Provided By Realty Times
Memorial Day is the day we join together as nation to remember all those who gave their lives defending our nation. It’s also a day that many families travel from far and wide to get together and enjoy good company and good food.
Here are some tried and true Memorial Day recipes that are sure to please the crew.
For starters, serve a festive blue punch!
Blue Punch
1 package blue kool-aid
1 (64 fluid ounce) bottle white cranberry juice
1 (2 liter) bottle lemon-lime soda
8 scoops vanilla ice cream
3/4 cup white sugar
To mix this simple punch, combine all ingredients except ice cream in a large punch bowl. When you are ready to serve, add in the ice cream. You can also substitute other blue drinks for the kool-aid, such as Hawaiian punch. And of course, you can add your choice of alcoholic drink to the mix to liven up your party.
Red, White, and Blue Ambrosia
This is a great make-ahead dish, since its ingredients work best when they’ve had time to marry.
1 pint heavy cream
1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar
2 cups sour cream
1.5 cups flaked coconut
1 pint strawberries, sliced
1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
1 pint fresh blueberries
3 cups miniature marshmallows
First, combine the heavy cream and confectioners' sugar. Whip until creamy and then add the sour cream. Fold in flaked coconut, berries, and marshmallow. Cover and chill before serving.
Barbecue Beef
Memorial Day wouldn’t be complete without barbeque. It’s practically the national summer food of the United States! This great recipe comes from the Food Network’s own Sandra Lee and her show “Semi-Homemade Cooking”
1 rack beef back ribs (about 3 pounds total), cut in 1/2
1 teaspoon seasoning salt
1 cup vegetable broth
1 cup apple juice
2 cups store-bought BBQ sauce
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon molasses
1 teaspoon instant espresso or 2 tablespoons strong brewed coffee
Sliced green apple, to garnish
The key to ribs is patience. First, place the ribs in a large pot. Add seasoning, broth, and apple juice to cover the meat. If you need a little extra liquid, add some water. Bring this mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the meat is tender (about 1 hour). Using tongs, remove the rib rack. Now, cut between the bones, forming individual ribs.
The next step is to grill! Mix your sauce in a medium bowl by combining the BBQ sauce, molasses, and coffee. Brush this mixture onto the ribs and then grill them until brown. You can turn them occasionally adding more sauce. Grill time should be about 10 minutes.
Enjoy these quick and easy recipes and have a safe Memorial Day!
Monday, May 30, 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
Memorial Day
Provided By History.com
Memorial Day, which falls on the last Monday of May, honors the men and women who died while serving in the American military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, at least, it marks the beginning of summer. In 2011, Memorial Day is observed on Monday, May 30.
Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to honor the nation's Civil War dead by decorating their graves. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to honor the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers. On May 5, 1868, Logan declared in General Order No. 11 that:
The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.
During the first celebration of Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, after which 5,000 participants helped to decorate the graves of the more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried in the cemetery.
This 1868 celebration was inspired by local observances of the day in several towns throughout America that had taken place in the three years since the Civil War. In fact, several Northern and Southern cities claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day, including Columbus, Miss.; Macon, Ga.; Richmond, Va.; Boalsburg, Pa.; and Carbondale, Ill.
In 1966, the federal government, under the direction of President Lyndon Johnson, declared Waterloo, N.Y., the official birthplace of Memorial Day. They chose Waterloo—which had first celebrated the day on May 5, 1866—because the town had made Memorial Day an annual, community-wide event during which businesses closed and residents decorated the graves of soldiers with flowers and flags.
By the late 1800s, many communities across the country had begun to celebrate Memorial Day and, after World War I, observances also began to honor those who had died in all of America's wars. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May. (Veterans Day, a day set aside to honor all veterans, living and dead, is celebrated each year on November 11.)
Today, Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. Also, it is customary for the president or vice-president to give a speech honoring the contributions of the dead and lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. About 5,000 people attend the ceremony annually.
Several Southern states continue to set aside a special day for honoring the Confederate dead, which is usually called Confederate Memorial Day.
Memorial Day, which falls on the last Monday of May, honors the men and women who died while serving in the American military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, at least, it marks the beginning of summer. In 2011, Memorial Day is observed on Monday, May 30.
Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to honor the nation's Civil War dead by decorating their graves. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to honor the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers. On May 5, 1868, Logan declared in General Order No. 11 that:
The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.
During the first celebration of Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, after which 5,000 participants helped to decorate the graves of the more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried in the cemetery.
This 1868 celebration was inspired by local observances of the day in several towns throughout America that had taken place in the three years since the Civil War. In fact, several Northern and Southern cities claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day, including Columbus, Miss.; Macon, Ga.; Richmond, Va.; Boalsburg, Pa.; and Carbondale, Ill.
In 1966, the federal government, under the direction of President Lyndon Johnson, declared Waterloo, N.Y., the official birthplace of Memorial Day. They chose Waterloo—which had first celebrated the day on May 5, 1866—because the town had made Memorial Day an annual, community-wide event during which businesses closed and residents decorated the graves of soldiers with flowers and flags.
By the late 1800s, many communities across the country had begun to celebrate Memorial Day and, after World War I, observances also began to honor those who had died in all of America's wars. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May. (Veterans Day, a day set aside to honor all veterans, living and dead, is celebrated each year on November 11.)
Today, Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. Also, it is customary for the president or vice-president to give a speech honoring the contributions of the dead and lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. About 5,000 people attend the ceremony annually.
Several Southern states continue to set aside a special day for honoring the Confederate dead, which is usually called Confederate Memorial Day.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Choosing Your Neighborhood
Choosing Your Neighborhood
by Carla Hill
Provided By Realty Times
Choosing a home is about more than just selecting a house. Every neighborhood offers its own unique set of people, activities, and amenities. Which neighborhood is the right fit?
Take a moment to review the following factors that can influence your decision on where to live.
The first consideration of many home buyers is the education of their children. From private, charter, and magnet to public school, there are a wide range of options. Public schools dictate enrollment according to school district boundaries. Keep this in mind when looking at new homes. You may be surprised to find where lines are drawn. Are you trying to move into a highly rated district or are you wanting to avoid uprooting your children? You may wish to visit area schools to get a feel for which place is best for your family.
Next, analyze the data on the local economy. Is there a high rate of long-term employment? It's always good news when new industries are moving into town rather than out of town. Home values should rise alongside demand. Dig a little deeper and find out what industries are holding steady, how long homes are sitting on the market, as well as your local unemployment rate.
Homeownership is at least partially about making an investment. Over time you hope to build equity in your home, allowing you to have not only a large asset, but also the ability to "move up". Be aware of foreclosed homes in neighborhoods, as they tend to pull values down. And understand that some neighborhoods offer higher rates of appreciation than others.
Are home values on the rise? In today's difficult market, many areas are experiencing depreciation. This is not the normal trend, but rather is the consequence of our recent recession. In general, homes increase in value by about 5 percent per year. Ask your local real estate agent for the stats on past appreciation rates.
An additional factor affecting home values is the condition of the prospective neighborhood. Be sure to drive up and down adjacent streets. Are homes and yards in good repair? You want neighborhoods that reflect care and attention.
Additionally, research the local crime rates. Some neighborhoods experience higher levels of crime, both violent and petty. Safety of your person and property are valid considerations when buying a home.
And finally, on a lighter note, entertainment options are another valid consideration for home buyers. From restaurants and parks to neighborhoods with high ratings of walkability, the choices abound. What works best for you? Are there certain stores, clubs, gyms, or churches that you frequent? Choosing a neighborhood means considering all the options. What do you need and want out of your next home?
Choose wisely and you'll end up with a home that fits you now and for years to come.
by Carla Hill
Provided By Realty Times
Choosing a home is about more than just selecting a house. Every neighborhood offers its own unique set of people, activities, and amenities. Which neighborhood is the right fit?
Take a moment to review the following factors that can influence your decision on where to live.
The first consideration of many home buyers is the education of their children. From private, charter, and magnet to public school, there are a wide range of options. Public schools dictate enrollment according to school district boundaries. Keep this in mind when looking at new homes. You may be surprised to find where lines are drawn. Are you trying to move into a highly rated district or are you wanting to avoid uprooting your children? You may wish to visit area schools to get a feel for which place is best for your family.
Next, analyze the data on the local economy. Is there a high rate of long-term employment? It's always good news when new industries are moving into town rather than out of town. Home values should rise alongside demand. Dig a little deeper and find out what industries are holding steady, how long homes are sitting on the market, as well as your local unemployment rate.
Homeownership is at least partially about making an investment. Over time you hope to build equity in your home, allowing you to have not only a large asset, but also the ability to "move up". Be aware of foreclosed homes in neighborhoods, as they tend to pull values down. And understand that some neighborhoods offer higher rates of appreciation than others.
Are home values on the rise? In today's difficult market, many areas are experiencing depreciation. This is not the normal trend, but rather is the consequence of our recent recession. In general, homes increase in value by about 5 percent per year. Ask your local real estate agent for the stats on past appreciation rates.
An additional factor affecting home values is the condition of the prospective neighborhood. Be sure to drive up and down adjacent streets. Are homes and yards in good repair? You want neighborhoods that reflect care and attention.
Additionally, research the local crime rates. Some neighborhoods experience higher levels of crime, both violent and petty. Safety of your person and property are valid considerations when buying a home.
And finally, on a lighter note, entertainment options are another valid consideration for home buyers. From restaurants and parks to neighborhoods with high ratings of walkability, the choices abound. What works best for you? Are there certain stores, clubs, gyms, or churches that you frequent? Choosing a neighborhood means considering all the options. What do you need and want out of your next home?
Choose wisely and you'll end up with a home that fits you now and for years to come.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Green Living: Summer Energy Savings
Provided By Realty Times
Summer heat is a mastermind at emptying our wallets. In today's economy, many families cannot afford large rises in their monthly bills. How can you keep energy costs low this Summer?
Implement these simple tips into your daily routine and you'll find big savings
First, substitute traditional incandescent bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Lights(CFLs). The initial cost may be higher, but CFLs use less energy and last 1,000's of times longer.
The next consideration can save you money now and later. There are numerous tax credits available for energy upgrades, such as insulated windows. You can visit energystar.gov to get the specifics. Insulated windows and doors are a great way to keep cool air in and hot air out. If you are replacing windows, consider using an insulating window wrap around the new install. This will help reduce energy loss from around the window.
Now is also a good time to do a quick home inspection. Check for leaky duct work. There's no reason to pay to cool your attic! Be sure that attic vents are open and have good circulation.
If you live in an old house, you may find that your attic insulation is non-existent or in need of upgrading. Do a thorough inspection of your home to see where it needs some TLC.
Next, embrace fans. They can circulate and move air, requiring less need for air conditioning.
Speaking of air conditioning, there is now a new alternative to traditional window units. Window units are eyesores that lack energy efficiency. For around $300 to $500you can buy portable AC units. These portable units mean you can move them from room to room as needed. They use a no-drip technology that saves money by using an eco-friendly refrigerant gas. They also come with an adjustable thermostat and 24-hour countdown timer -- two more energy-efficient upgrades.
If you have central air, be sure to keep the temperature turned up during the day when you are away from the house. Don't turn the unit off completely, since then it has to work overtime to cool the house when you arrive home. If you can, program your thermostat to turn down 30 to 45 minutes before you return home each day.
To keep your unit working at optimum efficiency, replace your air filter regularly and have it serviced when needed.
Next on the list of ways to reduce your energy bill is keeping appliances unplugged when not in use. Even if an appliance is off, but still plugged in, it will be drawing power. Keep appliances unplugged, or go for a clean-line look and store them whenever they aren't in use.
These are just a few tips that can help you reduce your energy bill. Good luck saving this Summer!
Are you interested in a 'greener' home? Give us a call at 972-772-7000 or email us at frontdesk552@kw.com.
Summer heat is a mastermind at emptying our wallets. In today's economy, many families cannot afford large rises in their monthly bills. How can you keep energy costs low this Summer?
Implement these simple tips into your daily routine and you'll find big savings
First, substitute traditional incandescent bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Lights(CFLs). The initial cost may be higher, but CFLs use less energy and last 1,000's of times longer.
The next consideration can save you money now and later. There are numerous tax credits available for energy upgrades, such as insulated windows. You can visit energystar.gov to get the specifics. Insulated windows and doors are a great way to keep cool air in and hot air out. If you are replacing windows, consider using an insulating window wrap around the new install. This will help reduce energy loss from around the window.
Now is also a good time to do a quick home inspection. Check for leaky duct work. There's no reason to pay to cool your attic! Be sure that attic vents are open and have good circulation.
If you live in an old house, you may find that your attic insulation is non-existent or in need of upgrading. Do a thorough inspection of your home to see where it needs some TLC.
Next, embrace fans. They can circulate and move air, requiring less need for air conditioning.
Speaking of air conditioning, there is now a new alternative to traditional window units. Window units are eyesores that lack energy efficiency. For around $300 to $500you can buy portable AC units. These portable units mean you can move them from room to room as needed. They use a no-drip technology that saves money by using an eco-friendly refrigerant gas. They also come with an adjustable thermostat and 24-hour countdown timer -- two more energy-efficient upgrades.
If you have central air, be sure to keep the temperature turned up during the day when you are away from the house. Don't turn the unit off completely, since then it has to work overtime to cool the house when you arrive home. If you can, program your thermostat to turn down 30 to 45 minutes before you return home each day.
To keep your unit working at optimum efficiency, replace your air filter regularly and have it serviced when needed.
Next on the list of ways to reduce your energy bill is keeping appliances unplugged when not in use. Even if an appliance is off, but still plugged in, it will be drawing power. Keep appliances unplugged, or go for a clean-line look and store them whenever they aren't in use.
These are just a few tips that can help you reduce your energy bill. Good luck saving this Summer!
Are you interested in a 'greener' home? Give us a call at 972-772-7000 or email us at frontdesk552@kw.com.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Conventional versus government mortgages
Provided By Trulia.com
It is the most feared phrase in the English language, Ronald Reagan famously said:
"We're from the government, and we're here to help."
If government aid is evil, there are certainly some exceptions. Home mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration have helped put more than 34 million Americans into their own homes since the since the 1930s. Millions more have benefited from zero-down VA loans from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and from the Department of Agricultures Rural Development loans. Mortgage guarantees and down payment assistance are also doled out by municipalities and state programs such as California's Housing Finance Agency.
It's hard to generalize about their pros and cons with so many government-enabled loans out there. But when we compare them to conventional (non-government) loans, a few observations arise.
FHA loans normally demand higher interest rates than conventional mortgages because of the increased risk of default. The "spread" between FHA and conventional loans can be as high as a point, or 1 percent, which is a lot. Borrow $200,000 for 30 years at 5 percent fixed and you'll pay $1,073 monthly. Make it 6 percent and you'll pay $1,199. It's an extra $45,360 over 30 years.
Why have so many buyers chosen FHA loans? Not because they like higher interest. It's about lower down payments. An FHA-backed loan today can be had for about 3% percent down, even by someone without stellar credit. The same borrower might be asked for 20 percent down by a lender without the FHA guarantee.
But there are complicating factors. FHA borrowers must pay an upfront fee of 1.5 percent of the loan amount, plus an annual insurance premium of 0.5 percent. That premium is about the same as what's paid by a conventional borrower who must carry Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI).
A higher-interest-rate FHA mortgage may cost less in the long run than a conventional mortgage with PMI, but there is no overarching rule. You have to run the numbers and compare. For many borrowers, the deal "maker" or "breaker" won't be the interest rates or monthly payments. For many, with conventional lenders now demanding 10 or 20 percent down, it's all about down payments.
In theory, it's possible to avoid PMI with a piggyback mortgage structure - by borrowing 80 percent of the property value in one loan and 10 percent on a second for example. (This trick was common in the loose-lending days of old but today (in 2009), it's much harder to find second-position lenders at loan-to-value ratios like these.
Two other brands of government-guaranteed loans are offered by federal agencies. The Department of Veterans Affairs will insure zero-down, 100 percent financing as a benefit to military veterans (even if they served in peacetime). The interest rates are similar to FHA loans.
Zero-down financing is also backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture under its Rural Development program. The audience for RD loans is limited. They're intended to help low-income people buy, build or renovate homes in rural areas. Houses must be modest in size, design and cost, according to the agency. The interest rates are similar to FHA and VA loans, combined with 100 percent financing. Great terms for the needs of many people if they qualify.
Do you have mortgage questions? Call the experts at 972-772-7000 or email us at frontdesk552@kw.com.
It is the most feared phrase in the English language, Ronald Reagan famously said:
"We're from the government, and we're here to help."
If government aid is evil, there are certainly some exceptions. Home mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration have helped put more than 34 million Americans into their own homes since the since the 1930s. Millions more have benefited from zero-down VA loans from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and from the Department of Agricultures Rural Development loans. Mortgage guarantees and down payment assistance are also doled out by municipalities and state programs such as California's Housing Finance Agency.
It's hard to generalize about their pros and cons with so many government-enabled loans out there. But when we compare them to conventional (non-government) loans, a few observations arise.
FHA loans normally demand higher interest rates than conventional mortgages because of the increased risk of default. The "spread" between FHA and conventional loans can be as high as a point, or 1 percent, which is a lot. Borrow $200,000 for 30 years at 5 percent fixed and you'll pay $1,073 monthly. Make it 6 percent and you'll pay $1,199. It's an extra $45,360 over 30 years.
Why have so many buyers chosen FHA loans? Not because they like higher interest. It's about lower down payments. An FHA-backed loan today can be had for about 3% percent down, even by someone without stellar credit. The same borrower might be asked for 20 percent down by a lender without the FHA guarantee.
But there are complicating factors. FHA borrowers must pay an upfront fee of 1.5 percent of the loan amount, plus an annual insurance premium of 0.5 percent. That premium is about the same as what's paid by a conventional borrower who must carry Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI).
A higher-interest-rate FHA mortgage may cost less in the long run than a conventional mortgage with PMI, but there is no overarching rule. You have to run the numbers and compare. For many borrowers, the deal "maker" or "breaker" won't be the interest rates or monthly payments. For many, with conventional lenders now demanding 10 or 20 percent down, it's all about down payments.
In theory, it's possible to avoid PMI with a piggyback mortgage structure - by borrowing 80 percent of the property value in one loan and 10 percent on a second for example. (This trick was common in the loose-lending days of old but today (in 2009), it's much harder to find second-position lenders at loan-to-value ratios like these.
Two other brands of government-guaranteed loans are offered by federal agencies. The Department of Veterans Affairs will insure zero-down, 100 percent financing as a benefit to military veterans (even if they served in peacetime). The interest rates are similar to FHA loans.
Zero-down financing is also backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture under its Rural Development program. The audience for RD loans is limited. They're intended to help low-income people buy, build or renovate homes in rural areas. Houses must be modest in size, design and cost, according to the agency. The interest rates are similar to FHA and VA loans, combined with 100 percent financing. Great terms for the needs of many people if they qualify.
Do you have mortgage questions? Call the experts at 972-772-7000 or email us at frontdesk552@kw.com.
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