- Real Estate Update
- Buyers & Seller's Corner
- Home Improvement
- Trivia Challenge
- Health & Fitness
- New Movie Releases
- Recipe of the Month
- Travel Tips

September 2008

1 --Labor Day
2 -- Victory (V-J) Day
11 -- Patriot Day
15 -- Full Moon Day
22 -- Autumn
22 -- Family Day

A government that is big enough to give you all you want is big enough to take it all away.
-- Barry Goldwater

Existing-Home Sales Projected to Improve

According to a mid-August report by the National Association of Realtors®, some improvement is projected for existing-home sales in the months ahead, with broader gains seen by the fourth quarter as buyers take advantage of new provisions provided through the recently passed housing stimulus bill.

The Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI), a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in June, rose 5.3 percent to 89.0 from a downwardly revised reading of 84.5 in May, but remains 12.3 percent below June 2007 when it stood at 101.4.

“The vacillation of data from one month to the next indicates a housing market in transition,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun, adding that sales have been in a pattern of rising and falling within a fairly narrow range. “The rise in pending home sales was broad-based with all four regions showing gains. This is welcome news because a rise in contract activity is necessary for an overall housing recovery. With a tax credit now available to first-time home buyers, increases in home sales could be sustained with the momentum carrying into 2009.”

The PHSI in the South jumped 9.3 percent to 92.4 in June; rose 4.6 percent to 101.0 in the West; increased 3.4 percent to 79.6 in the East; and inched upward 1.3 percent to 79.6 in the Midwest.

“Buyers entering the hardest-hit markets, in some cases with multiple-bid offers, may have put a floor on prices,” said Yun, adding that home prices did not fall as much as anticipated in the second quarter. "In addition, rising commodity prices and higher construction costs have resulted in a very unusual market today with existing-home prices being less than replacement building costs in some areas. Home prices are projected to increase 3 to 6 percent in 2009.”

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is expected to trend up to 6.5 percent by the end of 2008, and then hold at that level for most of next year, the report said.

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Great minds have purposes, others have wishes.
-- Washington Irving

Area Schools Affect Home Values

You've most likely heard that location, location, location is the most important factor in real estate. While this may be true, another important factor to consider as you try to find the best neighborhoods for resale value is the quality of the local school system. Even if you don’t have children, it would be prudent to research the closest schools before purchasing a home.

By placing a call to the local school district, you should be able to find out what type of funding area students receive, what the average class size is, and how well students have performed on standardized tests. In addition, find out if they offer any special programs, what percentage of students graduate and go on to college, and whether or not the district will be opening or closing any schools in the near future.

For many prospective home buyers with children (or plan to), the quality and reputation of the local school system may be as critical to their buying decision as the appeal of the home itself. Regardless of where the home is located, the quality and reputation of the schools will affect the home's value, not only when you buy, but when you sell.

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Most folks are about as
happy as they make up their minds to be.
-- Abraham Lincoln

Tankless Water Heaters Make Good Sense

If your current water heater is on its last leg, or you've decided you need a better unit to suit your needs, consider a tankless water heater when you go shopping.

Tankless water heaters can save energy and money and deliver an endless flow of hot water. While a conventional tank-style water heater continuously stores 40 to 80 gallons of water and keeps it hot until it’s needed, a tankless water heater only heats water when it's needed. Obviously, keeping 40 to 80 gallons of water hot 24 hours a day, seven days a week, month after month, wastes considerable energy.

Instead of continuously heating a large tank of water, a tankless water heater circulates incoming water through a series of electric coils or gas burners that heat up automatically when you turn on a hot water tap or appliance. When you turn off the faucet, the elements or burners turn off. In other words, you're only burning energy when you have a demand for hot water.

There are several varieties of tankless water heaters, from small electric point-of-use models (for use at a specific location, such as a kitchen or bathroom sink) to larger gas appliances that supply the entire house. Point of use models start around $150 and larger units capable of supplying more hot water start around $750.

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Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.
-- Chinese Proverb

Trivia Challenge

Question 1.) What did Teddy Roosevelt die from?
a.) Old age
b.) A coronary embolism
c.) The common cold
d.) Choking

Question 2.) What other ingredient besides water is used in lava lamps?
a.) Glycerin
b.) Oil
c.) Wax
d.) Gelatin

Question 3.) Since 1896, the beginning of the modern Olympics, besides Greece, what other country has participated in every game?
a.) United States
b.) German
c.) Netherlands
d.) Australia

Question 4.) Artist Andy Warhol first made a living doing what?
a.) Painting shoes for ads
b.) Decorative painting on store front windows
c.) Illustrating grocery ads
d.) Creating road signs

Question 5. ) What was Charlie Brown's father's occupation?
a.) Shoe salesman
b.) Barber
c.) Crocer
d.) Gas station attendant

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One problem with gazing too frequently into the past is that we may turn around to find the future has run out on us.
-- Michael Cibenko

Is Your Calorie Counter Telling the Truth?

Are you really burning as many calories as your exercise equipment says? Maybe, maybe not. Cardio machines with calorie counters use a standard formula that give a good estimate, but they aren't 100 percent accurate. There are variables involved that affect the amount of energy used by each individual.

Body fat is a big factor when determining energy expenditure. A person with a higher percentage of body fat will usually burn less calories than a person with more muscle mass. In addition, a person's fitness level will determine how much energy is used. If you are new to an exercise, you will likely burn more calories than somebody who is already in good shape.

When referring to your calorie counter, it is best to use these numbers as a benchmark and not the hard truth. Cardio machines have been estimated to overstate the calories burned by up to 15 percent. A good indicator would be your exertion level. Check your heart rate from time to time. If two machines give you the same count, but one feels easier and your heart rate is lower, you're probably not burning as many calories. Stick with the equipment that gives you the better work out.

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September Movie Releases

• Sept. 5
  • Bangkok Dangerous
  • Everybody Wants to Be Italian
• Sept. 12
  • Burn After Reading
  • Righteous Kill
  • Tyler Perry's The Family That Preys
  • The Women
• Sept. 19
  • Ghost Town
  • Igor
  • Lakeview Terrace
  • My Best Friend's Girl
• Sept. 26
  • Blindness
  • Choke
  • Eagle Eye
  • Fireproof
  • Miracle at St. Anna
  • Nights in Rodanthe
  • The Lucky Ones

Grilled Marinated Shrimp

Ingredients - Serves 6

• 2 lbs. large shrimp -- peeled and deveined with tails attached
• 1 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 lemon -- juiced
• 2 tablespoons hot pepper sauce
• 3 cloves garlic -- minced
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Skewers

Directions

1. Mix lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, garlic, hot sauce, tomato paste, oregano, and salt and pepper. Reserve a small amount for basting later. Pour remaining marinade into a large resealable plastic bag with shrimp. Seal, and marinate in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
2. Preheat grill for medium-low heat. Thread shrimp onto skewers, piercing once near the tail and once near the head. Discard marinade.
3. Lightly oil grill grate. Cook shrimp for 5 minutes per side, or until opaque, basting frequently with reserved marinade.

Wine Pairing

• Domaine Michel Vauvy Touraine Sauvignon Blanc 2006

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A vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what you've been taking.
-- Earl Wilson

Pack Smart and Save Money

Now that many airlines are charging to check your luggage it makes more sense than ever to just "carry-on." The problem is fitting a week or more worth of clothing into a 22-inch suitcase. Nearly 90 percent of all domestic airlines will allow a bag that is 22 x 14 x 9; the external pockets are included in this dimension. In addition to one carry-on bag, you are allowed one "personal Item" which can include a briefcase, purse, or a small book-bag-style backpack. Following are some tips to help you maximize your space:

1. When beginning to pack, make a list of the clothing you will need. Try to mix and match items that you can wear more than once. Limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. If an item is not on the list, don't pack it. Make sure all items are buttoned and zipped. Place all toiletries, such as lotions and shampoos, in a clear zip lock bag. No liquids can exceed 3 ounces. Pack your shoes first, placing the soles of the shoes flat against the walls of the luggage.
2. Place a zip lock bag full of your undergarments in the center (later you can use the bag to separate the ones you haven't worn yet), along with the bag of toiletries. When packing clothing, start with your pants. Lay them lengthwise across the suitcase, placing the waistband against the edge and letting the ends hang out over the side. Place the second pair on top with the waist band at the opposite edge. Continue to alternate sides.
3. Pack your shirts by laying them out flat widthwise with the collar against the edge and the bottom hanging out. The next shirt should have the bottom on the edge and the collar hanging out. All of your clothing should be layered on top in the same fashion until you are done.
4. Fold in the clothing all together and cinch down the straps. This technique is called bundling and it really does allow you to fit more into a small space while keeping your clothes from wrinkling. Happy travels!

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Yvonne C. Baker
10999 IH 10 West #175
San Antonio, TX 78230

This eNewsletter contains information, facts and opinions from various individuals and organizations. This eNewsletter is provided on an "as-is" basis without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. I/We are not responsible for any errors or omissions. Consult with your doctor, fitness consultant, attorney, accountant, or other professional advisor when necessary. © 2008 eNewsletterSolutions.