DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME

Begins this Sunday March 11.2012   2:00 am

Time to Set your Clocks Ahead

A handy saying used to remember what exactly you’re supposed to DO to your clocks during these times is this one

“Spring Forward, Fall Back” You have No idea how many times I have to tell myself this one as I’m changing my clocks.

Turn that clock ahead before slipping under the covers Saturday night. Don’t bemoan one night of 60 fewer minutes of sleep; there’s the promise of many months ahead with an extra hour of evening sunlight.

Did you know………   Not every place makes the switch. The exceptions are Hawaii, most of Arizona (Navajo Indian territories do observe the change), Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa,
Guam and the Northern Marianas.

Standard time returns Nov. 4.

You don’t want your clock shifting at the wrong time, because that will only cause trouble for you!  No one wants to be early for work….or even worse. LATE for work!

Also a safety Reminder

This is a good time to Check your smoke detectors and change the batteries which should be done at least once a year!

Suffolk County Statistics

Nassau County Statistics

Queens County Sales Statistics

Let’s be honest…There are a lot of potential home buyers with less than perfect credit who need a second chance loan in order to purchase the home of their dreams.  Many applicants have been rejected recently from mortgage programs because their credit score is too low for new lending guidelines that most lenders have implemented in 2011.  These buyers need to have the ability to buy at a low affordable interest rate.  Many people think this is NOT possible.

Well…if you are one of those people, I am here to tell you that I have very GOOD news for you!!!  Nationwide lenders have recently announced a FHA loan program that may open the door for loan applicants that have been rejected for home buying because of their low fico scores.  Borrowers with less than perfect credit may still be able to qualify.  Getting qualified for an FHA loan is very easy and the process is free of charge.  The process is easy and the reward is a home of your very own!!!

If this sounds interesting to you and you would like to receive some more information, please call our office at 631-226-5995 or 516-826-8100.  We look forward to hearing from you!!!!

Century 21 AA Realty celebrates its 17th Annual Agent Appreciation Day held in Plainview ~ A Day of Fun, Recognition, Learning & Team Building

(From left to right) Tom Miller and Bob Hasteadt receive top honors for exemplary quality service as determined by customer survey responses

Century 21 AA agents learn about a new company mobile application for Smartphones from developer Joe Sabella of Real Pro Consulting.

Room full of excited Century 21 AA agents who are enjoying the day!!!

Century 21 AA Realty presents Walter Sanford ~ Tough Markets Need Better Tools

Walter Sanford ~ Nationally recognized speaker/trainer provides strategies and tactics for agents to help more buyers and sellers.

For those of you that do not know, an FHA loan is a mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration.  It has several key components.

LOW DOWN PAYMENT ~ FHA loans usually require just a 3 1/2 percent down payment.  This down payment can also be gifted to the borrower, which makes home ownership more obtainable for the first-time home buyer.

CLOSING COSTS ~ Closing costs can be financed as part of your overall mortgage amount which is a huge benefit.  This allows buyers to buy without requiring large amounts of cash.  Typically up to 6 percent of the sale price can be financed for a buyers closing cost.

EASIER QUALIFYING ~ Those with less-than-perfect credit are more easily approved for a loan through FHA programs because the federal government insures them.

THE WONDERFUL ADVANTAGES OF AN FHA MORTGAGE

VERY FLEXIBLE UNDERWRITING WHICH ENSURES EASY QUALIFICATIONS AND APPROVALS

AFFORDABLE MONTHLY PAYMENTS

LOW FIXED RATES ENSURE YOUR MORTGAGE PAYMENT WILL NEVER INCREASE

High interest rates do not exist with FHA Mortgages.  You will not be sold    into a risky sub-prime adjustable mortgage with unpredictable rates and payments.  Your payment will remain fixed for 30 years at a low interest rate!!

If you would like more information, please call us at 631-226-5995.  We look forward to hearing from you!!!!

Make no mistake, shoveling snow in the winter provides a tremendous workout. It works all sorts of muscles and burns calories. If you’re not careful, though, shoveling can also result in severe back injury or, even worse, a heart attack.

► Clearing a driveway or sidewalk of snow requires preparation and proper body mechanics.

► Allow yourself plenty of time to shovel. The activity should not be rushed.

► Dress warmly in layered clothing. But don’t bundle up to the point that your clothes restrict movement. Keep your field of vision clear and unobstructed by objects, such as a scarf.

► Limber up. Do some light stretching (10 minutes or so) before shoveling.

► Find a shovel that suits your body size. A shovel that is heavy or longer than necessary can lead to muscle strain.

► Hit the fresh stuff. Newly fallen snow is easier to shovel than older, packed snow. And keep an eye out for ice patches. Not only can ice cause you to slip and fall, it can also cause you to strain a muscle.

► Push, don’t lift. Keep your shoveling motion steady with few twists and turns. Be sure to push snow forward or to the side, not over your back.

► If you need to lift snow out of the way, bend your knees with legs apart and back straight. Let your legs and arms absorb the stress, rather than your back.

► Don’t let fatigue become a problem. Take frequent breaks to allow muscles to rest. Drink plenty of liquids to avoid dehydration.

► Heed the signs. If you experience chest pain or shortness of breath, stop shoveling immediately.

Sources: American Chiropractic Association, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
RISMEDIA, February 8, 2011

• Why Home Ownership Matters
• Top 5 Improvements Cost/Return
• Owners and Renters Agree
• Will it Flush?
• Market Watch Video

Click Below to take a closer look at your February Issue