Chocolate: the Consuming Passion

Chocolate: the Consuming Passion


I stole these words. But I stole them from my sister and she won't mind; we always share. This is the title of one of her best-known books, a New York Times Best Seller almost thirty years ago. I was working for her at the time, and I will never forget the day she told me about the plans for our work on the book. "It is going to require a lot of research," she said with a grin. And research we did, for the next eight months (okay, we kept right on researching after the book was published... in fact we are still very in-depth researchers).

One of our first and favorite research trips was to Harbor Sweets just north of Boston. The business was started by an unassuming man named Ben Strohecker, who in 1973 challenged himself to create the "best piece of candy in the world", regardless of cost. After spending a day tasting every type of chocolate made at Harbor Sweets, we decided Ben had succeeded.

There were not so many Ben Stroheckers back then, but today, chocolatiers abound. (Obviously my sister and I were not the one people out there researching.) The varying brands of chocolate seem to increase daily, and one can find chocolates these days combined with flavors one never would have imagined would be friendly with chocolate (and some, frankly, are not). Even your local CVS drugstore has an entire display rack filled with gourmet chocolates.

And what an opportune time to blog about chocolate... in a month that has no redeeming qualities whatsoever except... Valentine's Day... the perfect excuse for anyone to overspend on chocolate. In preparation for this upcoming holiday, I offer you some favorite chocolate picks for Valentine's Day from the staff of Rachel Ray.

B.T. McElrath Chocolatier 9-Piece Truffle Assortment

Godiva Limited Edition Mousse Collection

La Maison du Chocolat 18-piece Chocolate Box

Garrison Confections Valentine's Day Box

Last, but surely not least, Sandra Boynton's current pick for the Best of the Best in the contemporary world of chocolate: a small company in San Francisco called Poco Dolce.


These are not to be missed!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

An Altered Sense of Time

Some of my neighbors have started to put their holiday decorations up. It started on Thanksgiving – a wreath here, a few lights there, a candy cane decorated maibox – but I’m very conflicted because at my house, I still have pansies blooming.

In my window boxes and in little sunny spots in the gardens, they are still doing fine. Pansies like the cooler weather and so the first thing in my gardens are pansies. The same love of cool temperatures keeps them thriving long after other flowers have withered.

When pumpkins and mums started showing up on front steps, I was not ready for that, either. It seemed like we had only just begun our summer. My gardens were looking good, finally, after weeks of steady rain, and I wanted to keep summer going for
awhile longer. Pumpkins! Chrysanthemums! Forget it! In
hindsight, I was in denial that summer was over.

As the nights are getting colder, I know it is only a matter of days now before the remainder of my gardens is toast, too. And then I can start counting the days until spring. But for now, I think I’ll hold off putting up wreaths and fir roping until my flowers really are ready to go.

Keeping a Journal

One of my favorite things to give as a gift is a journal. A book of blank pages for my friends and family to fill up with their handwriting, drawings and anything that makes up the moments of their lives.



I’ve got these beautiful, linen napkins and embroidered on them in gold thread is ‘Consider the empty plate, full of possibilities” – the same can be said for the empty page. As soon as you scribble on it in your own hand, it is transformed and can become anything.

My son keeps his music journal. I have several – one is all about my house, I have one for my art work and ideas, one for my garden and one for writing about the days of my life.



In a paper journal, you can scribble things out, add illustrations, ticket stubs, and dried flowers – all clichés but there is a reason some things become iconographic. They are universal mementos and they have the same effect on all of us.

There are a lot of people who use the web as a personal journal but certainly I am not one of them. They record intimate details of their lives and post it on the web for all the world to see.



I still like the feel and look of the handwritten page. It gets messy and wrinkled up but it seems more real and more connected to real life than anything to do with a blog. I like it because it is personal – no right or wrong, it just is.

I do admire the people who use the web to keep their personal journals but I cannot see myself joining them anytime soon.

Planning Ahead

It is such a great time to buy a home – low interest rates, plenty of inventory, time to get settled in before the kids start school, just to name a few reasons. I have been working with a lot of buyers lately and had a few thoughts about the process. Having been through this many times with wonderful buyers and their families, I thought I would write down a few of my thoughts on the subject that will make things a little easier on you, the buyer.



First – Select your location. This can be very general or very specific. I suggest that you don’t start looking at the insides of houses until you decide what locale you prefer. It could be a town, or specific part of town, or maybe you like 2 or 3 towns. But try to narrow it down or you will get tired and frustrated doing something that should be enjoyable and fun. Take a few rides with your family and get to know the different towns and villages first. It will pay off in the long run. There is no sense finding the ideal home in a part of town you just can’t abide. You can change a house with remodeling, but you cannot change the location. Do you like the sea, the woods, are you concerned about the school system, do you like to walk to shops and neighbors or do you like deep solitude?



Second – Decide what kind of house you like. This does not have to be a specific style, but more importantly, it is about how you and your family live in the space. How many public rooms do you need to be comfortable? How many bedrooms and baths? Garage space? Do you really need a basement or will it become a storage unit for unwanted possessions? Do you like walk-up attics? Big yards or small? Open floor plans or lots of small rooms or a combination of both? Do you need a guest suite?



Third – Fill in the details. After you have the location narrowed down and have an idea of what kind of living space you like you can fill in the list with details like fireplace, hardwood floors, granite counters, patios, sheds, big windows……in other words, details. You may or may not get all of them in one house but these details are something that can be added later if not currently in an otherwise perfect house.



Fourth – have fun and remember that buying a house is not an event – it’s a process. I hope to see you during your house-hunting adventure.

Culprit Revealed

Every spring I await the beautiful tulips in my gardens. And for the past few years, something very strange has been going on – someone or something is snapping their pretty little heads off!


It is a precise chop right at the top of the stem. Every morning, very early, I look out to see how they are doing and invariably the morning comes when I see the damage done. A beautiful tulip head just kind of flopped over.


The first year I saw it, of course I blamed my dog, Ollie. At the time, he was an only child so he got all the blame. I just looked at him and shook my head because he can’t help the fact that he tromps all over everything in sight - and if a cat should happen to sit outside the fence and tease him, all hell breaks loose – delicate flowers or not. I lost 3 or 4 tulips that way the first year.


But last year, I was looking out the window and actually saw what was happening. A bird – I think it was a mocking bird – swooped down and with the precision of a fighter jet – sliced the head off the tulip! I couldn't’t believe what I was seeing. I had never heard of this and have only seen it the one time. The bird didn’t even stop to admire his handiwork – he flew right off without a backward glance.


This morning, history is repeating itself. One of my little tulips chopped down in her prime. I wondered if anyone has had this experience and wondered what the heck was going on. Now you know!

My Inheritance

One of my most precious possessions, what I call my inheritance, is a recipe written in my Nana’s own, European handwriting, for a cake with chocolate frosting.



A simple, not too sweet, Swedish cake (the sesame seeds give it away) and the chocolate frosting, homemade and yummy but what would now be deemed gourmet. No mixes or additives to make it big and puffy. Just really good.






Ada Helena (my namesake) and Knute Salem came to the US through Ellis Island with their firstborn child. Eventually they made a life for themselves with five children. All served in the Navy during WWII, even my aunt. She was a Wave. And my father was quoted several times in the book ‘Flyboys’ by James Bradley. I have my father’s Medal of Honor (awarded for personal bravery) and Distinguished Flying Cross (awarded for extraordinary acts of heroism while in flight). If you read the book, he is Robert ‘Swede’ Akerblom.

But look at this. In my Nana’s recipe, one of the directions is to ‘beat while you sing three stanzas of “Seeing Nellie Home”. Not beat 3 minutes or 200 strokes. No MixMaster or Cuisinart, just your own voice and timing and voila! The cake of your dreams. Try it! (I don’t actually know that song, but I keep meaning to look it up)



If that isn’t the sweetest thing ever, I don’t know what is. Jag Alskar Dig, Ada.

Only in Rhode Island

"Only in Rhode Island”

A couple of weeks ago, one of my associates in the Narragansett office told me that her husband had just purchased a new vehicle and that it was “loaded” with top of the line features. Shortly after buying the car, he was playing around with some of its many features. When using the GPS system, he pressed the “home” button, curious to see if the previous owner might have plugged in a home address. Turns out, he did. The husband made note of the address and later “Googled” it. The search results brought him to the Lila Delman Real Estate website.

It turns out that the previous owner of the car is one of my sellers! Only in Rhode Island!!

Instant Karma

This is just a little story but it is absolutely true. Sometimes things happen in life that reinforce what you already know to be true.

When I was a young woman living on the East Side and putting myself through college, taking classes at RISD and URI, I spent a lot of summer days at the beach. Although I am a Narragansett Beach person through and through, when I lived in Providence I used to go to Horseneck Beach 3 or 4 times a week. At the time, there was a $5 fee - worth it for such a pristine, beautiful spot.



I was living paycheck to paycheck, I had no money saved and was down to my last $5 bill. What to do? Go to the beach and have no money until payday or save the fin and buy food and be responsible.


Back and forth I argued with myself and in the end, I decided one glorious day at the beach meant more to me than 3 or 4 days of mediocrity.

This is the part that always amazes me when I think of it – I got to the beach and waded in to the waves, and I swear to you a five dollar bill came towards me on a wave! My mouth dropped open, I grabbed the fin and KNEW I had made the right decision. Always follow your heart.



This image is always top of mind with me but I was thinking of it in particular because during these somewhat difficult economic times, it is easy to forget that we have to give back to the less fortunate. Don’t forget to feed the birds, donate to the needy and share whatever you can.

I promise, it will all come back to you!

Wine Tasting

A friend of mine, Dave, had a wine tasting at his house this weekend. What fun!

The owner of a small vineyard in Massachusetts, he produces and sells his wine under
the label of Alfalfa Farms. But the wine we tasted at the party is labeled under Wild Goose Point and Unkin and Funkin.



The benefits of wine are well-documented by now and taken in moderation provide all kinds of health benefits. And the plants are so beautiful – he has a couple of vines in his yard and now some of us neighbors want them in our yards, too.



With a son-in-law, Luke, who also produces his own wine, I have plenty of opportunities to taste different wines. Luke and his family have been producing wine for generations but they haven’t labeled theirs yet. Unkin and Funkin will be hard to beat.



Another great thing to do is visit Sakonnet Vineyards in Little Compton, just south of Tiverton, and in 3 seasons you can sit outdoors and enjoy lunch and sample the wines produced there. It is truly special and something I love to do. The atmosphere is wonderful.

You don’t really need an excuse to gather friends and neighbors together but a wine tasting is lots of fun and you get to hear what other people think of various flavors and characteristics.

My favorite? Unkin and Funkin Pinot Noir.

Star Light, Star Bright

I don't know how long this will last, but the planet Venus is so bright and beautiful in the southwestern sky right now, you have to take a look! It is hovering near the moon.

Last night was clear and icy cold and the sky was absolutley filled with stars - the little dipper and the big dipper, too. But Venus and our moon were really putting on a show. A little sliver of a moon but bright as could be. Tonight I went out for another look not expecting much since it was cloudy but the clouds were moving quickly and Venus and the moon kept coming in and out of sight. It was so pretty and it was very moving.

Maybe because I just finished reading The Elegant Universe by Greene I was especially interested. In my neighborhood, if you walk down by the water on a clear winter night, you can always see a shooting star or two. I know they are always around but in some places it is just too bright to see them. Every once in a while, when the moon is full, it rises over the horizon in the east (right over Jamestown) and appears gigantic. I know it is an optical illusion but what a sight to see. There is a bench on the hill over the water and you can sit there and take photos or just watch the moon rise higher and higher until it makes a reflected path on the bay.


Venus is the second planet from the sun, so is our neighbor, but has no moon of her own. I recently learned that a day on Venus is equal to 243 of our earth days. Talk about a long week at the office. A very slow rotation compared to us and it is very hot there - I think about 900 degrees F. Yikes.

But viewed from my back yard she looks quite beautiful. Please take a look before this phenomonon makes a hasty exit.

Great Back Yard Bird Count

If you love nature and the environment and would enjoy participating in a citizen-type data collection, why not particpate this year in the Great Back Yard Bird Count?

This annual event relies on people across the country to help the Audubon Society and Ornithology Lab at Cornell to count the types and species of birds they see in their back yard. The term 'back yard' can be applied to your neighborhood, nearby park, anyplace you can walk to if you want to go farther afield and see a wider variety of birds. For those of us living near the oceans and wetlands of Rhode Island, this opens up a lot more possibilities for bird watching and reporting.


If you go to the website for the GBBC, you will be walked through the process, provided with a checklist to fill out and submit online, be able to enter a photo contest, and after it is done, you can see the results.

It is a fabulous and fun thing to do with children. There is a special page for kids with games and activities. What a great way to get kids started on a love of nature and the environment!


All 50 states are represented. Why not help Rhode Island get on the Audubon map? You can spend as little as 15 minutes per day or up to as much time as you wish. The dates this year are February 13 - 16. See you at the bird count!


PS Bird watching in Rhode Island is excellent - you can choose a house near the woods or one with lots of trees, shrubs and the salt water estuaries provide herons, swans and egrets to admire, too.

Bite the Bullet - Price Cuts

When selling your home, we set the price together - seller and realtor, as partners.

We realtors will provide you with comparable sales from the past 6 months and this will give you a very realistic idea of what your home will sell for - you can even extrapolate the price per square foot for an even more accurate projection.

But sometimes our sellers want to add a little padding or think their house is a little above average. (who doesn't think that? it is an endearing quality!) And so, in the spirit of partnership and wanting to please our clients, we price the house too high.


And eventually this will lead to the need for a price reduction. At this time, it is far better to make a bold move, bite the bullet and price the house in a way that will get attention in today's crowded marketplace.

Some people are timid and inch their prices down in little increments as if they don't want anyone to notice! One big bite is far more effective than a bunch of little nibbles. Chances are your realtor has already told you the correct price of your house. Be brave!

With beautiful photography to showcase your home to its best advantage, an appropriate price will sell your house. We have many buyers looking but no one is going to overpay by even an iota. Buyers are educated, too, and know what price is appropriate.

No one wants to leave any money on the table and we want to get you the most possible money for your home. But in a few months, after your house has sold, and you gain some perspective, you'll feel a lot better and will be on to the next phase of your life whatever that may be - maybe a condo in Florida or a new house near your family or just downsizing or upsizing. No more stress!

Feng Shui Buddies

Like a lot of other earnest, hard-working people, I hope to maximize my potential both at home in my personal life and at work in my career. Phew! What a mouthful!

So, in an effort to make the most of what we have, my officemate, Kim, and I, put the time-honored and revered practice of feng shui to use in our office.

We are in a difficult position since we have a small (but beautiful!) office with hardwood floors (love them), a big window (love it), a fireplace (love it), and three doors! No blank, plain walls at all.

We think we should not have our backs to a door, or a window so we are in a tough spot. (My former boss from Malaysia and a long practioner of feng shui told me to never, ever have my desk positioned so that my back was toward a window.)


Somehow, we maneuvered our desks so that neither of us have our backs to the doors or window. Now we face each other. We felt better right away! We hung a mirror in our prosperity corner (not sure what it is reflecting but we will check on that!) – also not easy to determine which corner is what but we used the door most often used as our main entrance.

We added a plant for some life (other than Kim and I) because sometimes we are very, very tired so we want to stay on the safe side. We have books, our awards and achievement certificates, modest as they are. Next will come the tiny bells to dispel any lingering bad spirits. Who knows – it might work!


Kim and I threw away lots of stuff we didn’t need any longer to declutter our office and our minds. Ahh, it’s great. Serenity, now!

My other feng shui buddy, Annie, gave me a great book about feng shui for Christmas last year. She thought it was just what I needed and I do refer to it often. It inspired me to clean a few closets and drawers and I felt better immediately. It really does have an effect on you. Clutter never works for the positive.

As for Kim’s and my office, next we hope to paint it a lighter, brighter color. Right now, it is kind of a fiery terra cotta. It is not what I would call ‘soothing.’ In fact, if I were a Shogun warrior preparing to do battle, it would be the perfect color. (Hmmm…..??) We’re both thinking of a sandy gray color infused with light. We’ll do it ourselves as soon as we get the OK from Mel and John.

City Girl Moves To The Coast

As a child I often thought how great it would be to grow up near the beach. Instead I spent my childhood in the country or the city. When I married, my husband and I decided to move to a home he had been using as a rental in South Kingstown. My first visit there brought mixed emotions. Yes, the beaches were beautiful. It was clean, peaceful, and you could actually SEE the stars at night! The other things I noticed were, where would I shop? Is there a Starbucks? What in the world do you do all winter long? Well I said "let's try it". Seven years later I have fallen in love with life here. Many people say it is God's country. It is so nice to walk into a store, coffee shop or market and people actually know who you are and seem glad to see you.

Morning commutes are made up of waterviews, trees and no traffic. Sometimes I like to listen to the traffic reports of jams on the Washington bridge in Providence. I used to be stuck in that mess day after day. South County has so much to offer. Since moving I had a son Brady. He is 2 1/2 and loves his home. Now he will grow up near the beach, enjoy all the beautiful parks and the wonderful people. Living here is truly like being on vacation all year. We don't miss the rushed life of living in the city and of course I have found some great shopping.

The Glamorous Life

It always makes me laugh when people say being a Realtor is easy, it is a glamorous job, or that we are paid too much for what we do. I say come and sit in our office for a few days. See all the happenings that go on behind the scenes. See if you think it is easy work. In the six years I have been selling real estate, I have had some moments that have truly been wonderful and some that have been a bit trying.

Let me give you a few examples. How about calls late at night (10pm or later) that are not even close to being an emergency, calls that wake a baby you have been trying to get to sleep for two hours. Or the BRISK walks on the beach in the middle of January in snow up to your knees with out of state clients. The homeowners you have to tell the many problems with their property that they just don't see. How about the many walks through vacant land? I seem to have a gift for rain, mud and briers. One time I almost had to be cut out of brush and briers that had wrapped themselves around me. My favorite story is just hours after giving birth to my son by c-section, I was trying to reach for my cell phone from the hospital bed to calm down angry sellers and buyers that were threatening to walk away from the closing on the property in just a few days. They did ask how I was feeling and if I had a girl or a boy!!

Anyway, my Dad always taught me to "see what is good, not what is bad" He was a wonderful man and always had a smile, kiss, song or joke to brighten my day. When things go wrong or I have a tough day, I think of what he was saying. I do love being a Realtor. And I love helping clients find their dream home or to help someone turn a page and sell their home. Take a look at our website for some truly wonderful homes, or call me if you are thinking of selling.

My motto as a Realtor has been professional, personalized service with a positive attitude.

A Little Slice of Paradise in Rhode Island

Snuggled at the southern extremity of Great Salt Pond in Narragansett is Great Island, my wonderful tranquil home. It is one of three neighborhoods in the entire state of Rhode Island accessed only by bridge. As I cross over the bridge to Great Island, bordered on the right by East Pond and on the left by The Fishing Port of Galilee, I feel the frenetic pace of daily life rapidly draining from me.

It is slow paced and still evokes the peacefulness that is part of its history as a 150 acre sheep farm. The sheep were driven over to the island at low tide on a primitive causeway and then left to graze as the tide rose. The original farm house remains firmly perched on the highest point of the island to this day. The vistas are like an everchanging painting with pastoral landscapes as well as inspiring water views. Most of the 350 homes have delightful water views. You are constantly aware of weather conditions as fluffy white clouds dance across the sky borne by the prevailing winds and the sun shimmers off the water as incredible shades of the bright blue of the sky and water integrate with the vibrant green of the land to become a continual panoply of colors.

It is a very cohesive community with remnants of days gone by where, for example, on Halloween, children are still ushered into homes as the enthusiastic residents delight in the costumes and guessing who the little goblins are in their respective disguises. There is a neighborhood association for the residents to enjoy various year round social events and activities, as well as each other. In addition, residents of the island are very environmentally oriented. Only approximately twenty five percent of the residences are occupied year round. The homes vary in character, size and age yet all are extremely well maintained.

I always know that spring has announced its presence when at night I witness the lights glowing in the homes that have been awaiting the return of their summer inhabitants. For all residents to relish there are eight access points to the water so that everyone can enjoy quahogging (clamming in RI), accessing their boats, moorings or just enjoying the ambience of the area. One of these access points is a little gem of a beach that is a well kept secret, even from most island residents. There are endless fresh adventures for children to enjoy on the pond like sailing, boating, swimming or just discovering the wonders of the seashore and Mother Nature. Summer weekends are distinguished by the even larger enticing parade of boats of all varieties and sizes that skim across or down the pond, on their way out to the open ocean and points beyond.

The island is close to all area amenities, yet off the beaten path. Take a stroll down the street and over the bridge to The Port of Galilee, which is the fifth largest fishing port in New England. Purchase your lobsters right off the boats which are tethered to their slips, or walk a little further and hop the traditional or high speed ferry to Block Island. There are restaurants and fish markets as well as seasonal shops to quench your desires. In addition, there is a lovely protected sandy ocean beach poised at the end of the street to enjoy.

In the challenging times in which we live, Great Island gives me the desired result and rejuvenates me on a daily basis. I am truly lucky!

Luxury Collection

Luxury, luxurious, to live in the lap of luxury. You could be one step away, one step across the threshold and you are there. What are you waiting for? Haven't you worked hard enough and long enough? The comfortable, livable, grand statement of refined elegance is just a step away, and you deserve it.

To live your luxury visit Hopedene, Beechwood, Oakwood, Wrentham House, Roselawn, Beacon Rock and any of our other fabulous definitions of luxury!

Good Photography Helps Sell Homes

One does not need a professional photographer to take nice pictures…All that is needed is a camera, good light meaning taking a picture at the right time of the day...avoid the shadows. Be sure to remove objects that are obstacles, such as shoes, handbags, garbage receptacle, etc. Winter time can be just as beautiful but if the property hasn’t sold by spring, take new pictures, it’s important keep them up to date.

Quality pictures are key to a good marketing presentation whether they are on a website, in a brochure, newspaper, magazines or postcards. Multiple Listing Service (MLS) allows for eight images. Buyers are attracted by quality images and research reveals that properties with a minimum of 6 images are viewed more frequently on websites. Images can help make a home sell faster and helps support the asking price.

Make a good first impression to Buyers with good quality pictures!

It Pays to use a Realtor

Selling or buying a home is time consuming and a real estate transaction is complicated. In either situation, selling or buying, it requires multiple disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, laws of discrimination, and multi-page government mandated settlement statements. A knowledgeable Realtor can help guide you through this complexity and can avoid possible delays or multiple costly mistakes – far more costly than the commission.

For most people buying and selling a home is the biggest purchase they’ll ever make and only happens a few times in a lifetime. A home is not just a structure consisting of walls and a roof; it’s a symbol of family, rest and security. It’s an emotional undertaking for both the buyer and seller.

Realtors are members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), abide by a code of ethics and Standards of Practice enforced by the NAR. We are expert negotiators with other agents, seasoned financial advisors with customers and possess an intimate knowledge of local market conditions and properties. We provide our customers with utmost care, the highest level of service with integrity.

Price Your Home Competitively
Realtors provide the best estimate of the market value of the seller's home based on accurate information and research in preparation for the Comparative Market Analysis (CMA).

Provide More Exposure for Your Property
Advertising through other websites, local, regional and international media,prospective customers as well as other Realtors utilizing Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Your home must be listed by a Realtor in order to be included in the Multiple Listing Service, a massive database of homes. Statistics show 86% of buyers use a Realtor during their search and 83% of sellers sold their home with the assistance of a Realtor; Hosting Brokers and Public Open Houses as well as supervising various properties on the market.

Save Valuable Time and Money
Realtors know how to avoid costly mistakes. They know the market inside and out and are an excellent source for information about the community. Realtors are more attuned to the buyers’ needs; therefore will highlight those most appealing features. They offer recommendations and screening for a buyer's price range and individual preferences/lifestyle needs; Efficiently assist with the completion of property disclosure forms; Comply with the laws and regulations; Pre-approve and qualify prospective buyers; Coordinate details of the closing day.

Realtors are Experienced Negotiators
Realtors can be a powerful ally when negotiating a sales contract. Review and negotiate with all the timely terms, conditions and contingencies…ie. mortgage commitment letters, escrow deposits, inspection reports and coordinate all the closing details.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO BUY A HOME?

When you can get the most house for your money.When rates are at a historic low.When you have the itch to buy.

320 Grandview Rd in East Greenwich, RI

Rates have had an unbelievable run of late with the intent of stimulating the economy. The Fed reduced rates in January with the largest rate reduction in 20 years. They dropped even more in February and now they have done it again. Rates are at an historic low.

So then......NOW......is the time to buy your home!!!!

You hear from the media that the housing market is in a slump. This being true, this is when you can get the great deals on homes AND the great deals on mortgages.

So then......Who is the big winner in this game? YOU are!! You, THE BUYER, are the winner at this time when you buy a house today.

How Much Longer Can This Continue? In the long run, these rate cuts will entice more international investors, boost consumer confidence, leading to higher rates. Don't miss out on this great opportunity to purchase your home. Start your search today. See mortgage options.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

Sell Your Home GREEN!

It’s a challenging market out there for sellers! But the good news is that they can make their home stand out from the pack by doing a little “green” remodeling. Here are some basic easy tips for sellers to attract that crucial buyer, while saving the planet!
Don't Wait to Insulate Upgrading your insulation to a higher R-value can lower energy costs substantially.
Lower the Flow Your old shower head probably delivers a lot more water than you really need. Reduce that to 2.5 gallons a minute or less with today's standard shower head – it can make a difference in your water bill. For even greater savings, replace your old toilets with today's standard low flush models that use 1.6 gallons or less per flush.
Reduce the Runoff Soaker hoses and drip irrigation systems can lower your water bills by delivering water directly where you need it. By reducing or eliminating runoff, you also reduce the burden of fertilizers and pesticides on our lakes, streams, and oceans and still have a gorgeous garden or lawn.

Keep Your Cool Ceiling fans can make you feel cooler while reducing air conditioning costs by as much as 40% in summer. In winter, they can save up to 10% in heating costs by circulating warm air from the ceiling to the floor where you can enjoy it.

Try Branching Out For an all-around environmental boost, plant a tree. When properly sited, trees and other landscaping can save up to 30% in home cooling and heating costs. They also help cool your community and make your Smart Choice home even more enjoyable.

Look for the Energy Star Label Replace your old, inefficient appliances with Energy Star qualified appliances and save energy and money.

Something Bugging You? Stay in control by starting with nature's own methods to beat the bugs. Attract birds with birdhouses, feeders, and natural backyard wildlife habitats to help reduce pests. Bug lights, screening, citronella candles, and insecticidal soaps are other less-toxic alternatives.

Clear the Air Upgrading and properly maintaining your home air filters is easy and helps improve indoor air quality. Vented range hoods and room exhaust fans also help remove smoke, moisture, airborne bacteria, and other indoor air pollutants.

Make Your Own Mulch Composting is the smart way to dispose of leaves, yard clippings, selected food scraps, and other organic wastes. Instead of burdening landfills, you'll produce rich nutrients to fertilize your garden the natural way. And it's free. Make it a habit to recycle your glass, cans, cardboard, and newspapers, too.
The benefits are very attractive for a buyer…it will cost less to operate, saves the environment, provide a healthier home that will last longer and it will be quieter and safer. Buyers will have the ability to obtain an energy discount, ie. electric bill and financial tax incentives – state and federal tax credits for renewable energy and energy efficiency.