Thursday, September 2, 2010

College Football Season Is Here

Game time is here. You are probably like me and hosting a few game parties this year or maybe you are tailgating and need a new recipe to take with you. Below are some great ideas:

Onion Garlic Dip


Ingredients:
1 large onion
5 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
One 16-ounce container sour cream
Juice of 1 lemon
2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt
Directions:
1.Using a food processor, finely chop the onion and garlic.

2.In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic-onion mixture and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Pulse the mixture in the food processor with the sour cream, lemon juice, hot sauce, paprika and salt to taste. Refrigerate until serving.


Buffalo Potato Wedges with Warm Blue Cheese Dip

Ingredients:
3 tablespoons hot pepper sauce, preferably Frank's RedHot
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1 tablespoon seasoned salt
2 1/2 pounds baking potatoes
Cooking spray
1 cup blue cheese crumbles
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon pepper
8 celery ribs, cut into 3-inch sticks
Directions:
1.Preheat the oven to 450°. In a large bowl, combine 1 tablespoon each hot sauce and butter with the seasoned salt. Cut each potato into 8 wedges, add to the bowl and toss.

2.Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Arrange the potatoes on top and roast, turning once, until golden, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from the oven and toss with the remaining 2 tablespoons each hot sauce and butter.

3.In a small saucepan, stir together the blue cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise and pepper and heat until warmed through, about 3 minutes. Serve with the potatoes and celery sticks.

If you do not like Blue Cheese always try the southern favorite, Ranch.

Below is the link that will provide you with your favorite teams schedule:

http://espn.go.com/college-football/schedule

Alicia Crouch, REALTOR
www.BuyingAHouseAfterForeclosure.com
www.SoldByAlicia.com
AiciaCrouch@kw.com
(864) 529-5198

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Time To Plan For Labor Day

Labor Day Tip: Pay Homage to Mad Men With An Old School Luau
Article From HouseLogic.com


Published: August 25, 2010


Looking for something unique for your Labor Day soiree? Go retro with a Mad Men-inspired luau.

Like millions of fans across the country, we've been inspired by the new season of the insanely popular 1960s-set Mad Men. Specifically Über-sexy office manager Joan Holloway's (now Mrs. Joan Harris) ability to put on her party dress and make the most of what she has to work with. Her impromptu luau for her husband in the third episode (just before he was shipped off to Vietnam for the holidays) had us thinking "what would Joan do?" when it came time to make Labor Day plans.

Here are some Joan-inspired suggestions to help you host your own throwback Labor Day luau.
Keep the decorations simple
With this theme, you don't need to spend a fortune on elaborate decorations. You can get the 1960s Hawaiian vibe down with a few simple materials, a trip to the discount party store, and a little mood music.
•Create romantic island lighting around the back yard with paper bag lanterns (http://www.ehow.co.uk/how_6519237_make-paper-bag-lanterns.html) or make tiki torches (http://www.ehow.com/how_2074206_make-tiki-torch.html) from recycled soup cans.

•Dig into a friends' old record collection, or create a Pandora station (http://www.pandora.com/land/station/9e811b6de32b74ec07a9910f94dd7c7407cec78ba76736aa) with 60s era beach classics.

•You can get Hawaiian leis in every color of the rainbow for about 99 cents at Party City (http://www.partycity.com/category/theme+parties/luau+theme+party/leis.do).

•It wouldn't be a Mad Men party without some festive, tiki style ashtrays (http://www.amazon.com/Tiki-Gods-Ashtray-Collectible-Sculpture/dp/B001TR7S6C) for guests who smoke.

Dress appropriately
Dress the part! Hit up your local thrift store, ask your older relatives to raid their closets, or create your own beach-chic look from colorful items in your closet.
•Ask your guests to wear 60s inspired beachwear, like this (http://www.etsy.com/listing/42423963/on-sale-vintage-50s-60s-clover-bathing?ref=cat3_gallery_30).

•Prefer to be more conservative? Find affordable versions of some of Joan's most talked about outfits.

Always have a drink handy
What would Joan serve at her luau? For something traditional, and something just for the ladies, try these classic cocktail recipes:
•The Mai Tai (http://www.emerils.com/recipe/7981/1950s-Mai-Tai)

•The Pink Lady (http://cocktails.about.com/od/atozcocktailrecipes/r/pnk_ldy_cktl.htm)

Don't forget the Smirnoff vodka and colorful little paper umbrellas!
Set the mood with delicious island food
Regardless of any theme, the menu can make or break your outdoor party. We like to think Joan would be proud to serve these dishes at her luau.

Appetizer:
Give your salsa a little South Pacific flair with this spicy sweet appetizer recipe from foodreference.com (http://www.foodreference.com).

Mango Salsa Dip (http://www.foodreference.com/html/pin-mango-salsa.html)

Don't forget the Utz potato chips! They aren't traditional salsa chips, but fellow Mad Men fans will know exactly why they're on the menu.

Main Course:
This recipe works great, whether you use a gas grill (http://www.houselogic.com/articles/outdoor-appliance-guide-gas-grills/) or charcoal grill (http://www.houselogic.com/articles/outdoor-appliance-guide-charcoal-grills-and-smokers/).

Teriyaki Shish Kebobs (http://www.rd.com/home-garden/teriyaki-shish-kabobs-recipe/article15119.html) with Honolulu Lulu's Marinade (http://dev.www.jsonline.com/features/recipes/98869519.html)

Dessert:

Orange Jell-O Cottage Cheese Mandarin Dessert (http://www.jsonline.com/features/recipes/98868889.html)

You're all set to make this Labor Day an island affair with a mid-century twist. Add your own ideas to these or find more here (http://www.jsonline.com/features/food/98792494.html). Aloha, and enjoy.


Alicia Crouch, REALTOR
Keller Williams Realty
(864) 529-5198
www.BuyingAHouseAfterForeclosure.com
www.SoldByAlicia.com
AliciaCrouch@kw.com

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Find the best REALTOR to Sell Your Home

Find the Best REALTOR® to Sell Your House
Article From BuyAndSell.HouseLogic.com

By: G. M. Filisko
Published: March 11, 2010

Ask detailed questions about their experience and skills to help you find the right agent for your home sale.
Working with the right real estate agent can mean the difference between getting prompt, expert representation and feeling like you're going it alone when selling your home. Here are 10 questions to ask when you're interviewing agents.

1. How long have you been selling homes?
Mastering real estate requires on-the-job experience. The more experience agents have, the more likely they'll be able to handle any curveballs thrown during your home sale.
2. What designations do you hold?
Designations like GRI (Graduate REALTOR® Institute) and CRS® (Certified Residential Specialist), which require that agents complete additional real estate training, show they're constantly learning. Ask if agents have designations and, if not, why not?
3. How many homes did you sell last year?
Agents may tout their company's success. An equally important question is how many homes they've personally sold in the past year; it's an indicator of how active and aggressive they are.
4. How many days on average did it take you to sell homes?
Ask agents to show you this data along with stats from their local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) so you can see how many days, on average, their listings were on the market compared to the average for all properties in the MLS.
5. How close were the asking and sales prices of the homes you sold?
Sometimes sellers choose their agent because the agent's suggested listing price is higher than those suggested by other agents. A better factor is the difference between listing prices and the amount homes actually sold for. That can help you judge agents' skill at accurately pricing homes and marketing to the right buyers. It can also help you weed out agents trying to dazzle you with a lofty sales price just to get your listing.
6. How will you market my home?
The days of agents putting a For Sale sign in the yard and hoping for the best are long gone. Look for an agent who does aggressive and innovative marketing, especially on the Internet.
7. Will you represent me exclusively?
In most states, agents can represent the seller, the buyer, or both in a home sale. If your agent will also represent buyers, understand and consent to that dual representation.
8. How will you keep me informed?
If you want weekly updates by email, don't choose an agent who plans to contact you only if there's an offer.
9. Can you provide references?
Ask to talk to the last three customers the agent assisted. Call and ask if they'd work with the agent again and if the agent did anything that didn't sit well with them.
10. Are you a REALTOR®?
Ask whether agents are REALTORS®, which means they're members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR). NAR has been an advocate of agent professionalism and a champion of homeownership rights for more than a century.

Other web resources
More on choosing an agent (http://public.findlaw.com/abaflg/flg-4-2a.html)

Freddie Mac's tips on finding an agent (http://www.freddiemac.com/corporate/buyown/english/purchasing/hunting/agent.html)

More on REALTOR® designations (http://www.realtor.org/education/realtor_university/designation)

G.M. Filisko is an attorney and award-winning writer who's worked with many real estate agents in the past 20 years. A frequent contributor to many national publications including Bankrate.com, REALTOR® Magazine, and the American Bar Association Journal, she specializes in real estate, business, personal finance, and legal topics.

Monday, August 30, 2010

8 Tips for Finding Your New Home

8 Tips for Finding Your New Home
Article From BuyAndSell.HouseLogic.com


By: G. M. Filisko
Published: February 10, 2010


A solid game plan can help you narrow your homebuying search to find the best home for you.

House hunting is just like any other shopping expedition. If you identify exactly what you want and do some research, you'll zoom in on the home you want at the best price. These eight tips will guide you through a smart homebuying process.
1. Know thyself
Understand the type of home that suits your personality. Do you prefer a new or existing home? A ranch or a multistory home? If you're leaning toward a fixer-upper, are you truly handy, or will you need to budget for contractors?
2. Research before you look
List the features you most want in a home and identify which are necessities and which are extras. Identify three to four neighborhoods you'd like to live in based on commute time, schools, recreation, crime, and price. Then hop onto REALTOR.com (http://REALTOR.com) to get a feel for the homes available in your price range in your favorite neighborhoods. Use the results to prioritize your wants and needs so you can add in and weed out properties from the inventory you'd like to view.
3. Get your finances in order
Generally, lenders say you can afford a home priced two to three times your gross income. Create a budget so you know how much you're comfortable spending each month on housing. Don't wait until you've found a home and made an offer to investigate financing.

Gather your financial records and meet with a lender to get a prequalification letter spelling out how much you're eligible to borrow. The lender won't necessarily consider the extra fees you'll pay when you purchase or your plans to begin a family or purchase a new car, so shop in a price range you're comfortable with. Also, presenting an offer contingent on financing will make your bid less attractive to sellers.
4. Set a moving timeline
Do you have blemishes on your credit that will take time to clear up? If you already own, have you sold your current home? If not, you'll need to factor in the time needed to sell. If you rent, when is your lease up? Do you expect interest rates to jump anytime soon? All these factors will affect your buying, closing, and moving timelines.
5. Think long term
Your future plans may dictate the type of home you'll buy. Are you looking for a starter house with plans to move up in a few years, or do you hope to stay in the home for five to 10 years? With a starter, you may need to adjust your expectations. If you plan to nest, be sure your priority list helps you identify a home you'll still love years from now.
6. Work with a REALTOR®
Ask people you trust for referrals to a real estate professional they trust. Interview agents to determine which have expertise in the neighborhoods and type of homes you're interested in. Because homebuying triggers many emotions, consider whether an agent's style meshes with your personality.

Also ask if the agent specializes in buyer representation. Unlike listing agents, whose first duty is to the seller, buyers' reps work only for you even though they're typically paid by the seller. Finally, check whether agents are REALTORS®, which means they're members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. NAR has been a champion of homeownership rights for more than a century.
7. Be realistic
It's OK to be picky about the home and neighborhood you want, but don't be close-minded, unrealistic, or blinded by minor imperfections. If you insist on living in a cul-de-sac, you may miss out on great homes on streets that are just as quiet and secluded.

On the flip side, don't be so swayed by a "wow" feature that you forget about other issues-like noise levels-that can have a big impact on your quality of life. Use your priority list to evaluate each property, remembering there's no such thing as the perfect home.
8. Limit the opinions you solicit
It's natural to seek reassurance when making a big financial decision. But you know that saying about too many cooks in the kitchen. If you need a second opinion, select one or two people. But remain true to your list of wants and needs so the final decision is based on criteria you've identified as important.
More from HouseLogic
HOAs: What You Need to Know About Rules (http://www.houselogic.com/articles/hoas-what-you-need-to-know-about-rules/)

A Financial Plan for Your Home (http://www.houselogic.com/articles/a-financial-plan-for-your-home/)

When It Pays to Do It Yourself (http://www.houselogic.com/articles/when-it-pays-to-do-it-yourself/)
G.M. Filisko is an attorney and award-winning writer who has found happiness in a brownstone in a historic Chicago neighborhood. A frequent contributor to many national publications including Bankrate.com, REALTOR® Magazine, and the American Bar Association Journal, she specializes in real estate, business, personal finance, and legal topics.

Friday, August 27, 2010

Funny Friday!!!!! Check out this video!!!

This video is too cute. And describes how we all feel. I love the Polar Bear he is my favorite.

Homeowners, buyers will be out this weekend. Make sure that you are prepared with curb appeal and a clean driveway. Make your home shine above the other listings in the neighborhood.

Alicia Crouch, REALTOR
http://www.buyingahouseafterforeclosure.com/
http://www.soldbyalicia.com/
AliciaCrouch@kw.com
(864) 529-5198

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

What's holding you back?

You maybe a For Sale By Owner, an expired, or maybe just someone thinking of moving. Either way this blog will help you.

"I do not want to list my house until I find one that I like?"

This is a phrase I hear a lot. The problem with these words, in the end, it will cost you a lot of money and maybe even your dream home. If you are looking for a new home and you have not listed your home yet please contact me. Time is of the essence when selling and purchasing a home.

If you do find that perfect home that you are looking for and you do not have your house listed, the seller of that home may not be willing to wait on the contingency on the sell of your home. There is the first disappointment. If they do accept contingency, then you will have to price your house so competively that you may loose at the closing table and this is where it will cost you a lot of money. On an average you are looking at loosing up to $27,000.00 if you do not list your home before you find the next one.

Know your REALTOR, ask them what their thoughts are. Interview them if they cannot answer all the questions about urgency, technology, and your personal needs then you may need another agent.

If you are not in the upstate, SC please still contact me and I will refer you to one of our REALTOR's that would be happy to assist you.

Alicia Crouch, REALTOR'
http://www.soldbyalicia.com/
http://www.buyingahouseafterforeclosure.com/
AliciaCrouch@kw.com
(864) 529-5198

Monday, August 23, 2010

Family Matters (Peace Family Reunion)

Normally, I speak out to my buyers on Monday's but today I want to speak out to EVERYONE, and talk about family.

This weekend was my Peace Family Reunion. Where my family for different parts of the east gather to celebrate what God has given us and the family that keeps growing. My Aunt Margaret and Uncle James were celebrating 73 years together. WoW!!! Is all I have to say. That is true love. I look at them and they still have spunk at 90 and 93. You cannot help but smile. And as we all sit there and celebrate the one's are with us. There is the calm in the room and the presence of the one's who have left us. One of the younger generations ask my cousin Denise to put the camera down and Denise made a comment that is so true. "One day the pictures we take will be all that are left of us." Memories in the making.

In all, family is the only thing we have that stays forever, and cannot be broken. Please hold tight to the family you have and make every opportunity you can to see them. If my 90 and 93 year old Aunt and Uncle can make it from Ohio to be with us for one weekend, I am sure we can drive 30 minutes at least once a month to see our families.