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July 2008

4 -- Fourth of July
14 -- Bastille Day
18 -- Full Moon Day
24 -- Tequila Day
27 -- Parent's Day

Home Sales Forecast to Improve for Rest of '08

According to a recent forecast by the National Association of Realtors®, a modest gain in the level of home sales is possible over the next couple months, and an improvement is forecast for the second half of this year as more buyers are able to access affordable mortgages.

The Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI), a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in April, rose 6.3 percent to 88.2. It’s the highest index since last October, but remains 13.1 percent lower than April 2007 when it stood at 101.5.

“Bargain hunters have entered the market en masse, especially in areas that have experienced double-digit price declines, but it’s unclear if they are investors or owner-occupants,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “Sharp price reductions are leading to a quicker discovery of price equilibrium points. The West is already seeing year-over-year gains in pending contracts.”

In the West, the PHSI rose 8.3 percent to 98.8 in April and is 4.0 percent higher than April 2007. In the Midwest, the index jumped 13.0 percent to 83.7 but remains 13.1 percent below a year ago. The South increased 4.6 percent to 88.8 but is 22.5 percent below April 2007. In the Northeast, the index declined 1.9 percent in April to 79.3 and is 12.2 percent below a year ago.

NAR’s housing affordability index has been trending up this year and is projected to rise 15 percentage points to 128.0 for all of 2008, the report said. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage should rise gradually to 6.3 percent by the end of this year.

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We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.
-- Bertha Calloway

Add Some Adventure to Your Life: Day Trip

While school is out for summer for most kids across the country, chances are good someone in your family is still working. So while you may not be able to take a few weeks off to trek across the country, that doesn't mean you can't have some adventure.

A "day trip" can be an easy, fun and affordable solution that combines family time with a bit of adventure. It can vary from something as simple as having a picnic in your community park to visiting a museum in a nearby city to driving a few hours to catch a professional sporting event or spending the day sailing.

If your short on ideas, check out local parks, recreation centers, museums and local college campuses for speakers and events open to the public. Check your community website for upcoming events, concerts and attractions. Ask each family member what they would like to do.

Of course, various factors such as family size, ages, where you live, and the almighty budget will come into play, but with a little planning you can create memories that will last a lifetime. Remember, it doesn't have to be extravagant -- just something out of the ordinary.

The steps are simple: Decide on a day trip, plan it, do it.

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How often we fail to realize our good fortune in living in a country where happiness is more than a lack of tragedy.
-- Paul Sweeney

8 Tips on Homeowners Insurance

When purchasing a home you will be required to show proof that you have homeowners insurance, also commonly called hazard insurance or home insurance. In fact, all lenders will require a policy to be in force prior to funding the loan.

The most commonly written policy, the HO-3, is designed to cover all aspects of the home, structure, its contents, loss of its use, loss of personal possessions and liability in the event of an accident.

It's important that your policy specifically names what will -- and what will not -- be paid in the case of various events. Typically, claims due to earthquakes, floods and other natural disasters are excluded (but often available for an additional premium). In addition, you should have your policy updated occasionally to reflect the current value of your property. Following are a few tips.

1. Don't Wait -- Find out if you have the right type and amount of insurance before something bad happens.
2. Increase Your Deductible -- Increasing it a little can make a big difference in your premium.
3. Discounts -- There are dozens available; ask your insurance agent about which ones might apply to you.
4. Purchase Enough Coverage to Replace What Is Insured -- "Replacement" coverage gives you the money to rebuild your home and replace its contents. An "Actual Cash Value" policy only covers what your property is worth at the time of loss (takes into account depreciation).
5. Special Coverage -- If you have valuable jewelry, coins, antiques, electronic equipment, etc., you may want to pay a little extra to have it covered.
6. National Flood Insurance Program -- Homeowners who live in areas prone to flooding should check into this program.
7. Shop Around -- Get at least three quotes as prices vary.
8. Choose Your Battles -- Once you have home insurance, be careful about making too many claims. Frequent claim activity can be grounds for non-renewal, so make sure your claims are reasonable.

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Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and
looks like work.
-- Thomas A. Edison

Common Types of Landscape Lighting

Landscape lighting is an easy way to add curb appeal and makes outdoor living space useable once the sun goes down. Most home improvement stores offer lighting kits for the do-it-yourselfer. But, before you run out and buy some lighting, take a moment to determine its purpose. Following are the most common types of lighting.

• Bollards -- This type of lighting is generally used for lighting walkways and sidewalks.
• Floodlights -- These are designed to throw all the light in one direction and work well for security and safety purposes; they are available with or without motion sensors. These are often used over the garage and around doorways.
• Tier Lights -- This type of lighting makes your home more inviting and is often used for paths and stairs. Also referred to as path lights, these fixtures have tiers of rings that cast light downwards, shielding your eyes from light bulb glare.
• Well Lights -- Also known as up-lights, this type of lighting is used to highlight design and landscape features, such as trees, waterscapes, gardens and walls.
• Spotlights -- This fixture focuses the light tightly in one area and is used for highlighting special features.
• Globe Lights -- These fixtures have the light bulb enclosed in a globe with no metal or plastic shade. It is designed to throw light in all directions for a diffused illumination. It is often used in swimming pools, spas, fountains and other water features.
• Mushroom Lights -- This type of lighting has a wide shade to conceal the bulb and is ideal for lighting flower gardens and other decorative ground cover.
• String Lights -- Strings of white or colored lights are used to create a festive atmosphere and are commonly used in trees and around the perimeter of outdoor living spaces.

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People always call it luck when you've acted more sensibly than they have.
-- Anne Tyler

Trivia Challenge

Question 1.) What do you call the short bits of organ music played at a baseball game?
a.) Blurb
b.) Tucket
c.) Smit
d.) Rift

Question 2.) A man with what color hair is most likely to go bald?
a.) Brown
b.) Black
c.) Blond
d.) Red

Question 3.) What biological function can't you do in space?
a.) Cry
b.) Hiccup
c.) Burp
d.) Itch

Question 4.) What product did Elvis Presley make a commercial for in 1954?
a.) Guitar
b.) Sunglasses
c.) Doughnuts
d.) Hair gel

Question 5.) Which of these animals cannot walk backwards?
a.) Raven
b.) Turtle
c.) Emu
d.) Penguin

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Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes.
-- Oscar Wilde

How-To Pick the Best Vegetables

Are you hesitant to shop for vegetables because you don't know the difference between a good one and a bad one? Here are a few tips to picking out the best ones.

• Broccoli/Cauliflower -- These vegetables should have tightly packed flower heads, firm stems, and no yellowing or browning.
• Lettuce -- There should be no brown areas at the edge of the leaves. The heads should be tightly closed and feel firm when you squeeze it.
• Tomatoes -- The skin should be evenly colored and free of bruises and blemishes. The stem should not be solid green, nor brown at the tips. If it is ripe, you should be able to smell it by just putting it up close to your nose (without touching it). Feel gently to make sure it's not too firm.
• Avocados -- Gently squeeze an avocado to see if it's ripe. Using the tip of your thumb, gently press on the skin. If the dent you made slowly rises, than it's ripe; if it doesn't, it's probably past its prime (or ready to use immediately).
• Zucchini/Squash -- You should be able to smell them. Both of these vegetables should feel heavier than they look.
• Corn -- If you can feel little bumps when you squeeze it, it's too old. The outside should feel smooth and well padded.
• Onions -- The skin should be smooth with a dry paper outer cover, and free of cracks. It should have a strong onion smell, or it may have lost much of its potency.

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July Movie Releases

• July 2
  • Hancock
  • Kit Kittredge: An American Girl
• July 11
  • Hellboy II: The Golden Army
  • Journey to the Center of the Earth
  • Meet Dave
• July 18
  • The Dark Knight
  • Mamma Mia!
  • Space Chimps
• July 25
  • The Longshots
  • Step Brothers
  • The X-Files: I Want to Believe

Grilled Mediterranean Tuna Sandwich

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup olive or vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp. chopped fresh or 1 tsp. dried thyme leaves
• 1 tbsp. red wine vinegar
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• Dash of pepper
• 1 clove garlic -- finely chopped
• 1/2 lb. tuna or marlin fillets -- 3/4 to 1 inch thick
• 1 medium tomato -- seeded and coarsely chopped
• 1/4 medium red onion -- thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp. chopped pitted kalamata or ripe olives
• 2 tbsp. chopped fresh Italian or regular parsley
• 2 tsp. capers
• 1 loaf unsliced crusty Italian, French or sourdough bread
• 2 leaves romaine lettuce -- shredded

1. Mix oil, thyme, vinegar, salt, pepper and garlic. In shallow dish or resealable plastic bag, pour half of mixture over fish fillets, coating both sides. Cover dish or seal bag and refrigerate 30 to 45 minutes. Mix remaining oil mixture, tomato, onion, olives, parsley, capers; cover and refrigerate.
2. Heat grill. Remove fish from marinade; reserve marinade. Cover and grill fish 5 to 6 inches from medium heat 10 to 15 minutes, brushing 2 or 3 times with marinade and turning once, until fish flakes easily with fork. Cut fish into chunks.
3. Cut off top one-third of bread loaf. Hollow out both parts, leaving 1/2-inch-thick crust. Arrange romaine on bottom half of bread. Top with fish. Spoon tomato mixture evenly over fish. Replace top piece of bread. Enjoy warm or wrap loaf in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate 30 to 60 minutes. Unwrap and cut into 4 pieces.

• Peel Estate Premium White 2005

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Mark Stokes
6535 Kingfisher Lane NE
Bemidji, MN 56601

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