Living without A/C: Tips for Keeping Cool

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?

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?

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 

Open House Sunday 7/31 from 1 to 4 PM: Townhouse in Fair Lawn

The Ziccardi-Lombardo Team will be hosting a Public Open House this Sunday (7/31) from 1 to 4 PM at 10 Chris Court, Fair Lawn, NJ.  Here is a description of the property:

THIS IS A SPACIOUS UPDATED 2 BEDROOM 2 1/2 BATH TOWNHOUSE IN SOUGHT AFTER PARKVIEW COMPLEX WITH 60 UNITS. NICE HARDWOOD FLOORS WITH ALL LARGE ROOMS BACKS UP TO A PARK LIKE BACKYARD WITH A HUGE DECK OF THE KITCHEN. FIRST FLOOR OFFERS A LIVING ROOM, EAT-IN-KITCHEN, DINING ROOM, HALF BATH, LAUNDRY AND ACCESS TO ATTACHED ONE CAR GARAGE. THERE ARE TWO LARGE BEDROOMS ON THE 2ND FLOOR WITH A FULL MAIN BATH. MASTER BEDROOM WITH A WALK IN CLOSET AND MASTER BATH. ROOMS ARE LARGE ENOUGH TO MAKE INTO A 3RD BEDROOM IF NEEDED. CLOSE TO SCHOOLS, NYC TRANSPORTATION, PARKS AND SHOPPING. DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY! JUST PACK YOUR BAGS AND MOVE RIGHT IN!

For additional and detailed information about this wonderful townhouse click on this link: 10 Chris Court, Fair Lawn, NJ MLS #1128029

If you are unable to attend the Open House, and you are interested in touring this property, just let us know.  We will be happy to schedule a private appointment.  The best way to reach us at 917-696-5499.

 

 

 

 

NY Metro home prices down 3.2 percent in May but slightly up for Bergen County

Earlier this week NorthJersey.com published an article about the latest housing figures the NY Metro area.  Quoting from the article, “Home prices in the New York metropolitan area, which includes North Jersey, declined 3.2 percent in May compared with a year earlier, the Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller index reported Tuesday. Home prices nationally were down 4.5 percent.” But what locally for North Jersey?: “Single-family home prices in Bergen County rose 3.6 percent to a median $435,000 in May 2011, compared with a year earlier. But for the second quarter as a whole, prices were down 2.9 percent, to a median $420,000.”

You can read the entire article which also offers the most recent analysis for the current housing market for North Jersey: Uptick in the Bergen Spring Housing Market.

Sellers Who Bought Post-Bubble More Likely to Over-Price Home

Steve Brownell wrote a piece for Zillow.com (Zillow Real Estate Research page) about data showing that depending on when a seller originally purchased his/her property can impact on how much over-price their homes were initially positioned relative to its estimated market value.   You can check out the online article by going to “Sellers Who Bought Post-Bubble More Likely to Over-Price Home”.

Rather than sitting on the fence…why not own it?

Realogy is the parent company of Coldwell Banker as well as other national real estate brokerage companies.  Realogy recently placed a very Pro Real Estate ad in the USAToday stating the top reasons why it is a good time to purchase a new home today in this economy:

Now is the Time to Buy!

• Homes are More Affordable – current housing prices are down 27% on average across the nation from peak values 5 years ago.
• Rates are Low – at 4.6%, 30-year fixed mortgage interest rates remain historical lows.
• Timing is Everything – conforming loan limits will be reduced on 10/1/2011, which will decrease the availability and affordability or mortgage credit for many home buyers in 42 states.
• Homeownership is Still the American Dream – nearly 9 in 10 Americans say homeownership is an important part of the American Dream.
• Financing is Available – today’s borrow needs to have stable employment of at least 2 years; sufficient income to cover the monthly mortgage savings to make at least a 3.5% down payment; and, in general, a credit score of at least 620.  If yo meet these basic requirements and plan to live in the home, you may be well on your way.

Here is a link to see the full page ad: Rather than sitting on the fence…why not own it?