Ziccardi Lombardo Team

Mid-Atlantic Region Expected to Be the Exception in 2012

Ziccardi Lombardo Team — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 19:24:29 +0000

RISMedia: Mid-Atlantic Region Expected to be “The Exception, Not the Rule” in 2012 Housing Market

442 Tips to Keep Your House in Tip-top Shape

Ziccardi Lombardo Team — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 19:06:04 +0000

Book Review Title: “What’s a Homeowner to Do?” Author: Stephen Fanuka and Edward Lewine Publisher: Artisan, 2011; 432 pages; $17.95

442 tips to keep your house in tip-top shape

Rand on Real Estate: Why So Optimistic in This Housing Market?

Ziccardi Lombardo Team — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 19:30:22 +0000

If you are an AM radio fan, you probably have listened to “Rand on Real Estate” broadcasted from 770 WABC. Greg Rand (@gsrand), CEO of OwnAmerica, is the show’s host. He answers the main question that some listeners have: “Why is Greg so optimistic about the housing market?”

10 Best States for Children – Guess Which State is Listed in the Top 5?

Ziccardi Lombardo Team — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 18:36:35 +0000

The National Association of Realtors posted an interesting article from a survey conducted by the 2011 Kids Count Data Book by The Annie E. Casey Foundation. The foundation collected data from each state which found a strong correlation between poverty and the welfare of children. NJ is listed in the top 5 states for one of the best states for children. You can get the full article by going to “10 Best States for Children”.

Here are the 10 states that emerged as the best for children:

1. New Hampshire

2. Minnesota

3. Massachusetts

4. Vermont

5. New Jersey

6. Connecticut

7. Utah

8. Iowa

9. Nebraska

10. North Dakota

It is nice to see that NJ is getting some positive recognition for doing something right with regards to our children.

Mortgage rates fall again, 30-year near record low

Ziccardi Lombardo Team — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 17:10:25 +0000

Finally some good news for homebuyers and homeowners:

Mortgage rates fall again, 30-year near record low.

FoxBusiness: Many good reasons for first-time homebuyers to be working with a Realtor!

Ziccardi Lombardo Team — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 17:11:46 +0000

From www.FoxBusiness.com: We love it when we find pro-Realtor articles that describes good reasons for using a realtor. This article specifically shows the advantages for first-time homebuyers when working with a realtor. The article is titled, “What Real Estate Agents Do for Buyers” and here is an excerpt:

“First-time buyers should rely on their Realtor to provide them with data about comparable homes that have sold, how long a home has been on the market, what homes haven’t sold and all the activity that has been happening in the local real estate market. Ultimately, it is the buyer’s decision what price and terms they wish to offer. However, buyers should be able to rely on their Realtors to guide them toward an educated offer on the home.”

Jersey Civility? Contradiction in Terms?

Ziccardi Lombardo Team — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 22:34:35 +0000

The NYTimes published an article titled “In Home Sales, Courtesy Goes a Long Way” (August 4, 2011). I personally thought the article to be timely. I have witnessed several real estate dealings where civility was questioned with raised brows. “In a climate like this, where so many people feel financial anxiety, and sometimes every $100 is an important issue,” and, “anger and animus seem to come out more frequently.” With sellers, buyers, realtors and lawyers all feeling hyper-sensitive with this current housing market, it would be good for all of us to remember the golden rule. Call me Pollyanna, but I fundamentally believe that you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. The NYTimes article provides a couple of examples where civility paid off – you can check out the article: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/07/realestate/in-home-sales-courtesy-goes-a-long-way-in-the-regionnew-york.html?_r=2&ref=realestate

Living without A/C: Tips for Keeping Cool

Ziccardi Lombardo Team — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 10:53:53 +0000

Even though the majority of homeowners have air conditioning in their homes, there is still a good number of homes that don’t. I was particularly shocked that so many homes, shops and restaurants did not have a/c when vacationing in Maine recently. So if you find yourself needing to come up with alternatives to a/c, then check out the MSN Real Estate website with their 8 simple tips for staying cool.

Blueberry soup anyone?

Ziccardi Lombardo Team — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 01:46:15 +0000

Last week I was in Maine for my sister’s wedding. Unfortunately Maine did not escape the rare 3 digit heat wave that the rest of the east coast experienced. In spite of having no air conditioning in our vacation homes, we did however eat and drink really well. Along with the fried haddock and the lobster rolls, I was introduced to blueberry soup which was so yummy and refreshing.

If you are a foodie, I hope you find this unusual recipe enticing to make – it looks really easy. It is a chilled soup that is delicious and perfect for those hot summer days. Enjoy.

Blueberry Soup

1 1-pound bag frozen unsweetened blueberries
1 cup water
5 tablespoons sugar
2 1/4-inch-thick lemon slices
1 cinnamon stick
Pinch of salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Lemon wedges

Low-fat vanilla yogurt or frozen vanilla yogurt

Bring first 7 ingredients to boil in heavy medium saucepan over high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until berries are very tender, about 15 minutes. Discard lemon slices and cinnamon stick. Puree half of soup in blender or processor. Transfer all of soup to medium bowl and refrigerate until very cold. (Can be prepared 2 days ahead.)

Divide soup between 2 bowls or large goblets. Serve with lemon wedges and dollop of vanilla yogurt.

You can view the complete recipe online at: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/221

Are you Grouponing?

Ziccardi Lombardo Team — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 18:41:34 +0000

I know that Groupon has been around for a while, but for whatever reason I haven’t bothered to check out the national coupon site. However I have finally seen the “discount” light. My girlfriend, Sue, showed me this insane discount coupon for a wonderful restaurant in our local neighborhood. I was shocked and surprised by the incredible deals being offered through Groupon.com.

As any zealot convert would do, I quickly created an account with Groupon.com. To my continued surprise, Groupon offers a program for referring friends and family to the site – “Get $10 in Groupon Bucks when someone you invite gets their first Groupon. There’s no limit on how much you can earn!” Click on this link to get started - http://www.groupon.com/r/uu33757701