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

May 2008

1 -- May Day
5 -- Cinco de Mayo
11 -- Mother's Day
12 -- Kite Day
19 -- Full Moon Day
24 -- International Jazz Day
25 -- Wine Day
26 -- Memorial Day
28 -- Whale Day

'>

Can You Believe It Is May?

It's that time again...school will be out soon, the pools are ready to be opened and people are MOVING!  This is the busy time of year when people make their moves with the hope of being ready and settled before Fall and the beginning of the new school year.  So if you have a goal of moving to a new city, closer to grandchildren or friends, retiring and downsizing to a master on the main or upgrading to a larger home with space for the children....now is the time.  The Knoxville Board of Realtors reports that for first quarter of 2008 the average time on market for area homes is 103 days.  Our average time on market for 2008 is 84 days!   Our list to sales price ratio is also 96.13%.  That means our sellers are achieving 96.13% of there sales price!  Remarkable in this "soft" market.  Our business is to achieve your goals regarding real estate.  We believe the words of Vince Lombardi, "the dictionary is the only place where success comes before work". 

'>

Prestigious Hillvale Circle-REDUCED

It is hard to describe all of the wonderful attributes of this home.  With a well thought out luxury kitchen and cozy keeping room, your family will love this special retreat.  A double lot in Sequoyah Hills with green grass, trees and privacy are just a few of the outdoor features.  The home also features a fabulous deck and playground area, a charming screened in porch, and three recreaction/bonus rooms-there is a large bar area, an enormous sunroom, and a room complete with walls of built -ins perfect for a playroom or library.  The space is huge and the value unsurpassed. This home is updated while offering space, a chef's kitchen and plenty of spots for family and friends.  A huge master closet, lovely master bath and designer decor complete the home.  The perfect home for making memories. Offered at $689,000 contact Tom at 865.806.1886.

'>

4116 Jomandowa Drive

This gorgeous 3 bedroom/3 bath home is perfectly nestled in lush landscaping and mature trees.  Located on Jomandowa Drive in the heart of Forest Heights the home features a great master suite on the main level, hardwood floors, a bright and airy kitchen, and a wood burning fireplace.  Also, there is a wonderful sunroom that is private and brings the outside in.  Did we mention there is a full basement with lots of storage, a full workshop and home office?   A huge backyard offers sun filled Summer afternoons!  Offered at $376,800.  Please call Tom at 865.806.1886

'>

Queensbridge-Lyons Crossing

A beautiful kitchen, open floor plan, 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths!  All of this in friendly Lyons Crossing.  This home is so stylish and so functional....the perfect package.  Hardwoods on the main, a two car garage, updated bathrooms, a large master suite and bath, a HUGE bonus room with plenty of space to spread out.  The neighborhood is very social and fun.  There are many children and this backyard is perfect to garden, romp or play.  Hurry and spend Summer grilling on your deck while enjoying covenience in one of the best homes in Lyons Crossing.  The sellers will provide a membership to the neighborhood pool and pay the 2008 Summer Pool dues!  Pre-home inspected by Al Chase and truly move in ready.  Offered at $294,000  please call Debaran at 865.660.4411. 

'>

Riverbend Charm

Open, airy, light, spacious, and the perfect HOME.  This Riverbend home  features 3 bedrooms/2 baths on the main level and a fabulous basement rec room, an additional bedroom, full bath and office on the lower level.  There is a one car garage, tons of storage and the most beautiful yard.  County taxes only and Sequoyah Hills Elementary make this a great find.  First time on the market in 34 years!  Hurry and join the P-Club for summer tennis and swimming!  Offered at $349,000 please call Debaran 865.660.4411

Existing-Home Sales Slip in March

According to a late-April report from the National Association of Realtors®, existing-home sales edged down in March, remaining within a narrow range of sales activity that has persisted since September.

"Though mortgage rates are at historically low levels, some borrowers are facing restrictive lending practices in declining markets," said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. "At the same time, many buyers continue to bide their time with a large number of homes to choose from, while other potential buyers remain on the sidelines."

A mix of market conditions continues around the country, but areas showing healthy price gains include Des Moines, Iowa; Austin, Texas; and Durham, N.C.

According to Freddie Mac, the national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage rose slightly to 5.97 percent in March from 5.92 percent in February; the rate was 6.16 percent in March 2007, the report said.

TOP

Mothers are fonder than fathers of their children because they are more certain they are their own.
-- Aristotle

Use a Family Calendar to Stay Organized

Family calendars are a great solution to help busy families stay organized and get control of their schedules. The key is to teach everyone in the family to be disciplined about using it, whether it's a good-old-fashioned printed calendar hung in the kitchen or den or an online calendar shared on the family computer.

To really make it work, you should pick one day each week where everyone in the family gets together to communicate all scheduling information, such as homework, birthdays, appointments, sporting events, chores and to-do lists. Following are some suggestions:

• Set Expectations -- After using the calendar for a few weeks, every family member should know what needs to be done on a daily basis without you having to remind them. Everyone should look at the calendar several times a day so they know what to expect -- and what is expected of them.
• Give Feedback -- Encouragement and rewards are important to keep family members motivated. Keep track of progress and reward members who are making it work, and give guidance to those that need help.
• Delegate -- Don't just make to-do lists, assign age-appropriate tasks to family members. For example: Susie - Dinner Dishes/6 p.m. Saturday; Bobbie - Trash/5 p.m. Monday; Dad - Fix Garage Door/1 p.m. Saturday; Mom - Buy Birthday Present for Max's Party/9 a.m. Wednesday.

TOP

Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat.
-- F. Scott Fitzgerald

6 Common Mistakes Buyers Make

1. Buyers misinterpret the role of an agent -- Be sure you clearly understand the roles and duties of everyone involved in the transaction, especially who represents whom. Know the difference between a buyer's agent, a listing agent, and dual agency.
2. Buyers share personal information -- Don't discuss any confidential information about your housing preferences, financial situation or negotiating strategies until you understand agency (and have chosen an agent to represent you).
3. Buyers underestimate the effect of a competing offer -- When a seller has multiple offers, he's in a better position than you are. Many buyers don't put in their best offer not realizing they may be making another buyer's offer look great in comparison, and they lose the house.
4. Buyers don't attend the home inspection -- Many buyers put too much trust in the home inspection report. A "hairline crack in the foundation" may not sound all that bad in a report, but become a huge concern when observed in person. Be sure to see it for yourself.
5. Buyers think sellers pay the closing costs -- While escrow and several other costs are often split 50-50, most closing costs are negotiable.
6. Buyers fail to recognize the value of enhancing their equity position -- Buying a property below market value puts you in a much better equity position a few years down the road than buying it at or above market value.

If you have time to whine and complain about something then you have the time to do something about it.
-- Anthony J. D'Angelo

Cleaning Up Spills ... the Right Way

If you didn't look after the spill right away, it will likely become a stain. To remove it, pour club soda on the spot, wait a minute, and blot it dry with a clean, white towel. If that doesn't work, you may want to try a carpet stain remover product, though these seldom work any better than club soda.

For older stains, try this slightly acidic solution. Mix 2 tablespoons detergent with 3 tablespoons vinegar and one quart warm water. Spray the solution onto the stain until it's soaked, wait a minute, then blot dry. Absorb all the solution with clean, white towels (you may need more than one). Allow the area to dry thoroughly and vacuum.

TOP

The discovery of a wine is of greater moment than the discovery of a constellation. The universe is too full of stars.
-- Benjamin Franklin

Wine, Sulfites and Labeling

Winemaking is very complex and the end result -- the wine -- has an estimated 250 compounds. Among them are sulfites or sulfur dioxide, which are often used as a preservative to prevent spoilage and oxidation. The health effects or consequences of sulfites are debatable though a small percent of the population does suffer a sensitivity reaction to them.

In the United States, wine bottled after mid-1987 must have a label stating that it contains sulfites if it contains more than 10 parts per million; if it has more than that, the label must state “contains sulfites.” A similar regulation is also in effect in many European countries.

A wine that makes the claim "sulfite free" must have no detectable sulfites, which is somewhat controversial because it is not agreed upon whether it is possible for a wine to have no sulfites (so a wine that states it has no sulfites means current ATF analysis is not sensitive enough to detect the presence of sulfites at such low levels).

A label that says "no added sulfites" means the winery did not add sulfites to the wine but there may be naturally occurring sulfites that occur as a by-product of fermentation.

TOP

Never work before breakfast; if you have to work before breakfast, eat your breakfast first. 
-- Josh Billings

Still the Most Important Meal of the Day

• Eating a healthy breakfast provides your body the fuel necessary to function properly and helps set you up for balanced eating the rest of the day.
• Children and adults who eat breakfast are more likely to perform better in school and at work. A balanced breakfast can lead to better concentration and productivity.
• Skipping breakfast often leads to snacking and over-eating at lunchtime.
• A low-fat breakfast that features whole grains, fruits and other breakfast foods high in fiber may help you maintain desirable cholesterol levels and lower risks for a number of diseases, including heart disease and colorectal cancer. In addition, you'll feel fuller, more satisfied and have more energy.

TOP

May Movie Releases

• May 2
  • Iron Man
  • Made of Honor
• May 9
  • Speed Racer
  • What Happens in Vegas
• May 16
  • The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
• May 22
  • Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Cyrstal Skull
• May 30
  • Sex and the City
  • The Strangers

Sonoran Shrimp Scampi

• 3 poblano chiles
• 1 pound medium shrimp -- shelled and deveined
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic -- finely chopped
• 2 red bell peppers --cored, seeded and thinly sliced
• 1 1/2 sun-dried tomatoes -- chopped or thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon lime zest
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 4 cups farfalle -- preferably whole wheat, cooked
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro -- chopped

1. Place chiles directly over the burners of a gas stove. Roast over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until skin is charred and chiles soften, 10 to 15 minutes. (To roast in oven, cover a large cookie sheet with foil. Place chiles on sheet and broil, turning occasionally, until skin is charred and chiles soften, 12 to 17 minutes.)
2. Remove from heat and cool. Remove peel and seeds. Slice thinly; set aside. Sprinkle shrimp with half the salt and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a large pan over high heat. Cook shrimp, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes. Add garlic; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in chiles, red peppers, tomatoes, zest and lime juice. Cook until liquid reduces by half and shrimp are no longer translucent, 1 to 2 minutes.
4. Add wine and reduce until slightly syrupy. Stir in pasta. Reduce heat to low and cover 1 minute. Top with cilantro and serve.

• Ethnik Blanc Vin de Pays du Mont Baudile 2006

TOP

Unsubscribe

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.