Maintaining Your Car in NJ

Posted on March 21, 2013 by NJNorma

What keeps any car going is preventive maintenance. Just like your yearly physical at the doctor’s office keeps you in shape, regular preventive car care can help you get more miles out of your vehicle.

Car manufacturers provide recommendations on when to complete maintenance tasks. For instance, most experts recommend checking battery fluid levels four times a year, and an engine’s timing belt should be replaced within 100,000 miles. Find out what your car’s manufacturer recommends and stick to it. Spending a little now can save you from a big expense, and hassle, later on.

Check and replace fluids

There is no type of automotive fluid that lasts forever. Checking and replacing fluids can help keep your vehicle on the road longer as a well-oiled machine. Consider that engine oil usually needs to be changed every 5,000 miles, or every six months; engine coolant needs to be checked twice a year and flushed and replaced as necessary; and transmission fluid needs to be flushed every two years or 30,000 miles.

One that is most consistently overlooked is brake fluid. Brake fluid attracts and absorbs moisture, and over time, it can do a lot of damage to the internal parts of your anti-lock braking system. It should be flushed every two years regardless of mileage. And, don’t forget to flush the power steering and change the differential lubricant, as well.

Slow down and lose the lead foot

Driving gently may help reduce the wear and tear on your car. This means slowing down for bumps or potholes, taking corners at a reasonable speed and avoiding putting your foot to the floor. Driving hard puts more stress and strain on your car’s components. According to the US Department of Energy, it takes 73 percent more horsepower to cruise at 60 mph, and a whopping 159 percent more at 70 mph, than it does at 50 mph. This means your engine is working that much harder and wearing down that much more quickly if you continue to speed.

Also, slowing down may keep your repair costs lower. Increasing your average speed from 50 mph to 60 mph increases maintenance costs by 38 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Increase your speed to 70 mph, and you’ve added 80 percent more in repair costs.

There are also fuel consumption implications: each mile per hour you travel over 50 mph will cause a 1.5 percent increase on fuel consumption, the Department of Energy says. Speed just 10 mph over 50 and you’re wasting 15 percent more gas. That’s several dollars more each time you have to fill up!

Do your homework and buy a reliable car

Overall, cars are getting more reliable, but there is still a wide range of reliability from company to company, model to model, and even between different model years of the same vehicle. When you’re shopping for a new or previously owned car, choose one with a proven track record of reliability. Also, be sure to choose a car company that’s going to be around for a while, with a good reputation for supplying parts.

There are many sources that provide this information, such as Kelley Blue Book. So if you’re really interested in getting the most out of your car, choose a reliable model to begin with–not just one that looks good.

Consider an extended warranty

Even by following these four steps perfectly, your car is, unfortunately, not built to last forever. Parts break or wear out, seemingly at the worst possible time. One way to protect yourself from this inevitable circumstance is to invest in an extended warranty for your vehicle. An extended warranty can help ensure that your vehicle is always in the best mechanical condition and can help you avoid expensive repair bills.

If you need a new driveway for your car, come visit me at http://www.NormaSellsNJHomes.com

Posted in Baby Boomers & Silver Collars, Buying a Home, Family Matters, Home Maintenance, Selling a Home | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Maintaining Your Car in NJ

Home Buying Closing Costs in NJ

Posted on March 21, 2013 by NJNorma

The following list is an estimate of the closing costs that are associated with buying a home in NJ.

Typically closing costs are 3% of the purchase price, but can be more depending on a number of variables. The following list of fees/expenses will make up your closing costs:

  • Loan fees (points, application fee, credit report)
  • Prepaid interest
  • Inspection fees (paid for out of pocket before closing      $350-$750 depending on size of home and loan type.)
  • Appraisal ($350-$750 depending on loan type and lender)
  • Mortgage insurance (typically 1 years premium plus an      escrow of 2 months)
  • Hazard insurance (typically 1 years premium plus an      escrow of 2 months)
  • Title Search and Insurance (one time payment      $900-1800).
  • Survey $600-$700
  • Documentary stamps on the note
  • Prepaid taxes (typically 3 months of taxes is place in      escrow for you at closing).
  • Recording Fee
  • Wire Transfers
  • Flood Certification
  • Attorney Review Fee, which ranges in NJ from      $750-$1500.

How much down-payment is required? The down payment is usually expressed as a percentage of the overall purchase price of the home, and varies depending on the lender, the type of financing and amount of money being lent. In the past, the typical down payment was 20%, but in recent years lenders have been willing to offer conventional financing with as little as 5% down. U.S. Government financing programs, such as those offered by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA) or the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), also require minimal down payments.

What is PMI? Typically, if your down payment is less than 20% of the purchase price, lenders will require you to carry Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). This insurance protects the lender in case of loan default, and usually involves an up-front payment at closing, as well as a monthly premium. However, once you have paid off 20% of the loan, you can request the policy be canceled. Some lenders cancel the premium automatically, while others require you to make a request in writing.

Can I use a Gift? If you are having trouble saving enough money, many lenders will allow you to use gift funds for the down payment–as well as for related closing costs. The gift may come from family, friends or other sources, but remember that lenders usually require a “gift letter” stating the gift doesn’t have to be repaid. In addition, some lenders will also require you to pay at least a portion of the down payment with your own cash. Thus, if you plan to use gift money to purchase your house, ask your lender about their policies regarding gifts.

What is Earnest Money? Buyers are usually required to deposit earnest money with the seller when they make an offer. If the offer is accepted, the earnest money is then credited towards the down payment. The amount varies widely depending on the seller and local custom (In New Jersey, $1,000 is customary), but be prepared from the outset to have funds earmarked for this purpose.

Don’t forget closing costs. In addition to the down payment, you will also need to save for additional fees associated with the loan otherwise known as closing cost. These closing costs charges cover items such as title insurance, documentary stamps, loan origination fees, the survey, attorney’s fees, etc. When you submit your loan application, lenders are required to supply you with a good faith estimate of your closing costs. Some buyers are surprised by the amount of the closing costs, which can easily run into the thousands of dollars. Remember, though, that closing costs can be negotiated with the seller. For example, you may agree to pay the full asking price in exchange for the seller paying all the allowable closing costs or portion or percentage of the costs.

Your Realtor can help review these costs with you. They can differ greatly. But first you need to have a home to “close on “. For this you’ll need me! Come visit my site at http://www.NormaSellsNJHomes.com

 

Posted in Buying a Home, Hunterdon County & Clinton NJ, Selling a Home | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Home Buying Closing Costs in NJ

Spruce Up Your Home Entryway

Posted on March 21, 2013 by NJNorma

I like to pick different areas of the home and peak the reader’s interest in sprucing it up. In this blog, I’d like you to think of sprucing up the entryway. Homeowners who have decided to stay put as well as sellers looking for ways to impress should pay close attention to the look and feel of their entryways.

We all know the power first impressions have over our society. We make immediate and lasting judgments of books, homes, and people in the first few moments of meeting. This makes it even more important for homeowners to get entry-ways looking their best.

Your home really only has the first time to make the first impression.

It’s obvious, but begin by looking at your front door! Even the simple update of installing a new entryway door can increase the perceived value of a home by more than $24,000 on average! Yep, you read right! And if you follow my blog back several pages, there is even more info on door COLOR!

When it comes to entry doors, the sky is the limit these days. Manufacturers know the power of a stunning door. Manufacturers offer a variety of choices for entryways incorporating decorative glass doorlites, sidelites and transoms. These choices allow homeowners to create a custom look for the home while making a statement about the homeowner’s personal sense of style.

Decorative glass entry doors are a great way to bring light into the entryway as well as add a spark of class (and the sparkle of glass) to the exterior of your home.

Aside from updating your front door, a great tip for your entryway is to keep it organized. If you’re not careful, your entryway can become a dumping ground for keys, phones, paperwork, bags, coats, and other often used items. Have a place for everything. Invest in a suitable entry table that can house a docking port for phones as well as a hidden area for keys. It doesn’t have to be large, just useful and inviting.

If your entryway has a coat closet be sure that it is cleared out to make room for daily use and for guest coats. Put in a shoe rack or bin for shoes, boots, and umbrellas. There shouldn’t be anything cluttering up your space.

Add a few warm touches to this space by including an entry rug, which can also reduce slippage on tile floors. Place a warm lamp and some simple artwork on top of the entry table. Think about first impressions when you choose colors and styles. This space should make guests or prospective buyers feel warm and welcome! And it should also set the theme for your style and flair!

As a certified Home Staging Professional, I can help you stage, upgrade or redecorate your entryway, as well as any other portion on your home! Please visit me at http://www.NormaSellsNJHomes.com

Posted in Home Maintenance, Hunterdon County & Clinton NJ, Selling a Home, Thoughts From a Realtor | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Spruce Up Your Home Entryway

Home Buying – Spring 2013

Posted on March 21, 2013 by NJNorma

We’re just slipping into spring, which means that real estate experts have had some time to examine the housing trends. So, if you’re planning on buying a home during the traditionally-busy spring home buying season, what will make things easier for you?

1.  Buy with the intention of staying around for a few years

A home is more than just a place to live. Remember that it is an investment. Home values are slowly starting to go back up, but you’re really not going to see much from your investment if you buy now with the intention of selling in a  year or so. If you really want to make a smart purchase, plan to stay in your home for at least five years. That way, the housing market will get some time to build momentum. And, in the meantime, you’ll be able to build some equity!

2.  Don’t pay points if you don’t have to

Interest rates are so low right now that there’s not much of a reason to pay money in points. After all, points will only lower your mortgage rate a little bit – but you’ll have to spend thousands of dollars to do it. With interest rates hovering near record-low levels, you’re much better off putting that money towards your down payment.

3.  Make as big of a down payment as you can

Speaking of your down payment, make it as large as possible. Yes, you can still qualify for a mortgage without putting 20% down. However, in most cases, your lender will make you pay private mortgage insurance – which will end up costing you more money in the end. Plus, with lenders being so cautious about who they give mortgages to these days, the more you can put down (and, thus, the less money you’ll have to ask for), the better off you’ll be!

4.  Be prepared to fight

Even if things go smoothly with your lender, you could still be in for a fight – with other buyers! Because there are so few homes on the market right now, buyers have turned the real estate market into an all-out bidding war. So, go into your search with your “game face” on, and be ready to act quickly once you find a home you like. Even more importantly, though, don’t allow yourself to get caught up in the moment. Set a budget beforehand, and stick to it. That way, you won’t inadvertently bid too high amongst all of the competition!

Posted in Buying a Home, Hunterdon County & Clinton NJ | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Home Buying – Spring 2013

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS – SETTING YOUR GOALS FOR 2013

Posted on January 18, 2013 by NJNorma

It seems to be tradition that we want to make meaningful changes in our lives. What better way to make a new change at the beginning of a new year? Everyone who has experienced making one knows it’s quite a challenge.  It’s a  really difficult pursuit to quit a long-standing habit. In fact, such resolutions falter after the first few weeks of the New Year! About 20% of people go back to their past year’s practice and slowly throwing out the resolution after a month. By the middle of 2013, it’s likely that over half of those who made resolutions would totally put their commitments aside.

 It is interesting to note as well that those who have had relatively notable success in past New Year’s resolution are likely to do 78% better in 2013. People who resolved to do better at work and business and experienced positive results are in good standing as well for the next year. In the meantime, those who were interested in solving their problems but didn’t go past the sixth months of last year are likely to do much less. Their success rate of just 8% last year would likely go lower. Those who made life-changing resolutions and got a success rate of over 40% are projected to get over 83% when 2013 ends.

Among the most common resolutions with notable success rates are less alcohol consumption, taking trips and vacations, learning a new skill, managing stress or getting better education. Coming in second from the top resolutions with good statistics at success would be doing volunteer work, saving money, getting fit and losing weight, and career productivity. Those with poor marks at success ratings would be resolutions on quitting smoking, overcoming emotional issues leading to various forms of addiction, overspending and debt management.

If you’re bent on making changes in your life for this budding, then you must know that setting New Year’s resolution would need a really strong will, discipline and desire. It is goal setting. It must be based on the knowledge that the achievement will make life better. Your success at setting New Year’s resolution should also provide you that sense of completion and self satisfaction. The decision must come from within you and not pressure upon you by others.

The essentials of goal setting in business are strongly similar to resolution for the New Year. To better explain, here is what you must note to have easier but most effective ways to end next year with success:

1. Make it specific.

What is the figure or number that you must resolve on following? People often just say they will start losing weight as soon as January 1 comes in. Many others say they will drink less or go to the gym more often. After a few months, they aren’t quite sure how they have fared at it. This is because generalizing your resolution makes it immeasurable. But when you make it specific, setting New Year’s resolution can come really clear.

If you want to lose weight, decide how many pounds you want to lose. If you want to cut  expenses, know how much less you need to spend each week or each month. When you make your goal specific, you know how to achieve that figure or numbers and find it easy to monitor how you’re doing at it.

2. Make it realistic.

Anyone can wish on a star but their actions speak for themselves. People who dream big but know so little and lack the discipline about achieving that dream often find themselves with just a dream. Plus, they get loads of frustration about life and themselves for not achieving their dream. Anchor your goal in reality.

A realistic goal is something you want for yourself that can be achieved; an unrealistic one is something you wish to become or have based on how you want people to see you. It is rooted on others’ definition of who you are or who you must be, and thus, makes the New Year’s resolution or goal unrealistic.

3. Make it known.

Those who have been successful with their New Year’s resolutions got by with a little help from people around them. It could be their closest friends, people from work, a mentor or their family. By making your aspiration known to others who play a significant role in your life, you get support along the way. At the same time, you get reminders every now and then that the efforts need to be consistent. Some friends or family members often check and see how you are doing with your weight loss program or the stress-reducing calendar at work.

4. Make it measurable by time.

Deadlines might be a stressful word for some. But if you’re setting New Year’s resolutions with no timeframe in mind, chances are, you have the rest of this century to achieve it!

It is vital to make your goals measurable by periods. If you plan to quit drinking or smoking before June next year, don’t quit when it’s the end of May. Instead, cut down the alcohol starting on New Year’s eve with gradual decrease for the next few weeks. After three months, check how you are doing. The same way with cigarettes, just quit as soon as you decide to quit. If it’s too difficult after years of nicotine addiction, settle with fewer sticks a day until June sees you totally free from the nasty habit.

5. Make it fun and rewarding.

Setting New Year’s resolutions aren’t meant to be punishments or agonizing efforts, but what comes ahead is a rewarding end. That makes the goal meaningful.

The element of enjoyment over sticking to your New Year’s resolution need not be in the difficulty but what you would put in place of what you’re going to cut off or lose There is a great advertisement for breakfast cereal. Follow their plan and lose weight. Their motto is :what will your gain when you lose”. You see people climbing on the scale and not seeing pounds, but seeing words such as “joy”, “self-confidence” and so on. There is a reward for losing weight, not just fewer pounds on the scale.

Good luck with your goals! And if buying a new home, downsizing, or just a change of scenery is one of your goals, I can help! I’m just a call or click away: http://www.NormaSellsNJHomes.com

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS – SETTING YOUR GOALS FOR 2013

Homeowners Insurance Policy – Don’t read it Just Once!

Posted on January 18, 2013 by NJNorma

When buying a home, or when it’s time to renew, don’t overlook the terms and conditions of your homeowner’s insurance policy.

Overlooking them could result in delayed, reduced or denied claims and higher premiums.

More insurers are shifting the risk and cost to policyholders, so it is critical for you to read your insurance policy, especially the fine print.

If you don’t understand something, get help from your insurance agent, broker or insurer, or someone who “gets” insurance policy jargon.

Shop carefully to find a low-cost insurance company with a good reputation for claims service. Ask about a “package” policy on your home and auto. These packages can usually save you money.

Some companies offer special rates to non-smokers and to homeowners who burglar alarms, smoke detectors and use fire-resistant materials. Shop coverage with at least three different companies and compare coverage on the structure AND content. Ask about replacement coverage compared to cash value coverage of the contents. Also ask about riders for special items such as good jewelry, art or antiques.

Remember that the higher the deductible, the lower the premium. Be sure your policy covers at least 80% of the replacement value of your home, but don’t over-insure. Policy premiums increase by a set ratio every year.

Keep track of your belongings for your home content coverage. Keep a list of things you own that you would want to replace. TAKE PICTURES of every room and every object you would need to replace or has value. But remember to keep the pictures someplace else besides home. After all, what good are they if your house burns down and so do the pictures!

Exclusions Most policies contain exclusions for floods, earthquakes, or landslides. In areas prone to floods, earthquakes, and landslides, you’ll need special coverage.

Policies also may not cover or limit coverage for mold damage, non-flood water damage, and food replacement. There are new exclusions in property insurance policies today that consumers are not aware of that can destroy their financial security after a serious loss.

Deductibles Deductibles are up-front costs you pay before benefits kick in. Most policies have two different deductibles, a flat dollar amount for most losses and a higher deductible for high wind-related losses.

High-wind losses can blow you away. Be mindful of Hurricane Sandy. Clarify with your agent or insurer what your out-of-pocket costs will be in the event of a high-wind related loss.

Hidden Expenses Check your policy for a provision called an anti-concurrent-causation (ACC) clause. It could result in a denial of claim if a structure is damaged at about the same time by two risks when one covered, (say, wind) but the other is not (say, flood). Even if one peril would have covered the damage, the ACC clause can limit or wipe out coverage for damage or destruction by two causes acting together.

Market demand cost increases Another, lesser known insurance-related pain can come from demand-driven rising construction costs that follow a disaster. Some policies don’t come with a guaranteed home replacement cost provision. In an after-disaster market that experiences demand surge conditions, your policy could leave you with a fixed amount stated on the policy. Your out-of-pocket expenses could cause a financial disaster.

Building codes Building code compliance issues increase rebuilding costs, but aren’t always covered by your policy. Some policies exclude additional costs if a local construction ordinance or building code requires upgrades, such as earthquake upgrades in a quake zone. You’ll have to purchase this coverage as an add-on to your basic policy.

Don’t become complacent with your insurance company or coverage. Read the fine print every year. The same coverage does not automatically roll to the next year.

If you need help finding a qualified company, your Realtor can recommend several that you can use to “shop”. If you need help I am only a call or click away at http://www.NormaSellsNJHomes.com

 

Posted in Buying a Home, Home Maintenance, Hunterdon County & Clinton NJ, Thoughts From a Realtor, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Homeowners Insurance Policy – Don’t read it Just Once!

Is 2013 The Year of the Home Seller?

Posted on January 13, 2013 by NJNorma

After years of declining home values and a buyers’ market, 2013 could be the year of the seller.

Though the situation varies by region, we’ve seen a glimmer of hope for sellers and the housing market in general over the past six months. Homes that didn’t move for a year started getting activity as buyers came off the sidelines, their confidence in the housing market and their financial situations greatly improved. That confidence, coupled with record low interest rates and rising rents, has been the fuel the real estate market needed. Add to this the low inventory seen in many markets, and you’ve got buyers motivated to make a purchase.

If 2013 might be your year to sell, start planning, engaging professionals and doing as much of the legwork as soon as possible. You only have one chance to be “Just Listed” in this new market. More than ever, you’ve got to put your best foot forward when presenting your home to motivated buyers.

Here are three things you can do now to transition from homeowner to successful home seller.

1. Know the comps

One of the first people you’ll want to reconnect with is your real estate agent. They are your “feet on the street” and have their finger on the market’s pulse. Real estate agents generally pick up on trends or shifts in your particular neighborhood or market before the press or the bloggers.

So get on your agent’s radar as soon as possible. Start going to open houses to see what’s selling and to get a feel for values and how homes are being presented. Likely a home you see at an open house in February could sell by the time you list in May or June. Future buyers will probably use this home as a “comparable” sale. Having seen the “comps” yourself puts you in the buyers’ mindset. It enables you to get ahead of the curve or learn from the mistakes of other sellers.

2. Have your property inspected

The buyer, after they have a signed contract on a home, is supposed to pay for an inspection, right? While that’s true, you can beat them to the punch and know what needs to be repaired before you go on the market.

Imagine if you list your home and have a great offer from a solid buyer. But the buyer finds out through the inspection that the roof needs replacement and the deck has dry rot. That excellent offer may not seem so great if you have to negotiate thousands of dollars in credits with the buyer.

Having your property inspected months in advance will allow you time to make a plan to get the big (and small) things repaired. If you can identify the problems upfront, you can fix them for a lot less money than those repairs would get negotiated for down the road. Or, you can price your home factoring in the needed repairs. Plus, a home with a clean bill of health can be advertised as such. Many buyers are looking for a home in “move-in” condition, free of any needed repairs or fixes.

3. Hire a designer or stager

Your real estate agent should have a good designer or stager they like to work with — someone who can help you start to view your home as a product to be marketed. This should be someone you reach out to once you have the place inspected and know the property’s condition.

Many people think a designer means big money or a wasted expense, but this isn’t always the case. Many designers charge by the hour. It could be as easy as hiring a designer for two hours to help you decide on colors to paint a room or two; a stager to help you declutter or decide which furniture to move out to make some rooms show better.

Based on your real estate agent’s feedback, you may decide to engage the designer on a minor kitchen or bathroom remodel. An old kitchen with linoleum countertops, knotty redwood cabinets and avocado-colored appliances can easily be updated with an inexpensive cabinet makeover and new stainless steel appliances.

You’ll save money in the long run

Like any major decision, selling a home takes a lot of planning, timing and consultation. Consulting with professionals and getting the facts in advance will help the process go a lot smoother, will help you make an informed decision and will most likely save you a lot of money when you sell.

If you’re a homeowner, transitioning to a seller mindset isn’t necessarily easy. The sooner you start that transition, however, the easier the process will be. But be aware there can be an unexpected, if ironic, outcome: Some would-be sellers do the fix-it work to their homes, clean up some rooms, or paint and update the entire place — only to fall in love with their home all over again and decide to stay.

Thank to FOX for a large part of this article. I would like to add that I am also a certified Home Staging Professional. I use that certification to help you sell your home!

If you are interested in selling, please don’t hesitate to call or write. Just visit my website at http://www.NormaSellsNJHomes.com.

Posted in Hunterdon County & Clinton NJ, Selling a Home | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Is 2013 The Year of the Home Seller?

Making Home Buying a 2013 New Year Resolution

Posted on January 13, 2013 by NJNorma

If purchasing a home this year is on your New Year’s Resolution list, or you are even considering it, these six tips will help keep you stay on track. With thanks to Steven M. DiGregorio, president of Compass Asset Management Group, here is a top priority tip list to help you buy a home in 2013.

1. “In these uncertain times of fraud, start by give yourself a credit check up,” advises Steve. “Make sure your credit history is as clean as possible.” If you start now, you can make great progress quickly which will enable you to potentially get a better mortgage with a lower down payment.

2. Buy what is best for you. Take care not to buy a house that’s too small because it seems more affordable, or too big because it looks amazing. Buy what works for you. Most people live in a house for approximately seven years so think about what life will be like in the next seven years and use that to help you plan.

3. Buy a house you can really afford. Steven says. The rule of thumb is that you can buy a house that runs about two-and-one-half times your annual salary.

Plan to use only 30-35 percent of your after tax income to pay for mortgage and taxes. You can use one of many calculators available online to get a better handle on how your income, debts, and expenses affect what you can afford.

4. Don’t try to time the market. Many people who want to buy a house choose to wait, hoping that prices will go down. They might go down but they might also go up. And in the meantime, your dream house might be purchased by someone else … AND you’re still throwing money away by paying rent. If you’re ready to buy and you’re pre-approved, find a good home and buy it. Timing the market doesn’t make sense.

5. Get professional help. Sometimes the price of hiring a professional may seem high compared to completing the home buying transaction yourself, but you’ll likely avoid huge pitfalls if you do get professional guidance. Real estate agents, home inspectors and attorneys are essential components of the process and they are an investment into a safer, smoother purchase. A mortgage broker can help you find a great rate, but the best part is, they are paid by the lender not you.

6. Choose carefully between points and rate. When picking a mortgage, you usually have the option of paying additional points – a portion of the interest that you pay at closing — in exchange for a lower interest rate. If you stay in the house for a long time (three to five years or more), it’s usually a better deal to take the points. The lower interest rate will save you more in the long run.

Don’t hesitate to give me a call if you have any questions about buying. Weichert has an excellent financial department and it costs nothing for you to come over and pick his brain. If you need help I am just a call or click away! Go to my website at: http://www.NormaSellsNJHomes.com

Posted in Buying a Home, Hunterdon County & Clinton NJ | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Making Home Buying a 2013 New Year Resolution

The Wonderful History of Christmas Lights

Posted on December 9, 2012 by NJNorma

History of Christmas Lights. The interesting saga!

Thomas Edison was known for his wacky publicity stunts, but during the Christmas of 1880 he went for the sentimental rather than shock value. That year, instead of electrocuting an elephant, he brought us the first electric Christmas light display.

The Wizard’s Light Show

By the time 1880 rolled around, Edison had his incandescent light bulbs pretty well figured out, and was on the lookout for a way to advertise them. Brian Murray’s article “Christmas Lights and Community Building in America” describes Edison’s marketing trick during that holiday season. To display his invention as a means of heightening Yuletide excitement, he strung up incandescent bulbs all around his Menlo Park laboratory compound , so that passing commuters on the nearby railway could see the Christmas miracle. But Edison being Edison, he decided to make the challenge a little tricker by powering the lights from a remote generator eight miles away.

Two years later, an Edison crony named Edward Johnson displayed the first electrically illuminated Christmas tree at his home in Manhattan. The then-impressive 80-light display girded a very unimpressive Charlie Brown Christmas tree (I mean really, look at that thing). And as you might expect, Johnson’s feat was also intended as an advertising tool.

The tradition of stringing electric lights may have started as a Christmas thing in America, but now it’s a global phenomenon used for all kinds winter festivuses (festivi?). It’s a practice we take for granted—come December, they’re everywhere. The evolution of the Christmas light parallels that of the light bulb, with some remarkably ornate—OK, tacky—variations. But regardless of how they look, one thing’s for certain: They’re a much better option than sticking a candle in a tree.

In the Beginning, There was Fire

Today we look at Christmas lights and think “Oh, those are pretty.” But the tradition of lighting lights in the winter months didn’t start off with aesthetics in mind. December is the darkest month of the year with the shortest days. People living without central heating in the 12th century were understandably unhappy when the sun went down and plunged them into the cold depths of night. Brian Murray’s article tells us that back during the winter of 1184 was the first recorded lighting of the Yule Log in Germany. The burning log was seen as a symbol of the sun’s promise to return. It probably didn’t hurt that a big burning hunk of wood makes for a pretty good heat source.

The Christmas tree has a whole story behind it that we won’t get into here, but if you want to know more check out this guide. (Fun Fact: they were originally hung upside down from the ceiling—hilarious!) Long story short, Christians had lights, they had trees, and in the 17th century, they decided to put the two together.

Unfortunately, the only way to add Christmas lights to a tree back then was with candles. Obviously, this was a pretty bad idea. So bad that, unlike today, the tree would only be put up a few days before Christmas  and was promptly taken down afterwards. Murray’s article describes how the candles would remain lit only for a few minutes per night, and even then families would sit around the tree and watch it vigilantly, buckets of sand and water nearby. It’s kind of like the old-timey equivalent of deep-frying a turkey: People knew it could burn their house down, but proceeded to do it anyway.

By 1908, insurance companies wouldn’t even pay for damages caused by Christmas tree fires. Their exhaustive research demonstrated that burning wax candles that were loosely secured to a dried-out tree inside your house wasn’t safe. At all. Electric Christmas lights were becoming a viable option for some Americans. They weren’t perfect—incandescent bulbs can get plenty hot, and sparks from malfunctioning strings can still light up a dry tree—but it was a much safer option than lighting multiple fires so close to their favorite fuel.

Keep in mind that by “some Americans,” I mean the extremely rich. In 1900, a single string of electric lights cost $12 —around $300 in today’s money. It would take the magic of mass manufacturing to create the Clark Griswold-esque neighborhood light displays would become an American tradition.

The Dawn of Tacky Lights

In 1900, eight years after General Electric purchased the patent rights to Edison’s bulbs, the first known advertisement for Christmas tree lights appeared in Scientific American Magazine. Like I said, these suckers weren’t cheap. They were so expensive that the ad suggests renting lights for a holiday display.

Twenty-five years later, demand was up. There were 15 companies in the biz of selling Christmas lights, and in 1925 they formed a consortium called the NOMA Electric Corporation, the largest Christmas light manufacturer in the world.

Even though NOMA was formed three years prior to the Great Depression, their appeal was great enough to pull through, becoming a juggernaut that was synonymous with Christmas lights from the Depression clear through to the Civil Rights Movement. NOMA didn’t just further Edison’s vision, though. They worked hard to bedazzle, becoming the world’s biggest manufacturer of the bubble light—arguably the first great mass-produced tacky Christmas decoration.

Though NOMA is no more, these psychedelic bubble lights are thankfully still in existence. As JimOnLight.com describes, the colorful round plastic cases hold an unseen bulb, while a candle-shaped vial of clear liquid protrudes upward. As the bulb heats up, the liquid—usually methylene chloride, a chemical with a low boiling point—also heats up, so that the vial would bubble, flickering like the candle it was supposed to replace.

Go ahead and put up all of those tacky lights. When the Holiday is over, maybe you’ll want to just move rather than take the lights down. Or, maybe find a bigger and better home for even more lights next year. If that’s the case, then give me call. Or visit my website:

http://www.NormaSellsNJHomes.com

Posted in Home Maintenance, Hunterdon County & Clinton NJ, Thoughts From a Realtor | Tagged , , | Comments Off on The Wonderful History of Christmas Lights

Last Minute Christmas Gifts

Posted on December 9, 2012 by NJNorma

LAST MINUTE GIFTS

I know that there is still at least SOME time left for shopping, but maybe not for you with so many other demands for your time.

I’ve always loved giving baskets with a theme. You can get pretty baskets just about everywhere (think dollar store) and can tailor the size of the basket to what you are giving. Tissue paper stuffing & padding work well to keep the items where you want. They sell special cello paper for these things to gather up top, but a gift bag will work just fine. Here are some ideas for baskets:

COFFEE/TEA: You can go Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks and get a variety of beans, maybe a gift cards and a mug or two.

You can also make your own from the gourmet section of the grocery store. Then, if some don’t drink coffee, add specialty teas, a small jar of honey, flavored stir-sticks.

COCOA: Same as coffee, mix and match hot cocoa, mugs, peppermint sticks, maybe some biscotti.

MOVIE NIGHT: Buy a DVD, bag of gourmet popping corn, Twizzlers, Raisinettes, Goobers, whatever you think they’ll like.

REAL MOVIE NIGHT: Same accessories, buy buy tickets to a local movie theater. Make it generic and they can see what they want.

SOUP MIX: You can buy soup mix at the grocery store that is already pre-packaged and is very pretty in clear wrapping. Go to the store and buy a beautiful jar or vase to put it in and decorate it for your own touch.

COOKIE MIX: Same as above.

NOSH BASKET: Real easy. Buy candies, cookies, different trail mix, nuts, dried fruits

WINES: Also cordials. Get a nice mix of wines and/or cordials and a pair of appropriate glasses.

“OF THE” CLUBS: There are subscription clubs that are great: Movie of the month, beer of the month, fruit of the month, wine of the month and so on. Most don’t require you to buy a 12-month subscription. Depending on your budget, you can get as many months as you can afford.

You can put together a really beautiful basket in almost no time at all. Not just for the holidays, these things made a wonderful housewarming gift. If you are thinking of warming up a new home for yourself, please give me call or visit my website:

http://www.NormaSellsNJHomes.com

 

 

Posted in Family Matters, Hunterdon County & Clinton NJ, Thoughts From a Realtor, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Last Minute Christmas Gifts