Who is Responsible

The Person Responsible for Your Success

It’s time to meet the person who has been responsible for the life you live right now.
This person has created your income, your debt, your relationships, your health, your fitness level, your weight, your attitudes and your behaviors. Who is it? To introduce yourself, just walk to the closest mirror and say hello! This person is you!
Although one of the popular myths out there is that “external factors” determine how you live, the truth of the matter is that you are in complete control of the quality of your life.
It’s time to look at the life you’ve created and determine what is working and what is not. Certainly, there are wonderful things happening in your life, whether it’s your job, your spouse, your grades, your children, your friends, or your income level.
Congratulate yourself on these successes; you are creating them for yourself! And then take a look at what isn’t working out so well. What are you doing or not doing to create those experiences?
It’s time to stop blaming outside factors for your unhappiness.
When you realize that you create your experiences, you’ll realize that you can un-create them and create new experiences whenever you want. But you must take responsibility for your happiness and your unhappiness, your successes and your failures, your good times and your bad times. When you stop blaming, you can take that energy and redirect to focus on creating a better situation for yourself. Blaming only ties up your energy.
It’s also time to stop complaining.
Look at what you are complaining about. Really examine it. More than likely it is something that you can do something about.
Are you unhappy about something that is happening? Make requests that will make it more desirable to you, or take the steps to change it yourself. Making a change might be uncomfortable to you. It might mean you have to put in more time, money, and effort. It might mean that someone gets upset about it. It might be difficult to change or leave a situation, but staying put is your choice so why continue to complain? Face the facts that you can either do something about it or not. It is your choice and you have responsibility for your choices.
Successful people take 100% responsibility for the thoughts they think, the images that visualize and the actions they take.
They don’t waste their time and energy blaming and complaining. They evaluate their experiences and decide if they need to change them or not. They face the uncomfortable and take risks in order to create the life they want to live.
Taking responsibility requires you to first decide to believe that you create all your experiences. Second, to pay attention to yourself, your behavior, and your life experiences. And last, to face the truth and deal with what is not working in your life. You have to be willing to change your behavior if you want a different outcome. You have to be willing to take the risks necessary to get what you want.
Isn’t it a great relief to know that you can make your life what you want it to be? Isn’t it wonderful that your successes do not depend on someone else?
Commit to taking 100% responsibility for your every aspect of your life. Decide to make changes, one step at a time. Once you start the process, you’ll discover it is much easier to get what you want by taking control of your thoughts, your visualizations, and your actions!
JR Sangiuliano: Broker/Owner CENTURY 21 JRS Realty Clark & Rahway New Jersey800-831-0681 http://www.c21jrs.com/ E-mail C21JRS72@aol.com

6 Steps to Success: Mastering the Creative Process

6 Steps to Success: Mastering the Creative Process
Have you ever marveled at the incredible creative and productivity of successful people? Those individuals that I have most admired were exceptional achievers, all of them successful by any standard. There was one characteristic in common, they all mastered the creative process.
This series of articles explores the 6 milestones that I have identified make up the creative process. These steps are repeatable and can be applied to any situation, goal or dream you want to achieve. Go ahead; follow these steps to your wildest dreams. Your success is only limited to what you can imagine.
Step 1 The Creative Mindset - Positioning yourself for the creative process Step 2 Conceptualize - Creating, processing and prioritizing your ideas
Step 3 Visualize - Turning your ideas into virtual reality
Step 4 Strategize - Laying out your road map from here to there
Step 5 Exercise - Organizing, executing and practicing self-discipline
Step 6 Materialize - Accepting the reality of success

Step 1 THE CREATIVE MINDSET Left side vs. right side
Science has long established that the human brain has a right and left sphere; logic is processed in the left and emotions and the creative in the right. Science may be correct but for years, society has sadly catalogued us as right or left brained, adding to perceived limitations. The truth is both sides of the brain are engaged when we employ the creative process.
So, to fully master the creative process we must first condition both sides of the brain. This means we must recondition emotional issues, reprogram preconceptions and prejudices, not accept our logic as absolute; in other words erase the bad tapes. Unless we have a concrete point of reference, it is human nature to posture events in a negative context.
Take our perception of failure. Generally, failure is taken as one’s inability to succeed at a given activity, so most folks simply stop trying when they meet the first failure. That is the right side of the brain talking. From that point on, logic (left side) will defer to the emotional (right side) and shut down that creative process in step 5 (Exercise). Too often, this is because earlier steps in the process were ignored or jumped.
You want your ideas and concepts to be fresh and untainted as you ready for the process.
At this point move your mental gears to neutral.
Conditioning both sides
It is important to recognize that the creative process incorporates both sides of the brain at different steps and to different degrees during the process.
When you follow these steps to the creative process, you are training the full brain to work in harmony, maximizing the strengths of each side at the most opportune time, for the most critical tasks. This will create accord not discord. By engaging both sides in a coordinated effort you will have clearer vision, greater momentum and stay on your course.
Clear the Computer
There are many ways to practice the process of clearing the mind, some use mediation others physical exercise. Use whatever suites your constitution and makeup.
When you clear you mind and logically layout the steps prior to launching your project, you give both your logical and emotional process a reference point to measure progress, control reactions and exercise sound judgment.
Best of all, this step makes room to develop and maintain a healthy prospective.
At this point move your mental gears from neutral to forward.
Congratulations, you are now ready to fully engage the creative process

Congrats to Punit Shah Agent of the Month

Punit Shah Agent of the Month of MAy

Congratulations the Punit Shah as he is the Agent of the month of May for 2008 in CENTURY 21 JRS Realty. Punit has been working very hard in 2008 and the pieces of the puzzles finally all came together. Punit registered 3 listings and 3 sales in the Month of May to earn the honor of agent of the month. With more than 3 years experience in this industry Punit has the knowledge and work ethic to rise about the present market trends, and help sellers and buyer achieve their dreams. We are very proud of Punit for his accomplishments and CENTURY 21 JRS Realty is honored to have him as a member of their family. For more information on Punit or any other CENTURY 21 JRS Realty agent please visit http://www.c21jrs.com/ or for information on owning a home or selling your existing home in the Union, Middlesex, Essex, or Bergen County areas please feel free to Call 1-800-831-0681 or E-mail the Broker at C21JRS72@aol.com.

5 new rules for home sellers

5 new rules for home sellers

Rule 1: Get real about price
Too many sellers set their price based on yesterday's market. Big mistake. "The first buyers in tend to pay the best price, so you need to price it right at the start," says Pamela Liebman, CEO of the Corcoran Group brokerage.
Have three area brokers prepare what's called a comparable market analysis. It will list asking and selling prices of similar homes, as well as amenities and sizes. If there's little inventory in your price range, list for what others are asking. If a lot of homes like yours are on the market, then look to generate buzz, says Liebman.
Set an asking price 10% below what homes like yours have been selling for. That raises the odds of your getting multiple offers. If your market is really frozen and you need to drop the price, make one large cut. No baby steps.
Rule 2: Vet your agent - especially if it's you
Selling on your own in an unprecedented slowdown means you'll have to work awfully hard marketing your home. If you aren't prepared for that, hire a broker. Avoid newbies. You want an agent who has been through good times and bad and who has a track record that you can verify with clients.
Rule 3: Pimp your house - hire a home stager
To sell today, you've got to glam up your home. A stager will help get rid of clutter (especially clutter you don't see); rearrange furniture to create attractive focal points; redo underused rooms, turning, say, that makeshift bedroom in the basement into a rec room; and pick paint and curtains that make rooms appear spacious. A consultation may run $200. Completing the plan could cost $1,000 or more. It's worth it.
Rule 4: Cash will make your home look even better
Given the number of listings out there, you want to throw in a little something extra to make your house catch the eye of buyers and their agents. Rather than hand out a cruise or a car - skeptics might wonder why you're so desperate -offer something that will make your home more affordable, such as paying part of the buyer's closing costs.
In the multiple-listing service description of your house that agents can see, let them know you're offering a $1,000 bounty or a 4% commission to the one who brings in the purchaser. It will mean more knocks on your door.
Rule 5: Underwater? Learn to swim
If you're a recent buyer, your mortgage may well top what your home would go for today. About a third of those who bought last year or in 2006 now have negative equity, according to Zillow.com. If a job or family issue compels you to move, your options aren't great, but you have a few. First, you may be able to persuade your new employer to make you whole on the loan. Second, if the rental market in your area is strong (as is the case in many spots that were healthy but not overly bubbly during the boom), you can become a landlord and wait out the slump. Third, of course, is to sell for as much as you can (see Rule No. 1) and raid your savings for the difference. Short sales, in which the bank agrees to take less than it's owed and release you from your debt, get a lot of media attention. That doesn't mean they're easy to come by. A bank usually will consider one only if you're at risk for foreclosure. Even then it may say, "No, thanks."

CENTURY 21 JRS Realty Helps the Special Olympics

CENTURY 21 JRS Realty Sponcers the Special Olympics

Carene Sangiuliano, Marci Hodges, and Audra Loccisano volouteered to help the Rahway Special Olympics. Pictured hear are the agents of CENTURY 21 JRS Realty with the attendees of the Rahway Special Olympics.

Sam Sauveur Does it Again

Sam Sauveur is agent of the month for April.

Congratulations goes out to Sam Sauveur for being awarded agent of the month for the third time in his 4 months with CENTURY 21 JRS Realty. Sam is a top sales agent and has a terrific work ethic. Everyday Sam works his book of business and pounds the pavement for listings and clients to assist. Sam is also a huge help to new agents in the office with inspirational advice and guidance only an agent with years of experience can dish out. CENTURY 21 JRS Realty is happy to have Sam as a member of their Family.

Persistence

PERSISTENCE
It's a rare person who doesn't get discouraged. Whether it happens to you, or to an associate you're trying to cheer up, the answer centers around one word: persistence.
The value of courage, persistence, and perseverance has rarely been illustrated more convincingly than in the life story of this man -- see if you can guess who it is..
Failed in business
Ran for Legislature -- defeated
Again failed in business
Elected to Legislature
His sweetheart died
Had a nervous breakdown
Defeated for Speaker
Defeated for Elector
Defeated for Congress
Elected to Congress
Defeated for Congress
Defeated for Senate
Defeated for Vice President
Defeated for Senate
Elected President of the United States
The question is not whether we will be knocked down, pushed aside, or treated unfairly -- that happens to all of us, it's life. The question is whether or not we will have the courage to get up and fight on. The old saying is still true "the race is not always to the swift . . . but to those who keep on trying."
During the darkest days of WWII, Winston Churchhill refused to let the disappointment of temporary defeats destroy the will of the Allied forces. His now-famous speech that unified the coalition against the Nazi Regime consisted of only nine words: "Never give up. Never, never, never. Never give up."
JR Sangiuliano Broker/Owner CENTURY 21 JRS Realty Clark & Rahway New Jersey800-831-0681

CENTURY 21 JRS Realty Gives Back

CENTURY 21 JRS Realty Attends Craft Fair And Gives Back

On Sunday April 13Th, 2008 CENTURY 21 JRS Realty agents were not home resting, instead they were serving the community. Sunday Audra Loccisano and Marci Hodges were hard at work giving gift bags away at a craft fair for Project Graduation in Rahway with sponsorship from Mike Oliveira of Velocity Lending. CENTURY 21 JRS Realty does things like this every month of the year. "We feel if you are going to be a part of the community, then you also have to give back to your community". Said Marci and Audra. Congratulations to Audra and Marci on their efforts to give back to our community. To send Audra or Marci a thank you, visit them on the web at http://www.c21jrs.com/.

CENTURY 21 JRS Realty Agents Honored

Congratulations to Khem Persaud , a member of the CENTURY 21 JRS Realty Family. Khem received an award at the CENTURY 21 Gold Ball for his achievements in 2007. Khem is a great agent that has his priorities in order, with clients at the top of the list. Congratulations to Khem for his great accomplishments.

CENTURY 21 JRS Realty Agents Honored

Team Excel, finished number #3 in region #125 for New Jersey in 2007 and was honored with a plaque at the CENTURY 21 Gold Ball. Punit Shah, Simi D'souza, and Joe Piizzi are three of the top agents in the Real Estate industry, and deserve the award they earned from CENTURY 21. We are so proud to have these three agents as members of CENTURY 21 JRS Realty. Congratulations to Punit, Simi, and Joe for their accomplishments.

CENTURY 21 JRS Realty Agents Honored

NUMBER 1 TEAM in Region 125. Here we see Audra Loccisano, Jessica Hoff, and Carene Sangiuliano, members of the #1 Team in Region#125 for New Jersey. These three laddies make up Team Success and finished 2007 as the #1 Team in Region #125 for New Jersey. Congratulations to Audra, Jessie, and Carene on all their hard work helping our community buy and sell homes.

CENTURY 21 JRS Realty Receives Awards

CENTURY 21 JRS Realty celebrated the accomplishments of 2007 at the annual CENTURY 21 Gold Ball.

May is Seminar Month at CENTURY 21 JRS Realty

MAY is SEMINAR MONTH at CENTURY 21 JRS Realty
This MAY CENTURY 21 JRS Realty and INDYMAC Bank will host a set of 4 FREE HOME BUYER SEMINARS at the CROWN Plaza in CLARK NJ. These 4 seminars will be geared toward helping home buyers understand the importance of home ownership as well as the tax benefits of owning verse renting. CENTURY 21 JRS Realty will team with INDYMAC Bank for these seminars and educate the pubic on mortgages and the process of finding and owning a home with the assistance of a Realtor. CENTURY 21 JRS and INDYMAC Bank will provide all the information needed to realize the American Dream of Home Ownership. Please join us for one of the 4 free seminars.
FREE AT THE SEMINARS:
*On-site Mortgage Pre-Approval
*Benefits of Home Ownership Report
*CENTURY 21 Home Buyers Guide
Location: Crown Plaza, 36 Valley Rd. Clark, NJ 07066
Time: 7PM
DATES: Thursday May 1ST
Thursday May 8Th
Thursday May 15Th
Thursday May 22ND
Seating will be limited, Please register online at http://www.c21jrs.com/ or Toll Free at 800-831-0681

Agent of the Month

Sam Sauveur February Agent of the Month

In his first month with CENTURY 21 JRS Realty Sam Sauveur has been awarded Agent of the Month. With 6 Listings and 1 Sale in the Month of February Sam is proving to be a great addition to the CENTURY 21 JRS Realty family. Sam is out going and willing to help the agents around him in any way he can. Sam has shown the desire to be a team player and make the entire office grow by assisting agents and management at every turn. We appreciate all of Sam's efforts and look forward to much success in the future. Congratulations to Sam for this great achievement. To find out more about Sam and our entire Team at CENTURY 21 JRS Realty please visit http://www.c21jrs.com/ for more information.

MAY is SEMINAR MONTH

MAY is SEMINAR MONTH at CENTURY 21 JRS Realty

This MAY CENTURY 21 JRS Realty and INDYMAC Bank will host a set of 4 FREE HOME BUYER SEMINARS at the CROWN Plaza in CLARK NJ. These 4 seminars will be geared toward helping home buyers understand the importance of home ownership as well as the tax benefits of owning verse renting. CENTURY 21 JRS Realty will team with INDYMAC Bank for these seminars and educate the pubic on mortgages and the process of finding and owning a home with the assistance of a Realtor. CENTURY 21 JRS and INDYMAC Bank will provide all the information needed to realize the American Dream of Home Ownership. Please join us for one of the 4 free seminars.

FREE AT THE SEMINARS:

*On-site Mortgage Pre-Approval

*Benefits of Home Ownership Report

*CENTURY 21 Home Buyers Guide

Location: Crown Plaza, 36 Valley Rd. Clark, NJ 07066

Time: 7PM

DATES: Thursday May 1ST

Thursday May 8Th

Thursday May 15Th

Thursday May 22ND

Seating will be limited, Please register online at http://www.c21jrs.com/ or Toll Free at 800-831-0681

Eddie Kefalas

CENTURY 21 JRS Realty proudly announces the addition of Eddie Kefalas to its’ Clark office

CENTURY 21 JRS Realty is happy to welcome Eddie Kefalas to its' Clark office. Eddie Kefalas brings a wealth of knowledge and experience back to CENTURY 21 JRS Realty. CENTURY 21 JRS Realty is a company built on hard work and dedicated quality service and Eddie Kefalas definitely embodies both of those qualities. "We are extremely excited to have Eddie on our roster and in our family, assisting our company with its growth and helping as many people as possible realize the American Dream of home ownership" said company Leader, JR Sangiuliano. Eddie Kefalas is now able to work in his home town and will be able to serve our local community even more efficiently and effectively. Eddie Kefalas has a proven track record of success that includes the CENTURION award from CENTURY 21 LLC 7 times, and the NJAR Circle of Excellence 11 years in a row. The experience, work ethic, and dedication that Eddie Kefalas brings to our company will surely benefit our clients and customers as well as all of our agents at CENTURY 21 JRS Realty. For more information on Eddie Kefalas or any CENTURY 21 JRS Realty agent please visit http://www.c21jrs.com/.

Thank you for your support Mr. Vendetti

PROFESSIONAL PEOPLE, PROFESSIONAL OFFICE SPECIAL, SPECIAL THANKS TO MARCY, KHEM & TARA THESE PEOPLE ARE DOING EVERYTHING TO SELL MY HOUSE WE KNOW IT WILL SELL, IT'S JUST A MATTER OF TIME....
THANKS TO ALL!
Edward L. Vendetti
Sales Support Specialist
HESS CORPORATION
Energy Marketing NYC Metro Region
One Hess Plaza Woodbridge, NJ 07095
EVendetti@hess.com

Homes in Rahway

Congratulations to Khem Persaud January Agent of the month

CENTURY 21 JRS Realty has hit the ground running in 2008, and Khem Persaud has led the way. Khem received four and a half listing for the month of January, playing a huge part in the success of the company. January started off this year right were we left off 07, with 20 listings and 2 sales. Khem is leading a very talented and hard working group of agents through this trying time in Real Estate. We will all get through this together and a company is the feeling throughout CENTURY 21 JRS Realty. Congratulations to Khem on his achievements this month and continued success in the future

Homes in New Jersey

Stocks Rise on Rate Cut Hopes
AP
Posted: 2008-01-28 17:48:21
xhl(Wall Street Advances After Big nts after a two-day advance of more than 400 points. Broader stock indicators also advanced Monday. The Standard & Poor's 500 index rose 23.36 or 1.76 percent, to 1,353.97, while the Nasdaq composite index rose 23.71, or 1.02 percent, to 2,349.91. Government bond prices slipped as stocks rose. The 10-year Treasury note's yield, which moves opposite its price, was unchanged at 3.58 percent - and did not move in after-hours trading. Alexander Paris, economist and market analyst for Chicago-based Barrington Research, said most investors were waiting for the Fed to announce its decision on Wednesday before making any big bets. That was one of the reason for a quiet trading day where the Dow stayed mostly in positive territory. "It was calmer than I expected it would be, especially when you have lots of news for investors to look at," he said. "But, it's the Fed offsetting the news - and people don't want to make a big move when you don't know what they're going to do about interest rates." However, trading for the week is expected to be volatile as Wall Street digests President Bush's final State of the Union address Monday evening and the Fed's rate announcement Wednesday. Last Tuesday, in an emergency move, the Fed lowered rates by 0.75 of a percentage point. Hopes for another large cut on Wednesday had been tempered late last week by news that French bank Societe Generale sold European index futures to close positions taken by an alleged rogue trader. It is thought those trades may have aggravated the massive losses in Europe and Asian trading last Monday, when the U.S. markets were closed. Profit reports Monday were ostensibly upbeat, but revealed some troubling signals about the economy. Fast food seller McDonald's , a Dow component, said its quarterly profit rose 3 percent due to tax benefits and strong sales, but December U.S. sales were flat with a year ago as cash-strapped consumers pared back spending. McDonald's shares fell $3.03, or 5.6 percent, to $51.07. Merger and acquisition news added to the market's uncertainty. Blackstone Group LP on Monday said it is still interested in buying Alliance Data Systems Corp., but that the $6.4 billion deal is in jeopardy because regulators want to place onerous terms on the takeover. ADS dropped $23.12, or 35 percent, to $42.48. Blackstone slipped 21 cents to $19.15. The dollar fell against most major currencies except the yen, and gold prices rose. Crude oil rose 28 cents to settle at $90.99 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Advancing issues outnumbered decliners by nearly 3 to 1 on the New York Stock Exchange, where consolidated volume came to 3.96 billion shares, compared to 4.78 billion on Friday. The Russell 2000 index of smaller companies rose 13.79, or 2.00 percent, to 702.39. Asian trading saw steep losses as investors reacted to Friday's U.S. trading. In Tokyo, the Nikkei stock average dropped 4 percent and a key index in Shanghai plunged 7.2 percent. In late trading in Europe, London's FTSE 100 fell 1.36 percent, Frankfurt's DAX rose 0.03 percent and Paris's CAC 40 lost 0.61 percent. On the Net: New York Stock Exchange: http://www.nyse.com Nasdaq Stock Market: http://www.nasdaq.com

Real Estate Rahway NJ

CENTURY 21 JRS Realty proudly announces the addition of Sam Sauveur to our Rahway office

CENTURY 21 JRS Realty is growing every day by leaps and bounds. CENTURY 21 JRS Realty had added top agent Sam Sauveur to its already outstanding roster of full-time quality service delivering agents. Sam has been in Real Estate for many years, and has been with the CENTURY 21 brand for his entire career. Sam brings with him energy, motivation, and a wealth of knowledge that will assist him in reaching all of his goals not only in Real Estate but in life as well. "We are extremely happy to have Sam as a member of the CENTURY 21 JRS Realty family", said Broker/Owner JR Sangiuliano. "I think Sam's track record speaks for itself, and I know he is anxious to make his mark in our area", Sangiuliano continued. Sam Sauveur is a CENTURION level producer for CENTURY 21 Real Estate LLC. and knows how important quality, knowledgeable service is to all customers and clients. Sam works on 80% referral business because his full time, full service mind set puts him above the average realtor. Sam has many repeat clients and is ready to serve the Union, Essex, and Middlesex County areas with his attention to detail attitude. To find out more about Sam visit http://www.c21jrs.com/, or call Sam at 732-388-0909 Ext.105.

Realtors in Clark

CENTURY 21 JRS Realty Proudly Recognizes 2007 Top Agents
In a market that has many people depressed and considering career changes CENTURY 21 JRs Realty is very proud of the top sales associates of 2007. Our agents do not spend time dwelling on the negatives but instead focus on the positive affect they have on peoples' lives. That is the main reason these 3 agents have accomplished so much. Jessica Hoff, Simi D'saouza, and Punit Shah are top agents not only for CENTURY 21 JRS Realty, but in the entire Real Estate industry today. These three agents always go the extra mile for their clients and customers. "I am proud to be associated with these three agents as well as all the agents we have in our company". Said Broker/Owner JR Sangiuliano. CENTURY 21 JRs Realty agents are some of the best trained, well mannered, and driven to succeed agents around. These 3 agents lead by example everyday and are an inspiration to all agents in the company. For more information about these agents and all other information about the Real Estate industry please visit http://www.c21jrs.com/

Real Estate Rahway NJ

Congratulation the CENTURY 21 JRS Realty Rahway Top Agents
I am proud to recognize the top sales agents for CENTURY 21 JRS Realty's Rahway Location. We have the hardest working agents in the industry bar none. First of all, the public deserves a full time knowledgeable Realtor, and that is exactly what these three top agents embody. From left to right Khem Persaud, Marci Hodges, and Amr Ibrahiem are 3 of the hardest working agents in our company. These three agents have gone above and beyond for their clients and customers. Khem once personally mowed the lawn for a client. Marci has picked up many a client for the train station and treated them to lunch in between showings. Amr regularly takes care of clients' homes when they are moved out or living in another location. These 3 agents are knowledgeable, computer savvy, and experts in their field. They deserve the respect and admiration of clients, customers, and agents state wide. Visit http://www.c21jrs.com/ for more information on these agents as well as 67 Client Guides that will help you learn how to do everything from buying a home to choosing the right agent for you.

Homes in Clark & Rahway NJ

Congratulations to the Agents of CENTURY 21 JRS Realty

The year 2007 was a down year for many Real Estate companies across America, but for CENTURY 21 JRS Realty it was a great year. Not only did CENTURY 21 JRS Realty grow to 2 locations and add 10 Full time agents, but CENTURY 21 JRS Realty sales production went up 25%. In 2007 CENTURY 21 JRS Realty is the number 47 ranked CENTURY 21Company in New Jersey, a state that has well over 100 companies. "I am so proud to be associated with the agents in this company, not only because of their work ethic, but because they put our clients and customers priorities first". Said Broker/Owner JR Sangiuliano. CENTURY 21 JRS Realty agents have received many testimonial letters and cards of appreciation from its clients and customers for all their hard work. "That is what this is all about, helping our clients and customers realize the American Dream of home ownership". Saniuliano continued. CENTURY 21 JRS Realty now has offices in Clark and Rahway New Jersey to better serve all of Union, Middlesex, and Essex Counties with the immediate and up to date industry knowledge seldom seen in this industry. Please visit http://www.c21jrs.com/ for more information on our agents and up to the minute industry news.

The Real Estate industry has been watered down in recent years because of the hot market we have experienced over the last decade. Many of the agents and agencies that opened just to capitalize on that rush will be out of this business shortly. In the past 2 years and moving forward agents and agencies must stand for more then making money. CENTURY 21 JRS Realty is growing because of the value system the agents believe in and use to guide their everyday interactions with clients and customers. CENTURY 21 JRS Realty believes in putting the client and customer first in every way. Shoveling a walk way for a client that is out of town or picking a customer up from the air port or train station is well within the job description of a CENTURY 21 JRS Realty agent. The number one priority of our clients and customers is ALWAYS our number one priority.

For Sale in Rahway & Clark

CENTURY 21 JRS Realty posts over 2000 visits to its site per month

For a small local company with two locations CENTURY 21 JRS Realty has averaged many visits to its company site in 2007. CENTURY 21 JRS Realty has averaged over 2000 visits per month to its company site in 2007. To our clients that means 2000 people each month are viewing the homes for sale with CENTURY 21 JRS Realty. In a slower market this is an obvious advantage to sellers listed with CENTURY 21 JRS Realty. This sites popularity is due to the agents of CENTURY 21 JRS Realty working so hard to spread the word about our site. There is much more information then just homes for sale on CENTURY 21 JRS Realty's company web site. There is a mortgage calculator, 67 Client Help Guides, client testimonials, and much more helpful information for buyers and sellers. Congratulations to all the CENTURY 21 JRS Realty agents for a job well done.

Houses in NJ

CENTURY 21 JRS Realty Posts 25% increase in sales volume.

"We are excited and proud of all of our agents at CENTURY 21 JRS Realty", said Broker/ Owner JR Sangiuliano. CENTURY 21 JRS Realty has increased sales production by 25% in what most agents are calling a slow market. In 2007 CENTURY 21 JRS Realty sold 25% more homes in Union and Middlesex County's then they did just 1 year earlier. "This is due to a dedicated roster of full time agents that have set daily, weekly. and monthly goals, and worked their tails off to reach those goals", Sangiuliano continued. CENTURY 21 JRS Realty has one concern, helping as many people realize the AMERICAN dream of home ownership as they can. With the right focus anything can be accomplished.

2008 is looking up as well. CENTURY 21 JRS Realty has received 6 offers in the first two weeks of the month on their listings. "Buyers are out there, the homes just have to be marketed correctly and priced realistically, and everything will sell", said the Broker. With offices in Clark and Rahway NJ CENTURY 21 JRS Realty can serve all of Union, Middlesex, Essex, Sommerset, and Hudson Counties extremely efficiently. For More information or to meet with a CENTURY 21 JRS Realty sales consultant please visit us on the web at http://www.c21jrs.com/, or call toll free 1-800-831-0681 and ask for JR.

Houses in Clark

Agent of the month for December. This month Jessica Hoff was awarded the prestigious Agent of the Month award for December, ending 2007 on a great note. Jessica landed 5 listings and one sale for the month. That would be the entire year for the average Realtor, but was only one month for this top agent. At the CENTURY 21 JRS Realty Christmas Party Jessica was also honored as the top agent in the entire company for total sales production for 2007. Jessica can be reached in the office 7 days a week, just call 732-396-0606 and ask for Jessica Hoff. CENTURY 21 JRS Realty is very lucky to have Jessica as a member of it's company. Jessica is always trying to help grow the office and make things better for our clients and customers. She is also very helpful to new agents in the office with advice and up to date knowledge of the industry.

Houses in Clark NJ

CENTURY 21 JRS Realty celebrated the end of 2007 with a wonderful holiday party, comedy show, and award presentation.
2007 was a great year for CENTURY 21 JRS Realty. We have many terrific agents that make up a very successful company. All of our agents are SPECIAL people, not only to the Sangiuliano family but to all of our customers and clients as well. They are a credit to themselves, their family's, and CENTURY 21. We honored the top 3 agents in both of our offices. Jessica Hoff and Khem Persaud received awards for #1 TOP SALE Associates in the Clark and Rahway offices. Simi D'souza & Marci Hodges we honored as the #2 Top Sales Associates in Clark and Rahway respectively. Punit Shah & Amr Ibrahiem were the #3 Top Sales Associates in Clark and Rahway as well. Congratulations to all CENUTURY 21 JRS Realty agents and employees on a great year. You are all very much loved and appreciated.

Homes in Clark

Understanding Adjustable Rate Mortgages
You've probably heard a lot about ARMs in the news of late, but many people still find them confusing. They know that the rate changes, but they aren't sure how. ARMs really aren't all that complicated.
An ARM, like its counterpart the fixed rate mortgage (or FRM), has two elements: The interest rate and monthly payment. With a fixed rate loan those items stay the same throughout the life of the loan. With an ARM, the interest rate changes and in turn, causes changes in your monthly payments.
It works like this. An adjustable rate mortgage has a period in between rate changes called the adjustment period. A one year ARM has an adjustment rate period of a year, so that's how often the interest rate - and your payments - can change. A 3-year ARM has a 3-year adjustment period, etc.
The interest rate itself has two parts: the index and the margin. The index determines the interest rate. It may be based on CMT securities, the Cost of Funds Index (COFI), the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) or even the lender's own cost of funds. These indexes vary, with some changing more often than others and some that are generally higher than others. The margin represents how much your interest rate will be over and above the index. For example, if your index is 3% with a 3% margin, the rate would be 3% + 3% or 6%. Following is the formula.
Index + Margin = Fully Indexed rate
Using the formulas, if the index rose to 4%, the fully indexed rate would be 7%. There is a limit on how much your loan can change: It's called a rate cap. Rate caps limit how much interest the lender can charge you.
There are two main kinds of caps typically used on ARMs:
A periodic cap limits how much your rate is allowed to increase from one adjustment period to the next.
A lifetime cap limits how much the interest rate can change over the entire life of the loan. By law, there must be an overall (lifetime) cap on adjustable rate mortgages.
Note that if the interest rate on a given loan is held down by means of a periodic cap, if the index were to go up, the lender may be able to impose the increase at the end of the next adjustment period. For example, if a periodic cap is 2% but the index rose 3%, the lender may raise the rate 2% during the present adjustment period and the extra 1% during the subsequent period.
There is a third cap called a payment cap that limits how much your monthly payment can go up at the end of each adjustment period. Usually if your ARM has a periodic rate cap, it will not have a payment cap.
The reason it's so important to consider all these caps when evaluating a loan is to understand the way that your monthly payment will increase. This is important because it will directly affect the amount of money you have on hand each month for non-housing expenses. The incremental increases in the index and rates can be deceptive. But do the math: If your monthly payment increases from $953 to $1,395 over the first seven years of the loan, that is nearly a 50% increase and could represent a significant burden to your monthly budget.
If you still aren't sure about your ARM program, get a written disclosure from your lender. If you are considering an ARM, be sure to compare the annual percentage rates (APR) and caps on several ARMs to evaluate which one will cost you less money.

For Sale in Clark

1) One of the major deductions is the business use of your car.
2) Decide the best tax usage of your car-Mileage or Actual Cost Method
3) You can switch the method of usage for car even if you used the other
4) Keep adequate travel records
5) Though most business meals are only 50% deductible, there are exceptions
6) Don't overlook deductions such as stationary and business cards
7) As a Self-employed tax-payer you are permitted to take a special "above the line" deduction for health insurance premiums you pay yourself and your family
8) Deduct business use items- Things use part for business and personal may be deducted for the business use.
9)Continuing Education expenses are deductible
10) All Dues are deductible
11) A portion of Equipment costs may be deducted in the year of purchase
12) Hire your Children
13) You might qualify for special tax breaks if you hire your spouse to work for you.
14) Home office Expenses for work done from home
15) Don't miss the self-employment tax deduction
16) Gifts to Clients up to $25
17) Keep Good Records
18) Check out the benefits of a retirement plan
19) You may also qualify for an individual retirement account
20) Don't under pay your taxes
21) Always take a sensible approach when it come to tax planning

This information is general in nature and should not be acted upon without further details and/or professional assistance. The tax laws contain numerous limitation and exceptions that cannot be easy or quickly summarized. To identify and implement the tax strategies best suited to your situation, please contact and certified CPA.

Short Sales in NJ

CENTURY 21 JRS Realty attends seminar on Short Sales
BY JR Sangiuliano
Today CENTURY 21 JRS Realty hosted a seminar by a title company on Short Sales to help them help sellers that cannot afford their present mortgages. With the changes in the Real Estate market and Mortgage industry that have affected the entire country this past year it is important to stay up to date on all information. That is the number one reason CENTURY 21 JRS Realty is keeping up with all the changes that are affecting buyers and sellers in today's Real Estate market. Many Realtors do not have the experience or expertise to handle short sales and closings for sellers that are behind in their payments.Short sales offer an alternative to losing your home to foreclosure and allow sellers to still purchase another home if they so desire. Not many Realtors take the time to learn how to help sellers fix the situations they have been put in by dishonest mortgage company's, over priced homes, and ARM payments that they cannot afford. Sellers do not have to lose their homes to the banks through the foreclosure process. A properly trained Realtor can save a homeowner thousands of dollars in fees, and hours of heartache by simply knowing the process. Well now CENTURY 21 JRS Realty has the training and knows how to save sellers time and money if they are behind in payments or just cannot afford them any more. Did you know it takes 7 years to clear a foreclosure from you credit, but with a short sale you may be able to buy your next home right away. CENTURY 21 JRS Realty and Broker/Owner JR Sangiuliano suggest that if you have a situation in which you are falling behind or cannot afford your monthly payments just call one of our highly trained sales associates to asses your situation with you and let you know the proper steps to take. CENTURY 21 JRS Realty has two offices in this local area, 138 Westfield ave in Clark, and 1474 Main St in Rahway. We can also be reached on the web at http://www.c21jrs.com/ or e-mail JR at c21jrs72@aol.com for more information.

Punit Shah Gets Great Report Cards

CENTURY 21 JRS Realty starts a report card system to track costumer satisfaction.

BY JR Sangiuliano

2007 has been another great year for CENTURY 21 JRS Realty clients and customers, and we will make sure 2008 is even better. We have started a report card system for all clients that have transactions with our company. After a transaction has concluded our client swill receive a report card survey in the mail to let us know their level of satisfaction. We feel this will be a great way not only to keep in touch with past clients but also to make sure our agents are living up to expectations. All clients will be able to report directly to the broker about their level of satisfaction.

Punit Shah has been the test agent for this new system. This month Punit received 6 report cards with perfect scores. Every client that received a report card sent it back with excellent scores. This reinforces to me that customer satisfaction is still the name of this Real Estate game. With prices falling and days on market rising keeping clients happy is the most important task a Realtor has. Up to date information, showing feedback calls, and many other service oriented daily activities are the key to satisfied customers in a soft market.

Foxtons May file Bankruptcy

Foxtons may file for bankruptcy
BY JAMES BERNSTEIN james.bernstein@newsday.com
11:04 AM EDT, September 27, 2007
Foxtons, the one-time 800-pound gorilla of the 2 percent marketplace in the New York metropolitan area, said it may file for bankruptcy and close its business, explaining it "can't stand in the way of a hurricane" that has come about as a result of the decline in the home mortgage industry.The New Jersey-based company, which once rocked the real-estate industry by selling homes for as little as 2 percent commission -- compared to commissions of up to 6 percent at other brokers -- said in an announcement that it is "releasing" 350 of its 380 employees "and may be filing for bankruptcy protection in order to close the business in an orderly fashion."No one answered the phone at the company's headquarters Thursday morning
In a statement, John D. Blomquist, Foxton's senior vice president and general counsel, said the company had been "well run, very efficient" and had "a great team that has pioneered a new model in the real estate business -- a model which has proven itself and, we believe, will have lasting influence on our sector."But, he added, "The plain fact is that we have been battling against a real estate market that recently has turned into a sharp decline, and the company no longer has the liquidity to operate as a going concern.""We understand the impact of the action we are taking, but there comes a point where you can't stand in the way of a hurricane, and it is a property hurricane we are facing."The company's announcement said that it has some 4,400 current listings and that it plans to "preserve the value of these listings to minimize customer disruption and to dedicate the anticipated revenues to pay creditors."Foxtons created a huge advertising splash, spending close to $12 million a year on television, radio and billboard ads. It even used buses, bus shelters and subway platform ads to attract customers.
More articles
Copyright © 2007, Newsday Inc.

Power of GOOD Secretaries

Power of good Secretaries
I would just like to take a minute and thank my right and left hands, my secretaries Betty , Naisha, & Jenean. You never know the power your front line administrative people can have on the overall office. A good admin can change the entire attitude of your company. They can pick up the mood with conversations, and sniff out problems before they occur. They can be a go between to agents that we may not have contact with on a regular basis because of scheduling conflicts. A good secretary is worth their weight in GOLD.
Well, I feel fortunate to have Three!!! These three lady's keep our offices going everyday of the week. When things need to get done now, they are there to respond. When clients call with concerns they are there to make sure the clients are taken care of first, and that the clients know how important they really are. Our front women always have a smile on no matter how fast or slow things are going. From post cards to making appointments and from the web to solving problems, these 3 lady's do it all. Every office is only as good as the people answering the phone. I feel very lucky to have my company in good hand. SO to Betty, Jenean & Naisha I say THANK YOU!!! Keep up the GREAT work.

JUST a HUG!!!

Just a Hug, that"s all.
You can't imagine the power that a huge can have on someone until you actually use it daily. This is a great motivator, and just a simple way to show your people you care. We take for granted a hug to a loved one when we see them at family outings or for the holidays. What about when one of your agents lost a sale or is just having a bad day. A simple 2 second hug might go along way.
On the surface you may think a hug is just putting your arms around someone. But, to that person what could it mean? Hey...I care. You are not alone. If you need someone to talk to I am here for you. I am not to busy to care about you and what you are going through. I may be able to help, let me try. I am not to wrapped up in my own world that I can't take 2 seconds to let you know I am here for you. And the power goes on and on.
With agents that you lead and manage it says that and a lot more. Don't be afraid to show the people you lead that you actually care about them as people not employees. If your people know you care they will follow you to the depths of hell, without question. Leaders need to have open doors and free lines of communications with the people they expect to lead.
Showing you care will allow your people to feel they can share with you, and they will want to be with you forever.
JUST A HUG!!!!!

Proud to be Published

summer house hunting

By Jessica Jones
Special to The New Jersey Star-Ledger

Gaining an edge during this busy season The kids are on Summer break, moderately priced homes are abundant and the weather is just right for cruising through those weekend open houses. If you're in the market for a new home, the Summer months are traditionally the best time to dive into real estate. But this perfect storm of home buying brings more buyers and competition to the table. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to gain an advantage. "No matter what time of year it is, if you're shopping f or a new home, you have to follow a few very basic steps," noted J.R. Sangiuliano, a real estate agent with Century 21 JRS Realty, which has locations in Clark and Rahway. "You need to get pre-approved for a mortgage immediately, you need to work hand-in-hand with a full-time Realtor, and you need to go and actually see houses, not just drive by." According to Sangiuliano, viewing homes in person is one of the most important moves that a buyer can make-e specially during the Summer season. "It's a very busy time and many agents and buyers are on vacation during the months of July and August," the agent noted. Many prospective buyers are merely picking up faxes detailing a property or taking virtual tours instead of physically visiting houses of interest. And, while that research may be beneficial to some extent, agents say that's not always the right way to find your dream home. "It's often a waste of time," Sangiuliano said. "A lot of clients don't have the time right now or they want that anonymity, so they just request a price and an address and do the drive-by. You need to go in and see 100 percent of the house." And despite July and August vacation trends, Sangiuliano and his crew of Realtors take full advantage of the season, offering Summer-themed company open houses. A barbecue-style bash encouraging pre-approval is slated at the agency's Clark office tomorrow. "We'll be serving hot dogs and hamburgers in the parking lot from noon to 2 p.m.," Sangiuliano said. "We're inviting people to eat and drink and take a look at the homes we have to offer. We'll have a mortgage company on the phone waiting to do pre-approvals and we'll be available to show properties to prospective buyers from 2 to 4 p.m."

Jacqueline Roudez, a sales associate with The Real Estate Group, LLC, in Maplewood, agrees. "The school season has a lot to do with the Summer rush," she noted. The children are out of school and a lot of parents have a small window of only a few months to find a new home." And when children are involved in a move, Roudez says buyers need to ask all of the right questions. "Take the time now to do the research about schools and recreational activities," she said.

Do you have a plan?

Day one with new agents I like to make sure they have a plan for everything they do. One of the first plans I give them is how to properly show a home to buyers. Having a plan is good for a new agents or an experienced agent. People want to know they will be cared for. Letting people know you have a plan and how you work does just that, takes control.



Step one-Meet customer at the house-Give them the house listings in the order they will see them-Tell them the following-"We are going to enter the home and go directly to the basement, we will work our way up, we must stay together, and we will save all questions for the end". "But before we go in..." Now the agent reads the listing and the remarks to the customer so they know what to expect. Giving them a preview of what's to come.

Step two-TELL them about the home, don't try to SELL them the home. Now the agent LEADS the customer through the home from bottom to top pointing out the factual information about what the home has. "Here is the........the listing says this was replaced in 2001". "This is the family room the listing says it measures 18x14". Simply point out the factually important parts of the home. If you use HGTV type words and sound like you are trying to SELL them the house they may feel you care only about making a sale and not about what they told you they wanted. You must be listening if you are to hear your customers.

Step Three-Upon exiting the home find out what they liked, disliked, want more of, and want less of in the home they will own, and write it down on the listing. Agents must get information from the buyer about the home they just left so the agent can compare it to others in the market to find the right next home to show.

The time to SELL a home is not in the home. The sale is made when the agent is introduced to the customer and gets the right information from the buyers about likes and dislikes, gets them pre-approved for loan they can afford, and builds a relationship with that customer based on trust, honest, and hard work. The only question that remain is when will you bring them in the right house, the house that talks to them. Agents will not and should not talk people into buying a home.
Customers will not care how much you know until they know how much you care.

Desperate Times For Some

Desperate Times Should Not Call For Desperate Measures.
OK, this will be more of a rant then an informative educational post, although all sales people can learn from it. Over the past years a certain CENTURY 21 company has done many many things to ruin our professional reputation and nothing has ever been done. This company is near the top for sales volume each year, and near the bottom for well trained ethical agents EVERY DAY. This company has had numerous ethics complaints filed against them, to the point that I know of attorneys that will not deal with them at all. Over and over again this company puts out poor untrained Realtors that do things wrong and do not follow through on their responsibilities. They lie in the beginning and then their clients back out or get denied mortgages in the end. That fact that they do so many sales is a travesty. Most of their agents just plain STINK!!!
So what brought this on? In the last two days 2 agents from this company did the following things. One of the agents called my listing agent on a particular property 34 times in 3 hours about his contract. Then this agent showed up with out an appointment at our sellers home and tried to present his offer without the sellers agent present, and pressure them to accept his offer. To top things off when this agents offer was not accepted he showed up at the sellers home again, this time yelling through the front door begging the sellers to take his clients offer"I know it's lower but please....".
A second agent from this same company today called one of our sellers directly, asking the seller if they are happy with us and "why don't you switch offices and list with us". Mind you, we have a commission agreement with these clients for another 5 months. Not to mention that we are both CENTURY 21 Companies.
This company located in Roselle Park needs to be reprimanded by CENTURY 21 and the Real Estate commission. These types of actions have been done over 40 times that I know of on my deals and to my clients. Not to mention the agents I have talk to that tell me they have had the same experiences.
If a company is built with the right foundation, based on trust, honesty, hard work, and integrity these things would not happen. Also, if these qualities were present in a sales office a change in the market would not send everyone running desperately to do business the WRONG way. If the broker is telling people to do these things he should be ashamed of himself. Further more, the broker should not have to try to motivate with pressure and fear, that makes agents leave. I have news for you, I have interview 3 of you agents that are going to be leaving. The fear and lack of confidence you are showing and projecting on your people is not working, learn how to lead. Obviously this broker has not built on a sturdy foundation. You could train a monkey to sell a house in the market we saw from 1998 to 2004, and you did. Now we will see the real character of your agents, and we already are. SHAME ON YOU!!!!

ARE U SPENDING TIME OR WASTING TIME?

Make the most of your life

Evens like to “Get ready…get set…” endlessly. It is the ODDS who “go.” Evens busy themselves with the means while ODDS focus on attaining the ends.Evens love to wallow in busy work because it gives them the delusion they are getting things done. They are plodders, often losing sight altogether of their goals. Evens “put in” their time.ODDS are achievers. They get things done.Committees, at least the bad ones, can be great for focusing on what doesn’t matter. They spend a ton of time on the means while forgetting about the end.I sat on a non-profit committee for three months, which met once a week. Their stated purpose was to raise money for youth programs. Compared to them molasses moves at the speed of lightning. They loved asking each other, “Define your terms.” If a fire had broken out in a corner of that room, by the time we defined “smoke,” we would have all been ashes.The problem with that committee was that merely “being” at the meeting became more important than the problem solving that was supposed to be occurring at the meeting. No one got any credit and no one got any blame so no one got anything done.When it comes to minor matters, plodders often seek perfection. That way, you can put in more time. When I was a college student, I worked a summer at a freight car company. Like most lousy employees, I was a plodder. I was an Even.What the company did was rebuild freight cars that came in off the road.One morning, my job was to paint over the rust spots on a series of freight cars. I was standing there carefully dabbing out the various spots of rust. The foreman came by and observed me for a moment. Then he walked up, grabbed my paint bucket, shoved me out of the way, took a few steps back and splashed the entire gallon of paint onto the side of the freight car. Handing me the empty bucket, he said, “Spread it around and get your ass moving to another job. This ain’t the Mona Lisa, kid.”Now, when I’m doing something and I realize that it doesn’t deserve the time I’m giving it, I remind myself, “It ain’t the Mona Lisa. Just get it done.”Mark was a salesman whose job required a certain amount of schmoozing with his clients; taking them to dinner, golf outings, that sort of thing. He became a great schmoozer. But in the process, he forgot that the purpose of schmoozing was to sell more product. He almost lost his job before he realized that he had to focus on the passion that had brought him to the job to begin with – selling. He was getting ready, getting set, but not going. He wasn’t selling. Every college has a number of “Get ready, get set but never go” students. They often change majors, schools and manage to accumulate hundreds of college credits without ever earning a degree. These students hang around a college for the same reason some people hang around bars. It is a comfortable environment. Such students have focused completely on the process and have forgotten their goal of getting a degree.Why have so many of us allowed ourselves to “Get ready, get set…” but not “go?” Fear.When you decide to live a life that relishes your ODD, change is going to occur. You’re gambling that the change is going to make your life better, not worse, and that’s scary. The unknown always is. If you are thinking Even, maybe you’re scared because you perceive that the stakes are so high. At such times, it’s good to remember that although many things in life are important, none of them is serious. No matter what you do, no matter how great, silly or stupid, it is virtually certain that, in a very short amount of time, no one is going to know, care or remember.That would be just as true if you were the ruler of the world. In just a hundred years, in terms of the universe hardly the blink of an eye, you and I and everyone else alive today, at least physically, will be the dust on someone’s furniture.BECOMING YOUR WIZARD OF ODD: Be the dust that had fun. Focus on the goal, not the process.BECOMING A WIZARD TO OTHERS: Remind those around you about the old saying in basketball: “You miss all the shots you never take.”

Secrets to Homeowner Savings

Secrets To Homeowner Tax Savings
1/9/2007By Robert J. Bruss, Inman News
www.HomesJustListed.com
New book explains unique benefits for property owners
Tuesday, January 09, 2007By Robert J. BrussInman News
Sandy Botkin's new book "Real Estate Tax Secrets of the Rich" explains tax benefits for homeowners and investors in an easy-to-read, authoritative format. The blessedly short chapters include simple explanations of sometimes-complicated tax rules with lots of examples and "Sandy's elaborations," which provide practical implementation advice.
Just in time for the 2007 income tax filing season, Botkin's new book provides strategies to resolve key tax issues so property owners can legally minimize their tax bills. What is especially valuable about this new book is the author doesn't just explain real estate taxation, but at the end of each chapter there are citations to the Internal Revenue Code, tax court decisions, recent IRS rulings and other authoritative sources.
Purchase Bob Bruss reports online.
The book includes basic tax explanations on virtually every topic homeowners and investors need to understand. In addition, the author provides advanced tax strategies, such as how to avoid tax if your principal-residence sale results in capital gains exceeding the $250,000 or $500,000 tax exemptions of famous Internal Revenue Code 121.
But this is more than a simple real estate tax book. It provides coverage of important tax topics most people don't think about but should know about
For example, Botkin explains how to deduct costs of looking for investment property to purchase, including travel expenses. Of course, there are lots of examples showing how the tax law applies differently depending on whether the investor is just starting out or already owns realty investments.
Advanced-level real estate owners will especially profit from tax techniques that are a bit "over the top" but are perfectly legal. To illustrate, for home sellers who rented their homes more than three years during the last five years and lost their $250,000 or $500,000 principal-residence exemptions, the author explains how selling to your "S corporation" can be beneficial taxwise.
The superb graphics, even with cartoons, make the potentially dull topic of taxes especially interesting and easy to comprehend. Occasionally, Botkin even adds a bit of humor, such as his explanation of how increasing your withholding allowance for $33,000 of additional homeowner deductions is "like giving birth to 10 children (a $3,300 exemption each) … but a lot less painful." I didn't know CPAs were allowed to have a sense of humor.
Botkin's explanations of how divorce and death affect homeowner tax benefits are the best and easiest to understand. He even reveals a little-known tax loophole for a surviving-spouse head of household who can file a joint tax return for up to two years after a spouse's death. The author also simplifies the market value stepped-up-basis rule when inheriting property from a deceased co-owner.
If you thought it was impossible to understand the tax benefits of owning your home and/or investment property, think again after reading this excellent new book. Botkin explains the Internal Revenue Code to make it as understandable as possible.
Chapter topics include "Why You Should Own Your Home"; "Buy a Home or Die in Poverty"; "Tax Basis: The Starting Place for All Deductions"; "IRS Record Keeping Requirements to Bulletproof Your Basis"; "Why Making Improvements to Your Home is Much More Valuable than Making Repairs"; "Maximizing the New Mortgage Interest Rules"; "Excluding Gain When You Sell Your Home"; "Exceptions to the Two-Year Rule"; "Using an S Corporation to Avoid the Two-Year Rule"; "Understanding Depreciation"; "Making Land Deductible"; "Splitting Income by Hiring Family Members"; and "How to Avoid All Gain on the Sale of Investment Property Using Like-Kind Exchanges."
Not only is this an ultra-complete tax book explaining virtually every topic applicable to homeowners and investors, but it is an easy, enjoyable read. Too bad Botkin didn't write the tax code because then ordinary people could understand it. On my scale of one to 10, this outstanding new book rates an off-the-chart 12.
"Real Estate Tax Secrets of the Rich," by Sandy Botkin, CPA, Esq. (McGraw-Hill, New York), 2007, $24.95, 207 pages; available in stock or by special order at local bookstores, public libraries and www.Amazon.com.

What you know Does Not Matter!!!

They don't care how much you know until they know how much you care! by JR Sangiuliano

To many Realtors lack vision and purpose beyond just making money. As Realtors we provide a valuable service. If a Realtor does not value his service the service will not be presented as valuable. As Realtors we help people realize what is still the American Dream, home ownership. Immigrants still come to this country and live in relative poverty saving money to someday be able to own a home. Realtors need to have a vision, and that vision starts with what you have a passion for. If your passion is supplying people with the American dream you will have a great career. That passion will guild your every move and all your activities and interactions with the public. But, if your passion is for the dollar you will not have a long career in this field. If you are not tuned into peoples wants, likes, and desires you will be a poor service provider. If your soul purpose in this career is YOU, then good luck because you will need it.