This guy, Gary Vaynerchuk, caught my direct attention a few days ago but in actuality, he got me several years ago. Unknown to me, he owns the Wine Library NJ! In this interview, Gary speaks on the importance of change in his life and business; his‘layer cake’ notion where he juggles a lot of different business interests; how social media is changing the agenda for businesses-they can’t dictate to people anymore and staying flexible in business and the impossibility of the five year plan.
Interestingly, Gary advises, "Do not buy the house in order to flip it, buy the house to live in it, restore it, and give it to your children." Wise advice in today's economy.
Apr. 28, 2009 - Century 21's new social media platform
C 21 Communities online now
First, I told you that Century 21announced advertising dollars previously spent on television advertising would be shifted to strengthen its interactive online media presence in 2009 (see: Century21 leads the way online.)
Now, Century 21 has launched an online social media platform; C21 Communities directly from its website.
The new platform directly challenges third party sites such as Trulia and Zillow with a bundle of social media tools designed to enable online conversations between Century 21 agents and consumers, including:
* Talks, an online interactive advice forum,
* C21 Talk Radio, an online radio channel for consumers interested in real estate, and
* CENTURY 21® social networking sites on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter and YouTube
Easy tips to conserve energy and help save our planet.
Buy compact fluorescent light bulbs. You'll find more on energy-efficient products and practices at Energy Star.
Turn off lights and electronics when you leave the room.
Unplug your cell phone charger from the wall when not using it.
Turn off energy strips and surge protectors when not in use (especially overnight).
Lower your thermostat. Buy a programmable thermostat.
Get off junk mail lists. GreenDimes can get you started. They’ll even plant a tree for you!
Bring your own bags to the grocery store. Given a choice between plastic and paper, opt for paper.If you do use plastic grocery bags, recycle them for doggie poop bags or for small trashcan liners.
To learn more about making every day Earth Day go to: Earth 911.org
Spring plant sale - April 25-26 - Saturday 10am – 5pm and Sunday 12pm – 5pm
Leonard J. Buck Garden, Far Hills More information: 908 234‑2677 (Free Event)
Calculators - Tools you can use to save energy, money, and the planet.
Save 10% on light bulbs, thermostats, appliances and more. Ask me how.
This is a number worth putting in your cell phone, or your home phone speed dial: 1-800-goog-411 It’s an awesome service from Google, and it's free -- great when you are on the road..
Don't waste your money on information calls and don't waste your time manually dialing the number. I am driving along in my car and I need to call the and I don't know the number.
The voice at the other end says, 'City & State.' I say, 'Somerset, New Jersey' He says, 'Business, Name or .' I say, Quailbrook Golf Course.' He says, 'Connecting' and the golf course staff answers the phone. How great is that? This is nationwide and it is totally free!
Click on the video or link and watch the short clip for a quick demonstration.
With news that Alaskan Governor and GOP vice-presidential nominee, Sarah Palin's yahoo email account was hacked, it could be the perfect time to determine just how safe is your email account(s). I find it a little disturbing that the Governor was conducting state business using a Yahoo account, but that's another story.
Well, at least I'm trying. In the effort to better serve you and other potential clients; over the last year I've been incorporating new tools to keep pace with new real estate technologies. I'm still learning all that the Blackberry can do. But I keep up with my emails easily.
Most recently, I have signed onto Twitter. What is Twitter? Twitter is a service to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing? This is a great tool to let potential buyers of a new listing or price reduction. You are welcome to follow me at: http://twitter.com/somerset08873
Another tool added to my box is recently discovered Retaggr. What is Retaggr? Retaggr is an interactive web 2.0 social and business card. It appears with your comment made on other sites, if you wish. You can take a look at mine at: http://www.retaggr.com/card/mjAdamsSellsHomes
Q: What can be done with original art, the kind we buy at a local art fair, when a person grows tired of it and is ready for something else?
Is there a shop that handles watercolors, oils, etc.? I hate to donate these to thrift shops, as they often go unappreciated.
A: First, find out if the artwork has increased in value, advised Stewart Turnquist, with the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.
“One of the things that can happen over the years is that the artist has gained further recognition and the painting is worth more,” Turnquist said. You can check that using Internet search engines such as Google.
Many artists now have websites, or they might show their work as part of an exhibit. In addition, certain galleries in town represent certain artists. Contact the appropriate gallery and explain that you’d like to sell a piece.
In 1962, Gaylord Nelson decided something needed to be done to protect the environment. The work that he began led to what we now know as Earth Day. Nelson wrote in a 1962 article, "that the state of the environment is simply a non-issue in the politics of our country." Nelson hoped to convince President John F. Kennedy to take a stand on environmental issues. The President set out on a five-day, 11-state conservation tour in September 1963. Although Kennedy's high-profile tour was not a success, Nelson was not ready to give up.
It was September of 1969, at a conference in Seattle, when Nelson announced that he would stage a nationwide grassroots demonstration on behalf of the environment the next spring. He invited everyone in the audience to attend. On April 22, 1970, more than 20 million demonstrators and thousands of schools and local communities participated in Nelson's demonstration. The occasion made people sit up and pay attention to environmental issues. Word about the environment began to spread.
10) When it comes to toilets, we've seen a lot of gadgets: dual-flush handles, controllable-flush handles, alternative toilets, the UnBathroom emergency toilet, a water recycling toilet and reviews of the best low-flow toilets. They're all valuable in their own way, but rather than rushing out to buy one of them, there's an even easier way to save lots of water: make your own frugal flusher. Just place a brick or similarly voluminous object in the tank of your toilet; by displacing some of the water, there's less of it to flush each time, and less valuable wet stuff goes down the drain.
9) We can't emphasize this one enough: replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents. They're more energy efficient, last longer, and can even help clean the air in your home. There are too many other good things about them to list here, but, trust us, they're worth it.
8) Even though there are some good things going on in the bottled water industry, like biodegradable water bottles and this bottled water with a cause, you can't beat filtered tap water in a reusable bottle. Same goes for other widely-consumed beverages, like coffee, and if you're stuck on the aesthetics of the disposable cup, check out TreeHugger founder and fearless leader's ceramic solution.
7) Cut flowers are pretty and smell good, but are ultimately disposable after just a few days. The next time you're in the market for some, go for a potted version instead. They last longer, improve indoor air quality and can even be self-watering. If cut flowers are a must, go for organic and look for the Veliflora sustainable floral label.
6) A low-flow showerhead can save you gallons of water each time you use it. We've seen 'em as low as a half-gallon per minute, and for as little as $12 US.
5) Instead of buying bottled water, use a water filter instead. There are some pretty strange options for filtration out there, but they can be very simple and easy to use, so get one, use it to replenish your precious bodily fluids, and you'll never buy bottled water again.
4) To go the extra mile, get a rainwater storage tank; you don't even have to dig a huge hole in the yard to have one (we got all the facts at a rainwater harvesting conference). You won't be able to drink it (unless you do what this guy did, and bottle it), but your flowers, plants and garden will sure enjoy it. This will save the potable water your utility provides just for household use, and you'll use less of it.
3) Use "Tupperware"-style reusable food containers for leftovers and lunches; you'll save miles of plastic wrap and tons of plastic bags. While you're at it, get reusable versions of other stuff, like grocery bags, gift bags and (why not?) muffin cups.
2) Draft excluders at the base of your doors can save vast amounts of cold from getting in and heat from getting out. Your wallet will thank you, and you can do it with other doors around the house, like your fridge door, too.
1) Finally, a programmable thermostat will help efficiently regulate your indoor climate; it's like TiVo for your house. Warm it up and cool it down only when you want to, live more comfortably and cheaply. Isn't that what we all want?
"We all need to know more about money and we need to absorb as much information as possible. That includes more than the top 10 lists that most blogs create. We then need to teach these lessons to our kids because at last check there was no Personal Finance 101 in high school (where it is desperately needed)." - Jay White of Dumb Little Man
For those unfamiliar with the Mint site, it is an online money management tool. This is how it works: Mint is a secure web-based solution for managing your finances. And it’s free. You register anonymously using any valid email address, and then add the log-in information for the online bank, credit union and credit card accounts you want to consolidate in Mint.
Even if you don't use all of the online tools, it is a great resource for gaining financial knowledge. 
Thanks to DumbLittleMan.com for the head's up!
I came across the talents of Daniel Rothamel of Real Estate Zebra a few months ago and was quite impressed with his Blog and what he had to say. Just this morning, I "discovered" the musings of Mariana Wagner and her Colorado Springs Blog.
Daniel's video, "How To Sell Your House In Black & White", should be required veiwing for anyone even contemplating the idea of selling a home in a buyers' market. It will definitely become a part of my listing presentation. It appears from positive reaction, it has garnered a second black & white video; this one on honesty. I love the simple straight forward message, not to mention the great background music.
After reading Mariana's "The Secret Life of a “Generation X” Consumer … My Story.", it seems that although I'm a baby boomer I might very well also be a Generation X'er...with 27 years experience. Ha! Here are a few traits that Mariana and I have in common:
Show me what you offer and let me make my own decisions.
I am more apt to support a business or business person that shares my point of view.
We like facts – clear, precise, to-the-point, no-frills facts.
We will go online for everything first. Your job is not to capture us and only give us your information. (If you missed it, take a look at 1000wattblog's video.)
I suppose this is all a result of spending time with multi-generational family, colleagues and friends, especially over the past 10 years. I've adopted some of the younger qualities that mesh with my own core beliefs and values. I also learned a little about Echo Boomers; a term new to me, until now. A big thanks to both Daniel and Mariana for your fresh (at least to me) insights that help to keep me on track. Ol' dogs really can learn new tricks!
If like me, you are motivated to lose a few pounds this year, here is a free website to help you achieve your goals. It is called SparkPeople.com. Here you will find tools to help you:
with meal plans; a fitness tracker; calorie counter; a program to track any type of goal and much more.
That's right, it's free and feels good too. You can help to provide free mammograms to underprivileged women at absolutely no cost to you through the efforts of the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
By clicking the pink "It's Free" button your click is paid for by the sponsors on breastcancersite.com. It takes only seconds.
The button above will take you the site where you will click on another pink button.
You can also help the cause by passing along this information to friends, neighbors, family and co-workers. I feel better already!
For those who regularly read my Blog postings and might want an easier method of getting them, there is the RSS feed. Not
familaiar with RSS? RSS delivers content to you without cluttering your e-mail inbox. Hector Virgen, a web developer responsible for RealTown.com, writes an excellent FAQ on the subject and how best to utilize this terriffic
tool.
You can find the RSS icon on Somerset 08873 just above "Categories" located on the right side of your screen.
Read Hector's Guide to RSS and start getting Somerset 08873
postings delivered directly to you. Thanks for a great article, Hector.
1. Americans with Disabilities Act Anniversary—July 26
Did you know that 18 percent of Americans have some kind of disability and that, after the age of 80, that number jumps to 72 percent? Check out USA.gov’s link to the U.S. Census Bureau to see more statistics about Americans with disabilities.
Thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act—signed into law on July 26, 1990—those with disabilities are guaranteed equal opportunities in employment, public services and accommodations, and telecommunications. Visit DisabilityInfo.gov, the federal government’s one-stop web site for people with disabilities.
2. Blogs from the U.S. Government
Were you wondering when—or if—the federal government would join the blogosphere? Little by little, blogs from federal agencies have begun to crop up.
Visit USA.gov’s new page, Blogs from the U.S. Government, to find a list of active and archived blogs from federal agencies. You can read about the National Endowment for the Arts’ Big Read initiative; follow the observations of a scientist from Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE); keep up with anti-drug efforts from the Office of National Drug Control Policy; and more.
USA.gov will continue to update this page as new federal blogs emerge.
3. U.S. Passport Requirement Update
Due to record-breaking demand, passport applications are taking a long time to process. The U.S. State Department is making some temporary provisions to accommodate U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.
Until September 30, 2007, citizens can re-enter the U.S. by air using a government-issued photo ID and official proof that they’ve submitted a passport application. Visit USA.gov’s link to the U.S. State Department for additional information on passport processing times.
4. How Warm Are Coastal Waters?
Before you go to the beach this summer, check out the National Oceanographic Data Center’s Coastal Water Temperature Guide. Average water temperatures were calculated over long periods, ranging from several years to several decades.
Ocean conditions are less variable than air temperatures, but knowing the water temperature ahead of time may help you to select a location or plan your beach activities. Monthly averages are presented for the Gulf Coast and two-week averages are presented for the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts, where there is more variation in water temperatures.
5. Water Safety
Before you go swimming in the ocean, a lake, a pool, or elsewhere, be sure to review safety tips for different circumstances.
Some general water safety rules include:
Learning to swim
Knowing the potential hazards of your water environment
Staying out of the water in bad weather
Swimming with others—not alone
Avoiding alcohol while swimming, diving, or boating
I discovered a terriffic online tool for tracking your personal finances. It is called Budget Pulse. The site allows you to manage all of your income and expenses. You can set several finanacial goals with set timelines, such as saving for your downpayment for that first home, retirement or a child's college education.
One downside is that it won't intergrate with your online bank. However, that little fact also provides an added layer of security for you. Best of all, it free! Now there is no reason not to gain control of your bills.
Did you know that approximately 20,000 Americans die each year from unintended accidents in their homes and more than 20 million seek medical treatment for home injuries? The home is the second most common location for accidental fatal injuries in the U.S. (autos rank first).
During Home Safety Month, take a few minutes to run a quick home safety checklist. A few tips for staying safe in your home include:
Using night lights near stairs and in hallways
Installing grab bars and non-slip mats in the bathroom
Setting your water heater at 120 degrees or less
Installing smoke alarms near bedrooms and testing them monthly
Locking up poisonous items
3. Father’s Day – June 17
Americans celebrate fathers on Sunday, June 17! Visit the Father’s Day page to find:
Facts about Father’s Day
Fun activities for girls and dads
A look at father and son presidents
Prescription drug help for dads
Information about outdoor recreation
And more!
To find some gift ideas for Father’s Day, check out shopping pages.
National Homeownership Month—celebrated in June—is a time to encourage more Americans to consider the benefits of owning their own home.
Visit the link to Buying a Home for guidance on taking this important step. At a glance, check out HUD’s nine homebuying steps:
1. Figure out how much you can afford
2. Know your rights
3. Shop for a loan
4. Learn about homebuying programs
5. Shop for a home
6. Make an offer
7. Get a home inspection
8. Shop for homeowners insurance
9. Sign papers
5. Flag Day – 230th Anniversary of the Stars and Stripes
Flag Day celebrates the American flag, which dates to June 14, 1777. The first national recognition of Flag Day occurred on June 14, 1877, but Congress didn’t make the observance permanent until 1949. June 14 is designated as the national observance of Flag Day.
Visit Flag Facts to learn about the flag’s history; get information on the proper way to present, fold, and care for the flag; and find out how to obtain a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol.
Touted as the Forever stamp, this US postage stamp bought at 41 cents will remain a valid first-class stamp...well, forever! The stamp will ease the transition for mailing letters when prices change by reducing the need to buy one and two cent stamps.
Once prices change May 14, the Forever stamp will remain on sale at the 41 cent first-class one-ounce letter price until the next price change. Then the Forever stamp will be available at the new price. The new stamp is available now in booklets of 20 through www.usps.com, by calling 1-800-STAMP-24 and in Post Office lobbies nationwide.
In 1963, President John F. Kennedy designated May as a month to pay tribute to older Americans.
Check out some interesting facts about the 65-and-older set, which totals 36.8 million Americans:
It is estimated that 9 million are military veterans.
At 3.9 million, California has the highest number of 65-and-older residents (Florida is the runner-up with 3 million).
Between 2000 and 2050, the 65-and-older population is expected to increase by 147% (in comparison, the population as a whole is expected to increase by 49%).
For additional facts on older Americans, visit USA.gov's link to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Visit USA.gov’s Senior Citizens’ Resources for a range of government information and services, including consumer protection, health, housing, money, and travel.
Starting on May 14, 2007, U.S. postage will cost 41 cents for a First-Class letter and 26 cents for a First-Class postcard.
Another change at the U.S. Postal Service is the introduction of the Forever Stamp, featuring the Liberty Bell. The Forever Stamp will reduce the need to buy 1- and 2-cent stamps because it will be good for mailing one-ounce First-Class letters anytime in the future—even if postage rates further increase.
Visit USA.gov's link to the United States Postal Service for information about new rates for various types of domestic and international mail for both consumers and businesses.
3. Mother’s Day – May 13
Sunday, May 13 is Mother’s Day. For nearly a hundred years, Americans have recognized the second Sunday of May as a time to honor our mothers.
Check out some facts about mothers in the United States:
2.1: average number of children women have in their lifetime
July: most popular month to have a baby
55%: percentage of 15- to 44-year-olds who are mothers
1 in 31: odds of having twins
For additional Mother’s Day facts, visit USA.gov’s link to the U.S. Census Bureau.
4. Memorial Day – May 28
In preparation for Memorial Day—Monday, May 28, 2007—check out USA.gov’s Memorial Day page. You’ll find a variety of resources to help you plan activities on this day of remembrance, including.
Meaning of Memorial Day
Patriotic Melodies
Veterans Stories
Barbecue Food Safety
And much more!
5. Buying a Home with a Low Down Payment
Have you put off buying a home because you don’t have 20% for a down payment? Check out “How to Buy a Home with a Low Down Payment” and see how buying mortgage insurance may allow you to put as little as 3-5% down. This publication will also help you estimate your expenses and determine the type of home you can afford.
Easy tips to conserve energy and help save our planet.
Buy compact fluorescent light bulbs. You'll find more on energy-efficient products and practices at Energy Star. Turn off lights and electronics when you leave the room. Unplug your cell phone charger from the wall when not using it. Turn off energy strips and surge protectors when not in use (especially overnight).
Lower your thermostat. Buy a programmable thermostat.
Get off junk mail lists. GreenDimes can get you started. They’ll even plant a tree for you!
Bring your own bags to the grocery store. Given a choice between plastic and paper, opt for paper.If you do use plastic grocery bags, recycle them for doggie poop bags or for small trashcan liners.
Surfing the net, I discovered two pretty cool applications that might help to keep my busy life (and yours) just a little more organized.The first can be found at GrandCentral.comYou sign up and get a new phone number. When people call this new number, the system takes their name (the first time they call; after that, it remembers), and rings all of your telephones for you at the same time--your desk, your mobile, your home--and lets you pick up the call from any of them. It get’s better; it can even send a voicemail to your email inbox. There is one drawback in its Beta format.At present, there are no local numbers for area code 732, but 908 and 609 area codes are available.Best of all…it’s FREE.
The second find is a program that’s easy to use, accessible wherever you are, and offers a shared calendar, lists, quick messages, and a dynamic photo collage.You can get this one at CoziCentral.com.The Wall Street Journal said, “Cozi just works. It looks clean, organized and uncluttered, regardless of hectic schedules. It's also easy enough for anyone to use, and Cozi Group Inc. is constantly working to improve the program, which is a good sign. But even its smaller faults can be overlooked for usability. Cozi makes kitchen computers, or family computers anywhere in the house, more useful.”Oh yeah…it, too, is FREE.
08873 is the Postal Code for Franklin Township in Somerset County, NJ and we love living here. Hi, I'm Mike Adams and this is a Real Estate blog For and About current and future residents of Franklin Township, also known as Somerset New Jersey.
I would love to help you with your central NJ real estate needs. Just contact me via phone, my websites or email.
I invite your comments and please visit Somerset 08873 often.
Michael Adams
CENTURY21 Moretti Realty
852 Easton Ave, Somerset, NJ 08873
Business: 732.828.3700 ext.306
PLEASE CALL DIRECT: 908.377.9262
Fax: 732.828.3913
mjadams@century21.com
http://www.mjAdamsSellsHomes.com
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