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- Buyers & Seller's Corner
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- New Movie Releases
- Recipe of the Month

July 2009

4 -- Independence Day
7 -- Full Moon Day
26 -- Parent's Day

Are we there yet?

Happy summer!  We are having a great one at The Hughes Properties.  Busy, Busy, Busy-we hope that in the middle of your busy you are having some time to relax and maybe even enjoy a summer vacation.  If you have gone on a trip this summer you may have heard the famous travel question, "Are we there yet?"  This is a question we are asked often these days.  No, we aren't traveling the country - we are selling houses right here in Knoxville, but this is the question of the summer.  Are we there yet?  Are we at the bottom? How is the market?  Are you selling any houses?  The best answer is- we do not know exactly where THERE is. What we do know is that we are thankful for our success in a challenging market and YES we are selling houses!  Prices are resonable, interest rates are very low and this is a GREAT time to buy.  We are achieving our sellers goals quickly and with great results.  Sure, it is tougher to get to the sold sign, and that is why you need tougher agents to make your real estate transaction a success. That is why you need The Hughes Properties!

1829 Royal Harbor Drive-Wexford

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL VIEW, LARGE WINDOWS AND 4144 SQUARE FEET MAKE THIS THE HOME YOU HAVE WAITED FOR. THERE ARE 5 BEDROOMS (4 WITH WALK IN CLOSETS) AND 4 FULL BATHS, HIGH CATHEDRAL CEILINGS IN A SUNKEN LIVING ROOM AND THE MASTER. THERE ARE WONDERFUL SPACES FOR FAMILY AND ENTERTAINING. SO MANY IMPROVEMENTS -NEW ENERGY EFFICIENT PELLA WINDOWS, NEW CARPET THROUGHOUT, FRESH PAINT AND SO MUCH MORE! LIGHT, OPEN, IMMACULATE, AND MOVE-IN READY. FABUOUS VEIWS  OF THE WATER OUT OF THE LARGE, PICTURE WINDOWS AND FARRAGUT SCHOOLS!  OFFERED AT $489,900

539 Cherokee Blvd.

THE DETAILS OF THIS CLASSIC ITALIAN RENAISSANCE HOME ARE BEAUTIFULLY DISPLAYED THROUGH THE ARCH DOORWAYS, BARREL CEILINGS, AND ROUNDED LANDINGS. THICK STUCCO EXTERIOR WALLS AND A RED TILE ROOF PERFECTLY COMPLIMENT THE CUSTOM MILLED HARDWOOD FLOORS, IRONWORK THAT WAS FORGED ON SITE AND HANDMADE ITALIAN WALL SCONCES THAT COMPLETE THE EXTRAORDINARY ONE-OF-A KIND BEAUTY OFFERED IN THIS 5BR/3.5BA HOME LOCATED ON THIS OVERSIZED LOT ON TREASURED CHEROKEE BOULEVARD. A WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY FOR THE DISCRIMINATING BUYER.  OFFERED AT $1,269,000

1217 TOBLER ROAD ROCKY HILL

Just perfect, traditional cottage located in the heart of Rocky Hill. This four bedroom, two bath home is updated and beautifully decorated. Charm, storage and location complete with a two car garage and a lovely screened in porch. Light, open, warm and inviting!  Even the red front door says WELCOME HOME-offered at $244,900.

KENSINGTON

ALL BRICK JONES BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION PERFECTLY SITUATED IN HEART OF KENSINGTON. THIS HOME OFFERS A LARGE EAT-IN KITCH W/ GRANITE TOPS, ISLAND AND DESK, A FAMILY ROOM WITH VAULTED CEILING & FIREPLACE; THERE IS A FORMAL LIVING & DINING ROOM, MAIN LEVEL GUEST ROOM OR STUDY COMPLETE WITH A FULL BATH, THE LARGE MASTER OFFERS A WHIRLPOOL TUB & WALK-IN CLOSETS, ALSO A BONUS ROOM, LARGE LAUNDRY ROOM  AND TONS OF ATTIC STORAGE. THE BEST BACK YARD IN KENSINGTON ALONG WITH A FLAT DRIVEWAY OFFER THE PERFECT SPACE TO PLAY AND ENTERTAIN!   THIS HOME IS LOCATED TOWARD THE BACK OF THE PEACEFUL, TREE LINED STREET WITH MINIMAL TRAFFIC!  HURRY AND CHOOSE YOUR OWN PAINT COLORS THE INTERIOR WILL BE PAINTED NEXT WEEK!  DIRECTIONS: NORTHSHORE TO MAIN KENSINGTON ENTRANCE TURN (R) ON BOTSFORD.   OFFERED AT $414,900!  WOW!!!!
 

CREEKHEAD-JUST PERFECT!

WONDERFUL 3 BEDROOM, 3 BATH HOME LOCATED IN THE HEART OF GLENVIEW SUBDIVISION OPEN KITCHEN WITH EAT-IN AREA OVERLOOKING A COMPLETELY FENCED BACKYARD. LARGE FAMILY ROOM WITH WONDERFUL CATHEDRAL CEILINGS AND FIREPLACE, A MASTER SUITE FEATURES A LARGE MASTER BATH AND A FINISHED BASEMENT GAMEROOM MAKES THIS THE PERFECT HOME. VERY CONVENIENT TO SHOPPING AND RESTAURANTS. OFFERED AT $179,000

I never think of the future. It comes soon enough.
-- Albert Einstein

Home Sales Continue Rising Trend

According to the National Association of Realtors®, sales of existing homes showed another gain in May, benefiting from favorable affordability conditions and a first-time buyer tax credit. May’s increase was the first back-to-back monthly gain since September 2005.

“Historically low mortgage interest rates clearly drew buyers into the market and housing remains very affordable even with a recent up tick in rates,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun, who expected the improvement. “First-time buyers also are being drawn off the sidelines by the $8,000 tax credit, which is helping to absorb inventory. However, the increase in sales is less than expected because poor appraisals are stalling transactions. Pending home sales indicated much stronger activity, but some contracts are falling through from faulty valuations that keep buyers from getting a loan.”

Total housing inventory at the end of May fell 3.5 percent to 3.80 million existing homes available for sale, which represents a 9.6-month supply at the current sales pace.

NAR President Charles McMillan agreed with Yun, adding that the first-time buyer tax credit should be expanded to all buyers of primary homes regardless of income.

The national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage edged up to 4.86 percent in May from a record low 4.81 percent in April, according to Freddie Mac.

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The man who has confidence in himself gains the confidence of others.
-- Hasidic Saying

8 Family Fun Things to Do in July

It's summer. The weather is warm and the days are long, leaving you extra time to enjoy the outdoors and have some family fun. Following are eight activities to help you and your family get outside and make the most out of the month of July.

1. Outside Games -- Play a game of softball, volleyball, soccer or kickball; any game will do. You don't even have to play an actual game, just throwing, catching and kicking can be great family fun. Or, try tag, kick the can or capture the flag.
2. The Park -- There's more to the park than playground equipment. Nature hikes, bird watching, identifying trees and flowers, and having a picnic all provide family fun.
3. Gardening -- Kids love to dig in the dirt, plant seeds, water the garden and watch things grow. There's still enough summer left to introduce your kids to the joy of gardening.
4. Swimming -- An all-time summer favorite! Visit your community pool or make a day trip to your closest body of water, it's sure to make a splash.
5. Boating -- You don't need a powerboat or sailboat to get in on the action. Many community colleges and city recreation departments rent row boats, canoes and kayaks.
6. Barbecuing -- Get everyone involved: rinsing and cutting vegetables, setting the table, lighting the grill, preparing the meat and cooking. While clean up may not qualify as family fun, you can be sure everybody will enjoy and remember eating out on the deck during sunset.
7. Bonfires -- Buy some wood, lighter fluid, snacks and beverages. Then, burn wood and tell funny or scary stories until the wee hours of the night. It's backyard family fun that lasts for hours.
8. Simple Pleasures -- All-time favorites like catching frogs and turtles, stargazing and walking in the rain never get old.
   

All things are difficult before they are easy.
-- Thomas Fuller

The Purpose of an Escrow Account

If you've never owned a home, the term "escrow account" may sound a bit alien. In short, an escrow account is a special account set up by your lender that holds a percentage of your monthly payment and places it aside to pay your property insurance, mortgage insurance (PMI), real estate property taxes, and other fees affecting the home or property.

The idea behind an escrow account is to keep your homeowner's insurance, real estate taxes and other obligations up-to-date, thus protecting the lender -- and you, the homeowner -- in the event the property is destroyed or if your real estate taxes are not paid. Unless you have a very good, reliable income and a better place to invest your money, an escrow account is generally a prudent idea because the lender will make sure your obligations are always current.

Here's how it works: your mortgage company collects your mortgage payment, along with your property taxes, insurance premiums, and other fees, and deposits it into an escrow account on your behalf. When your real estate taxes and other obligations are due, the money in your escrow account is used to pay them (so you don't have to scramble to come up with the funds).

Note the total amount in your escrow account is determined by the estimated amount needed to pay these annual obligations. In addition, there are caps on the amounts a mortgage company may require, depending on your loan type. Your loan servicer should provide you with an annual review letting you know of any shortages or overages; any amount more than $50 should be returned.

Friendship make prosperity more shining and lessens adversity by dividing and sharing it.
-- Cicero

Selecting the Right Paint Brush

All paint brushes are not created equal! Before you go out and buy a brush, consider whether you are painting an interior or exterior project, your personal comfort and what type of paint you'll be using.

1. If you're using an oil-based paint, choose brushes with natural bristles because they hold more paint and release more evenly than synthetic bristle brushes. Some examples include Chinese bristles (hog's hair brush), ox-hair brush or a nylon/polyester blend.
2. A brush with nylon bristles or a nylon/polyester blend is best for latex (water-based) paint.
3. Use angled brushes for trims and moldings -- and large, flat (non-angled) brushes for fast application over large areas. Professionals recommend a 3.5-inch-angled brush for most common jobs.
4. Choose a brush with a handle and a weight that's comfortable for you to hold for long periods of time.
5. Keep in mind an ox-hair brush is generally preferred over a China brush because its flexible bristles allow for smoother application.
6. If you have several future painting projects, invest in good brushes with flagged or split ends; they'll hold more paint and last longer than cheaper, blunt-end brushes.

Music with dinner is an insult both to the cook and the violinist.
-- G. K. Chesterton

The Story Behind the Dishonest Butler

Most people have used a corkscrew -- but have you used the Oh-So wine opener, also known as the "dishonest butler"? The Oh-So wine opener is sort of strange-looking, with two flexible prongs -- one a little longer than the other -- and a small handle.

Using the dishonest butler is easy. After removing the foil or capsule from the top of the bottle, place the bottle upright and insert the longer prong down between the bottle and cork. Since it is flexible, you bend it a little so you can insert the shorter prong into the other side (also between the cork and bottle).

When both sides are inserted, a gentle rocking motion should push the prongs deeper into the bottle. When the handle is right at the top of the bottle, remove the cork with a clockwise twisting motion and pull the cork out.

So, why is this wine opener often called the dishonest butler? It's because using this opener usually keeps the cork in good condition with little sign of opening. It is thought the dishonest butler would drink the good wine, refill it with cheap swill, recork it -- and the master would never know.

Energy and persistence conquer all things.
-- Benjamin Franklin

Reducing Allergens in Your Home

Not matter how hard you try, allergens and other impurities invade your living environment and attempt to cause an allergic reaction in many people. Some examples of allergens include mold, pollen and foods, as well as diesel exhaust particles, volatile organic compounds (often found in building materials) and cosmetics.

While pollens are often responsible for seasonal allergic rhinitis, if you have year-round sneezing, watery eyes, post-nasal drip or nasal stuffiness, you likely suffer from perennial allergic rhinitis, typically brought on by indoor allergens like mold, animal dander, dust mites, and other unthinkable things. Following are several things you can do to minimize their affects:

• Bedding -- Encase your pillows and mattresses in protective covers and vacuum them weekly. In addition, use comforters that can be washed frequently.
• Clothing and Shoes -- Clothes should be removed and put in a clothes hamper or wash room as soon as possible, especially if you've been in an environment with heavy allergens. Shoes, which are the worst offenders, should be left at the door.
• Windows and Doors -- Keep them closed as much as possible to lessen the amount of allergens brought into the home. Also, wash your window treatments in warm water frequently.
• Furniture -- Vacuum cloth furniture weekly and wipe leather and vinyl furniture often. When dusting, use a moist cloth; do not use a feather duster as that just makes allergens airborne.
• Floors -- Vacuum your carpets and rugs weekly, and wash your floors with warm soap and water. Ideally, wood floors with area rugs work best to eliminate indoor allergens.
• Filters -- If you can afford it and have the room, place air filters in strategic places throughout your home. Using HEPA filters is recommended.

Be regular and orderly in your life, so that you may be violent and original in your work.
-- Gustave Flaubert

July Movie Releases

• July 1
  • Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs
  • Public Enemies
• July 3
  • The Girl from Monaco
• July 10
  • Bruno
  • I Love You, Beth Cooper
• July 15
  • Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
• July 24
  • G-Force
  • Orphan
  • The Ugly Truth
• July 31
  • Funny People
  • Aliens in the Attic

*Wide releases only. Opening dates subject to change.

Cherish all your happy moments: they make a fine cushion for old age.
-- Christopher Morley

Inside Out Cheeseburgers

Ingredients - Serves 4

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 3 tbsp. Ranch dressing
• 4 slices bacon -- cooked and crumbled
• 2 slices cheese -- cut into quarters
• 4 hamburger buns -- lightly toasted
• 4 lettuce leaves
• 8 slices tomato

Directions

1. Pre-heat grill to medium heat. Mix meat and 2 tbsp. Ranch dressing. Make 8 thin patties. Mix remaining 1 tbsp. dressing and bacon. Spoon about 1 tbsp. of bacon mixture onto center of each of the patties; top with cheese quarters and second patty. Pinch edges of patties together to seal.
2. Grill patties 7 to 9 min. on each side or until cooked through.
3. Cover bottom halves of buns with lettuce and burgers. Top with tomatoes and top halves of buns.

Wine Pairing

• Château la Mouliniere Bordeaux Rouge 2006

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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.