History Of Backgammon

Many peoples have played backgammon for many years as it is a very old game. Not too many people, though, know the history of this game but I can assure you a lot of things can be very interesting if you find the time to look it up. And if you are a vivid player this information would probably interest you.

Backgammon is one of the oldest games know to us that is still played today. Historians say that in Europe, it was first played somewhere in Greece but it has it's origins from the Middle East countries of Kuwait and Iraq. Backgammon is almost 5000 years old.

In those times the territory that is now Kuwait and Iraq has been populated by the Sumerians who had a very strong culture. Some of their greatest creations are the wheel and the math system. They are also considered by historians the creators of the first written language.

The Sumerians designed the first version of the backgammon board and also came up with the pieces used for the game. Proof of this invention has been found recently by some historians.

The game was then played only by royal party or nobles but now it is for all social classes and especially for all cultures.

Both the Egyptians and the Romans played the game, but it wasn't called the same in that times. They played the game in the same general purpose only that the boards were different and some of the rules.

Several centuries ago, in some societies backgammon was banned. For example in Japan the game was considered illegal. This can never happen today as the human rights are very important and the game is totally harmless.

In the 1960's the popularity of backgammon had a boost. Very many people from all over the word became interested in this game and started playing it.

Today because of the huge progress of electronics and computers in general we don't have to have a backgammon board to play the game. If you have access to the Internet, then you can play backgammon with the click of a mouse. There also are electronic backgammon games that you can play when on the go, in your car at work or even at home when you don't have somebody to play with.

When you play online you can play with anybody you want to and the best thing is that you don't see your opponent. And of course you gain a lot of experience that you can use when playing with your friends or family or when you participate in competitions.
About the Author

Why Has The Nintendo Wii Become So Popular In Japan

The Advantages Of Light Backpacking

Backpacking requires that you bring all essential items before going on a trip. You do not want to be endangered during your trip, do you? If you want to avoid accidents and problems as much as possible during your trip, you have to pack all kinds of things like maps and compass, tents, sleeping bags, water, matches and maybe some canned goods for your adventure. You have to bring a first aid kit too.

These gears are numerous, I know. Carrying a load that is too heavy might pose a problem for you when going on a trip. Carrying a hefty load will make your backpacking adventure less fun and more cumbersome. So how do you counter this problem when you know that you need all the things you are carrying? You cannot very well leave some of the things behind, can you?

The trick to remember when packing for a backpacking trip is to bring items that are lightweight but nonetheless provide you with the same protection during your camping expedition. There are now hundreds of Ultralight gears available in the market today and these gears are a big help to you. Your backpack must not weigh more than two pounds. Purchase one that is not only lightweight, but is durable to hold all your gears. A light sleeping bag is a great idea for lightweight backpacking, too. It should not be more than three pounds and should not be too bulky. Instead of packing a tent, why not opt for a tarp instead? Tents are bulky and tend to be heavy. A tarp can provide you with the same degree of protection and shelter when in the wild but you have to have knowledge on setting one up first so that you would not get wet. Setting up a tarp requires that you know how to do it and you practice on it first before going on a trip.

Backpacking also requires that you are in good shape when going on a trip. All the hiking demanded by a backpacking trip will surely take its toll on you if you are not in a good physical state. But the best way to cope up with a backpacking trip is having a much needed presence of mind. Being on alert and knowing what to do during your trip will definitely save you from a lot of risks and problems.

Greg Lucas is a small business owner and an on-line marketing expert who owns and operates a large network of informative and educational websites. for more information please visit: backpacking

Real Estate Investment Property Getting The Best Capital Growth

If you are looking at real estate investment and want to get the best capital growth then you need to keep 2 main points in mind.

If you do you will maximise your return and limit your risk so, here are your two important tips for maximising your returns onreal estate investment property.

1. Property Price to Reward

When buying investment real estate property we all want a cheap deal, but keep in mind you need to balance the risk reward and this means buying property with the best risk to reward.

For example, you can take a risk and buy a property cheaply in an area that may do well in the future but you are better off buying in a position where you KNOW its going to do well. For example buy near:

1. Existing popular locations
2. Changes in the infrastructure coming such as roads, marinas, entertainment etc

You know the chances of popular area spreading out are high and you also know that changes in the infrastructure will see values rise. So buy on facts, not on what you hope might happen or what you think will happen

Act and buy real estate investment properites on SOLID facts not whims or opinions!

2. Buy Into a solid uptrend

When buying a market, buy one that has and is still producing good gains for the amount you spend.

For example buying investment real estate in the US has shown solid gains but the market overall is slowing down.

On the other hand there are new property hot spots overseas that realtors try and sell you that may take off. But will they? Sure but big variable here is the word may You can make more if the market does but most don?t.

Look for a market with a track record of gains, rising investment and property prices that are fair value.

Costa Rica is a good example. A good solid up trend for years, rising investment and beach front property up to 70% less than in the US and only 3 hours away.

Will this trend continue? The answer is probably yes, as baby boomers look for new homes there are plenty of Americans in Costa Rica already and the demand Looks set to continue.

Many people when buying investment real estate property think that once a market has taken off they have missed the boat but this is not true.

Property trends can last for 20 or 30 years in some areas.

3. Get local help

If you are buying overseas real estate investment property, make sure you get a decent attorney so everything is done correctly and you are not caught out.

Remember laws in other countries are different and you should not assume their the same as in the US or your country of residence.

When you are buying investment real estate property follow the above three points and you will maximise the risk reward on your investment and enjoy some solid capital gains in the years ahead.

FREE REPORT !

For a free report on maximising your gains by investing in property and facts on great locations to buy visit http://www.costaricalandlots.com.

Choosing the Perfect Jogging Stroller

When choosing the perfect jogging stroller, a very important question to ask yourself is whether you want a swivel or fixed wheel. The benefit of choosing a jogging stroller with a fixed wheel is that it will offer the stability and straight tracking that you will require. The front wheel tends to be larger on a fixed wheel model which means it will be a smoother ride for your child and will handle bumps better at any speed.



When shopping for a fixed wheel jogging stroller there are several questions you should be asking yourself. Is this stroller travel friendly? Is it important to you that your jogger stroller has a folding mechanism? Consider whether or not you it is important to you that your jogger stroller also has a bike trailer included for people that cycle. For those of you are that are off-road runners, nature trail enthusiasts or live in a neighborhood with bumpy sidewalks, you should consider purchasing a jogger stroller with sturdy frames, suspension systems and high-quality construction.



If you do not plan on actually running with your jogging stroller then you might want to invest in one with a swivel front wheel. A jogging stroller with a swivel front wheel is an appropriate choice for indoor use, such as malls and the grocery store. The swivel wheel jogging stroller is usually 12? or less whereas the standard fixed front wheel is 16?. Although swivel wheel jogging strollers are less graceful with bumps and do not tend to track as straight they make tight turns much easier. These strollers can be used in a non-swivel mode for the occasional light jog.



Choosing a swivel wheel jogger stroller that is car seat compatible is also an important decision to make. A car seat compatible swivel wheel jogger stroller is convenient for transporting your child from the house to car to stroller without having to wake them up.

Have You Lost Your Mind?!

Have You Lost Your Mind?!

 by: Sherri L Dodd

Have You Lost Your Mind?!

He was fighting me every step of the way, arched back, stiffened legs and an indignant bellow. With my mind focused on securely fastening my toddler in his seat, all else was an insignificant distraction. Even when my remote became wedged between my hipbone and the carseat and locked the doors. Even when my keys, once secured in my pocket, dislodged and fell to the floor. Yes, they were all just distractions. When I accomplished the chaotic task and my son was secured in his babyseat I shut that door and knodded with the confidence of a true champion.

Have you ever had one of those slow-motioned moments when you know you just did something really unintelligent? Well, the ton of bricks hit me right before that door slammed. My stomach sunk and I looked at my babe who was staring back at me through a slightly tinted window with those wide, bright blue eyes waiting for me to make the next move. Thank goodness the windows were cracked and more thanks and goodness that it was a cool Autumn day. But what to do next flooded my head and my heart began to race. Yes, my first thought was that nifty little yellow tow-truck, but how long would it take to reach me? There must be something else I could do, maybe try a little brute strength. I positioned my forearms between the doorjamb and cracked window as if I would miraculously pry it open...fruitless. Then, I journeyed to the back hoping that the trunk would not be locked in conjunction with the rest of the doors...to no avail. It was a terrible moment. Though I was in the family-friendly environment of my older son's swim lessons, I had to face that fact that I would have to acknowledge my glaring blunder in front of all the other kids, parents and teachers who would be observing this whole ordeal unfold.

I rushed to the owner's side, who rushed to her office to phone for help. She immediately called her roadside service. Sensibility began to seap back into my head as I noticed panic rushing into hers. I asked for a wire hanger. Yes, I realized that today's lock tops are not as easily accessible as the flat-disk shaped tops of yesteryear, but why not give it a try. I hustled back to my car and unraveled and retwisted and folded and molded that hanger into a handy widget and fished it down into my car. I weedled it around the middle of the lock at the most subtle indention. I was able to hook and yank it with a mighty jerk. The locks went up, the alarm went off and I opened my door and reached down to my back floor mat to grab those auspicious keys. Roadside was cancelled, I have a new and improved relationship with my son's swimming instructors and hopefully I have learned that some distractions are to be taken very seriously.

Perhaps you have heard the saying that for every child you give birth to a percentage of your brain. Why has it become so common that I forget things? What happen to that efficient, organized and precise thinking that I needed for my job within the high-profile corporation. If I operated in this manner in that environment I would have never made it out alive. Has each of my childred placed a deficiency in my cranial cavity? Aside from the episode above, there have been more oddities: refrigerator doors left open, milk in the cupboard and plenty of burnt meals. As the strangeness began to add up, I found the courage to consult my friends. They too had their heaping share of stories. Feeling better that someone shared my pain; I was compelled to look up more information on the web. I read stories upon stories of moms in the same predicament. I followed this observation up with medical research as to why this happens; and, while even the medical profession could not offer a clear and final explanation, there were plenty of possible excuses offered. Hormones, the fact that the brain shrinks during pregnancy (supposedly to return to normal size thereafter), post partum depression symptom, sleep deprivation and finally the distractions and chaos that come with raising children all surmised the malady quite well. The last two I am going to grasp and hold on to as my alibi...that's my story and I'm stickin' to it!

Think of the distractions your mind inherits once you find out you are pregnant - all those things that could go wrong before the baby comes, plus you have to eat for you and for the baby. During childbirth, you may turn down painkillers or epidurals - for the baby. Zero to six months are dedicated to avoiding newborn dangers and providing comfort for the baby. Toddlerhood is your period of safety precautions (aka - 'more and more dangers') for the baby. Kindergarten yields its own new discoveries of parental inadequacy and so on. One friend who is currently tormented by her oldest son's first year of middle school, says that not only does she worry about her own peaks and valleys, but now her son's middle school insecurities are fed directly into her as well. Till you are smiling down from heaven above, you will be worrying about your children and how to keep them safe, healthy and happy. Obvious, right? Well, if it is so obvious why do we as moms, wonder why our ability to focus, process information and remember things has gone to the birds? Why are we secretly wondering what is wrong with us and whether or not we are clinically losing it or just showing the early signs of senility? Why do moms begin to label themselves as stupid (a common occurance in the chatroom scripts I read), less than adequate or incapable of furthering themselves in an intellectual manner, with intellectual people?

I am encouraging all of you once fiercely sharp women to forgive this phase of your mental life. The distraction of raising children is reason enough to miss a couple cues during your daily routine. Add any type of medical matter to this package and you are to be given extra allowance of compassion. While we are so lucky to experience our children's delight and victories as they grow, so must we endure their pain and sorrow. In doing so, it can overwhelm, divert and consume our every thought. While I would love to give you the timetable of recovery, I cannot. I can only look at the many other moms and grandmothers who are still thriving and be inspired that no matter how much matter you lose, there is still a chance to live a wonderfully fruitful life well into your golden years, kids included!

About The Author

Sherri Dodd is an ACE-certified Personal Trainer, a Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant and the creator and author of Mom Looks Great - The Fitness Program for Post Partum Women. With over fifteen years of exercise experience, she is dedicated to a life of fitness as well as encouraging others to seek healthy habits and a better quality of life. Find out more about Mom Looks Great at www.momlooksgreat.com.

Diaper Caddies as Baby Gift Baskets for New Parents

When I was first home with my newborn baby girl I often found as I was trying to feed and care for her, that what I needed always seemed to be in another room. If I needed a burp cloth, I had left the clean one in the kitchen. If I was up to my elbows in a dirty diaper in the nursery and desperately needed the box of baby wipes, I had left that in the livingroom. I did a lot of sprinting from room to room retrieving supplies.

When I was first home with my newborn baby girl I often found as I was trying to feed and care for her, that what I needed always seemed to be in another room. If I needed a burp cloth, I had left the clean one in the kitchen. If I was up to my elbows in a dirty diaper in the nursery and desperately needed the box of baby wipes, I had left that in the livingroom. I did a lot of sprinting from room to room retrieving supplies.

Once my daughter was a few months old, an idea came to me for a diaper caddy. The caddy could be stocked with a days worth of supplies and easily carried from room to room. The caddy would hold a wipes container snuggly in place and, of course, it had to be well-made and stylish. I made a prototype and upon demand from friends and family began selling them as baby shower gifts. Let us look at some suggestions for its use.

This caddy is made of a very high quality shaker-style basket, which, unless jumped on by your child, will last until the little cherub goes to college. Real wood dividers are crafted and set inside the fabric-lined basket - this creates cubbies and a center compartment which will hold any of the major-brand plastic wipes containers.

New moms have told me that they restock the caddy usually in the morning, with 4-6 burp cloths and 10-12 diapers. The most popular finds in the other four compartments are diaper cream, cornstarch powder, pacifiers, the nasal bulb syringe (as all new parents know as he sucker), lanolin (for the nursing moms), rattles and I've been told it's a great t.v. remote holder (although I do not promote this use, I will admit the importance of knowing the proximity of the remote during middle-of-the-night feedings).

I know a mom whose baby is 7 months old who stocks the basket in the a.m. with a days worth of clean outfits. She brings the basket downstairs to the livingroom for the day. Because the wooden dividers are removable, the basket can be used to store memorabilia such as photos and baby's firsts' when its use as a diaper caddy is no longer needed.

The SaraBear Diaper Caddy makes a unique and stylish new baby gift for the new parents. They can be purchased online as is or as beautiful baby gift baskets at www.sarabearbaskets.com.

Copyright Melissa Bramlage, All Rights Reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melissa is a mother of one with a baby on the way, a Registered Nurse and owner of http://www.sarabearbaskets.com where you will find her original diaper caddy and baby gift baskets.

A Guys Guide To Buying Lingerie For Women

Buying lingerie for your lover can be one of the most romantic things you can do. It's an intimate gift which, if you get it right, shows you really care, really do understand her and have put the effort in to really think about a gift she will like.

It's also one of the most stressful and dangerous gifts you can buy if you are a guy so don't rush in to it!

Get it right and there are some major brownie points to be earned here. You may even get to unwrap your present later...

Get it wrong however, and you will almost certainly live to regret it...if you're lucky!

Before you even think about buying make sure you avoid the following pitfalls and take heed of the helpful lingerie buying advice for guys we provide here. A few minutes reading can save you hours of grief.

Common Lingerie Buying Mistakes
-------------------------------

Guys, the most important things to remember when buying lingerie as a present are these:

1) It's NOT for You!

Remember who you are buying lingerie for and tailor your future choice to this. If you buy something in a style she doesn't usually wear then the chances are, you've got it wrong. If you buy it in a colour or design she doesn't usually wear then again, you've probably got it wrong. Buy something YOU like and the chances are...yup, you guessed it, you've got it wrong!

The Golden Rule - You are buying lingerie for your lady...and NOT for yourself!

Yes, for sure those models look great in the skimpy, slutty lingerie and no doubt you'd love to see her in the same, but think of the message you are sending. Do you want your gift to say You're special and I love you or Love? I just wanna ... you!.

Opt for the leather, PVC, crotchless, peephole lingerie or naughty nurse outfit and you'll no doubt end up sleeping with Rover that night. Go for something silky or lacey and you are more likely to be on the right lines.

2) Do Your Research

The second biggest mistake is going into a lingerie store blind. DO NOT try to guess her size, favourite style or for that matter, try to guess anything else. You'll fail miserably. Unfortunately, women don't work in S, M, L, XL sizes like us, they have to go and make it more complicated. When you walk into a lingerie store prepare to be hit by a dizzying array of numbers and letters associated with an even more confusing selection of wierd and wonderful products which to the untrained eye, all look the same but to her, are very different.

Think push-up, plunge, balcony, gel filled, water filled, padded, unpadded, underwired, seamless, backless, boneless, strapless, open cup...with different cup sizes from A to JJ and not forgetting the numbers, different materials and designs...and that's just the bras!

Basically guys, do your research first before you hit the high street or go shopping online and you've got a vastly better chance of getting it right. Wait until she goes out and then raid her underwear drawer. Try to find things with the label in and write down the numbers there. If they haven't sizes inside you can borrow a bra and panty set and take it to a store and ask one of the sales staff...they've seen it all before, don't worry. Make sure what you take is on the new side or you risk buying something in the size she once was rather than the size she is now...the very WORST thing you can do is buy something in the size she was before she went up a dress size or two!

Whilst you are rummaging around amongst her undies, make a note of the colours and styles she likes. Is there a particular colour she is particularly fond of? Does she like patterns or plain styles? Does she go for comfort or sex appeal? These are important things to note if you are going to buy something she will like rather than something which gets shoved to the bottom of the drawer.

3) Items To Avoid

Now you know her size, the colours and styles she likes there's a few pitfalls to avoid:

Avoid anything marked as Control, Reducing, etc. These are to suck in bellies and hide excess weight...unless you really want to send the message suck it in fatty you'd probably be best avoiding these!

Gel filled, water filled and cleavage enhancing bras...again, be careful what you might be perceived as hinting at with these.

Kinky stuff in general doesn't generally work as an I love you kind of gift. If you are daring enough to buy it at all, then save it for the times in between birthdays, Christmas and Valentines Day...

Anything else is probably safe.

Final Tips
-----------

Now you've got the majority of the pitfalls put to one side and hopefully avoided here are a few final tips:

1) Presentation

An important part of your gift is the presentation. Most shops will professionally gift wrap your purchase for you if you ask for a small charge and this is well worth paying a little extra for.

2) Shop Online

One of the glorious things about shopping for lingerie online is the wealth of information available to you which you simply will not find in a bricks and mortar lingerie retailer. Take a look at their gift ideas, top sellers list etc. for loads of ideas of what are popular choices.

3) Keep The Receipt!

If worse comes to the worse, she can always swap it for something else...

If you are still feeling brave enough to give this a try then good luck and may you reap the rewards your bravery deserves! After all, as the saying goes, faint heart never won fair maiden...

About the author:

Mark Falco is the webmaster and owner of the UK lingerie advice and shopping guide Luv Lingerie found at http://www.luvlingerie.co.uk.

Dish Network The Way To See The World

Owned by EchoStar Communications Corporation, the Dish network was launched in March, 1996. Dish network is the fastest-growing digital satellite television service provider in the United States, with a subscriber base of 12 million. They provide various types programming packages, delivering 250 channels with free equipment and installation parts.

Dish network offers 110 foreign-language channels covering 25 different languages, thus connecting people. The best part of a Dish network is its interactive channel. There are over 22 virtual interactive channels that allow viewers at home to shop, play games, and much more. Dish network service allows viewers to restrict inappropriate channels by removing it from the list.

Dish network has a 24 hour customer service, as they care a lot about their customer relationships. Almost all the dish network dealers offer life time warranty for the basic satellite equipments and require no maintenance. A minimal monthly subscription cost is required for enjoying 24 hours a day entertainment. There are special names assigned to the Dish network packages depending on the number of channels that a subscriber can view. Some of the names of the packages are America's Top 60, America's Top 120, America's Top 180, and more.

Some of the channels that you can view with the help of a Dish network are Animal Planet, BBC America, Bravo, Cinemax, CNN, Comedy Central, CNBC, The Discovery Channel, Disney Channel, ESPN, The Fox Channels, HBO, Hallmark, Sci-Fi Channel, Soapnet, Style, Toon Disney, TV Guide Channel, and much more. You can also view some local channels with the help of a free second dish.

Dish network provides satellite transmitted, high quality audio and video data to various places all over the United States. Almost all the dealers of Dish network provide free DVR and HD receivers. Dish network, catering 24 hours to customer needs, was ranked No. 1 in customer satisfaction by J.D Power and Associates Cable/Satellite TV Customer Satisfaction Study. Dish network was also ranked No. 1 in customer satisfaction by University of Michigan Business School. Dish network offers 100% digital picture, with theatre quality sound and highly acclaimed customer service. It is economical and provides you with the latest equipments like the DVR and HD.
About the Author

Planning the Perfect Maternity Wardrobe for Breastfeeding

?I have nothing to wear!? Heard this before from a new mother?

After putting in much time and effort into planning their maternity wardrobe, many new mums suddenly discover they have nothing to wear after their baby arrives!

It is important to plan ahead while pregnant to ensure your maternity wardrobe will make the smooth transition from pregnancy to breastfeeding.

With a few simple tips planning the perfect maternity and breastfeeding wardrobe is easy and won?t break the budget either!

Start with the basics

Look at the basics in your pre-pregnancy wardrobe and replace these with the maternity versions. Maternity tanks tops with built-in nursing bras are fantastic and are easy to mix and match. Black, white and a print or brighter colour are great to start with and will go with most colours.

Tank tops will also take you through all seasons ? perfect to wear on their own in the warmer months and great for layering in winter.

Think Dresses

Dresses in flowing stretchy fabrics are fantastic for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. With the right cut, dresses are very flattering on a baby bump and also great for the post-baby figure.

Make sure you have at least one or two dresses in your wardrobe that will take you from work, play and important functions such as your baby?s christening or naming day! Again you can?t go past classic black for classic style and slimming effect.

New styles of maternity dresses also include a built-in nursing bra, which is fantastic when you have to attend a function and breastfeed your baby at the same time.

Tops to take you everywhere

Once you have a baby you suddenly need clothing for all those outings ? mother?s group, coffee, shopping, trips to the doctor, the list goes on? Unless you want to spend your life in baby rooms, you need tops that allow you to breastfeed discreetly in public and look good too!

Again look for tops that allow for easy breastfeeding access and are flattering on your changing shape. Style features such as crossover fronts and side gathering are very good at hiding extra kilos. Many tops designed for breastfeeding are also suitable for pregnancy.

Look for quality

As a mum of two small boys, I know how tempting it is to go for cheap and cheerful when buying clothes. However, often these items are here for ?a good time not a long time? and won?t last the distance.

When you think about it, your maternity and breastfeeding wardrobe needs to last you for at least two years depending on how long you breastfeed and how many children you have. So in the long run it is better value for money to look for quality fabrics and styles that will last the distance.

Kelly Gough is a business mum who manages online store Nuvo Maternity (http://www.nuvomaternity.com.au) while also caring for her two small boys. Nuvo Maternity specialises in nursing wear and breastfeeding clothes.

Keeping Baby Safe Your Most Important Role As A Parent

Saying Thanks, But No Thanks to Used Safety Equipment

Once your beautiful bundle of joy arrives, the work of raising your child really begins. The biggest job you have as a parent is keeping your baby safe. Yet, it is impossible to watch over your children twenty-four hours a day.

Thankfully, there are many safety products available to keep them from getting hurt. These products include safety gates, outlet covers, oven and table bumpers, doorknob covers, bed rails, locks and guards, and many more. As a parent, you need to use products that are one step ahead of their children's abilities, and can do so by getting down on their level and looking around. This gives you a child's eye perspective of child safety issues in your home.

But with so many products to buy and so many different brand names, how do you decide what products you need most? The best thing to do when it comes to safety is buy new products rather than used ones. An older, used product may have been recalled due to dangerous safety issues, or it may be damaged from previous use. Although hand-me-downs are great for clothes and toys, your childs safety is just too important to leave to chance. Babies R Us is a great place to find all the safety products you need.

That still leaves the issue of how to choose between one safety gate, for instance, and another. Here are some purchasing tips for some of the more popular safety items you will need for your baby.

Car Seats

More children are seriously injured and killed in auto accidents than in any other type of accident. Each year, hundreds of lives could be saved if children were protected in cars by using child safety seats. Using a child safety seat is the best protection you can give your child when traveling by car.

When purchasing a car seat, look for:

* Label states that it meets or exceeds the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards;
* Is the car seat appropriate for your child's height and weight?
* Be aware of the type of seat belts your car has; all car seats are not compatible with all seat belts;
* Check recent car seat recalls before making a purchase;
* Be sure that the seat you choose fits your child - a smaller baby can slip out of a seat that's too large. Infants one year or younger and up to 20 pounds must be placed in a rear-facing seat, toddlers (older than 1 year and between 20 and 40 pounds) may use a forward-facing seat, and children who are between 40 and 80 pounds need to be placed in a booster seat;
* Consider choosing a seat that is upholstered in fabric - it may be more comfortable for your child.

Safety Gates

Baby safety gates are an essential element in making your home baby proof. Now that he's on the move, every nook and cranny is a potential area of exploration for him. Your baby is curious about his new environment, wanting to investigate each little corner and new room. The best way to make sure he can't do any harm to himself is to install safety gates. These will prevent him from reaching the stairs, kitchen, or an office room, where there might be many wires and electrical equipment just at his height

Accordion gates, which open to form diamond-shaped patterns with wide V's at the top, can trap a baby's head and have resulted in strangulation deaths. In January 1985, gate manufacturers halted production of these gates, but there are still an estimated 15 million gates in use. Mesh gates also can be dangerous because a toddler's fingers can become trapped.

When purchasing a safety gate, look for the following:

* A hardware-mounted gate that attaches to the doorframe without any openings to trap fingers or necks. Pressure-mounted gates should not be used between rooms of different levels or at the top of stairs; children can dislodge them and take a tumble.
* Gates that swing out should never be used at the top of stairways;
* Nonflexible vertical slats or rods should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart;
* Check for sharp edges and protrusions that could hurt a toddler's hands;
* Avoid gates with structures that could give a child a foothold for climbing. Keep large toys away from the gate to prevent a child from using them to climb over;
* The gate should be no less than 3/4 of the child's height

Playpens

These high-sided, enclosed play areas are popular because they allow parents to put their baby down with the knowledge that he can't wander off. It is great when you have to answer the phone, do a bit of ironing, or just catch a quick breath!

When purchasing a playpen, look for the following:

* Holes in the mesh should be no larger than 1/4 inch to keep small fingers from getting caught;
* The sides should be at least 20 inches high, measured from the floor of the playpen;
* Look for padding on the tops of the rails to protect your baby from bumps;
* The locks that allow you to lower a side should be out of your baby's reach.

Baby Monitors

The idea behind a baby monitor is that you can have the ability to move around the house or your yard and still be able to keep tabs on your baby by listening or now viewing your baby. This can help alert you to a crying baby, a baby who needs your help or just help you watch baby while he or she sleeps.

The baby/nursery monitor that you buy will have different levels of mobility. The base usually plugs into the wall, usually the nursery or wherever your baby is sleeping. The receiver can plug in or be mobile. If you intend to use the monitor as you move from room to room, you will want to invest in the mobile kind, versus the stationary variety.

When purchasing a baby monitor, look for the following:

* There should be at least two channels to choose from;
* Be sure that you have a low battery indicator light. Without this you might be listening to the receiver, thinking all is quiet in the baby's room, when in fact all you've got is a dead battery;
* Has a power-on light so that you can know the unit is on without disturbing the baby;
* Has a volume control to put you in charge of how loudly you wish to hear your baby;
* Are you planning to carry around your end of the monitoring system? Then you might want a belt clip!

Bath Seats

A bath seat gives your child added support while in the bathtub and can help prevent a soapy baby from slipping out of your hands and hitting her head on the tub. Keep in mind, however, that you should NEVER leave your child unattended in the tub!

When purchasing a bath seat, look for the following:

* Never use a bath seat on textured or non-skid surfaces unless the manufacturers instructions specifically state the seat is intended for such surfaces;
* Look for the JPMA Certification Seal.

Always remember, no matter what safety product you are buying, to look at the features to be sure they meet your specific requirements. Also check to be sure that the product you are considering has not recently been recalled. The safety of your child is of utmost importance dont leave it to chance!

By Claire Bowes

Child Car Seat Safety Recommendations

Car accidents have been reported as the primary cause of childrens deaths in the United States. Thousands of children below the age of twelve were injured and died annually because of car crashes, and it is so sad to know that these accidents cant be controlled and eliminated even if the driver is a professional or expert driver. But theres still a piece of good news to that, that is, the risks of car accidents can be reduced by using the right or proper child safety car seat.

The child safety care seat now comes in a number of types and forms. They are now marketed throughout the world knowing that a great number of consumers are now demanding for it. So its no wonder that you can find them even at your neighborhood stores. The problem, however, is that with a myriad of types available for car seats, finding the right one can somehow be puzzling. It is even more puzzling with more and more models coming out in the market. Well, it is for this reason actually that these child car seat safety recommendations are given.

So what are these child car seat safety recommendations?

Note that in this article, I will tackle more on what types of car seat will be best for small children. I have included here certain child car seat safety recommendations for children of ages 1 to 8 years. I have even stressed for these child car seat safety recommendations the car seat types best suited for weights and heights of children. So if you want to know these suggestions, consider the following:

Child Car Seat Safety Recommendation for Newborn and 1 Year Old Children

For the newborn and those who are at the age of 1, it is always best to use a rear-facing infant seat or a convertible seat in the rear-facing position. When installing the car seat, be sure to set the shoulder straps below the childs shoulder level, and to ensure that what youre doing is right, review the manufacturers instructions or manual thoroughly. This recommendation is also ideal for children up to 20 pounds and 26 inches long.

Child Car Seat Safety Recommendation for Children Age 1 to 4

For children age 1 to 4 or those who are up to 20 to 40 pounds and 26 to 40 inches tall, the use of a forward-facing seat or a convertible seat in the forward-facing position is often recommended. Also, it is best to position the straps at or above the shoulder level and still, for proper installation, it is always best to check and review the instruction manual.

Child Car Seat Safety Recommendation for Children Age 4 to 8

For those who are 40 to 80 pounds and 40 to 57 inches tall, a belt-positioning booster seat or a high-back is the perfect type of car seat to use for ultimate safety. It is best to choose the belt-positioning booster seat that uses the vehicles lap-shoulder belt. The key here is not to use a shield-type booster seat; but when it comes to installation, a thorough review of the instruction manual is highly recommended.

Milos Pesic is a successful webmaster and owner of popular and comprehensive Child Safety information site. For more articles and resources on Child Safery related related topics, visit his site at:

=>http://child-safety.need-to-know.net/

By Milos Pesic

Miami Real Estate

Miami is considered the largest urbanized city in the state of Florida. With the metropolitan area surrounded by the Miami River, Biscayne Bay, the Everglades, and the Atlantic Ocean, Miami a great place for residential homes and recreation areas.

Types of Miami Real Estate

With the ever increasing demand for Miami real estate, properties both existing and new are readily available. You can choose from affordable homes to luxurious mansions, condos, lofts, apartment buildings and even pre-construction buildings. Whether it be for residence or commercial properties such as hotels, restaurants, offices or other income properties, you can find something that will suit your taste. Properties range from $650,000 to millions of dollars, and surely you can find something that will suit your budget. Properties are available in Miami Beach, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Brickell, Surfside, Bal Harbor, Key Biscayne, Aventura, Fisher Island, downtown Miami, Lincoln Road, and more.

Guidelines

Wherever you may want to find a property in Miami, you can find a realtor who can help you purchase that piece of Miami real estate that is right for you. He or she can present you with photographs, videos, or virtual tours of the properties available. Your realtor can find a property that will match your budget. He will also guide you through local taxes and mortgage rates. And be sure to seek the services of a member of the National Association of Realtors who will strictly uphold the Code of Ethics of the association.

Amenities

What contributes to the beauty of Miami real estate is the richness of the cultural diversity that exists in this city. Aside from the local Americans, the city hosts a rich population of Latin Americans and people that reside in the Caribbean. Miami also has a healthy number of tourists, not to mention many celebrities who call Miami their home. The city has at least two prestigious universities - University of Miami and Nova Southeastern University - and hosts athletic teams such as the Miami Dolphins, the Florida Marlins, and the Miami Heat.

Miami Real Estate provides detailed information on Miami Real Estate, Miami Waterfront Real Estate, Miami Beach Real Estate, Miami Luxury Real Estate and more. Miami Real Estate is affiliated with Downtown San Diego Real Estate.

Persistence Wins Again

Making the Fresh Start Presentation

So you are out and running your route and have found a homeowner home who wants to listen to a Fresh Start Presentation (FSP). Remember the Fresh Start Presentation is the Homeowner Options slide show that you have. It goes through the advantages and disadvantages of the seven (7) options available to the financially distressed homeowner. They are as follows:
1)Sell on the Open Market
2)Refinance the home
3)Restructure the mortgage
4)File bankruptcy
5)Borrow from friends and family
6)Let it go to foreclosure
7)Sell to an investor

Whether you have scheduled an appointment or have just knocked the door the opportunity to make the presentation will lead to money for you. So what is the best way to make the presentation? Do you start with the overview and then go through each option? Do you ask some preliminary questions and get to the homeowners present position or do you just get to the price we will pay for the home and leave it at that?

The answer depends upon the homeowner and your preparation for your visit with the homeowner. Remember ?Information is power and the key to a successful negotiation and purchase of your next home or investment property?. So if you have failed to prepare for your meeting with the homeowner your chances of success are diminished. We try to gather information for you and put it in the notes. Some information can be gathered by going over the pricing of the home when you have a scheduled appointment. The rest of the information will come from the homeowners? needs and wants and honest eyes.

What follows are typical situations you will run into in the field and what assumptions you should make if you run into these types of situations. They are 1) Research indicates that the home is on the market. 2) Home is vacant; 3) Homeowner just came out of Bankruptcy.

Home on the Market

What assumptions can we make if the home is placed on the market?
1) We know that they are willing to leave the home and move on with their lives.

2) The Homeowners have cut the emotional attachment to the home.
3) They have either eliminated or exhausted the following options: refinance, restructure and borrowing from friends and relatives.
From this we can make the following conclusion: The homeowner is left with the bankruptcy option and selling on the open market or to us. Here is a note from a locator regarding a house that is on the market.

Visited 8/12/06; 1PM. Met HO in driveway. HO's are divorced and selling the property. Home vacant. Property is listed with Briarwood Realty. Presented the Fresh Start Program to HO's. Interior of the home is broom swept condition already. Good condition. Husband was ready to give release, wife not willing to give release today. Wife indicated that she would like to take a few days and to talk with the bank on Monday. We agreed to contact each other on Tuesday 8/15/06. I left contact info with them and received their contact info as well. Will take complete set of photos when I get the release. Both HO's confirm that they have equity in the property.

Now what part of the FSP would you pitch to get the release? How do you begin the process? If I knew the number they had placed on the house, I would talk about market time, home inspections and the possibility of an unsavory investor tying them up until it is too late and purchasing at the auction. If I did not know the market number I would ask for the price and how long it has been sitting on the market. This type of presentation should begin with a back-up plan or safety net plan. It should inform the homeowners that we could possibly purchase the property in a quick fashion and net them some money for their fresh start. We would do this by making a deal with the listing broker to continue to list the property after we purchased it. Saving the homeowners the cost of the broker. We could also inform them that they would not have the carrying costs, insurance, taxes, and foreclosure costs that are currently stacking up on the property. All of this may add up to a less stressful conveyance than waiting out a slow market. If you are fairly new at locating just use the making the offer to the homeowner chart to walk you through the offer: This chart is located on the resource page of the website.

When a home is on the market it is fairly difficult to get a homeowner to agree to sell the property to an investor. Reasons are that some mortgage broker has told them that they can sell their home for a number we will not pay. Only time and an auction date will usually make this homeowner come around. A smart locator will make the pitch for the backup plan and wait until it is close to the auction to return for a final opportunity to purchase the property. In the meantime just call the homeowner every week or ten days to check in on their situation. This will allow you to have a continuing dialogue and build some type of relationship with the homeowner.

HOME IS VACANT

What assumptions can we make if the home is vacant?

1) We know that they are willing to leave the home and move on with their lives (they already have).
2) The Homeowners have cut the emotional attachment to the home.
3) That the house is costing the homeowner carrying costs each and every day. We can stop the bleeding by purchasing the home.
4) Homeowner should be happy to unload the property.

Here is a note of a recent vacant home visit:

Visited 8/12/06; 3:15PM. HO not home. Left into letter in the door with personal note. Spoke with the neighbor to get an update on this property. Mailbox is full. Shrubs and vines have overgrown the yard and cover the primary entrance to the house. Lawn has not been mowed in months. Neighbor says that the owner is a great person. He seems to think that the owner has another residence in Marshfield. This property had been up for sale. The HO has been trying to sell it for almost 2 years. He believes that the last listing was $249K. He also has been in the house and said that a lot of work has been done on the inside. Driveway is not paved. Otherwise, nice neighborhood. Dead end street with playground for children. This property is on the quiet end of the street directly across from the playground, corner lot. Looks like a good investment. We will need to track this person down.

Once the homeowner is found the pitch would be straight to the sale of the property to our company. There is little need to go through the rest of the options with this homeowner. It would simply be straight to the sale of the property. Again, this particular note tells us that he had it on the market for 249,000 dollars for two years or so. So we could easily tell him that the price of the property is too high and substitute it for the price that we would sell the property at. (see your manager or the index for the price). Next, I would use the Homeowner chart again to go through the price we could offer on the house and why. Once you as a locator get familiar with the costs associated with a home you can forego using the chart.

This vacant property purchase should be fairly easy once we have tracked down the homeowner. There is no emotional attachment, in fact the homeowner should be relieved to get rid of the property. I would stay on your manager to find these owners and provide you with the means to make a deal.

JUST OUT OF BANKRUPTCY OR IN BANKRUPTCY BUT IS LIQUIDATING THE PROPERTY TO PAY FOR THE PLAN.

What assumptions can we make if the home just came out of bankruptcy?

1) We know that they are finished with most of the options. They can file bankruptcy again but it will not help them.
2) The Homeowners can try to refinance but the cost of the mortgage will be astronomical.
3) That the homeowner has tried everything to save the home and failed.

Here the homeowners have been through the entire process. They have borrowed money from friends and relative, tried to restructure, and refinance the home as well as save it in bankruptcy plan by forcing a payment plan on the bank. Nothing has worked. You need to allow the homeowner a way out with dignity if possible. That may come from you just purchasing the property and giving them enough to begin renting.

They only have two real options left: 1) sell on the open market or sell to us. Your job is to explain to them the problem of selling on the open market with only weeks to go to the auction is not a viable option. The real option is trying to get some equity out by selling to us.

This type of purchase has to be performed with surgical precision. You have homeowners who are emotionally drained from the process of trying to save the home. They trust nobody including the lawyer who took them into bankruptcy and feel like everyone has screwed them. If you are empathetic now would be the time to show it.

Here is a note on a property where this happened.

7/31 note: Relief from stay of auction granted.
11/05 note: In chapter 13 now. He isn't interested in hearing our option as the thought of selling his home makes him cringe. He did agree with me that selling is better than losing to auction. He has the auction stayed for some time now. Let?s keep an eye on his bankruptcy. This is a good home.

From the note the locator has been watching this house since early November 2005. Long time to check in on the property, but it is getting ready to payoff. The new note indicates that the bank has now received the right to foreclose upon the property. It is usually the step before the bankruptcy being dismissed.

The locator will now need to go out to the home and listen to the story of the bankruptcy and convince this homeowner that it is best to sell the home instead of losing it to the bank. This homeowner really does not want to sell the house in fact he would rather stay in the house. With that in mind it is going to be a tough sell.

Again, this pitch should be a straight up number crunching pitch going through the items on the chart. Remember you are going to have to deal with the emotional tie to this house. From the note it is quite evident that this particular homeowner has this tie. When I make the pitch I usually talk about the house as sticks and bricks which is not really a home. The home is his family and the memories which they get to bring with them to the new house they will be occupying. If you can get through the emotional you will purchase the house.

PERSISTENCE WINS AGAIN

Do you know the story of Sisyphus? He was eternally condemned by the Greek Gods to push a rock from the underworld to the top of a mountain. Once he reached the mountaintop he watches as the stone rushes down the mountainside in a few moments back to the underworld. Sisyphus is then forced to walk back to the underworld and repeat this endeavor for eternity. An endless, mindless futile and hopeless labor with no chance of success.

Like Sisyphus our locators ceaselessly drive to a house to try to contact the homeowner only to have no contact. Homeowner was not home. Hiding in the house etc. It seems that the locator has been condemned by the managers to ceaselessly drive to the property leave a personal note and try again. Futile labor with no reward.

A locator could give up and stop running a property-nobody would blame the locator-we know it is a tough job requiring persistence and hard work. So here is our latest story of persistence with a reward.

This property came into the system on March 27, 2006-almost five months ago! (That is double the time a Massachusetts property usually stays in the system). The locator saw the property in April, May, June, without ever talking to the homeowner. Just taking a picture, leaving a note and waiting for a call back. Finally on July 13, 2006 the locator caught the homeowner at the door-the homeowner acknowledged receiving the letters and agreed to an appointment for Saturday on July 16, 2006.

The locator drove to the house for the appointment only to receive a note indicating that he could not meet today and requesting the locator to call on Monday. The locator set up a second appointment and the homeowner simply did not show up for the appointment. The locator had a telephone call to the homeowner and he could hear the homeowner state that he could not talk at the moment.

August rolled around and the locator went back to the house and met a friend of the homeowner and learned that the wife of the homeowner was very sick and was slowly recovering. Finally on August 14, 2006, the homeowner called to schedule an appointment. The locator went to the appointment and went through the FSP and secured the release. Here are the notes on the property. April 9 : nice hood no one home left paper work follow up with a visit May 7: went to the prop. and they were hiding in the home refuse to answer May 16: went to the prop. no one home send letter and follow up with visit June 10: went to the prop. no one home send letter and follow up with a visit they have three dogs June 17: Visited 6/17/06 - Not Home. Left letter requesting they call to set up an appt. June 30: went to the prop. they were home didn?t answer the door send letter and follow up with a visit no pics i thought i already had them sorry next time July 13: Visited 7/13/06; 6:30PM. Met HO, Paul, at the door. He acknowledged receiving the letters of intro that have left at the door. Said that he was heading out and asked if I could come by Saturday at 3PM. Set appt. for Sat, 7/15/06, 3PM July 15: Visited 7/15/06; 3PM. HO not home. HO left a note at the door indicating he could not meet with me today. Requested that I call his cell on Monday to schedule appt. for next week. July 18: Visited 7/18/06; 7:30PM. This was a scheduled appt. with HO. HO was not home. Waited until 8PM. Left letter at the door requesting call back to reschedule. July 25 : Tele-con at 9AM; 7/25/06. This is the second Tele-con since my last visit. Both times the HO (Paul) was in the background and instructed the person I was speaking with to tell me that he was unavailable at this time. How close is this situation to auction? August 5: Visited 8/5/06; 10:45AM. HO not home. Left letter with info to contact for appt. Spoke with Paul's friend that was at the house. Learned that the wife is still in rehab. Recovering from poisoning due to a burst abscess on her spinal cord. She has been down for 3MO. Slowly recovering. August 14: Paul called late last week message was lost now found August 17: property has a market value in pristine condition of 260k. i have put in the rehab budget of 16,500 allowing us to purchase right around 163k plus or minus last sale of houses on your way are at 1654 and 1737 Washington we should shoot pictures of those properties to show the differences for pricing August 17: Visited 8/17/06; 6PM. Presented Fresh Start Program; secured release, faxed to Admin 7:40PM. Property is in good condition. Overall, this is a big house. HO is ready to sell. HO would like to get as much of the equity as possible in order to create a fund for the two girls that he and Nancy have. The story is a sad one. He, Paul, is terminally ill with double lung cancer and diabetes. His doctors would like to remove his left foot but he is resisting. He has been given 6 - 9 more months to live. He told me that he has lost 60 lbs in the past 3 months and he can tell that his breathing is becoming a problem. His wife, Nancy, was being treated for a pinched nerve. In reality, a cyst had formed around her spinal cord and exploded destroying her spinal cord. She is now a quadriplegic and will never be able to return to the home. If she is release from the rehab facility, she will be cared for be her oldest daughter; hence, the fund. This property is ready to be purchased. I mentioned to Paul that there are a lot of options to think about and that we would get back to him by Wednesday with a status update and possibly a proposal by the end of the week.

Sisyphus was eternally condemned to continually fail at his mission, never to reap the rewards of success. A locator has a chance of success. This persistence is the key to a locator?s success. Keep pushing!! Good Hunting http://frontgateconsulting.com/

http://frontgateconsulting.com/

Dressing Your Bridesmaids

Dressing Your Bridesmaids

For a bride, shopping for bridesmaid dresses can be one of the most difficult aspects of wedding planning. How can the bride find a gown for her maids that will display her own taste, look great on every girl and will fit into the financial picture?

There are so many colors and styles of dresses to choose from. The bridesmaids themselves may vary greatly in size and they want a flatteringly gown that makes them feel good. The bride and her bridesmaids may be in their mid-20s or older and want a more sophisticated look in the bridesmaids gown. The bride also has the task of choosing a dress that will look good with each girls skin tone, hair color and figure.

Choosing the right gown can be a challenge, but its not impossible. The bride should start the decision process early. Its ideal to actually place the order for the gowns about four months before the wedding. This will allow time for alterations, shopping for shoes and other accessories and leave time to dye the shoes to match the gown. The bride will find it most helpful to shop with the one bridesmaid whose fashion sense she shares. The ultimate decision about the perfect bridesmaid gown will be the brides.

The first step to choosing a bridesmaid gown is to determine the formality, style and fabric of the wedding gown. The bridesmaid dresses shouldnt overpower or clash with the wedding gown. For todays more simple bridal styles, nice detailing in the maids gowns creates a good look for the group. Back accents like straps, halter tops and simple beading are important for ceremony photography. A quality gown of good fabric and construction is necessary for the active bridesmaids who will be walking, dancing or running errands. Who needs to worry about seams splitting apart or buttons falling off during the wedding?

The next step for most brides is choosing the gown color. This can be done by looking at bridesmaid swatches in the bridal shop. Most manufacturers make bridesmaids dresses in anywhere from a few colors to as many as fifty. Choosing the actual color will narrow the choice of gowns to a more manageable number.

The bride must then consider the size ranges and figure types of her maids. Most bridal parties have an average of two full-figured members. If this is the case, many times its best to begin choosing a gown style with the larger maids in mind. Some larger girls feel comfortable in spaghetti straps or even strapless gowns, but many would rather have at least a short sleeve or perhaps a shawl. The smaller girls can usually wear any style. A-line styles look good on most everyone. A two-piece style with a longer top covering the hip bone is another good style. Almost 50% of wedding parties will include a pregnant bridesmaid. Extra fabric can be ordered to create a maternity side panel. A few designers are now creating maternity bridesmaids.

A new marketing trend for bridesmaids is the idea of separates. Most manufactures now feature at least some of their styles in separate tops and skirts. Separates offer some flexibility for the maids as they are able to choose different sizes for the top and skirt and can accommodate many different figures types. The bride can also choose the color and manufacturer of the separates while letting the maids have the freedom to create a style they will be comfortable in.

In these sensitive economic times, many gown manufacturers are adjusting their prices to meet everyones financial needs. Many designers have lowered their prices with no reduction in the quality of the garments. This years selection of gowns should meet the approval of everyone in the wedding party.

The bride may save time by doing her preliminary shopping online. She can narrow her choices and email styles she likes to her maids. Shopping on the internet may be the most logical choice for some brides when her maids live in different parts of the country. Online ordering entails the maids obtaining their own measurements and alterations which must be done correctly for the best fit. Be sure to order very early to allow extra time for shipping the gowns.

The bridesmaid look is not complete without shoes and accessories. Shoes are available in many styles in fabrics which can be custom dyed to match the gown. Also popular are the clear vinyl shoes in strappy sandals some with changeable colored ribbon straps. One shoe company is now producing 100% silk shoes with leather soles in colorfast fabrics available in 9 styles in 15 colors that can be special ordered for delivery in about one week. Matching wrist or elbow gloves offers a sophisticated look. A simple rhinestone or pearl necklace and earring set will enhance the look of your maids.

With all the choices in bridesmaid gowns available today, every member of the wedding party should be happy with the final results and will spend the wedding day celebrating with the bride and her groom.

About the author:
Roanna Rose has owned a full service bridal shop for more than 20 years. In 1997, the business was extended to the internet when the web site http://www.tjformal.comwas created showcasing prom dresses, wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses, tuxedos, and formal accessories. For free tips on shopping and planning for your prom or wedding visit: http://www.tjformal.com/tips.htm

Austin Luxury Apartments

Rich in natural beauty, Austin is a popular tourist destination and a great place to live. It offers a wide selection of economical to expensive luxury apartments for rent, lease, and sale in a variety of neighborhoods.

Set against the backdrop of beautiful landscapes with hill views, the condominiums, town homes, and duplex luxury apartments are designed to meet varying lifestyles and tastes. Austin luxury apartments engage twenty-first century concepts, spacious floor plans, and an ecologically compatible environment to foster physical, mental, and spiritual well being. Every apartment has a fully equipped kitchen, unique living space, and spacious dining area. Some have Berber carpet, a Roman soaking tub, Texas-size walk-in closets, built-in bookshelves and desks, washer/dryer connections, a utility room, and French patio doors leading to a private garden or balcony.

Common facilities include a sports park and clubhouse with lighted tennis and volleyball courts; professional, multi-level putting greens, big-screen TV and billiards room; computer and Internet access; fitness center with aerobics classes; indoor and outdoor games; parking spaces; a swimming pool and spa. Celebrations such as birthdays or anniversaries, business meetings, and conferences may also be held.

Many Austin luxury apartments have a serene atmosphere, ideal for senior citizens. Independent living and assisted-living luxury apartments are also available. Independent gated villages are interconnected with a series of greenbelts, parks, and lit pathways as well as hike and bike trails.

Information about Austin luxury apartments may be obtained from professional apartment locators, realtors, or real estate agents. Many online sites also assist in buying, leasing, and renting apartments.

Austin Apartments provides detailed information on Austin Apartment Associations, Austin Apartment Guides, Austin Apartment Locators, Austin Apartment Stores and more. Austin Apartments is affiliated with North Dallas Apartments.

Your FICO Score and Purchasing San Diego Real Estate

You have found your perfect piece of San Diego real estate, and now you only need secure a real estate mortgage at a great rate. Simple, right? Definitely not!

Before a mortgage makes that real estate yours, the lender is going to check your credit score, which will determine what type of terms they offer to you, how much you will pay over the life of the real estate mortgage, and even if you can secure a mortgage. Your credit score tells a lender what type of credit risk you are and the likelihood that you will repay the money loaned.

Though there are several types of credit scores, most real estate mortgage lenders use the FICO score, which was developed by Fair Isaac. The FICO is used for several types of credit and can affect terms offered for credit cards, car loans, home equity loans, private mortgage insurance, the required size of your down payment, and even the amount of documentation a lender will require of you during your mortgage application. Your score determines what type of loan for which you are eligible, as well as how much money you can borrow.

Every person has three FICO scores ? one with each of the three major credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. Since the information retained by each credit bureau varies, your score will differ between the ?Big Three?. Before you begin hunting for real estate, it is a good idea to check all three bureaus for your FICO score, as well as right before securing a real estate mortgage. Even if you have checked your FICO scores recently, your scores fluctuate as new information is received by the credit bureaus. It is best to know for certain your FICO scores, than to be surprised during crucial negotiations.

Some of the things each credit bureau looks at in developing your FICO score are your payment history, the amounts your currently owe, the length of your credit history, new credit you have obtained, and the types of credit you use.

The Higher Your Score, the Better

There have been many commercials on television recently about the FICO score and how it follows you wherever you go (as far as credit is concerned). Just remember, the higher your score, the less you will pay to buy real estate on credit. You can save thousands of dollars every year, or you can pay thousands of extra dollars each year on your real estate mortgage, depending upon your score.

The median FICO score is 723, with most lenders requiring at least a score of 760 in order to get the best real estate mortgage terms. The highest FICO score attainable is 850; however, only 13 percent of the population score over 800.

According to myfico.com, a score of 760 or better currently makes you eligible for an average interest rate of 5.98 percent on a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage of $216,000. The interest rate rises to 7.47 percent, if your score is between 620 and 639, which translates to paying an additional $227 each month or $81,720 for the life of the mortgage. A score below 620 can add another three-to-six percent interest. Even a point or two can make a major difference over time. As scores dip below the 700 mark, borrowers are often limited on how much money may be financed; while many lenders will disqualify you all together for a mortgage, even if the rest of your credit file is fantastic.

So, check your three FICO scores when you first decide to look for real estate. Get counseling in how to raise your scores, if it is below 760. If you must purchase sooner than you can repair your credit scores, then plan to refinance after you have raised your FICO scores. Buy real estate with terms that are to your advantage. Know your credit scores and repair any problems early.

John Harris is an expert researcher and writer on real estate topics such as economics, credit improvement tips, home selling advice and home buying preparations. For more on San Diego Homes for Sale visit http://www.twtrealestate.com

Keeping in Touch: 5 Alternatives to an Ezine

I often hear from my clients and ezine subscribers that they aren't sure they can commit to writing a regular ezine as a way to keep in touch with their list, even though they know they should.



My response is usually something like, if it's going to be an albatross, then don't do it! But since they know that they must stay in touch with their email list on a regular basis if they want to have a successful and sustainable business, they are usually stumped for what to do instead.



Here are five ideas I typically share with them:



1. Evergreen Ezine



I first learned of this concept on a teleclass last year, and it seemed so simple that I was amazed that I hadn't thought of it myself - which is usually the reaction I get from my clients as well when I suggest this.



An evergreen newsletter is one that's content is applicable all the time. It's not based on trends or on what's hot in your industry at the moment. It's solid need-to-know information that is based on principles or strategies that rarely change.



To create an evergreen newsletter, you would simply gather your content for as many issues as you plan to publish, create each issue and then drop each one into an autoresponder system to go out automatically at whatever interval you set.



This method takes a bit of work on the front end, but then you 'set it and forget it' until you run out of issues. Then you can let it simply repeat or create a new set of issues by repeating the process above.



2. Ecourse



You can create an ecourse, which is simply a series of emails that shares valuable information with your reader over a period of time.



This is a method I use myself. When you sign up for my mini-ecourse, you also get a subscription to this ezine. I could simply offer the ecourse as a stand alone, though if I did, I would add more days to the series (say from its current 5 to 26) and send them out every couple of weeks as a way to stay in touch with my list.



You set up an ecourse in an autoresponder service, so it's another 'set it and forget it' option once the initial work is done.



3. Audio Tip



If you prefer to talk than type, then consider an audio tip. When I coach clients who are just starting their written ezines, I remind them that it doesn't have to be longer than one valuable tip for each issue.



The same is true if you would prefer to create an audio keep-in-touch vehicle for your list. A colleague of mine sends out a 1-minute audio (and video) marketing tip each week and it's hugely successful.



The easiest way to create and publish audios online is through an inexpensive service like AudioAcrobat.



4. Blog



A blog can be a great alternative to an ezine IF you love to write and are willing to post regularly, if you use search engine optimization to increase your blog's exposure to your market on a continual basis, and if you put a subscription form on your blog so your readers know when you add a new post.



You can start blogging for free at blogger.com or very inexpensively with Typepad (which is the service I use for my personal and business blog).



5. VIP List



Invite people to sign up to receive special offers from you. Many of us do this in our personal lives for places we frequently shop (a quick look at my inbox reveals offers from Eddie Bauer, Old Navy, Red Envelope, etc.), so know that people will sign up to receive discounts and other special offers from you if you invite them to do so.



It's best to use this strategy with a group of people who have already gotten to know you a bit, say from a live event or if you have a blog where you stay in touch with people by posting on a regular basis.



BONUS TIP: If you're writing a regular ezine now, you can add one of these methods as another way to stay in touch with your list, as some people who are on your list may not always read your ezine, but may listen to a short audio or may prefer to read brief posts at your blog instead. Giving your list options as to how they recieve your message will increase your ability to connect with more people in your niche.



Copyright 2006 Alicia M Forest and Client Abundance







Alicia M Forest, MBA, Multiple Streams Queen & Coach? and creator of 21 Easy & Essential Steps to Online Success System?, teaches coaches, consultants, and other solo professionals and online entrepreneurs how to attract more clients, create profit-making products and services, make more sales, and ultimately live the life they desire and deserve. For FREE tips on how to create abundance in your business, visit http://www.clientabundance.com/

Home Sellers: Prepare Your Home for Sale in a Cool Market with Fire

Across the country homes are taking longer to sell. If you have a home for sale, you might consider making a few changes to attract buyers in the cooling real estate market. Not only is the market cooling, so will the weather. It may feel hot to you right now, but in a few weeks, the evenings will get chilly.

Home sellers who stage their homes take advantage of advanced sales techniques. One of the most popular home upgrades today is the addition of a backyard firepit or fireplace. There's something magical about sitting around the glow of a fire that makes people feel great. That's one reason many people go camping, for the simple joy of sitting by a crackling campfire.

Prepare for cool weather selling with a backyard fire. Besides a fireplace, you have many options. At the high end of the scale, you could get a propane type of unit that comes in a terra cotta vase-like container. These types of outdoor fireplaces come in a variety of styles and sizes, which look good on any patio. Point out to home buyers that this fire feature has the added advantage of requiring virtually no cleanup, since these fireplaces don't burn any solid matter.

If your home would benefit from the more rustic appeal of a firepit, you have a number of choices, including one that features a copper cauldron. It's like putting your campfire in a large hand-hammered copper pot, measuring about three feet across and two feet deep. Cauldrons are large enough to become the focal point of an otherwise ordinary backyard.

There's also a propane version of that type of firepit available with molded logs that appear to be burning. This fire enhancement also features the same easy cleanup as the propane-powered terra cotta unit, since no solid material actually burns.

There are a number of firepit rings available that can be customized any way you want, depending only upon your imagination and budget. Generally, a custom firepit should be about 18 inches tall, to prevent sparks from escaping -- and possibly ending up in your buyer's lap. A diameter of 30 inches offers plenty of room for a nice-sized fire. Stone or concrete blocks are generally used to surround the firepit, though you could dress up the pit by using a more decorative stone, such as slate.

Before you build a custom firepit, check codes with your building department or local fire department. In our area, it's easy to get a free permit.

Enchant your home buyers with an outdoor fire. Find a fire feature to suit your home style and take advantage of this growing trend among landscape designers. Entice your buyers with a fire and invite them to stay longer connecting to your home. Light your fire, a few candles or torches, and serve warm drinks. Turn your backyard into a buyer's dream with fire.

Copyright ? 2006 Jeanette J. Fisher

Learn five ways to makeover your home for a top-dollar sale. Free home seller's teleseminars at Sell Your Home Fast.

Jeanette Fisher teaches home sellers five ways to make the highest possible profit from selling their homes. Free 21 Day Action Plan and teleseminars at http://preparehome.com

Atlanta Real Estate FAQs

The answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Atlanta real estate can help you to make a better real estate deal. You can also approach a real estate organization or agent in Atlanta to clarify your points.

How much money is required to buy an average home in Atlanta?

This depends upon a number of factors such as the size and location of the home, the comforts you are looking for, and the procedural fees.

Why do Atlanta home prices go up?

High employment rates and the growing population have raised Atlanta real estate prices. Atlanta's rapid all-round growth contributes significantly to the price hike as well.

What are closing costs?

Various expenses associated with selling and buying of a home, paid at the closing of the mortgage process, are collectively referred to as closing costs. For sellers, closing costs can be approximately 9.5% of the total price of the property.

What are the requirements for Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA)?

This is a consumer-protection statute and requires that certain information about property loans be revealed, such as estimated closing costs and Annual Percentage Rate (APR).

What is the current trend in the Atlanta condominium market?

There has been an explosion in Atlanta's condo and loft market over the past few years. Ranging from renovated warehouses and factories to high-rise condos with many amenities, Atlanta has a buzzing condo and loft market.

What is special about Atlanta's neighborhoods?

Atlanta's neighborhoods have some historic importance. You find Jewish communities and a historical African-American population in the neighborhoods. Most neighborhoods have civic associations that work for the welfare of the local community.

Atlanta Real Estate provides detailed information on Atlanta Real Estate, Atlanta Real Estate Agents, Atlanta Commercial Real Estate, Atlanta Real Estate Listings and more. Atlanta Real Estate is affiliated with Chicago Suburb Real Estate.

REAL ESTATE 101 ? What is Real Estate?

Many people believe that real estate is nothing more than houses, apartment buildings, large office structures. And while that may be true, real estate, by definition is much more.

Once upon a time the powers that be decided to split ?property? into two separate groups. Real and Personal. What?s the difference between these two? In a word, movability. If it moves, it?s considered to be personal with a few exceptions.

Real property consists of three things. Land, things attached or affixed to that land and lastly, appurtenances.

Land is pretty easy. However it?s not just the land you own. You also own sub-terrain rights, depending on your location. This is also true with the airspace above your property. You own up to a certain height, again depending on your location. At some point the government takes over and says, okay that?s it. The rest is ours. We have airways to think of and we?re not going to have every flight file a million easements every time they took off.

Two, items attached to the land. We take this for granted. Your home is considered an attachment. If you look on your deed, I doubt you?ll find any mention of the structure on your land. The house transfers with the sale because of its? attachment to the land.

If there is a question regarding whether an item is Personal or Real, many courts use the MARIA system to decide.

M ? Method of attachment ? How was it attached? Foundation? Nuts and bolts?

A ? Adaptability of the attachment ? How easily does the attachment go with the overall structure? Think solar panels.

R ? Relationship of the parties ? Is this a sale? Is this between family members?

I ? Intent of the parties ? What was the original intent of the party installing the attachment?

A ? Agreement between the parties ? What did they originally agree on?

This issue usually comes up when a property is sold and the seller wants to take an item such as an outdoor barbeque, and the buyer insists that it comes with the sale.

Lastly, appurtenances are considered real property. The official definition is this; A right or privilege that is attached to another property and is conveyed with it.

Suppose Property A had a right (easement) to cross over a part of Property Bs? property to get to the main road. If the owner of A sells his property, the right to cross over Bs? goes with it. This is a type of appurtenance, called an easement appurtenance.

As you can see, ?real estate? is much more than the physical structure that sits on a piece of land. Before buying or selling, make sure you know what is staying and what is going.

Tom Bruner is President of Bruner & Associates, Inc., a full service California commercial property brokerage since 1989. Tom spent four years teaching students Real Estate Principals for Kaplan Schools.

?By spending extra time with each of my clients, I?m able to help that investor buy or sell their income producing property by maximizing that information. Visit me at http://www.brunerandassociates.com?

Caring About Victims Of Cancer

Kim Tells about caring for victims of cancer and about being involved with the Relay For Life cancer fundraiser.

Caring for people we love can be somewhat trying at times. Caring for victims of cancer can be gut wrenching and heartbreaking. Cancer is a word that brings up all sorts of feelings and emotions such as sadness, heartache and pain. Thoughts of deterioration??? and desperation come to mind. I don?t know one person that has not been affected by it whether you yourself are the victim or someone you know and love. One thing I know for sure, we all need to care about victims of cancer. Caring is one of the most beautiful gifts that God has ever given us. When I think of the word ?caring? I feel love, security, friendship, kindness and concern.

My first heartache that cancer caused was losing my loving aunt. Aunt Wanda was an inspiration to everyone who came in contact with her. The loss was so severe. I was overwhelmed with grief. She had the gift of hospitality.? She made all of the nieces and nephews feel as though they were the most special children in the world. Her own four children adored her. Her husband treated her like she was the queen of their castle. I had the hardest time understanding how this horrible disease could kill such a wonderful person. Aunt Wanda wasn?t a materialistic person in the least. She ran a lot of the women?s fellowships at church and fervently prayed for others.

That?s when I learned that cancer is no respecter of persons. I hate the very sound of the name. Shouldn?t it only attack evil people? If that were true most of us would be so much happier.

After losing Aunt Wanda my other Aunt Wanda was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had to have a radical mastectomy. She is now a survivor. I remember her anger against the disease and how it affected her losing both her breasts. She felt that the disease had stolen part of her womanhood.

She also was so good with children and even had several foster children. Didn?t cancer know that she gave children homes when they didn?t have one? I cried many tears for her.

After that the disease struck my Aunt Inez. She had already lost 13 family members within two years. Again we ask why? Shouldn?t we who lost family members be exempt from this terrible disease? I?m glad to say that today Aunt Inez is also a survivor.

After I lost my sons Gabriel and Josiah I wanted to do more to help others. I?d taken in many kids through the years and volunteered for many a good cause, but I now wanted to use my pain to make a difference. I was seeing all this pain and suffering before my eyes. What would God have in store for me?

My friend Diana was struck with the disease before the boys died and she had to have a radical mastectomy. I watched how she grew closer to God and grew dependant on him. Then when I lost my sons she in turn was such a positive influence on me. Diana now is a survivor.

I know we all wonder why some survive and others don?t. I don?t have that answer. I lost two sons that were so loving and giving and would help anyone. Why? I don?t know. Some of us get to go early (darn it). We live in a world that is not eternal. It is full of sickness and disease. Car accidents and murders are on the news daily. There are also natural consequences in this life. If you run in front of a car, you?ll get ran over. I know I can?t be a hypocrite. I always taught my kids ?Earth is our school and Heaven is our home. We?re only passing through?. It just hurts so bad to be left behind here without our loved ones.

My friend Patty was struck with cancer after I lost the boys. Josiah spent a lot of time at Patty?s house. All my kids are friends with all her kids and their cousins. Patty cried many tears for the boys and I knew her heart hurt for my broken heart. Her first diagnosis was with lung cancer. Then it went to her brain. They took the tumor out and it grew back within a month. She had to have another surgery. Then finally she was cancer free. I cried tears of joy.? She was here to see her oldest daughter Sarah get married.

Now months later they found cancer in her kidney. She had to have her kidney removed. I hate it. I want to scream ?cancer, leave my friend alone?. She has a really neat husband and five children. Patty told me one day that she felt so sorry for her kids. That?s a mother?s heart and a mother?s love.

?My friend Colleen lost her mother to cancer. I?ve been with Colleen on holidays and could tell she was missing her mother. They were like best friends. Holidays are the hardest times when you?re missing a loved one. We want them right beside us. Colleen often decorates her mother?s grave for different holidays. Her mother is buried in the same cemetery as my boys and I?ve often been surprised by beautiful crosses and flowers on my boys graves from Colleen.

If cancer were a person I would call him Lucifer, Satan and Devil. I?d punch him in the face. All?s we know is its name and we need to fight back. Let?s kick cancer in the teeth.

Everyone has heard of ?The American Cancer Society?.? Every year in almost every city across America volunteers come together for a weekend and put on ?Relay For Life?. It?s made up of teams that raise money for cancer research. After Patty was diagnosed I joined a team here in our little city, Lincoln, California. I joined my friend Diana?s team, ?The Ya Ya?s?. I watched my friend suffer and I wanted to make a difference. I had lost two of my children and I wanted to use the pain I always feel and turn it into a positive and help others. Just like I did when I started this web site.

At our ?Relay For Life? we set up our booths clear around our high school football field. We all decorate our spaces with a theme that our teams vote on. The community comes together to help. We have someone at all times walking the track for 24 hours. Each volunteer signs up to walk an hour or two. The first hour is the ?Survivors? walk. Diana and Patty walk in this walk. It was only a week later that Patty had to have her kidney removed. I believe she?ll march on. We all collect pledges. Our little city raises over a hundred thousand dollars every year. If you want to make a difference in your city you can get all the information you need at www.relayforlife.org. Let?s not let the deaths caused by cancer be in vain. Let?s make a difference. Some of our friends and family we will have to say ?until we meet again? and others will live on. But one thing is for sure; we will all end up together in the end. God has made it so. Just believe that Jesus died on the cross for you. Don?t let Jesus death be in vain.

One awesome way that we raised money at our ?Relay For Life? is to sell luminary bags. They?re lunch bag size and you put sand in the bottom to hold a votive candle. The person who buys the bag can write anything they want to say about a loved one. There were several memorial bags and bags with encouraging messages for people still fighting the disease. I like to light one in memory of my sons because I know they would be so proud of me using my pain to help others. We sold enough to go around the whole football field and then to write the word ?Remember? on the bleachers. When it?s dark all the candles are lit and it?s so amazing.

Remember when I said that cancer is no respecter of persons? You can surely see this when you see a child struggle with this disease. Our pastor?s young son has gone through a sickness that has torn at the heart of his parents. Pastor Nathan walked along side his son Isaiah as he walked in the ?Survivors? walk. The pastor has a blog for his son and keeps friends, family and church members updated on his progress. I knew Pastor Nate could understand some of the severe grief I live with on a daily bases after seeing his own son near deaths door. Isaiah has curls all over his head like his daddy?s. When he lost all his curls due to cancer treatment, pastor Nate shaved his head so Isaiah could still look like daddy. A few men in the church also shaved their heads for Isaiah. How cool is that?

I use to say that when I got to Heaven I was going to ask God why did Gabriel and Josiah have to leave me. Now I say that I?ll be so happy to see them and all the loved ones that have gone on before that I?ll forget the whys. Remember to ?Let Go And Let God?.

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kim Lokke lives in Northern California with her husband Brad. Kim lost her sons Gabriel and Josiah through a horrible tragedy. She writes to encourage others that have gone through a tragedy. She has a website for survivors called Joemama-Survivor.

Lotus Elise A supreme sportscar

Lotus Elise is a good looking and high performance sports car developed by the Lotus Company. When the first Lotus Elise was released, it received a lot of attention for its remarkably low weight and striking design. The first Lotus Elise hit the marked in September 1995. Today, there are two main types Lotus Elise available for the car enthusiast: Lotus Elise Series 1 cars and Lotus Elise series 2 cars.

The creator of the first Lotus Elise was named Max David and worked from London. The founder of the Lotus Company, Colin Chapman, had always dreamed about a car that combined extremely light weight with superb performance, and Max David took these dreams to heart. The remarkably low weight of the Lotus Elise is what makes fantastic performance possible even with a modest engine. The shape of the Lotus Elise has been created with dynamics and driving purity in focus.

The first Lotus Elise weighed no more than 1500 lb (680 kg). Driving this car is amazing, due to its remarkable ability to accelerate, brake and corner. The weight of the first Lotus Elise can be compared to the Porsche Boxter, which is considered a low-weight sports car and still weigh almost as much as two Lotus Elise cars - 2756 lb (1250 kg). This means that while the 1997 Porsche Boxter requires and engine output of 201 bhp (149 kW), the Lotus Elise works brilliant with only 120 bhp (89 kW).

As mentioned above, the first Lotus Elise was released in September 1995. The year after the Lotus Company released an even lighter Lotus Elise that weighed an astonishingly low 1488 lb (675 kg). This car was followed by the Lotus Elise 111S three years later. The Lotus Elise 111S is faster than the preceding Lotus Elise cars and is fitted with a Variable Valve Control (VVC) engine. This engine has been developed from the Rover K series and equipped with Variable valve timing (VVT). You will also find more comfortable seats in the Lotus Elise 111S, since some customers found the first two Elise versions uncomfortable. The new seats are filled with more padding.

The next step for the Lotus Elise developers was the roofless Lotus Elise 340R. This cabriolet version of the Elise car was released in a limited edition in 2000 and was equipped with a 177 bhp (131 kW) engine. The name 340R was derived from the first prototype; it had a 340 bhp/ton power to weight ratio. The prototype had a 170 bhp engine, and weighed no more than 500 kg. In accordance with this, the limited edition consisted of exactly 340 cars. Later in the year 2000, the Lotus Company released the Exige. The Exige was similar to the Lotus Elise 340R, but had a hardtop. The engine was exactly the same; 177 bhp (131 kW).

The next step for the Lotus Company was to embark on the construction of the Series 2 Lotus Elise car. The first of the Series 2 Lotus Elise cars was actually announced the same year as the Lotus Elise 340R and the Exige was released. The car from the Series 2 was designed directly on the computer, which was a totally new way of working for the Lotus Company.
About the Author

Read more about Lotus Elise and the new 2006 Lotus Elise

Utah Mortgage What to Expect When Buying a Home in Utah

Maybe you are buying your first home in Utah, or perhaps you are relocating to Utah from another state. Either way, it?s important that you educate yourself on Utah home loans before shopping for a home and mortgage. This article explains what you will need to know before buying a home in Utah:

The median price of a home in Utah is $146,100. Recently, homes in Utah have been appreciating at rates below the national average. Therefore, affordability is favorable in the state of Utah. Interest rates in Utah are below the national average, and job growth rates are the third highest in the nation.

The price of homes in Utah varies widely between zip codes. For example, in Salt Lake City, Utah, the median price of a home in the summer of 2005 was $262,000; however, in Provo, Utah, the median price of a home was $236,000, and in St. George, Utah, it was $200,000.

In Utah, mortgage financing and regulation are monitored by the Mortgage Lending and Servicing Act. Lenders and brokers are not allowed to charge Utah borrowers any fees while the loan is being processed. Additionally, at loan closing, the lender must supply the borrower with any information regarding the balance of an escrow account, unpaid balance of the mortgage loan, and date and amount of all payments credited to the borrower?s account.

Utah residents qualify for both state and federal housing programs. The state of Utah offers below market interest rate loans to low or moderate income residents who purchase homes in qualified rural areas.

Jessica Elliott recommends that you visit Mortgage Lenders Plus.com for more information about Utah Mortgage Rates and Loans

Real Estate Brokers Using PPC To Generate Online Real Estate Referrals

The housing market is hot and there is a lot of commission to be made for real estate brokers that sell homes. Competition for new business is fierce and the enterprising real estate broker uses all means possible to generate real estate referrals, including online generation of real estate referrals and sales leads.

One of the easiest ways for real estate brokers, especially new brokers, to generate real estate leads and referrals is through PPC advertising on internet search engines such as Google, Yahoo, and MSN. If you are not already doing so, know that competing real estate brokers are generating their fair share of real estate referrals on the internet. You should too.

Home buyers are, more and more, searching for home buying services on the internet. You need to have a presence to gain these people as prospects.

If you are just getting started with generating real estate referrals and leads via PPC, I've compiled a sample list of keywords that you can use to start to target home buyers that are doing online searches. The following is a short sample list. Of course the keywords that you choose should be directly targeted to the market that you target. In no particular order, here they are:

• First time homebuyer in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• New York, NY apartments
• Dallas real estate agent
• Vacation properties in Hawaii
• Mortgage rate calculator
• Toronto Remax realtor
• Phoenix, Arizona housing market trends
• Buying a new home in Cleveland, Ohio
• Miami Beach, Fl real estate
• Wilmington, NC real estate broker
• Real estate negotiation
• American mortgage rates
• Century 21 Realtor in Memphis, Tennessee
• Chicago commercial real estate
• Denver, Colorado condos for sales
• Calgary, Alberta house values
• San Diego, California investment properties
• Ottawa, ON MLS listings
• Portland, Oregon housing prices
• Buying a home with bad credit

Of course, when developing your own keywords to generate real estate referrals, substitute any of the cities above with the city that you work in.

Tino Buntic invites you to visit http://www.trade-pals.com. Tradepals provides free sales leads and business referrals, including real estate referrals, to business professionals across The United States and Canada. Tino also recommends the Real Estate and How Blog as a real estate news source for real estate professionals.