that new market space. It is about cashing in on who you are, what you are most passionate about and leveraging the new media tools to reach and connect with your ideal clients in a focused manner.

What Is the Catch?

You need to know who you are, what you stand for, what you are passionate about what you can do better than anyone else in your marketplace. You need to discover you unique voice. Only then will the new media tools make any sense to you in terms of their potential to tap the gold reserve that awaits you. The tools are meaningless otherwise. Only when you become "follow-worthy" will you attract and retain your audience, and also convert that audience into cash flow.

You Must Discover Your Golden Voice

The blog is a great example of a new media tool that is useless without knowing your unique voice. Luxury real estate agents have been hearing, for a couple years, that they need to blog. They have been promised that Google will magically send traffic to their sites if they just spew "content". Never mind that the content that they are writing about or the stories they are reporting are of any interest to a target market. Forget the idea of original content. After mindlessly regurgitating other people's information, most agents abandon their blogs within 60 days concluding that it was a waste of time and was of little value in terms of generating immediate leads, let alone transactions.

What an awesome tool the blog is for those who have discovered their unique "golden" voice, a voice that is "follow-worthy"! Blogs offer anyone the opportunity to become a syndicated columnist because followers can subscribe to their "column", keep up on the latest installments and also engage in discussion with the author and other followers. Plus, it is virtually free! So, is the help you can get from your silent marketing partner, Google. Google wants to help create a perfect match between you and your potential audience, your ideal potential clients because they sell more ads when users experience better search results.

Right now, there is an abundance of unexploited marketing niches right under your nose, where you can become the undisputed market leader. But, you will not perceive these untapped "gold mines" if you do not know your own mind. You first need to discover your own golden voice.

For more information on Luxury & International Properties visit: http://www.robertjrussell.com

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7 Biggest Google Mistakes Made by Small Business Owners

2009-10-26T21:09:00.001-05:00

7 Biggest Google Adwords Mistakes

Once we get to take a look at the settings in these campaigns it is usually pretty obvious why the company is not achieving the results it expected:

The website is not designed to be compelling, nor capture leads or sales.

The keywords are too broad in nature - e.g. 'carpet' and 'cleaning', instead of 'carpet cleaning Houston'

The keywords are lumped into single adgroups with no attempt at putting them into themed groups: e.g. 'carpet cleaning', 'tile cleaning', 'upholstery cleaning' are all in a single adgroup.

Conversions are not set up, so there is no method to track leads and what keyword, ad etc. generated the lead.

Ads do not match the keywords, or do not point to the relevant page in the website.

Ads are poorly constructed and do not entice visitors.

Bid costs are too low relative to daily budgets or vice versa.

It is perfectly possible to stick a bunch of seemingly relevant keywords into a campaign, slap together an ad and let it rip!!!

However, doing this will almost certainly not bring you the results you would like.

Does Google Want You to Fail?

Of course the answer is no, but you have to understand that Google has built its dominant market share by realizing that people using a search engine want 'relevance' - they want to find what they are looking for quickly and easily. This means that if an advertiser is bidding on the keyword "dogs", but they sell "custom dog collars", they will get a ton of searches for anything containing the word "dog", 99.9% of which will not be relevant for "custom dog collars", so the click through rate (CTR) will be very low for this advertiser. (CTR is the percentage of clicks relative to the number of times that an ad was shown in a search).

Google will penalize this advertiser by showing their ads lower down the page (or more likely on page 24!!!) because they are not relevant to most people searching for dog related keywords. This gives a better experience to the search engine user, which is the goal.

How to construct a well put-together Adwords campaign is not rocket-science, but it does take a degree of understanding of the mechanics of the system to ensure the type of results that are desired.

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A Day of Computer Prohibition!

2009-10-22T20:47:00.001-05:00

Imagine a day coming to the office and discovering that the Internet lines are down. Is it still possible for companies to operate in these circumstances? Definitely a bad day for the average company big or small, but these circumstances would be very different for the Internet marketer. Let us see why.

Not withstanding the fact that many big companies such as hospitals, airports managements do have their private "generators" to deal with such situations, the computer in the office world can be summed up in three grand chapters namely communications, information and data processing. For the Internet marketer, if these basics are obviously similar they do not tie him down to his computer due to him having created an automatic follow-up for the majority of them.

It would be interesting to test a day in the office with no Internet access. Are people still capable of hand-writing a message to their colleagues, using a flowchart or even conceiving one? How many offices out there have foreseen an emergency plan and are set-up for such a day, heaven forbid and is it conceivable? My point is that we are very much addicted to our computers granted that they do increase the speed of daily chores, they have albeit indeed stolen human contacts and personal touches and have made every monthly bill from these conglomerates all but humane.

Conversely, the Internet marketer - and we all need to be one* - should enjoy a day or two of computer prohibition sprinkled into our weekly lives. We would use that time very productively by visiting our friends, taking a walk and thereby doing some public relations (in a small manner) as well as taking a little distance from our business to conceive some possible improvements to its approach and future; business that in any case runs without our constant presence, because that is how it must be setup. One website, an auto-responder are the basics, and upon these two essentials an empire can be build with all compatible ramifications that in time get included. The "job" of the marketer will then profit from when the office is closed due to the dreaded local Internet failure.

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SEO - Search Engine Optimization

2009-10-19T21:31:00.001-05:00

Learning how to get rated by the search engine can be a daunting task. What I have learned is that you don't need to be an expect. Learn to do what you are good at, writing, sales, coaching etc. Get some good content going. Get your blog SEO ready. Start to look for info on You Tube and Google for free, on how to get your site listed on the first page of Google. I have found many free You Tube video that show me how to get higher ranking. Also you can shop around to get out sourcing prices to have someone do it for you. There are so many opportunities and ways to use search engine optimization. Get a coach to help you with things that are hard for you. Start writing out a plan of action steps that you can do daily. A Daily method of operation. Include at these one action step for SEO. Just relax and take one step at a time. You can do it!

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Have you taken advantage of the $8000 Home Buyer Tax Credit

2009-10-12T20:20:00.001-05:00

Another quick blog post for International Developments & Real Estate Blog:

Quick passage by the House last week of a bill extending the $8,000 home buyer tax credit next year for military, diplomatic and intelligence personnel serving overseas increases the odds that Congress will agree to an extension, maybe even an expansion, of the entire credit program well into 2010.

The White House is also signaling that it sees the overall tax credit program -- currently set to expire November 30 -- as an important element in cutting the unemployment rolls and stimulating new jobs next year.

After an economic policy strategy meeting last week in the Oval Office involving President Obama, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, congressional aides said Democrats generally support an extension of the housing credit.

Reid already has made clear he wants an extension. He is co-sponsoring a Senate bill that would do so for six months.

Congressman Charles Rangel, chairman of the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee, sponsored the one-year extension of the credit for military and other personnel serving overseas, and is reported by aides as favoring an extension for the entire program.

The White House has not publicly committed to an extension, but has confirmed that the President is seriously examining that option.

An unexpected development that emerged following last week's White House meeting was the possibility of opening up the credit to a broader group of buyers next year - people who sell their current homes and buy a replacement home.

Though details were scanty, Capitol Hill sources said one option on the table would be to provide a tax credit -- most likely at the $8,000 level -- to replacement home buyers whose incomes do not exceed some limit.

The current credit phases out for single taxpayers with incomes above $75,000, and married purchasers earning $150,000.

A politically sensitive issue hovering over the entire debate on extending the housing tax credit is its cost - what it would add to the federal budgetary deficit. Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moody's Economy.com, estimates that widening the credit to all buyers through next August could cost the government upwards of $30 billion.

Rangel's 12-month extension of the credit for service personnel is estimated to cost more than $300 million, but it's mainly being paid for through an increase in penalties levied by the IRS on taxpayers who fail to file corporate or partnership returns.

The New York Times reported that one possible solution to the cost problem would be to divert money not yet spent out of 2009's $800 billion stimulus legislation.

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Turn Small Savings Into a Big Nest Egg

2009-10-06T07:55:00.001-05:00

According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the personal savings rate of Americans has ranged between -1% and approximately 4% between the years 2005 and 2009. Americans' nonchalance was reflected in the negative savings rate of fiscal 2005, which occurred as people reduced their savings and delved further into debt in order to purchase goods and services. Although the savings rate had rebounded to 6% by May of 2009, as global financial crisis forced many consumers to adopt more cautious spending habits. Despite the about-face in consumer spending habits, in many cases, the attempt at saving proved too little, too late. Read on to find out why you need to save no matter what the economic climate.

Why You Need to Save

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While individuals should avoid excess (and high interest) leverage/debt and prudently manage cash flow, there is also a longer-term need to ensure one has adequate funding set aside for a comfortable retirement. Given historical trends in the U.S. stock market and overall economic performance, people can be lulled into becoming overly optimistic about how much they need to save and their projected life expectancy. The only trends that are relevant for the individual, however, are those that occur over the course of one's lifetime.

Many companies are transitioning jobs (such as back office functions, IT, research and even higher margin services such as consulting and financial services) to other regions of the world, including Eastern Europe, India and China. The economic dynamics and implications of such movement are not comparable to the business settings of the past 50 years. Additionally, medical breakthroughs and other health-related variables have increased people's life expectancy. Certainly, it is better to have a conservative outlook in order to help ensure one has adequate retirement funds.

Financial Scenarios

Saving money and diverting cash away from unnecessary frills and wasteful spending into investment payments such as the stock market translate to huge differences in the size of one's retirement savings over the course of a lifetime. When you purchase a bicycle or go out for a lavish dinner, you are not simply incurring a cost of that bike or dinner (say $100). The amount of the receipt is actually misleading. When you incorporate the basic laws of finance, the opportunity cost of that $100 is much more.

If you eliminate $100 of wasteful spending per month and instead channel that cash to an investment vehicle that yields an annual interest rate of 10%, that translates to more than $75,000 over 20 years, and more than $500,000 over the course of 40 years. Granted, the buying power of figure is chewed up by inflation, but the prudent person still reaps the benefits of not wasting cash on unnecessary things.

Starting principal balance: $0

Monthly investment payments: $100

Interest rate: 10%

Future value: 20 years = $75,936

Future value: 40 years = $632,408

Starting principal balance: $0

Monthly investment payments: $250

Interest rate: 10%

Future value: 20 years = $189,842

Future value: 40 years = $1,581,019

If someone were motivated enough to find $500 a month and put it away in the form of investment payments, the results lead to an exponential increase in comfort during one's retirement. With an annual rate of return of 10% over 40 years, the figure approaches $3 million for your nest egg.

Starting principal balance: $0

Monthly investment payments: $500

Interest rate: 10%

Future value: 20 years = $379,684

Future value: 40 years = $3,162,039

How much more would your nest egg be if you work for a company that matches your 401(k) dollar for dollar up to a certain amount? Given that the federal government's social safety net programs such as Social Security and Medicare are expected to hit fiscal challenges as the baby boomers retire, such anticipated uncertainties encourage individuals to take their retirement circumstances into their own hands. Secondly, the high cost of healthcare in the United States is a primary driver for individuals and couples filing for personal bankruptcy. The power of compound interest can help one to avoid financial straits in the future.

From Wasteful Expenses to Monthly Investment

To redirect cash that might otherwise be spent on junk or unnecessary spending, explore savings opportunities that can increase your monthly contributions to your retirement accounts. These might include:

Fewer restaurant lunches and dinners can easily save the typical professional between $100 and $200 per month. Using our numbers above, $100 invested monthly in retirement accounts that earn 10% annually becomes $75,000 in 20 years.

Purchase discipline at groceries and malls. At the end of your life, it is not the accumulation of objects that provides meaning. A lifetime habit of impulse buying has a tremendous opportunity cost when you realize the power of compound interest. Most people can save between a hundred dollars to several hundred dollars a month with greater spending discipline.

The Bottom Line

If you work for a company that matches your retirement savings contributions, absolutely take advantage of it. It is basically free money. Additionally, the increase in monthly contributions translates into an exponentially larger nest egg over the course of a lifetime.

by Marv Dumon

Monday, October 5, 2009

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Home Value by Square Foot

2009-10-03T21:03:00.001-05:00

One of the biggest determining factors in determining comparable value is square footage.

When comparing the square footage of homes always try to keep comps as similar in square footage as possible. Figuring out the price of a home on a square footage basis is an excellent way to compare apples with apples. It becomes more complicated when one home has been renovated and another needs work. Don't compare a newly built home's price per square foot with an older home's price per square foot.

There's Square Footage and There's Square Footage

A square foot is defined as a two-dimensional square measuring one foot on each side. If you are looking at a home that seems a little smaller than the stated square footage, it might not be your eyes. Real estate brokers tend to measure square footage by inside room dimensions. Developers like to measure the exterior of the building. This can add considerable square footage to the home.

You also need to find out exactly what has been factored into the equation. Does the total measurement include basement space? Garage space? Deck space? Space on staircases? There's no standard way to measure square footage. Sellers will include every nook and cranny and buyers won't.

Do not solely compare the size of the land the property sits on and the price of the property. Lots sell for different prices than homes and the cost varies greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood. For example, if the house is in terrible shape, or is considered a "tear-down," a developer may only want to pay for the price of the lot, since tearing down and hauling away the existing structure is an added expense.

Side-by-Side Comparison

In some areas of the country, agents do not want to be liable for representing a total square footage of the property. Total square footage is not indicated on the listing sheet, but room dimensions are shown. The room count may not include bathrooms, hallways, closets, and other spaces. You might have to compare every room side by side and guesstimate total size.

In this instance, estimate the total square footage by multiplying the dimensions of each room. For example, if the bedroom is 10 feet by 12 feet, then the area, or square footage, is 120 square feet. Add up all of the room dimensions for a total square foot measurement. You may still have to estimate hallways and other spaces, but it gives you a good estimate.

After determining the size of the home you desire, the equation is simple. Just divide the listing price by the number of square feet and you will get the price per square foot. For example, a 1,000-square-foot condo priced at $300,000 costs $300 per square foot.

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It's always to your advantage to buy a home with a reasonable cost per square foot. A home with a square footage cost lower than other homes in the neighborhood might be a great deal. On the other hand, the home may have a lot of other things wrong with it that need renovation, and unless you had remodeling in the budget, it might not be worth it to you.

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Total Number of Home Listings Down in August

2009-09-28T21:31:00.001-05:00

RISMEDIA, September 24, 2009-The number of homes for sale declined nearly 3% in August 2009, compared to July, and is down more than 23% compared to a year ago, according to a monthly local market survey of home listings based on Multiple Listing Service (MLS) data in 25 metropolitan markets conducted by the national real estate brokerage ZipRealty.

Other highlights from ZipRealty's August Housing Inventory Index include:

-Housing inventory in the San Francisco Bay Area declined 7.6% in August, compared to July, and is down 48.9% year-over-year- the largest month-over-month drop across the 25 markets surveyed.

-Other markets with significant month-over-month declines include Orlando (5.1%), Washington, D.C. (4.7%) and Boston (3.9%).

-Salt Lake City remained statistically unchanged in August with no movement tracked in inventory.

-The worst may be over in Las Vegas, with home listings declining 3.4% in August but the median list price unchanged for the fifth consecutive month. Inventory in Las Vegas is now at the lowest level ever tracked by ZipRealty in the four years that ZipRealty has tracked this information.

-The Florida housing market continues to show signs that it has yet to hit bottom, as housing inventory and median list prices slipped in Miami, Orlando and Tampa. Inventory in Jacksonville increased slightly (.01%), though the median list price declined 1.39% to $177,000.

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Short Sales Spread across Real Estate Market, Leaving Frustration in Their Wake

2009-09-26T21:54:00.001-05:00

^{RISMEDIA, September 26, 2009-(MCT)-A few years ago, few people in the housing market had ever heard of a short sale. Mention the term today and people, whether they are homeowners or real estate agents, just roll their eyes.The practice, which involves selling a property for less than the amount owed on the mortgage, has grown in popularity as an exit strategy for financially strapped homeowners because it doesn't ding a credit report as deeply as a foreclosure. But because the transactions have to be approved by first and second lien holders, they are languishing. Some real estate agents try to steer clear of them entirely and even specify in their listings that a property is not a short sale.}

In mid-May, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner announced plans to streamline the process by offering financial incentives to mortgage servicers and investors that accept short sales, much in the same way that they are rewarded for refinancing or modifying troubled mortgages. Four months later, homeowners, real estate agents and lenders are still waiting for specific details of how the plan would work. A Treasury Department spokeswoman said an update on the program is expected in a few weeks.

Meanwhile, homeowners like Dallas O'Day are in limbo. O'Day, a Chicago attorney, and his family relocated from California in June 2004 and bought a Mediterranean-style home in Chicago's Beverly neighborhood for $395,000. They rewired the house, stripped and refinished the wood floors and the woodwork, and did other work to restore its charm. Last year, personal circumstances prompted them to list the home for sale just as the housing industry's meltdown was picking up steam. With no takers and no longer even expecting to break even on his investment, O'Day relisted the 2,700-square-foot home in January as a short sale.

Four months and three price reductions brought the house down to $384,900, at which point a potential buyer made an offer in late May. O'Day accepted it and submitted the paperwork to the lenders holding first and second mortgages on the home. He has yet to receive a response. Meanwhile, the family has moved into an apartment, the refrigerator has broken in the home and there's evidence of mold in the basement. "The only thing we keep hearing is they keep wanting current payroll stubs, bank statements and taxes," said O'Day's real estate agent, Pam Decker at Prudential Biros Real Estate in Evergreen Park, Ill.

"What has astonished me is that in the presence of one of the softest housing markets I can remember, we're hitting up on four months and they've just had a person assigned to look at it, that they would move at such a glacial pace," O'Day said. "My expectation is I'll be renting until whatever blemish is gone. I've just accepted the fact that at some point it'll be foreclosed upon because I just don't think the banks will pull it together. I feel like I've done everything I can do."

During the second quarter, 14% of all home sales were short sales and they were made primarily to first-time buyers who may have more flexibility to deal with the long wait times, according to a survey by Campbell Communications. The sales volume could be much greater. Two out of three short sales never close. "In general, you have to have three offers for every completed short sale," said survey designer Thomas Popik. "The first offer, the buyer walks before they get a yes or no. On the second offer they walk a good part of the time. The third offer is the charm because it's been in process long enough at the lender that the lender knows they want to do this.

"Home buyers are now putting in half a dozen verbal offers, hoping that on one of them the lender will say yes. What this is doing is bogging down the approval process at the mortgage servicers. It's just gotten to the point that everyone has started engaging in unproductive behavior. It's a vicious cycle."

The process of getting a short sale approved involves a packet of documents that includes bank statements, tax returns, letters explaining any other sources of income and a hardship letter explaining why a short sale is being sought. After the packet is submitted to a mortgage servicer, it has to be entered into the system, a person has to be assigned to it, and an appraisal has to be ordered for the property. On average, it took loan servicers 91/2 weeks to respond to a short sale offer, Campbell's survey found.

"You've got to stay on top of these banks," said James Orrico, a real estate agent at Professional Residential Brokerage LLC in Oak Brook, Ill. "I call on my files every day. If you don't stay on top of them, you'll lose it."

A number of factors are contributing to the delay. Lenders say their top priority is keeping people in their homes, and their own and the government's loan modification programs are taking the bulk of their resources. "The modification program was just like an atom bomb that dropped on servicers," said Matt McCabe of National Short Sale Center, a company that acts as a negotiator between borrowers and mortgage lenders. "They had a really hard time reacting to that increased demand."

Also delaying the process is that if a home can't be saved, servicers are keen on trying to recover as much as possible for what could be multiple investors and that requires a fair amount of due diligence. "The challenge is buyers always want to pay as little as possible and sellers want to receive as much as possible," said Tom Kelly, a spokesman for JPMorgan Chase, which services 10.3 million mortgages. "The bank is the server in the middle."

From a prospective buyer's standpoint, purchasing a short sale property can be preferable to a foreclosure because if the borrower stills owns the home, he or she is likely to take better care of it.

However, with so many distressed properties for sale, and other homes selling conventionally at drastically reduced prices, there's a wealth of inventory available allowing buyers to get a quick yea or nay to their offer. Some buyers make offers on multiple short sales or write the offers so they can walk away if a lender doesn't respond within a certain time frame.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

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