Home equity is the amount of money you have already paid against the value of your home.
Nearly 40 percent of all homeowners don't know if the interest on home equity loans is tax deductible.
One third of home owners earning $50,000 or more believe the interest on equity loans isn't tax deductible or they just don't know if it is tax deductible.
If you ever walk into a book store in the area where there is financial or budgeting books there are rows and rows of books on investing and maybe one or two that have anything to do with borrowing against your equity to improve your financial situation.
Bank One says the cost for obtaining $10,000 for one year is $1,800 for a credit card, $1,000 for the sale of stock, $900 to tap a (401)k plan or take out a personal loan and only $576 for a home equity loan. The costs are based on a set of conventional assumptions about the interest rate and costs typical for each type of loan.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Great Investment!!!
Excellent for an owner occupant to have rental income or as investment!!!!2 separate buildings containing 3 units. Spacious 3 bedroom 2 bathroom home with a 2 car covered carport (rent $2000). Second building includes a 1 bedroom 1 bathroom apartment downstairs ($708), a 2 bedroom 1 bathroom upstairs apartment with a covered porch ($1000) and a office with a half bath (currently not used). All units have been remodeled within the last 5 years. All units have their own electric and water meter. MLS 113650. $549,000.
To see this property call me today! 305-776-2025.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Key deer
Search for Key deer on Big Pine Key.
Key deer are an endangered species that live only in the Lower Keys. These shy, appealing creatures are about the size of a large dog and can be found grazing all around Big Pine Key, especially in the early morning hours and around dusk. Spotting these “Bambi-like” creatures isn’t always easy, but it’s an adventure. To learn more about Key deer and other native species, visit the National Key Deer Refuge Visitor Center, located one-quarter mile north of the traffic light on Key Deer Boulevard in the Big Pine Key Shopping Plaza. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Florida Keys News Bureau
Key deer are an endangered species that live only in the Lower Keys. These shy, appealing creatures are about the size of a large dog and can be found grazing all around Big Pine Key, especially in the early morning hours and around dusk. Spotting these “Bambi-like” creatures isn’t always easy, but it’s an adventure. To learn more about Key deer and other native species, visit the National Key Deer Refuge Visitor Center, located one-quarter mile north of the traffic light on Key Deer Boulevard in the Big Pine Key Shopping Plaza. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Florida Keys News Bureau
Thursday, August 19, 2010
What is Dade County Pine?
The first thing a Realtor points out in an old Conch house is the "Dade County Pine". But what exactly is it and what 's so great about it?
Dade County Pine is a subspecies of the Longleaf Yellow Pine, which is more commonly known as Heart Pine. In the 1800's vast forests stretched from southeast Virginia to Florida and around the gulf coast to eastern Texas. It was North America's version of the Amazon rain forest, and the supply seemed endless. By the 1920's , these forests were essentially gone with only about 2% remaining today.
What made this slow-growing variety so desirable as a construction material was its very high heart wood content. The tree is nearly all heart wood core as opposed to the outer sapwood. It is this high content of the resinous heart wood that makes the species so rigid and strong and accounts for its inherent resistance to rot and insects.
The southeastern part of the country was lierally built on Heart Pine. The Dade County Pine grew between the Everglades and the Atlantic ocean and even on some of the northern keys. The wood is actually white when cut, and takes on the familiar redish tone when exposed to air.
source: Livining in the Key West Styly anywhere!
Dade County Pine is a subspecies of the Longleaf Yellow Pine, which is more commonly known as Heart Pine. In the 1800's vast forests stretched from southeast Virginia to Florida and around the gulf coast to eastern Texas. It was North America's version of the Amazon rain forest, and the supply seemed endless. By the 1920's , these forests were essentially gone with only about 2% remaining today.
What made this slow-growing variety so desirable as a construction material was its very high heart wood content. The tree is nearly all heart wood core as opposed to the outer sapwood. It is this high content of the resinous heart wood that makes the species so rigid and strong and accounts for its inherent resistance to rot and insects.
The southeastern part of the country was lierally built on Heart Pine. The Dade County Pine grew between the Everglades and the Atlantic ocean and even on some of the northern keys. The wood is actually white when cut, and takes on the familiar redish tone when exposed to air.
source: Livining in the Key West Styly anywhere!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Top Ten Attractions in Key West!
Top Ten Attractions In Key West, Florida You Probably Never Heard Aboout!
By: Barbara Weibel
I’ve been visiting Key West for years. Like most people, I did all the normal tourist things on my first few visits. I walked from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic along Duval Street; stopped into Sloppy Joe’s bar to soak up the atmosphere Hemingway so loved; set foot on the southernmost point in the US. and tried to make out Cuba, just 90 miles away; spent an afternoon the Butterfly and Nature Conservatory; toured Hemingway’s house; climbed 88 steps to the top of the Key West Lighthouse for a bird’s eye view of the island; took the Conch Tour Train to learn some local lore; wandered around the historic Seaport district; and attended the daily ‘Sunset’ celebration at Mallory Square.
While all of the above are worthwhile and certainly should be done at least once, over the years I have discovered many other things to do that are just as fascinating as the hyped activities. The following is my list of the top ten Key West attractions that you probably never heard about but are absolutely worth a visit:
Little White House at Truman Annex
Little White House at Truman Annex
Historical photo of Truman family at Little White House, 1948
Eisenhower had Camp David and George Bush has Kennebunkport, but when President Harry Truman wanted to relax he came to Key West. Truman spent 11 working vacations in Key West, staying at a sprawling white clapboard house on the south side of town that eventually became known as the Little White House. The restored home, now a living museum, offers a fascinating glimpse into history beginning in 1890, when it initially served as the command headquarters of the naval station during the Spanish American War, through the World War I and World War II years.
Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center
Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center in Truman Annex, Key West
This relatively new educational facility has more than 6,400 square feet of exhibits, including a 74-seat movie theater, which screens an excellent 20-minute film on the underwater ecosystems of the Keys. Other displays include an interactive map of the Keys that shows the location of shipwrecks, coral reefs, and historic forts; a replica of the Aquarius underwater laboratory; an underwater video camera that allows guests to observe coral spawning, assess damage from a boat grounding or monitor the health of a coral reef; and a baby conch farm. Admission is free!
Heritage House Museum & Robert Frost Cottage
Heritage House Museum and Robert Frost Cottage
Hemingway wasn’t the only writer to fall in love with Key West. Tennessee Williams, Thornton Wilder, Gloria Swanson, Sally Rand, and Robert Frost are among the more famous literary figures that have been drawn to its shores. Robert Frost spent many winters in a cottage in the garden at what is now the Heritage House Museum. Visitors can sit in the same flowering tropical garden and listen to recordings of Robert Frost reading his poetry.
Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum
Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
Treasure hunter Mel Fisher, ever the eternal optimist, arose each morning declaring, “Today is the day.” His perseverance paid off when, after 18 years of searching, he discovered the wreck of the Spanish galleon Atocha in 1985. The Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum displays many of the items from the Atocha, including ropes of pure gold and fist-sized emeralds, as well as artifacts from numerous other salvaged shipwrecks around the world.
Key West Cemetery
This intriguing graveyard is tucked into a quiet residential neighborhood on the west side of Old Town. Established in 1847 following the disastrous hurricane of October 11, 1846, its headstones read like a historical who’s who of Conchs. The wealthy and prominent ordered fancy stone monuments to mark their graves, while those of modest means placed grave markers of brick, cement or tile. Symbols on the graves provide insight into a person’s career, family life, participation in the community, and personal sentiments. The Historic Florida Keys Foundation has produced a Key West Cemetery Map & Self-Guided Tour that is an invaluable source of information for a walking tour of the site.
Fort East Martello Museum
Fort Martello and Tower East
Within the restored fort, displays chronicle the economic ups and downs of Key West
The displays at Fort Martello Tower East, one of three historic forts in the Key West, tell of the industries that alternately made Key West the richest city in Florida (shipwrecking, cigar making) and the poorest (sponge harvesting). The three story brick citadel in the center of the restored fort holds a collection of sculptures by Stanley Papio, known locally as “the dynamic junkman.” Papio welded together scrap metal from junk autos, appliances, beds and other discarded iron and steel to create his unique sculptures, which often represented actual people, animals or objects, and then displayed them in his front yard. Since his death, Papio’s pieces have become recognized as culturally important American artworks.
Fort West Martello Gardens
Lush tropical gardens at Fort Martello West are a lovely place for quiet reflection
The interior Citadel, surrounded by tropical plantings
Originally meant to be a twin to East Martello, this fort was never completed. By 1949, the dilapidated structure was an eyesore and would have been razed but for the intervention of the Key West Garden Club. Although still undergoing restoration, the West Martello Tower is now one of Key West’s most beautiful sites. Stroll past native and exotic trees and plants, including blooming orchids and bromeliads, all of which have been creatively planted around the original vaulted brick ceilings, partially completed central Citadel, and gun mounts. And since this fort is located in the center of Higgs Beach, it provides a cool, shady escape from the mid-day heat. Admission is free, although donations for the ongoing restoration are gladly accepted.
Fort Jefferson and the Dry Tortugas
Aerial view of Garden Key, largest of the seven Dry Tortugas Islands. Photo courtesy of National Park Service.
Yet another in the series of forts that were originally constructed to protect against piracy, Fort Jefferson is located 68 miles west of Key West, on Garden Key, one of the seven coral reef islands that make up Dry Tortugas National Park. Fast ferries provide access to this remote site, leaving daily from Key West’s historic Seaport. Once on the island, visitors are free to wander the grounds of the fort and lighthouse, take a 45-minute tour of the facility provided by the Park Service, or hit the stunning beach, where snorkeling in the crystal clear waters is a favorite activity.
Audubon House & Tropical Gardens
Audubon House houses 28 original bird sketches by the famous naturalist
Named for John James Audubon, world renown ornithologist, this house was the first ever to be restored in Key West. During his visit to Key West in 1832, Audubon drew 18 new birds for his “Birds of America” folio. It is believed that many of those drawings were conceived in the Audubon House garden. In addition to displaying 28 first edition Audubon works, the The 19th-century home contains furnishings that would have been found in a prosperous Key West home during the 1800’s.
Pan American Airlines Original Headquarters
Sign tells brief history of the original headquarters of Pan Am Airways
Original headquarters of Pan American Airways is now Kelly's Restaurant, which offers delicious alfresco dining
Aviation buffs will want to visit the original home of Pan Am airlines. Although the building now houses Kelly’s Bar & Restaurant (started by the actress Kelly McGillis), numerous Pan Am artifacts are scattered around in display cases and the owners have been true to the airline theme. The bar is shaped like an airplane wing and ceiling fans look like the rotary engines of an airplane. Coops hanging over the bar are the original ones that held homing pigeons that were released when the plane reached its final destination, signaling the folks back home that it had landed safely. As an added bonus, the food at Kelly’s is fabulous, so it is a great mid-day break from touring, or end-of-the-day final pit stop.
Key West is a fun-filled destination where history mingles with revelry. Every time I think I have seen everything it has to offer, it surprises me with another intriguing discovery.
By: Barbara Weibel
I’ve been visiting Key West for years. Like most people, I did all the normal tourist things on my first few visits. I walked from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic along Duval Street; stopped into Sloppy Joe’s bar to soak up the atmosphere Hemingway so loved; set foot on the southernmost point in the US. and tried to make out Cuba, just 90 miles away; spent an afternoon the Butterfly and Nature Conservatory; toured Hemingway’s house; climbed 88 steps to the top of the Key West Lighthouse for a bird’s eye view of the island; took the Conch Tour Train to learn some local lore; wandered around the historic Seaport district; and attended the daily ‘Sunset’ celebration at Mallory Square.
While all of the above are worthwhile and certainly should be done at least once, over the years I have discovered many other things to do that are just as fascinating as the hyped activities. The following is my list of the top ten Key West attractions that you probably never heard about but are absolutely worth a visit:
Little White House at Truman Annex
Little White House at Truman Annex
Historical photo of Truman family at Little White House, 1948
Eisenhower had Camp David and George Bush has Kennebunkport, but when President Harry Truman wanted to relax he came to Key West. Truman spent 11 working vacations in Key West, staying at a sprawling white clapboard house on the south side of town that eventually became known as the Little White House. The restored home, now a living museum, offers a fascinating glimpse into history beginning in 1890, when it initially served as the command headquarters of the naval station during the Spanish American War, through the World War I and World War II years.
Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center
Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center in Truman Annex, Key West
This relatively new educational facility has more than 6,400 square feet of exhibits, including a 74-seat movie theater, which screens an excellent 20-minute film on the underwater ecosystems of the Keys. Other displays include an interactive map of the Keys that shows the location of shipwrecks, coral reefs, and historic forts; a replica of the Aquarius underwater laboratory; an underwater video camera that allows guests to observe coral spawning, assess damage from a boat grounding or monitor the health of a coral reef; and a baby conch farm. Admission is free!
Heritage House Museum & Robert Frost Cottage
Heritage House Museum and Robert Frost Cottage
Hemingway wasn’t the only writer to fall in love with Key West. Tennessee Williams, Thornton Wilder, Gloria Swanson, Sally Rand, and Robert Frost are among the more famous literary figures that have been drawn to its shores. Robert Frost spent many winters in a cottage in the garden at what is now the Heritage House Museum. Visitors can sit in the same flowering tropical garden and listen to recordings of Robert Frost reading his poetry.
Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum
Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
Treasure hunter Mel Fisher, ever the eternal optimist, arose each morning declaring, “Today is the day.” His perseverance paid off when, after 18 years of searching, he discovered the wreck of the Spanish galleon Atocha in 1985. The Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum displays many of the items from the Atocha, including ropes of pure gold and fist-sized emeralds, as well as artifacts from numerous other salvaged shipwrecks around the world.
Key West Cemetery
This intriguing graveyard is tucked into a quiet residential neighborhood on the west side of Old Town. Established in 1847 following the disastrous hurricane of October 11, 1846, its headstones read like a historical who’s who of Conchs. The wealthy and prominent ordered fancy stone monuments to mark their graves, while those of modest means placed grave markers of brick, cement or tile. Symbols on the graves provide insight into a person’s career, family life, participation in the community, and personal sentiments. The Historic Florida Keys Foundation has produced a Key West Cemetery Map & Self-Guided Tour that is an invaluable source of information for a walking tour of the site.
Fort East Martello Museum
Fort Martello and Tower East
Within the restored fort, displays chronicle the economic ups and downs of Key West
The displays at Fort Martello Tower East, one of three historic forts in the Key West, tell of the industries that alternately made Key West the richest city in Florida (shipwrecking, cigar making) and the poorest (sponge harvesting). The three story brick citadel in the center of the restored fort holds a collection of sculptures by Stanley Papio, known locally as “the dynamic junkman.” Papio welded together scrap metal from junk autos, appliances, beds and other discarded iron and steel to create his unique sculptures, which often represented actual people, animals or objects, and then displayed them in his front yard. Since his death, Papio’s pieces have become recognized as culturally important American artworks.
Fort West Martello Gardens
Lush tropical gardens at Fort Martello West are a lovely place for quiet reflection
The interior Citadel, surrounded by tropical plantings
Originally meant to be a twin to East Martello, this fort was never completed. By 1949, the dilapidated structure was an eyesore and would have been razed but for the intervention of the Key West Garden Club. Although still undergoing restoration, the West Martello Tower is now one of Key West’s most beautiful sites. Stroll past native and exotic trees and plants, including blooming orchids and bromeliads, all of which have been creatively planted around the original vaulted brick ceilings, partially completed central Citadel, and gun mounts. And since this fort is located in the center of Higgs Beach, it provides a cool, shady escape from the mid-day heat. Admission is free, although donations for the ongoing restoration are gladly accepted.
Fort Jefferson and the Dry Tortugas
Aerial view of Garden Key, largest of the seven Dry Tortugas Islands. Photo courtesy of National Park Service.
Yet another in the series of forts that were originally constructed to protect against piracy, Fort Jefferson is located 68 miles west of Key West, on Garden Key, one of the seven coral reef islands that make up Dry Tortugas National Park. Fast ferries provide access to this remote site, leaving daily from Key West’s historic Seaport. Once on the island, visitors are free to wander the grounds of the fort and lighthouse, take a 45-minute tour of the facility provided by the Park Service, or hit the stunning beach, where snorkeling in the crystal clear waters is a favorite activity.
Audubon House & Tropical Gardens
Audubon House houses 28 original bird sketches by the famous naturalist
Named for John James Audubon, world renown ornithologist, this house was the first ever to be restored in Key West. During his visit to Key West in 1832, Audubon drew 18 new birds for his “Birds of America” folio. It is believed that many of those drawings were conceived in the Audubon House garden. In addition to displaying 28 first edition Audubon works, the The 19th-century home contains furnishings that would have been found in a prosperous Key West home during the 1800’s.
Pan American Airlines Original Headquarters
Sign tells brief history of the original headquarters of Pan Am Airways
Original headquarters of Pan American Airways is now Kelly's Restaurant, which offers delicious alfresco dining
Aviation buffs will want to visit the original home of Pan Am airlines. Although the building now houses Kelly’s Bar & Restaurant (started by the actress Kelly McGillis), numerous Pan Am artifacts are scattered around in display cases and the owners have been true to the airline theme. The bar is shaped like an airplane wing and ceiling fans look like the rotary engines of an airplane. Coops hanging over the bar are the original ones that held homing pigeons that were released when the plane reached its final destination, signaling the folks back home that it had landed safely. As an added bonus, the food at Kelly’s is fabulous, so it is a great mid-day break from touring, or end-of-the-day final pit stop.
Key West is a fun-filled destination where history mingles with revelry. Every time I think I have seen everything it has to offer, it surprises me with another intriguing discovery.
Monday, August 9, 2010
To see this homecall me today!
305-776-2025
Beautiful historic home with a unique floor plan. French doors open from the living room and kitchen to a wonderful private deck with spa/jacuzzi. Upstairs master suite. Home is fully fenced for privacy. Porch in the front and off street parking.This home received an Award for Excellence for the highest ideals and concepts of historic preservation by The Historic Florida Keys Foundation. Steps away from all that living in Key West has to offer.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Buying a resale verses a new construction home.
One of the most common debates a buyer may have internally, or actually debate over with a spouse, is whether to buy New Construction or Resale. Purchasing a home is a gigantic commitment, so lets weigh the pros and cons of BOTH. There is no correct answer here, only things that should be considered.
New Construction Pros
New Construction will charm you with its newness and readily maintained associations. It can be exciting to pick your floor plan (or have blue prints drawn for a custom built home).You are also able to choose your building materials and flooring. Modern floor plans better suite today's lifestyle of gathering in the kitchen area, and having a formal and non formal living space. A newly built home will have BRAND NEW EVERYTHING, be built to withstand mother nature, have larger rooms and offer luxury. A newly built home in most cases comes with a builder's home warranty and has up to date wiring ready to suite modern technologies.
New Construction Cons
When purchasing new construction, you can be limited geographically. If you are looking to live in a certain area, or in a specific school district then it may not be an option! Today's home lots are often much smaller than the lot of a resale home. When buying a newly constructed home, you may have to purchase appliances and window treatments because they might not be included in the price of the build-out. Many new home communities do not have mature landscaping yet and the associations are in their infancy, so the condition of the area in years to come will be left up to speculation. Let's not forget to mention that building can create budget and time restraints, which can cause stress until you get to the closing table.
Residential Resale Pros
Finding a house that fits all of your wants and needs in a specific school district or metro area may be easier with a resale home. Older resale homes can have charm, distinction and character that cannot be purchased or recreated in a new home. Often a resale home has existing window furnishings, mature landscaping, appliances and finished upgrades or fencing that would otherwise have to be purchased with New Construction. When looking at resale residential homes for sale, you can see immediately the kind of neighborhood you will be moving into and whether or not the association is actively involved in deed restriction. Another pro to purchasing resale is timing. If you don't have time to build - a resale is waiting for you to move into! Potential 'Sweat Equity' is also a great reason to purchase resale. You may have an opportunity to upgrade or modernize an existing home to increase its equity much quicker than you could increase the equity of a newly constructed home.
Residential Resale Cons
Now that we've discussed all of the 'charm' you can experience with a resale, lets talk about the 'not so charming' realities of resale. Resales can be out-dated, so money will have to be set aside in your budget for up-dating. Older homes can have issues with mold, older wiring and plumbing or need a roof replacement soon. A thorough inspection will outline these concerns for you with respect to the home. Dated floor plans and smaller rooms can really turn a buyer off from an older home as well. Often the most valuable part of a resale home is going to be in its location, location, location.
What does it all mean?
Whether you decide to buy new, or existing, you need representation. A mistake we see too often is a prospective buyer decides they want a NEW home, so they go straight to the builder. Remember, the community sales office represents the BUILDER not you the buyer. Home inspections should be completed on a new or existing home as well.
By Jamie Bullock
www.USA-FloridaHomes.net
New Construction Pros
New Construction will charm you with its newness and readily maintained associations. It can be exciting to pick your floor plan (or have blue prints drawn for a custom built home).You are also able to choose your building materials and flooring. Modern floor plans better suite today's lifestyle of gathering in the kitchen area, and having a formal and non formal living space. A newly built home will have BRAND NEW EVERYTHING, be built to withstand mother nature, have larger rooms and offer luxury. A newly built home in most cases comes with a builder's home warranty and has up to date wiring ready to suite modern technologies.
New Construction Cons
When purchasing new construction, you can be limited geographically. If you are looking to live in a certain area, or in a specific school district then it may not be an option! Today's home lots are often much smaller than the lot of a resale home. When buying a newly constructed home, you may have to purchase appliances and window treatments because they might not be included in the price of the build-out. Many new home communities do not have mature landscaping yet and the associations are in their infancy, so the condition of the area in years to come will be left up to speculation. Let's not forget to mention that building can create budget and time restraints, which can cause stress until you get to the closing table.
Residential Resale Pros
Finding a house that fits all of your wants and needs in a specific school district or metro area may be easier with a resale home. Older resale homes can have charm, distinction and character that cannot be purchased or recreated in a new home. Often a resale home has existing window furnishings, mature landscaping, appliances and finished upgrades or fencing that would otherwise have to be purchased with New Construction. When looking at resale residential homes for sale, you can see immediately the kind of neighborhood you will be moving into and whether or not the association is actively involved in deed restriction. Another pro to purchasing resale is timing. If you don't have time to build - a resale is waiting for you to move into! Potential 'Sweat Equity' is also a great reason to purchase resale. You may have an opportunity to upgrade or modernize an existing home to increase its equity much quicker than you could increase the equity of a newly constructed home.
Residential Resale Cons
Now that we've discussed all of the 'charm' you can experience with a resale, lets talk about the 'not so charming' realities of resale. Resales can be out-dated, so money will have to be set aside in your budget for up-dating. Older homes can have issues with mold, older wiring and plumbing or need a roof replacement soon. A thorough inspection will outline these concerns for you with respect to the home. Dated floor plans and smaller rooms can really turn a buyer off from an older home as well. Often the most valuable part of a resale home is going to be in its location, location, location.
What does it all mean?
Whether you decide to buy new, or existing, you need representation. A mistake we see too often is a prospective buyer decides they want a NEW home, so they go straight to the builder. Remember, the community sales office represents the BUILDER not you the buyer. Home inspections should be completed on a new or existing home as well.
By Jamie Bullock
www.USA-FloridaHomes.net
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Market check for Jan-Jun 2010!
The inventory of available homes for sale is continuing to decline. This may be the time to buy! The average list price is 13% less compared to same time last year and the average sale price is 18% less to same time last year. Even though we've had some bumpy weeks the pending transactions are 18% more than same time last year.
For more information call me at 305-776-2025 or sign up for my newsletter!
For more information call me at 305-776-2025 or sign up for my newsletter!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Just listed!
Vacant lot in the Histrorical Area of Key West!
Lot is located in the Historical Preservation Area of Key West, includes 2 ROGO units. Existing structure on property needs to be preserved. Plans for 2 single family 2 story homes which implement the existing structure with pool and 2 off street parking available. Plans for one 3BD/2,5BA and one 3BD/3,5BA. Tremendous value!
For more information call me today: 305-776-2025!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Can Paint Trump Pain?
This is a story about two famous French artists, Henri Matisse (1869-1954) and Auguste Renoir (1841-1919):
Although Henri Matisse was nearly 28 years younger than Auguste Renoir, the two great artists were dear friends and frequent companions.
When Renoir was confined to his home during the last decade of his life, Matisse visited him daily. Renoir was in a wheelchair, almost paralyzed by rheumatoid arthritis, and in great pain. He remained able to grasp a paintbrush – although he required an assistant to place it in his hand – and Renoir continued to paint in spite of his infirmities.
One day as Matisse watched the elder painter working in his studio, fighting torturous pain with each brush stroke, he blurted out, “Auguste, why do you continue to paint when you are in such agony?”
Renoir answered simply, “The pain passes, but the beauty remains.”
Renoir continued to paint until the end of his life.
The next time we’re faced with a challenge, it helps to remember that the pain passes but the beauty remains!
Although Henri Matisse was nearly 28 years younger than Auguste Renoir, the two great artists were dear friends and frequent companions.
When Renoir was confined to his home during the last decade of his life, Matisse visited him daily. Renoir was in a wheelchair, almost paralyzed by rheumatoid arthritis, and in great pain. He remained able to grasp a paintbrush – although he required an assistant to place it in his hand – and Renoir continued to paint in spite of his infirmities.
One day as Matisse watched the elder painter working in his studio, fighting torturous pain with each brush stroke, he blurted out, “Auguste, why do you continue to paint when you are in such agony?”
Renoir answered simply, “The pain passes, but the beauty remains.”
Renoir continued to paint until the end of his life.
The next time we’re faced with a challenge, it helps to remember that the pain passes but the beauty remains!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Easy fixes for 4 household problems
Problem: Oil Stains on Garage Floor
Lyday’s solution: "You can remove most of a stubborn stain with a bit of elbow grease and scrubbing. First, remove the surface oil by sprinkling some cat litter on it to soak it up. Then clear away the cat litter and focus on the stain.
Make a paste of hot water and dry dish or laundry detergent. Use a stiff bristle scrub brush to scrub the area with the paste. Hose the area and let it dry. Another method is to use a product such as Spray ’n Wash on the stain for 10 minutes, along with a dry detergent.
Your last option is to spray on some oven cleaner. Use this sparingly, wash it down thoroughly, and keep children and pets away from it."
Problem: Leaky Faucets
Lyday’s solution: "Most faucet leaks can easily be fixed with a rubber washer, an O-ring, or seals—depending on what type of faucet it is. By fixing the problem yourself, you can save a good bit of money since plumbers can be expensive and will charge you a standard fee even if it takes only 10 minutes to fix the problem."
Problem: Nail Pops
Lyday’s solution: "Nail pops are a problem across the country. The term comes from the nails that hold the drywall to the studs actually popping out through the face of the drywall. This is from either a house settling or the wood studs drying out over time, squeezing the nail out of the wood and pushing it through the drywall.
The fix for this isn’t terribly hard, but it’s tedious because there are up to 32 nails in a 4-foot by 8-foot sheet of drywall. My suggestion is to pound the nail through the drywall to the stud. Then, just above it, place a drywall screw to hold the drywall to the stud, and finish it off with a few coats of spackle or joint compound. Finally, seal and paint it.
Most home-improvement stores also sell nail pop kits that can make this job easier."
Problem: Squeaky Stairs
Lyday’s solution: "The most common problems that occur in a staircase are the treads (horizontal surface of the steps) coming loose, which causes squeaking. Also common are the spindles or balusters coming loose. If you can get underneath the staircase, fixing the treads is easy.
You will need to attach an L bracket from the underside of the tread to the stringer (the long piece of wood that connects the treads and runs diagonally up the wall). If you can’t get underneath the staircase, you’ll have to make the repair from above.
Squeaky stair kits are available that allow you to make this fix even through carpet. Otherwise, you can secure the tread to the stringer with a trim screw."
Adapted from The Homeowner’s Manual (Que Publishing, 2006), By Lynda Lyday, ISBN 0-7897-3451-6
Lyday’s solution: "You can remove most of a stubborn stain with a bit of elbow grease and scrubbing. First, remove the surface oil by sprinkling some cat litter on it to soak it up. Then clear away the cat litter and focus on the stain.
Make a paste of hot water and dry dish or laundry detergent. Use a stiff bristle scrub brush to scrub the area with the paste. Hose the area and let it dry. Another method is to use a product such as Spray ’n Wash on the stain for 10 minutes, along with a dry detergent.
Your last option is to spray on some oven cleaner. Use this sparingly, wash it down thoroughly, and keep children and pets away from it."
Problem: Leaky Faucets
Lyday’s solution: "Most faucet leaks can easily be fixed with a rubber washer, an O-ring, or seals—depending on what type of faucet it is. By fixing the problem yourself, you can save a good bit of money since plumbers can be expensive and will charge you a standard fee even if it takes only 10 minutes to fix the problem."
Problem: Nail Pops
Lyday’s solution: "Nail pops are a problem across the country. The term comes from the nails that hold the drywall to the studs actually popping out through the face of the drywall. This is from either a house settling or the wood studs drying out over time, squeezing the nail out of the wood and pushing it through the drywall.
The fix for this isn’t terribly hard, but it’s tedious because there are up to 32 nails in a 4-foot by 8-foot sheet of drywall. My suggestion is to pound the nail through the drywall to the stud. Then, just above it, place a drywall screw to hold the drywall to the stud, and finish it off with a few coats of spackle or joint compound. Finally, seal and paint it.
Most home-improvement stores also sell nail pop kits that can make this job easier."
Problem: Squeaky Stairs
Lyday’s solution: "The most common problems that occur in a staircase are the treads (horizontal surface of the steps) coming loose, which causes squeaking. Also common are the spindles or balusters coming loose. If you can get underneath the staircase, fixing the treads is easy.
You will need to attach an L bracket from the underside of the tread to the stringer (the long piece of wood that connects the treads and runs diagonally up the wall). If you can’t get underneath the staircase, you’ll have to make the repair from above.
Squeaky stair kits are available that allow you to make this fix even through carpet. Otherwise, you can secure the tread to the stringer with a trim screw."
Adapted from The Homeowner’s Manual (Que Publishing, 2006), By Lynda Lyday, ISBN 0-7897-3451-6
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Optimistic Outlook for Housing, But Challenges Reamin
Economists participating in a recent NAHB Construction Forecast Conference Webinar agreed that the housing market is on the road to recovery, but cautioned that several factors could contribute to a bumpy ride in the coming months.
"Home buyer tax credits clearly did their job and got people back into the marketplace," said NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe, who also served as moderator of the webinar.
With the expiration of the tax credits in April, Crowe said the housing momentum is being carried forward by low interest rates, pent up household formations, stabilizing prices and budding employment growth.
However, many factors continue to drag on housing at this time-including the critical shortage of credit for new and existing projects, competition from short sales and foreclosures and regional economic disparities.
The availability of acquisition, development and construction (AD&C) financing remains a major concern as the industry moves forward, Crowe said. "Builders still tell us that credit is extremely tight. Banks are saying not so much. That gap is an indication that something is broken, at least when it comes to residential construction."
NAHB is forecasting 552,000 single-family starts in 2010, up 25% from last year's 445,000 level, which was the lowest annual output since 1959 when the government began collecting this data.
Suffering from an acute shortage of available financing and a significant shadow inventory of homes lost to foreclosure that are competing against normal inventory, Crowe said that multifamily housing starts are expected to lose further ground this year, falling 18% to 93,000 units, before rebounding to 150,000 units in 2011.
Crowe anticipates that nationwide home prices will remain flat this year and post a modest increase in 2011 and that mortgage interest rates will continue to stay low, barely breaking 6% by the end of this year, and not rising much above that level through 2011.
The road back to normal levels of residential construction will be longer for some states than others. By the end of 2011, the top 20% of the states will see their production levels back to normal. Those states include Texas, Oklahoma, Montana, Wyoming, Tennessee, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas and Kansas. The previous boom markets in California, Arizona, Florida and Nevada, along with the Great Lake states of Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois and Wisconsin that were hit by deep cuts in auto production and manufacturing, will be the last ones to recover.
Copyright© 2010 RISMedia,
"Home buyer tax credits clearly did their job and got people back into the marketplace," said NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe, who also served as moderator of the webinar.
With the expiration of the tax credits in April, Crowe said the housing momentum is being carried forward by low interest rates, pent up household formations, stabilizing prices and budding employment growth.
However, many factors continue to drag on housing at this time-including the critical shortage of credit for new and existing projects, competition from short sales and foreclosures and regional economic disparities.
The availability of acquisition, development and construction (AD&C) financing remains a major concern as the industry moves forward, Crowe said. "Builders still tell us that credit is extremely tight. Banks are saying not so much. That gap is an indication that something is broken, at least when it comes to residential construction."
NAHB is forecasting 552,000 single-family starts in 2010, up 25% from last year's 445,000 level, which was the lowest annual output since 1959 when the government began collecting this data.
Suffering from an acute shortage of available financing and a significant shadow inventory of homes lost to foreclosure that are competing against normal inventory, Crowe said that multifamily housing starts are expected to lose further ground this year, falling 18% to 93,000 units, before rebounding to 150,000 units in 2011.
Crowe anticipates that nationwide home prices will remain flat this year and post a modest increase in 2011 and that mortgage interest rates will continue to stay low, barely breaking 6% by the end of this year, and not rising much above that level through 2011.
The road back to normal levels of residential construction will be longer for some states than others. By the end of 2011, the top 20% of the states will see their production levels back to normal. Those states include Texas, Oklahoma, Montana, Wyoming, Tennessee, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas and Kansas. The previous boom markets in California, Arizona, Florida and Nevada, along with the Great Lake states of Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois and Wisconsin that were hit by deep cuts in auto production and manufacturing, will be the last ones to recover.
Copyright© 2010 RISMedia,
Monday, July 5, 2010
Calendar of Events in Key West for July 2010!
July 15 to July 18, in Key West
Mel Fisher Days Each year Mel Fisher's family and friends celebrate the legendary salvor’s accomplishments, unquenchable optimism and exuberant zest for life with a festival chock full of events. Visit Web site for details.
Contact: (305) 296-6534 (305) 296-6534 Email: skwiley@melfisher.com
July 20 to July 25, in Key West
Hemingway Days The 30th celebration of the legendary author’s work and lifestyle features literary readings, a theatrical premiere, short story competition, fishing tournament, Sloppy Joe’s Look-Alike Contest and a pre-birthday "party" commemorating Ernest's July 21st birthday. Contact: (305) 296-2388 (305) 296-2388 (Look-Alike); 294-0320 (literary)
July 21 to July 23, in Key West
Del Brown Permit Tournament Anglers fly-fish on the flats in a challenge that honors the late angling pioneer Del Brown, who caught and released more than 500 permit off the Keys. Entry fee is $1,500 per angler. Professionals and guides are allowed to compete as well. Contact: Charlotte Ambrogio 305-942-0428 305-942-0428 Email: csasun@aol.com
July 21 to July 24, in Key West
Drambuie Key West Marlin Tournament Anglers pursue the mightiest of the offshore species in the same waters plied by novelist Ernest Hemingway. The catch-and-release tournament, held in conjunction with Key West’s annual Hemingway Days celebration, offers more than $50,000 in guaranteed prize money.Contact: Scott Greene (305) 292-2710 (305) 292-2710
provided by http://www.keywest.com/
Mel Fisher Days Each year Mel Fisher's family and friends celebrate the legendary salvor’s accomplishments, unquenchable optimism and exuberant zest for life with a festival chock full of events. Visit Web site for details.
Contact: (305) 296-6534 (305) 296-6534 Email: skwiley@melfisher.com
July 20 to July 25, in Key West
Hemingway Days The 30th celebration of the legendary author’s work and lifestyle features literary readings, a theatrical premiere, short story competition, fishing tournament, Sloppy Joe’s Look-Alike Contest and a pre-birthday "party" commemorating Ernest's July 21st birthday. Contact: (305) 296-2388 (305) 296-2388 (Look-Alike); 294-0320 (literary)
July 21 to July 23, in Key West
Del Brown Permit Tournament Anglers fly-fish on the flats in a challenge that honors the late angling pioneer Del Brown, who caught and released more than 500 permit off the Keys. Entry fee is $1,500 per angler. Professionals and guides are allowed to compete as well. Contact: Charlotte Ambrogio 305-942-0428 305-942-0428 Email: csasun@aol.com
July 21 to July 24, in Key West
Drambuie Key West Marlin Tournament Anglers pursue the mightiest of the offshore species in the same waters plied by novelist Ernest Hemingway. The catch-and-release tournament, held in conjunction with Key West’s annual Hemingway Days celebration, offers more than $50,000 in guaranteed prize money.Contact: Scott Greene (305) 292-2710 (305) 292-2710
provided by http://www.keywest.com/
Easy Living only minutes from Key West!
Situated on a large lot and fencing all around this house offers open floor plan with separate dining area and split bedrooms. Stainless steel appliances. Spacious backyard, covered patio and above ground pool, perfect for gardening and entertaining. Plenty off street parking for several cars and/or boats and plenty of storage. Great biking and friendly neighborhood.
Offerd $360,000.
To see this home contact me today!
Friday, July 2, 2010
This is timely...
Time is an equal opportunity employer. Each human being has exactly the same number of hours and minutes every day. Rich people can’t buy more hours. Scientists can’t invent new minutes. And you can’t save time to spend it on another day. Even so, time is amazingly fair and forgiving. No matter how much time you’ve wasted in the past, you still have an entire tomorrow.
– Denis Waitely
– Denis Waitely
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Homebuyer tax credit update
Congress extends homebuyer tax credit and flood insurance.
The U.S. Senate passed two bills last evening previously passed by the House. Both bills still need President Obama's signature to become law, but that's expected to happen quickly.
Homebuyer tax credit:
The Senate passed HR 5623, which extends the mandatory closing date to qualify for the homebuyer tax credit. The contract deadline does not change - homebuyers must have a contract signed by April 30, 2010 (an exception for active duty military) - but the previous closing deadline of June 30, 2010, has been extended to Sept. 30, 2010.
The National Association of Realtors estimates that the approved bill will benefit more than 14,000 deals in Florida.
National Flood Insurance Program Congress once again reauthorized a short-term extension for the National Flood Insurance Program to Sept. 30, 2010. The bill, HR 5569, makes the program retroactive to May 31, 2010, the date the program went on hiatus.
The U.S. Senate passed two bills last evening previously passed by the House. Both bills still need President Obama's signature to become law, but that's expected to happen quickly.
Homebuyer tax credit:
The Senate passed HR 5623, which extends the mandatory closing date to qualify for the homebuyer tax credit. The contract deadline does not change - homebuyers must have a contract signed by April 30, 2010 (an exception for active duty military) - but the previous closing deadline of June 30, 2010, has been extended to Sept. 30, 2010.
The National Association of Realtors estimates that the approved bill will benefit more than 14,000 deals in Florida.
National Flood Insurance Program Congress once again reauthorized a short-term extension for the National Flood Insurance Program to Sept. 30, 2010. The bill, HR 5569, makes the program retroactive to May 31, 2010, the date the program went on hiatus.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Biking
Biking in the Florida Keys:
MM 17 Sugarloaf Key (residential area)
You can park at the Sugarloaf Lodge and just across U.S. 1 is a great low traffic bike path with a round trip mileage of approximately 15 miles.
MM 27.8 Middle Torch and Big Torch (natural area, some houses)
You can park in the gravel along Middle Torch Road just off U.S. 1. Almost no traffic with nine turns, lots of wildlife. Mileage is about 15.5 miles.
Here's how to train the most important muscles for cycling.
Your bulging quads and razor-cut calves are the envy of your pack, and you start every ride strong. As the ride progresses, though, your hips seesaw in the saddle, your lower back aches, and you slow in corners. The problem? Your core cries uncle long before your legs wear out. Although a cyclist's legs provide the most tangible source of power, the abs and lower back are the vital foundation from which all movement, including the pedal stroke, stems.
"You can have all the leg strength in the world, but without a stable core you won't be able to use it efficiently," says Graeme Street, founder of Cyclo-CORE, a DVD-based training program, and a personal trainer in Essex, Connecticut. "It's like having the body of a Ferrari with a Fiat chassis underneath."
What's more, a solid core will help eliminate unnecessary upper-body movement, so that all the energy you produce is delivered into a smooth pedal stroke.
Sadly, cycling's tripod position, in which the saddle, pedals and handlebar support your weight, relies on core strength but doesn't build it. To develop your high-performance chassis, try this intense routine, designed by Street. It takes only about 10 minutes to complete and focuses on the transverse abdominus, the innermost abdominal muscle, which acts as a stabilizing girdle around your torso, and also on your lower back, obliques, glutes, hamstrings and hip flexors, so your entire core--and then some--becomes strong and works as a unit. You'll notice that it skips the rectus abdominus, or six-pack muscle, because, says Street, "it's the least-functional muscle for cycling."
Do this intense routine, in this order, three times a week to create a core that lets you ride faster, longer, more powerfully--and finish stronger than ever.
By Dimity Mcdowell
MM 17 Sugarloaf Key (residential area)
You can park at the Sugarloaf Lodge and just across U.S. 1 is a great low traffic bike path with a round trip mileage of approximately 15 miles.
MM 27.8 Middle Torch and Big Torch (natural area, some houses)
You can park in the gravel along Middle Torch Road just off U.S. 1. Almost no traffic with nine turns, lots of wildlife. Mileage is about 15.5 miles.
Here's how to train the most important muscles for cycling.
Your bulging quads and razor-cut calves are the envy of your pack, and you start every ride strong. As the ride progresses, though, your hips seesaw in the saddle, your lower back aches, and you slow in corners. The problem? Your core cries uncle long before your legs wear out. Although a cyclist's legs provide the most tangible source of power, the abs and lower back are the vital foundation from which all movement, including the pedal stroke, stems.
"You can have all the leg strength in the world, but without a stable core you won't be able to use it efficiently," says Graeme Street, founder of Cyclo-CORE, a DVD-based training program, and a personal trainer in Essex, Connecticut. "It's like having the body of a Ferrari with a Fiat chassis underneath."
What's more, a solid core will help eliminate unnecessary upper-body movement, so that all the energy you produce is delivered into a smooth pedal stroke.
Sadly, cycling's tripod position, in which the saddle, pedals and handlebar support your weight, relies on core strength but doesn't build it. To develop your high-performance chassis, try this intense routine, designed by Street. It takes only about 10 minutes to complete and focuses on the transverse abdominus, the innermost abdominal muscle, which acts as a stabilizing girdle around your torso, and also on your lower back, obliques, glutes, hamstrings and hip flexors, so your entire core--and then some--becomes strong and works as a unit. You'll notice that it skips the rectus abdominus, or six-pack muscle, because, says Street, "it's the least-functional muscle for cycling."
Do this intense routine, in this order, three times a week to create a core that lets you ride faster, longer, more powerfully--and finish stronger than ever.
By Dimity Mcdowell
Monday, June 28, 2010
Lovely 3/2 in Key Haven $375,000!
3 bedroom/2bathroom
Best price in Key Haven! Enjoy the luxury of living in this neighborhood. Ready to move in, quiet street. Custom home theater. Large fenced backyard with plenty of room for a pool. Enclosed garage for added storage, off-street parking, roof recently resurfaced. Easy access to the Gulf.
To see this home all me today 305-776-2025
Thursday, June 24, 2010
The most important three-digit number in your life!
Your credit score!
Your credit score is the most important three-digit number in your life. Raising your credit score can lead to savings of hundreds of thousands of dollars over the life of a mortgage. In addition, a higher credit score can help you with credit card rates, auto loans, and help you get that job you wanted.
Sometimes, though, life can get a little out of hand and you may fall behind in bills, run up a lot of debt or make other mistakes that can ruin your score.
How We Raise Credit Scores go to
http://www.asapcreditfixers.com/
by asapcreditfixers.com
Your credit score is the most important three-digit number in your life. Raising your credit score can lead to savings of hundreds of thousands of dollars over the life of a mortgage. In addition, a higher credit score can help you with credit card rates, auto loans, and help you get that job you wanted.
Sometimes, though, life can get a little out of hand and you may fall behind in bills, run up a lot of debt or make other mistakes that can ruin your score.
How We Raise Credit Scores go to
http://www.asapcreditfixers.com/
by asapcreditfixers.com
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Key West Botanical Garden
Key West Botanical Garden on Stock Island off College Road on the right side just over the bridge. This 11-acre, city-owned garden is opened from dawn until dusk and is free to the public. A great place to take a tour, bird watch or just hang out and have a picnic. On Saturday, volunteers are available to answer your questions.
No oil here
No oil here, but Keys still suffer
BY TIMOTHY O'HARA Citizen Staff
Authorities on Tuesday said the threat of oil reaching the Florida Keys has diminished for now, based on the observations of a Coast Guard fleet of ships and aircraft that has been patrolling the Dry Tortugas for three weeks.
The fleet has confirmed that oil from the Deepwater Horizon rig is still hundreds of miles from the Keys and Dry Tortugas. Its mission was to scout out satellite-detected "anomalies," and it found none were BP-related oil sheen or tar balls, Coast Guard spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Matt Moorlag said.
That and other information has prompted the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to amend models that said oil could be present and suspend production of daily offshore trajectory maps, as no oil appears to be moving far enough away from the spill site, Moorlag said.
"It's giving us a look at what's going on and what's not going on," Coast Guard spokesman Michael Hulme said.
Because the northern end of the Loop Current has been pinched off into a large eddy for most of the past two months -- it periodically attaches and detaches -- oil has had no clear path to the Keys, satellite images show. There have been no reports of recoverable oil in the Loop Current or Eddy Franklin, as it's called, according to NOAA.
The news came the same day BP responded to the Marathon City Council's insistence last week that it would lead its own oil spill response for the Middle Keys, saying BP and others would not be as effective as locals. The council criticized BP's response plan for addressing the cleanup of oil only after it reached the Keys rather than preventative measures.
BP's letter to the council tried to assure the city that BP, the Coast Guard and others have response plans and that BP will pay to have all the right people and equipment in place.
"BP will continue to rely on the independent assessments of government experts with regard to both the potential impacts and consult with them on appropriate emergency responses for a variety of scenarios," BP spokesman Andrew Van Chau wrote. "At this time, the threat assessment among these experts is that there remains a low risk of only weathered oil from the accident, such as tar balls, making landfall in the Keys."
A Coast Guard C-130 research plane and two helicopters, fitted with computers and cameras, will continue to conduct daily flights between the Keys and Apalachicola, according to the government's Joint Incident Command. NOAA also will continue to produce daily onshore trajectory maps.
The Monroe County Commission will hold a public meeting at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Marathon Government Center to discuss the response to the oil spill and its possible impact on the Keys.
BY TIMOTHY O'HARA Citizen Staff
Authorities on Tuesday said the threat of oil reaching the Florida Keys has diminished for now, based on the observations of a Coast Guard fleet of ships and aircraft that has been patrolling the Dry Tortugas for three weeks.
The fleet has confirmed that oil from the Deepwater Horizon rig is still hundreds of miles from the Keys and Dry Tortugas. Its mission was to scout out satellite-detected "anomalies," and it found none were BP-related oil sheen or tar balls, Coast Guard spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Matt Moorlag said.
That and other information has prompted the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to amend models that said oil could be present and suspend production of daily offshore trajectory maps, as no oil appears to be moving far enough away from the spill site, Moorlag said.
"It's giving us a look at what's going on and what's not going on," Coast Guard spokesman Michael Hulme said.
Because the northern end of the Loop Current has been pinched off into a large eddy for most of the past two months -- it periodically attaches and detaches -- oil has had no clear path to the Keys, satellite images show. There have been no reports of recoverable oil in the Loop Current or Eddy Franklin, as it's called, according to NOAA.
The news came the same day BP responded to the Marathon City Council's insistence last week that it would lead its own oil spill response for the Middle Keys, saying BP and others would not be as effective as locals. The council criticized BP's response plan for addressing the cleanup of oil only after it reached the Keys rather than preventative measures.
BP's letter to the council tried to assure the city that BP, the Coast Guard and others have response plans and that BP will pay to have all the right people and equipment in place.
"BP will continue to rely on the independent assessments of government experts with regard to both the potential impacts and consult with them on appropriate emergency responses for a variety of scenarios," BP spokesman Andrew Van Chau wrote. "At this time, the threat assessment among these experts is that there remains a low risk of only weathered oil from the accident, such as tar balls, making landfall in the Keys."
A Coast Guard C-130 research plane and two helicopters, fitted with computers and cameras, will continue to conduct daily flights between the Keys and Apalachicola, according to the government's Joint Incident Command. NOAA also will continue to produce daily onshore trajectory maps.
The Monroe County Commission will hold a public meeting at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Marathon Government Center to discuss the response to the oil spill and its possible impact on the Keys.
Monday, June 21, 2010
From Renter to Owner – Let's make things happen!
Here’s a quick note to let you know how I can help you or anyone you feel comfortable introducing me to.
Some people prefer renting an apartment or house because they don’t want the responsibility of a house’s upkeep. Or perhaps they know they’ll be relocating in the not-too-distant future, or the location of the house or apartment best suits their lifestyle. But if you know someone who’s renting because buying a home seems like an overwhelming undertaking and they don’t know where to start, I have a free report that will give them the answers they need now to make a smart decision about what to do next.
Call me immediately! 305-776-2025. I’ll send you our report, How to Stop Spending Money on Rent and Own a Home Instead, for you to pass along and help make this happen!
Some people prefer renting an apartment or house because they don’t want the responsibility of a house’s upkeep. Or perhaps they know they’ll be relocating in the not-too-distant future, or the location of the house or apartment best suits their lifestyle. But if you know someone who’s renting because buying a home seems like an overwhelming undertaking and they don’t know where to start, I have a free report that will give them the answers they need now to make a smart decision about what to do next.
Call me immediately! 305-776-2025. I’ll send you our report, How to Stop Spending Money on Rent and Own a Home Instead, for you to pass along and help make this happen!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Private Living in Key West on Canal and with Gorgous Pool!
Come and enjoy the warm glow of this beautiful home just minutes from Old Town Key West.
Stroll the palm-lined streets and discover gingerbread mansions, tin-roofed conch houses, the John Audubon House and Ernest Hemingway's home, dine and relax in our fabulous restaurants and than enjoy home in this cozy setting.
Very private waterfront CBS-Canal Home with 10,000 lb boat lift. 2 Bedroom 2 Bath in the main house and 1 Bedroom 1 Bath attached guest unit with separate entrance which could be easily converted to a 3/3. New soundproof and energy efficient windows and doors. Large pool resurfaced in 2006 surrounded by lush landscaping. Inside pool light and stainless steele lighting around the pool. Operational Sky Light in the kitchen. Top of the line stainless steel appliances including in-line water purifier for clean drinking water. Bathrooms newly renovated.
To see this home call me today! 305-776-2025.
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Happy Father's Day!
A Father Is…
A father is neither an anchor to hold us back, nor a sail to take us
there, but a guiding light whose love shows us the way.
A father is someone you look up to no matter how tall you grow.
A father is a truly rich man if his children run into his arms when his
hands are empty.
A father is a man who expects his son to be as good a man as he meant to be.
A father is someone who carries pictures in his wallet where his money used to be.
Credit is given to the author of this poem when
the original author is known.
A father is neither an anchor to hold us back, nor a sail to take us
there, but a guiding light whose love shows us the way.
A father is someone you look up to no matter how tall you grow.
A father is a truly rich man if his children run into his arms when his
hands are empty.
A father is a man who expects his son to be as good a man as he meant to be.
A father is someone who carries pictures in his wallet where his money used to be.
Credit is given to the author of this poem when
the original author is known.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Mistakes buyers and seller make!
The 10 Dumbest Mistakes Smart People Make When Buying or Selling a Home – and How to Avoid Them
Buyers
Mistakes
1. Not knowing how much they can afford to pay for a house before they make an offer.
Get pre-qualified for a mortgage from a Lender, so you know in advance exactly how much you can afford.
2. Not finding out in advance whom the real estate agent represents.
Asking your Realtor. Most people think their agent is working for them. But unless the agent is working as your buyer representative, he/she represents the seller.
3. Not realizing that the wrong mortgage can cost thousands of dollars in unnecessary interest and taxes.
Consulting with a mortgage consultant, accountant, and/or financial planner before making a final decision on which mortgage to choose. CPAs can tell you the long-term effects on your income.
4. Not discovering hidden defects before buying a home.
Hiring a professional to conduct a pre-purchase home inspection.
5. Not knowing how debt can affect their ability to buy or refinance a home.
Asking your mortgage professional to help you review and repair your credit file in advance.
Sellers
Mistakes
6. Setting their asking price too high because of personal need or emotion rather than fair market value.
Consulting with a professional real estate agent. He/she can assist you in pricing your home correctly.
7. Failing to “showcase” their home by highlighting the best features.
Thoroughly cleaning, repairing, and readying your home for showing before you put it on the market.
8. Signing a listing contract with no way out.
Asking your real estate agent if you can cancel your listing agreement at any time, no questions asked, prior to signing the contract or agreement.
9. Choosing an agent for the wrong reasons. (For example, listing a home with the agent who works for the most popular company.)
Selecting a listing agent with the best marketing plan and track record.
10. Not knowing their legal rights and obligations.
Consulting a knowledgeable, trustworthy professional who understands the technical and legal aspects of a real estate transaction. Contracts are legally binding. Neglected details can wind up costing sellers thousands of dollars.
Buyers
Mistakes
1. Not knowing how much they can afford to pay for a house before they make an offer.
Get pre-qualified for a mortgage from a Lender, so you know in advance exactly how much you can afford.
2. Not finding out in advance whom the real estate agent represents.
Asking your Realtor. Most people think their agent is working for them. But unless the agent is working as your buyer representative, he/she represents the seller.
3. Not realizing that the wrong mortgage can cost thousands of dollars in unnecessary interest and taxes.
Consulting with a mortgage consultant, accountant, and/or financial planner before making a final decision on which mortgage to choose. CPAs can tell you the long-term effects on your income.
4. Not discovering hidden defects before buying a home.
Hiring a professional to conduct a pre-purchase home inspection.
5. Not knowing how debt can affect their ability to buy or refinance a home.
Asking your mortgage professional to help you review and repair your credit file in advance.
Sellers
Mistakes
6. Setting their asking price too high because of personal need or emotion rather than fair market value.
Consulting with a professional real estate agent. He/she can assist you in pricing your home correctly.
7. Failing to “showcase” their home by highlighting the best features.
Thoroughly cleaning, repairing, and readying your home for showing before you put it on the market.
8. Signing a listing contract with no way out.
Asking your real estate agent if you can cancel your listing agreement at any time, no questions asked, prior to signing the contract or agreement.
9. Choosing an agent for the wrong reasons. (For example, listing a home with the agent who works for the most popular company.)
Selecting a listing agent with the best marketing plan and track record.
10. Not knowing their legal rights and obligations.
Consulting a knowledgeable, trustworthy professional who understands the technical and legal aspects of a real estate transaction. Contracts are legally binding. Neglected details can wind up costing sellers thousands of dollars.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Father's Day!
Don’t forget Father’s Day on June 20th!
Dad’s Lessons Of Life
Tim Russert, moderator of NBC’s Meet the Press from 1991 to 2008, did something that most of us will never do: He wrote a book expressing his gratitude for – and celebrating the wisdom of – his beloved father. The 2004 memoir was entitled Big Russ & Me: Father and Son: Lessons of Life, and it became a #1 bestseller.
Big Russ & Me did something else: It inspired more than 60,000 people to write and email Russert with their own memories of their fathers. In 2006 Russert turned some of those memories into his second bestseller, Wisdom of Our Fathers: Lessons and Letters from Daughters and Sons, giving others an opportunity to express their gratitude for – and celebrate the wisdom of – their own fathers.
Tim Russert died suddenly in June 2008 at the age of 58. In addition to being a son he was himself a father, a husband, and in the words of a colleague, “one of the premier political journalists and analysts of his time.” He received countless awards for professional excellence, and was clear on where credit for his many accomplishments was due. In the introduction to Big Russ & Me Russert wrote, “I hope this book will encourage readers to think about the things they learned from their father. Whatever we achieve and whoever we are, we stand on their shoulders.”
You don’t have to write a book to tell the dads in your life how much you appreciate them.
Dad’s Lessons Of Life
Tim Russert, moderator of NBC’s Meet the Press from 1991 to 2008, did something that most of us will never do: He wrote a book expressing his gratitude for – and celebrating the wisdom of – his beloved father. The 2004 memoir was entitled Big Russ & Me: Father and Son: Lessons of Life, and it became a #1 bestseller.
Big Russ & Me did something else: It inspired more than 60,000 people to write and email Russert with their own memories of their fathers. In 2006 Russert turned some of those memories into his second bestseller, Wisdom of Our Fathers: Lessons and Letters from Daughters and Sons, giving others an opportunity to express their gratitude for – and celebrate the wisdom of – their own fathers.
Tim Russert died suddenly in June 2008 at the age of 58. In addition to being a son he was himself a father, a husband, and in the words of a colleague, “one of the premier political journalists and analysts of his time.” He received countless awards for professional excellence, and was clear on where credit for his many accomplishments was due. In the introduction to Big Russ & Me Russert wrote, “I hope this book will encourage readers to think about the things they learned from their father. Whatever we achieve and whoever we are, we stand on their shoulders.”
You don’t have to write a book to tell the dads in your life how much you appreciate them.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
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Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Building Relationships
Building Relationships:
Part I:
Why and How to Understand People
A great philosopher and Hindu leader once asked his audience to define love. The respondents came up with a long list of answers. To each one he shook his head. Finally, he answered the question himself. "Love is nothing more or less than understanding."
Another great leader and writer, Stephen Covey, who authored "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People," advised his readers with the same sentiment. "Seek first to understand and then to be understood."
What did these two great thinkers mean by "understanding?" It's better to start with what they did not mean. Understanding doesn't mean agreement with or approval of another person. It does not require you to condone a behavior; nor does it mean that you must give up your needs or feelings.
Understanding means the intellectual and emotional ability to engage in another person's perspective. The true secret to understanding is to take judgment out of the equation. The minute you catch yourself wondering whether that person has a "right" to act or feel they way they do, you have lost your ability to understand.
Understanding is essential to all healthy professional and personal relationships for three reasons: First, it helps us learn how to communicate. Second, when we understand a person, we let go of the need to control them and their behaviors, and lastly, we are able to let go of anger or frustration we may have towards them for not being exactly what we want or need.
The real question isn't whether or not we should understand others, it's how to do it. Think of someone in your life who you find challenging – a colleague, your child, a partner or a friend. Then start with these three actions:
1. Look for motives. Instead of focusing on behaviors you don't like, try to analyze the reason behind them. Does this person have a different philosophy about work and life than you do? Is this person acting from some deeper needs or insecurities? Once you identify the source behind the behavior, you are better equipped to deal with it. Put yourself in their shoes and try to see where they are coming from.
2. Identify patterns. The best way to understand people is to observe them. Repetitious behaviors provide very good insight into people's needs, as they show you what is truly going on in their conscious and unconscious minds. For example, if you have a colleague or spouse who is constantly in crisis, on some level they may get energy from chaos, or they may not want to slow down for fear of having to face some bigger issues in their lives. Patterns of behavior reveal people's deeper beliefs about the world and themselves. This helps you narrow down the key areas in which you can be more effective in your communication.
3. Listen. We all know the old adage that we were given two ears and one mouth to use in that proportion. Understanding others does not come from hearing ourselves talk. We must learn to listen – and not only to the words people say, but to the words they don't. Good listeners read between the lines, observe body language, and clear their minds of their own thoughts. That is no easy task, but it is the most important skill anyone can learn. The next column will focus on how to be a great listener and what that means to building relationships. So, stay tuned.
Most of us agree that our lives are rich not because of the things we own, but by the relationships we have. We get stuck in our needs, and our way of seeing things, and assume that things are black and white, when in truth, the answers are almost always in shades of gray. Understanding the complex personalities and needs of any other human being is among the greatest gifts we can give them, and ultimately ourselves.
By Elisa Levy
Part I:
Why and How to Understand People
A great philosopher and Hindu leader once asked his audience to define love. The respondents came up with a long list of answers. To each one he shook his head. Finally, he answered the question himself. "Love is nothing more or less than understanding."
Another great leader and writer, Stephen Covey, who authored "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People," advised his readers with the same sentiment. "Seek first to understand and then to be understood."
What did these two great thinkers mean by "understanding?" It's better to start with what they did not mean. Understanding doesn't mean agreement with or approval of another person. It does not require you to condone a behavior; nor does it mean that you must give up your needs or feelings.
Understanding means the intellectual and emotional ability to engage in another person's perspective. The true secret to understanding is to take judgment out of the equation. The minute you catch yourself wondering whether that person has a "right" to act or feel they way they do, you have lost your ability to understand.
Understanding is essential to all healthy professional and personal relationships for three reasons: First, it helps us learn how to communicate. Second, when we understand a person, we let go of the need to control them and their behaviors, and lastly, we are able to let go of anger or frustration we may have towards them for not being exactly what we want or need.
The real question isn't whether or not we should understand others, it's how to do it. Think of someone in your life who you find challenging – a colleague, your child, a partner or a friend. Then start with these three actions:
1. Look for motives. Instead of focusing on behaviors you don't like, try to analyze the reason behind them. Does this person have a different philosophy about work and life than you do? Is this person acting from some deeper needs or insecurities? Once you identify the source behind the behavior, you are better equipped to deal with it. Put yourself in their shoes and try to see where they are coming from.
2. Identify patterns. The best way to understand people is to observe them. Repetitious behaviors provide very good insight into people's needs, as they show you what is truly going on in their conscious and unconscious minds. For example, if you have a colleague or spouse who is constantly in crisis, on some level they may get energy from chaos, or they may not want to slow down for fear of having to face some bigger issues in their lives. Patterns of behavior reveal people's deeper beliefs about the world and themselves. This helps you narrow down the key areas in which you can be more effective in your communication.
3. Listen. We all know the old adage that we were given two ears and one mouth to use in that proportion. Understanding others does not come from hearing ourselves talk. We must learn to listen – and not only to the words people say, but to the words they don't. Good listeners read between the lines, observe body language, and clear their minds of their own thoughts. That is no easy task, but it is the most important skill anyone can learn. The next column will focus on how to be a great listener and what that means to building relationships. So, stay tuned.
Most of us agree that our lives are rich not because of the things we own, but by the relationships we have. We get stuck in our needs, and our way of seeing things, and assume that things are black and white, when in truth, the answers are almost always in shades of gray. Understanding the complex personalities and needs of any other human being is among the greatest gifts we can give them, and ultimately ourselves.
By Elisa Levy
Monday, June 14, 2010
Key West,...Location, Location, Location…..
With a market that continues expanding I would like to introduce to you a rare opportunity to own an extraordinary home in the incredible Old Town location with a fabulous earning potential.
This one of a kind 3 bedroom 3 bathroom 2 story home is the largest one of 6 in the unique and secluded Old Town Compound, known as the Writers’ Compound. Stained glass, rail molding and wainscoting throughout make this home truly unique. Hidden private backyard with room for your own pool and off street parking. Drive by won’t do.
A transient license may be transferred for this home which leaves you plenty of space to customize this home for your excellent rental income!
Prices in the Keys are factually better than the majority of destinations in the United States. The explosive growth of South Dade County will definitely benefit the weekend gateways. We’ve had 283 sales as of 05/31/10 in Key West (KW-Shark Key) for this year which is 58% ahead of 2009! You are footsteps away from the Historic Seaport, the World famous Duval Street and the beaches!
Don’t miss this opportunity of a lifetime to own this fantastic Investment in Old Town.
To see this home call me today (1)305-776-2025. All offers welcome!
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Sunday, June 13, 2010
Come to Key West!
Discover a city where real estate titles date back to the Kings of Spain. Stroll the palm-lined streets and discover gingerbread mansions, tin-roofed conch houses, the John Audubon House and Ernest Hemingway's home, dine and relax in our fabulous restaurants. Walk in the footsteps of Thomas Edison, Lou Gehrig, Harry Truman, and Tennessee Williams and so much more....
Saturday, June 12, 2010
England vs. USA soccer match!
If there is one word that could sum up the much hyped and anticipated England vs. USA soccer match in the South Africa 2010 World Cup it is 'hope'. 'Hope' that the U.S. would hold onto its 1 point and 'hope' that Engalnd could make it 3. While England might be disappointed following the final whistle I am confident that the U.S. will revel in the so important point scored against the favorite in their group. Many people have reported to me in disdain that England was the better side, but in the end I say the ball is round and the game lasts 90 minutes ;). Good luck to both sides in their future endeavors in this 1st World Cup on African soil!
World Cup Soccer
By definition, a World Cup in Africa will be unlike any other.
It will be the largest sporting event – make that the largest event, period – ever staged in the continent. It may also be the costliest, with a price tag of more than $4.6 billion.
The World Cup is the largest and most watched sporting event on the globe – 32 nations playing 64 matches in nine cities over 31 days.
It will be the fourth World Cup staged in the Southern Hemisphere but the first since 1978, when Argentina was host.
The U.S. has never won a game in Mexico but did surprisingly well last summer in South Africa. At the Confederations Cup, the U.S. upset Spain, 2-0, in Bloemfontein and gave Brazil a scare in Johannesburg, losing 3-2 in the championship match.
Assuming South Africa doesn't pull off the greatest upset in sports history, and discounting Uruguay, which last won in 1950, that would leave six teams in the running: Argentina, Brazil, England, France, Germany and Italy. Since 1966, only one team not in that group has even reached the final: the Netherlands, at West Germany in 1974 and at Argentina in 1978. The Dutch lost to the host nation both times.
It will be the largest sporting event – make that the largest event, period – ever staged in the continent. It may also be the costliest, with a price tag of more than $4.6 billion.
The World Cup is the largest and most watched sporting event on the globe – 32 nations playing 64 matches in nine cities over 31 days.
It will be the fourth World Cup staged in the Southern Hemisphere but the first since 1978, when Argentina was host.
The U.S. has never won a game in Mexico but did surprisingly well last summer in South Africa. At the Confederations Cup, the U.S. upset Spain, 2-0, in Bloemfontein and gave Brazil a scare in Johannesburg, losing 3-2 in the championship match.
Assuming South Africa doesn't pull off the greatest upset in sports history, and discounting Uruguay, which last won in 1950, that would leave six teams in the running: Argentina, Brazil, England, France, Germany and Italy. Since 1966, only one team not in that group has even reached the final: the Netherlands, at West Germany in 1974 and at Argentina in 1978. The Dutch lost to the host nation both times.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Relocation to the Florida Keys!
Moving to a new location can be tough. To make your move to Key West or the Florida Keys a little easier, Monika created the following list of usefull contacts and phone numbers to help you get settled in your new home and city.
Monika has the experience and knowledge to help you through all stages of your move to the Florida Keys. Whether it's a moving truck, short-term housing or finding your dream home, Monika can help you through the process of getting here -- stress free.
Utilities:
Keys Energy Services 1001 James St.Key West,
FL 33040-6935USA
Phone: (305) 295-1000 (305) 295-1000
www.keysenergy.com
Water:
Key West and Lower Keys
1100 Kennedy Drive
Key West, FL 33041-1239
Phone: 305-296-2454
www.fkaa.com
Phone and Computer connection:
BellSouth
Phone: 1-888-757-6500
www.bellsouth.com
Cable:
Comcast
Phone: 1-800-266-2278
www.comcast.com
Garbage Service:
Waste Managment Garbage Collection
US Hwy 1
Stock Island
305-296-8297
Hospital:
Lower Keys Medical Center
5900 College Rd
Key West
Phone: 305-294-5531
Vehicle Registration:
Moroe County Tax Collector's Office
1200 Truman Ave
Key West
Phone: 305-295-5000
www.monroetaxcollector.com
Schools and Colleges:
Monroe County School District
241 Trumbo Rd
Key West
Phone: 305-293-1400
www.monroe.k12.fl.us
Florida Keys Community College
Phone: 305-296-9081
www.fkcc.cc/
The Citizen (daily Newspaper)
KeysNews.com
City of Key West
City Of Key West Code
Enforcement Jim Young 305-809-3734
Licensing & Permits Carolyn Walker 305-809-3955
Termites
Eddinger Pest Control 305-872-1008
Gulf Coast Extermination 2606 Fogarty Avenue 305-294-3494
Hammerhead 30385 Quail Roost Trail 305-515-2800
Monika has the experience and knowledge to help you through all stages of your move to the Florida Keys. Whether it's a moving truck, short-term housing or finding your dream home, Monika can help you through the process of getting here -- stress free.
Utilities:
Keys Energy Services 1001 James St.Key West,
FL 33040-6935USA
Phone: (305) 295-1000 (305) 295-1000
www.keysenergy.com
Water:
Key West and Lower Keys
1100 Kennedy Drive
Key West, FL 33041-1239
Phone: 305-296-2454
www.fkaa.com
Phone and Computer connection:
BellSouth
Phone: 1-888-757-6500
www.bellsouth.com
Cable:
Comcast
Phone: 1-800-266-2278
www.comcast.com
Garbage Service:
Waste Managment Garbage Collection
US Hwy 1
Stock Island
305-296-8297
Hospital:
Lower Keys Medical Center
5900 College Rd
Key West
Phone: 305-294-5531
Vehicle Registration:
Moroe County Tax Collector's Office
1200 Truman Ave
Key West
Phone: 305-295-5000
www.monroetaxcollector.com
Schools and Colleges:
Monroe County School District
241 Trumbo Rd
Key West
Phone: 305-293-1400
www.monroe.k12.fl.us
Florida Keys Community College
Phone: 305-296-9081
www.fkcc.cc/
The Citizen (daily Newspaper)
KeysNews.com
City of Key West
City Of Key West Code
Enforcement Jim Young 305-809-3734
Licensing & Permits Carolyn Walker 305-809-3955
Termites
Eddinger Pest Control 305-872-1008
Gulf Coast Extermination 2606 Fogarty Avenue 305-294-3494
Hammerhead 30385 Quail Roost Trail 305-515-2800
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