- Real Estate Update
- Home & Family
- Buyers & Seller's Corner
- Home Improvement
- Wine 101
- Health & Fitness
- New Movie Releases
- Recipe of the Month

June 2009

7 -- Full Moon
14 -- Flag Day
21 -- Father's Day
21 -- First Day of Summer

Happy Summer!

While most of us no longer view summer as the days of sleeping in with no worries, no responsibilities and no homework, many of us still enjoy  warm weather, more relaxed households and hopefully a vacation with family and friends.  The real estate market also enjoys buyers needing to buy and sellers needing to sell before school and  fall schedules begin again.  It is a happy time!  We are working very hard at The Hughes Properties.  The spring was good to our clients and as of today we have closed over  $8 million dollars in real estate transactions, with over $1.7 million dollars in transactions pending!   We have many new listings and many great price reductions as well.  Since we only have room to list a few of our wonderful properties, we hope you will visit our website at www.thehughesproperties.com to view them all.  We are adding new listings all of the time.  You will want to visit often.  Please remember, if you know of anyone looking to buy or sell real estate in the next 24 months...we want to assist them and we appreciate your referrals.  We work with buyers and sellers to achieve their real estate goals and we look forward to working with you!  Happy Summer, enjoy the warmth of the sun and happy times with family and friends.  Tom and Debaran 

HUGHES NEWS

OPEN HOUSE-SUNDAY, MAY 31ST, 2:00-4:00

Wonderful Entertaining Home Located In The Heart Of OLD WESTMORELAND

Timeless Rob Dew construction perfectly situated on Sherwood Dr, "the boulevard" of Old Westmoreland. This 5 bedroom, 5 and one half bath home features 7766 sq ft of pure grandeur. From the moment you cross the threshold, you will realize that this is the house to call home! Enormous master suite with cathedral ceilings, fireplace, large Jacuzzi, walk-in shower, double sinks, and his and her closets. Cathedral ceilings throughout the main level, a gourmet kitchen with a fabulous great room and fireplace, formal dining room study, open living room w/coffered ceiling, the fireplace and moldings must be seen to fully appreciate there is also a covered deck overlooking fenced-in yard and pebble tech pool. Your lush, green garden oasis is completely private and offers an unbelievable backyard entertainment venue. Upstairs offers 3 bedrooms, each with a private full bath and a substantial bonus room. An additional bedroom suite in the lower level offers guests complete privacy as well as additional office, media, exercise and storage space. Please schedule your private showing to truly appreciate this fabulous home. Offered at $1,399,900

CHEROKEE BLVD. Lakeside -The Canvas Is Yours

Excellent opportunity to create the home of your dreams. This 4 bedroom, 3 and one half bath  home features main level living, tennis court, and in ground swimming pool  with a two bath pool house on the lakeside of Cherokee Blvd.  The backyard offers fabulous views of the city park and some lake views.  This home awaits your creative touch. The canvas is yours!  Offered at $649,000.  An open house is scheduled for Sunday, May 31st 2:00 to 4:00 Please stop by.

 

7323 Wheatfield-Walk to Rocky Hill Elementary with all of your friends!

THIS BEAUTIFUL HOME HAS IT ALL, AND A FABULOUS, FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD IS THE ICING ON THE CAKE. GAS COOKTOP, NEW APPLIANCES, HEART OF PINE FLOORS, AND MAGAZINE WORTHY DECOR! THE MASTER SUITE HAS ITS OWN FIREPLACE AND DOUBLE WALK-IN CLOSETS. THREE ADDITIONAL BEDROOMS AND A HUGE BONUS ARE COMPLIMENTED BY AN ENORMOUS ATTIC AND STORAGE. WITH THIS WONDERFUL YARD AND BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPING, YOU WILL WANT TO SPEND SUMMER HERE! HURRY! OFFERED AT $379,000

2021 WILLOWVIEW THE HIGHLANDS AT NORTHSHORE WITH LAKE VIEWS

NEW CONSTRUCTION IN THE HIGHLANDS AT NORTHSHORE. 4BR/3.5B BRICK CONSTRUCTION ON  A VERY PRIVATE CUL-DE-SAC. THIS HOME FEATURES CENTRAL VAC, IRRIGATION SYSTEM, 3 CAR GARAGE AND A MASTER SUITE WITH LARGE GARDEN TUB AND SEPARATE WALK-IN SHOWER. THE HOME ALSO OFFERS 500 SQ FT SUITE ON 3RD LEVEL THE SUITE HAS  A FULL BATH AND LAKEVIEWS FROM EACH WINDOW MAKING A PERFECT OFFICE OR 2ND MASTER SUITE. TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE INCLUDES  THE 3RD LEVEL.  OFFERED AT $344,000

8100 Robin's Nest- Bearden Area

THIS 3 BEDROOM, 2.5 BATH HOME IS LOCATED AT BACK OF  A  FRIENDLY CUL-DE-SAC. THIS HOME FEATURES MASTER ON MAIN, LARGE LIVING ROOM WITH FIREPLACE, KITCHEN WITH A PULL UP BAR OPENING TO FORMAL DINING AREA AND A  FABULOUS SCREENED-IN PORCH THAT OPENS ONTO A LARGE DECK OVERLOOKING THE  BACKYARD, UPSTAIRS OFFERS ADDITIONAL BEDROOMS, AN OFFICE/SITTING AREA AS WELL AS VERY PRIVATE BONUS ROOM  WITH ITS  OWN STAIRWAY.  OFFERED AT $212,000. 

Nothing diminishes anxiety faster than action.
-- Walter Anderson

Home Sales Increasing in Many Areas

According to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), historically high housing affordability and low mortgage interest rates, combined with buyer opportunities in the distressed sales market, have increased home sales in many areas of the country.

“There has never been a better time to buy,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun, who presented the report at a recent Economic Issues and Residential Real Estate Business Trends forum. Yun commented on a convergence of favorable buying conditions while emphasizing how important it is for home buyers to stay within their budgets.

“Housing affordability is at an all-time high, mortgage rates are historically low, and interest rates are the lowest they’ve been since the days of Eisenhower,” said Yun. “Now that buyers will be able to use the $8,000 tax credit as a down payment, we should see additional buyers enter the market.” Yun said he doesn’t anticipate an immediate pickup in the coming months, but believes early summer will be a critical indicator of how home buyers are responding to the tax credit.

“The stimulus and falling inventory levels will help stabilize prices,” said Yun. “My projection is home sales will be 10 to 20 percent higher the second half of this year than last year and we will come out of this recession in 2010.”

TOP

I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much.
-- Mother Teresa

Enjoy a Movie ... in the Backyard

Looking for something extra fun to do this summer that doesn't cost much or require long drives or crowds? How about a backyard movie? Setting up a backyard movie is simple, fun, and can deliver an experience similar to a drive-in movie of yesteryear. Here's how to do it:

1. Plan it in advance. Invite friends and neighbors if you're in the mood to mix socializing with a good movie.
2. Move your TV outside and place it on a sturdy stand. Or, if you have a laptop or DVD player and a projector, use that instead. You can usually rent a projector from your local library, school or college for fairly good rates (or purchase one online in the $200 to $300 range). Hook the laptop or DVD player up to the projector or TV.
3. If you're using a projector, you're going to need a screen. Use a white sheet, canvas or the side of your house or garage if it's smooth and a light color. If you use a white sheet or canvas you'll also need a blackout cloth behind it.
4. Layout out blankets, pillows and beach chairs, arranging them so everyone can see the screen. Have a few extra blankets handy in case it gets chilly out. If you have a lot of bugs in your area, you might want to spray the yard with an outdoor insect repellant several hours before movie time.
5. Set up a snack bar with popcorn, pizza, an assortment of beverages, and any other theater fare you know attendees will enjoy. Keep a clear path to the snack bar and the house so nobody trips in the dark; have a few flashlights handy if it's a really dark night.
6. Throw in a DVD appropriate for the audience and have fun.

Whether you just do it once to liven up a Friday night, or plan on doing it regularly throughout the summer, it's sure to be a hit. It's also a great way to have an inexpensive kid's birthday party or graduation celebration. Let's just say it's a good excuse to socialize and enjoy the outdoors while enjoying a good movie.

He who has so little knowledge of human nature as to seek happiness by changing anything but his own disposition will waste his life in fruitless efforts.
-- Samuel Johnson

Common Closing Costs

If you have ever bought or sold a home, you're probably aware of the costs associated with a real estate transaction. If you're a first-time buyer, however, you might want to know what "closing costs" to expect. Keep in mind costs and fees vary from state to state, and there may be unique costs to your locality, but the following are pretty common:

• Escrow fees
• Property taxes
• Interest
• Loan origination fee
• Loan discount points
• Title insurance
• Survey fee
• Recording fee
• Document preparation fees
• First payment to escrow account for taxes
• First payment to escrow account for insurance
• Homeowners insurance
• Homeowner association fee
• Home inspection report
• Property appraisal

Once you pinpoint the home of your dreams, your real estate agent will be able to give you a good estimate of anticipated costs.

Freedom lies in being bold.
-- Robert Frost

Recognizing Common Insect Infestations

It's that time of year: lawn care, gardening, and -- bugs. No matter how diligent you are and how hard you try, when it comes to lawns, insect infestation is a likely possibility. Just like weeds, insects can turn your lush green lawn into an embarrassing eyesore. Following are some common infestations:

Ants -- We might think ants are a natural part of the yard, and they are, but be aware that ants can kill your lawn too. If you see lots of large ant hills in the same area as your dying lawn, there's a good chance the hills are smothering the grass or an ant nest below is smothering the roots and prohibiting growth.

Sod Webworms -- This insect prefers new lawns and feeds on the grass leaves at night, leaving ugly brown spots or patches across your lawn. If you notice new brown patches quickly taking over your yard, sod webworms may be the source.

Mites -- If your grass leaves appear spotted or blotchy, it may be because mites are sucking the sap and damaging your lawn. If several of your neighbors lawns are dotted with brown spots too, mites could be the problem.

Leafhoppers -- If your recently planted lawn suddenly takes a turn for the worse, or your older lawn starts getting whitish patches, consider the leafhopper. With an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 species, this insect sucks the sap from your lawn's stems and leaves. The leafhopper is very small and green, gray, yellow or brownish in appearance.

Ticks -- OK, ticks don't kill your lawn, but they can stop you from enjoying your yard. If your property is adjacent to a heavily wooded area or you have lots of deer, dogs, rabbits, or other small critters running through your yard, be sure to check for ticks as they can cause various health problems, including Lyme disease.

These are a few of the most common insect infestations, though there are dozens, if not hundreds, of other possibilities. The good news is that if you can identify the infestation you can go down to your local gardening center and purchase the solution.

Good things, when short, are twice as good.
-- Baltasar Gracian

Understanding the 5 Types of Wine

Learning about wine can be difficult because there are so many variations, but it may be easier if we break it down and keep in mind there are basically five types of wine: red, white, sparkling, rosé and fortified. Each one has obvious taste, color and texture differences, but how they are produced may be even more significant.

Red Wine -- The grapes are destemmed, crushed, and yeast is added to the mixture of juice, skins, seeds, and pulp, and then fermented. This unique mixture is termed must, and after fermentation this mixture is pressed. Red wine is red is because the grape skins have been interacting with the juice for a period during the fermentation process. In addition, the longer the skins interact with the juice, the more tannic the final product. The wine is then stored in oak barrels, aged a number of months or years, and bottled.

White Wine -- The grapes are picked, destemmed and crushed. Unlike a red wine, the grapes are quickly pressed to obtain the juice, various yeasts are added, and the fermentation process begins. After fermentation, better quality whites are aged in oak barrels or stainless steel tanks (sometimes both) and then bottled. White wine is white because the juice and skins are only in contact for a very short period.

Sparkling Wine -- There are four main methods of sparkling wine production: simple injection of carbon dioxide (the process used in soft drinks); metodo Italiano - Charmat process, in which the wine undergoes a secondary fermentation in bulk tanks, and is bottled under pressure; methodé champenoise, where bubbles are produced by secondary fermentation in the bottle, a process that can take two to five years; and transfer method, where after secondary fermentation in the bottle the wine is transferred into a larger tank.

Rosé Wine -- Rosé wine combines some of the white and red processes. The grapes are harvested, crushed, and fermentation is implemented. The skins are mixed with the juice a few days to pick up the pinkish color, then pressed and the fermentation completed. Two other techniques include Saignee (bleeding the vats) and blending (uncommon).

Fortified Wine -- Two popular fortified wines include port and sherry. A fortified wine is produced by adding brandy, and often sugar, back in the wine. Port, for example, is fortified with brandy earlier in the fermentation process; whereas with sherry the alcohol is added after the end of fermentation or shortly before the end.

Change always comes bearing gifts.
-- Price Pritchett

How to Identify Organic Food & Beverages

According to the Organic Trade Association, U.S. sales of organic food and beverages has grown from $1 billion in 1990 to an estimated $20 billion in 2007, and are projected to increase an average of 18 percent a year until 2010. Obviously, more and more consumers are realizing the benefits of going organic. Following are several ways to help you identify organic products.

• Check the packaging and organic ingredients for certification by your state, as regulations and definitions vary.
• Check the point of origin. Buying meats, fruits and vegetables locally increases the likelihood you are purchasing organic products.
• Check the packaging to see if the company is living the organic lifestyle; for example, do they use recycled paper or plastic or nontoxic inks.
• Compare the ingredients and dietary info on commercially-produced products with those from an organic grocer. If they contain too many of the same ingredients, such as preservatives and dyes, they don't qualify as organic.
• Note that the United States Department of Agriculture allows the use of the organic label on products that are 95 percent or more organic; look for the USDA 100 percent label or at least understand why a product may not be labeled 100.
• Watch out for the term "natural" on any packaging without other references to organic production. Many products may be natural but still contain harmful ingredients.
• When in doubt, ask the store manager or an experienced clerk about the foods. Most of the time they will be familiar enough with their products to point out the difference between organic and natural foods.
• When looking at organic products, focus on the ingredients and signs of mass-produced items, such as dyes with a color number and long chemical names. These are not organic.

The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those who have not got it.
-- George Bernard Shaw

June Movie Releases

• June 5
  • The Hangover
  • Land of the Lost
  • My Life in Ruins
• June 12
• Imagine That
• The Taking of Pelham 123
• Moon, Inc.
• June 19
• The Proposal
• Year One
• June 24
  • Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
• June 26
• My Sister's Keeper
• Fireflies in the Garden

*Wide releases only. Opening dates subject to change.

Kissing don't last:
cookery do.
-- George Meredith

Easy Lemon Pasta with Chicken

Ingredients - Serves 6

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Tom & Debaran Hughes
1200 Forest Brook Road
Knoxville, TN 37919

This eNewsletter contains information, facts and opinions from various individuals and organizations. This eNewsletter is provided on an "as-is" basis without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. I/We are not responsible for any errors or omissions. Consult with your doctor, fitness consultant, attorney, accountant, or other professional advisor when necessary. © 2009 eNewsletterSolutions.