Brought to you by

Filomena Thompson, CDPE

"I'm never too busy for your referrals."

Realtor
D 240-629-3105 / C 301-758-4617
FilomenaThompson@remax.net

www.FilomenaThompson.com

5300 Westview Drive, Suite 200

Frederick, MD  21703

MAY  2010

Survey finds moms wanting more this Mother's Day

(ARA) - Every year Americans dedicate one Sunday in May to showing their mothers how much they appreciate their hard work. Whether they are presented with a homemade card, massage, a snazzy getaway or a new spring outfit, moms are ready to soak in a day full of attention focused on them.

But the question always remains: "What do moms really want for Mother's Day?" A recent survey conducted by Bing, provides some insight into the mind of the nation's moms.

Dos and don'ts: While many mothers look forward to family time and a break from fighting children, most want a little something more to show how valued they truly are.

Dads and kids, don't think this is an invitation to buy a new blender. The Bing survey shows that home appliances rank among the least appreciated gifts joining pets, breakfast in bed, self-help books and clothing and lingerie that she never plans on wearing. Instead of hitting the home appliances aisle, head for the card rack or make a personalized coupon book or card on bingmothersday.com. The survey showed the majority of moms love the sentiment of a card on Mother's Day and 56 percent of those surveyed liked it paired with a bouquet of fresh flowers and some chocolate or sweets.

Not always about the money: Although big spending is appreciated by some moms, it isn't a requirement by all. The majority of surveyed mothers would prefer a day off from "kid duty" over a Tiffany blue box and the average Mother's Day spending is less than $25. Small tokens of appreciation can delight mom and sites like Bing.com offer cash back to help you save dollars while making mom happy.

Celebrity picks: Celebrity mom Brooke Burke suggests photo frames highlighting special moments, handmade cards, personalized jewelry, spa days or homemade coupon books as easy Mother's Day gifts. She feels all of these gifts are thoughtful, personalized and most of all, won't break the bank.

So whether she adores chocolates, flowers, cards or just a relaxing day by herself at the spa, check out Bingmothersday.com for a wide range of gifts for mom.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tip of the day: tax credits for homeowners that can be applied next year

(ARA) - It's not too soon to start thinking about next year's income tax filing season. And with some government tax incentives set to expire at year's end, savvy homeowners are planning today to save for tomorrow by taking advantage of tax credits that reward energy efficiency projects.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) rewards homeowners who make energy-saving home improvements, such as installing a programmable thermostat or increasing the level of home insulation in their attics. In fact, due to ARRA incentives, initial federal data shows the average tax refund for 2009 is up nearly 10 percent, or $266, from the previous year, according to Internal Revenue Service Commissioner Doug Shulman.

Homeowners still have time to cash in on these benefits for their 2010 income taxes.

"There's no time better than the present to start saving money on your income taxes, especially when you're doubly rewarded through lower monthly heating and cooling bills," says Mike Lawrence, vice president and general manager of insulation systems for Johns Manville, a manufacturer of building products. "Homeowners have an unprecedented opportunity to improve the energy efficiency of their home using federal tax credits while also positively impacting the comfort and indoor air quality of their home through the products they select."

Here are a few tips for homeowners who want to save money on their income taxes and utility bills.

* Check out federal tax credits. Through Dec. 31, 2010, homeowners can purchase products that qualify as contributing to energy efficiency improvements and receive a 30 percent federal tax credit, which in most cases reimburses homeowners up to $1,500 for the cost of materials. Energy efficient products for homes, including heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, insulation, roofing materials, water heaters and windows and doors qualify for tax credits. Homeowners who received the full $1,500 energy efficiency tax credit in 2009 aren't eligible for the refund in 2010.

* Track your qualifying purchases. Applying for federal energy tax credits is simple. For qualifying products purchased this year, homeowners will apply for the tax credit on their 2010 IRS Form (5695). Save receipts from product purchases and the Manufacturer's Certification Statement, a signed statement from the product manufacturer certifying that the product qualifies for the tax credit. These certificates should be available through the manufacturer's Web site and are only to be kept for the homeowner's records.

* Go local for more financial benefits. Additional incentives for making energy efficiency improvements are also available from state and local governments and utilities. The Department of Energy developed a database of state, local, utility and federal incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. Through the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE), homeowners can click on their state and access information on grants, financing options and local rebate programs.

* Start saving today. In addition to tax incentives, homeowners can reduce their home's heating and cooling costs by as much as 20 percent through proper insulation and air sealing techniques, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Homeowners can estimate the current efficiency of their home by using an online energy efficiency assessment tool, such as the Home Energy Analysis test available at JMHomeowner.com. Online assessments are a quick and easy way to gauge the savings that could be realized through energy efficient home improvement projects.

"Because so many American homes are under-insulated, many homeowners will find adding insulation to their attic is a simple, cost-effective project to tackle," said Lawrence. "When adding insulation, homeowners should also consider air sealing their attic to help eliminate any holes or gaps that may exist in the floor or walls. By using caulk, spray foam or weather stripping to close such gaps, homeowners can further decrease wasted energy."

To find more information on energy efficient home improvement projects that qualify for tax credits, visit www.jmhomeowner.com/insulation/energytaxcredit.asp.
 

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Turn up the fun and turn down the heat this summer

(ARA) - No matter how many fun summer activities you have planned for your family, as the summer wears on, you will eventually hear two things from your children: "I'm hot" and "I'm bored."

Here are a few of TV personality Hannah Keeley's favorite ways to keep your family entertained and the heat at bay this summer.

Go around the world. Each week throughout the summer, pick a new country to learn about as a family.

Have a family slumber party. Drag out the sleeping bags, pop some corn and get the whole family involved in an all-night party.

Stay cool. Families tend to escape the heat by spending more time indoors, so it's important to have your air conditioning system checked out now before the summer heat makes its grand entrance. If your system is on the fritz, ask your local air conditioner dealer about a new air air conditioner. The Allegiance (R) 15 Air Conditioner by American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning can help you save up to 47 percent on your heating and cooling costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
 

Courtesy of ARAcontent

What you should know about your antidepressant

(ARA) - May is Mental Health Month -- did you know that depression is the leading cause of disability in people ages 15 to 44? If you take an antidepressant, there is important information you should know before you go to the pharmacy to pick up your prescription:

Cost isn't everything

Today, the cost of health care is top of mind for many Americans. While times are challenging, it is important to remember that there is no substitute for good mental health.

Some medicines may have a lower price tag, but when it comes to your mental health, pay close attention to what you are getting. Your doctor carefully considered your symptoms and reviewed your medical history before choosing an antidepressant for you.

Antidepressants are not interchangeable

If your antidepressant is switched at the pharmacy, you could be getting a different medication. Double-check that your antidepressant prescription is filled exactly as written by your doctor.

"Physicians consider several factors before selecting a particular medication to treat your symptoms. If your doctor prescribed an antidepressant for you, make sure the pharmacy fills your prescription exactly as written, especially if you are doing well on treatment," says Dr. Roger Cadieux of the Penn State University College of Medicine.

Before your next visit to the pharmacy, keep in mind:

* Antidepressants are not interchangeable.

* Your doctor considered multiple factors before selecting an antidepressant to treat your symptoms.
 

Courtesy of ARAcontent

The 'keys' to homeownership

(ARA) - Whether you are ready to buy a home in the next few months or next few years, preparation is critical.

Thrivent Financial Bank offers the following five "keys" to homeownership.

1. Obtain a credit report.
2. Establish a budget.
3. Secure a down payment.
4. Understand mortgage options. The following is a list of some of the more common types of loans.

* Fixed rate loan - The interest rate is fixed for the life of the loan. The life of a fixed rate loan may range from 10 to 30 years.

* Adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) - The interest rate is fixed for a certain period of time, but once that period expires your interest rate will adjust according to the terms of the mortgage.

* Negative amortization (pay option) loan - The minimum payment is less than the interest that accrued on the loan. In this loan, your principal balance will increase when you pay less than the interest that accrued.

* Balloon - The interest rate is fixed for a period of time. At the end of that period, your entire balance on your loan is due.

* Interest only - The minimum payment is just the interest that accrues on the loan.

5. Get pre-approved.
 

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Hot HDTV trends for 2010

(ARA) - A new study from Opinion Research Corporation found that nearly two-thirds of U.S. households now have a high-definition television (HDTV), and another 12 percent are looking to purchase one in the next two years. If the market plays out like this research suggests, by the year 2013 approximately three out of four American households will have upgraded to a flat-screen HDTV.

Ultra-slim units are all the rage, with HDTV manufacturers showing sets that are less than an inch thick. Ultra-thin flat screens, like LG's LEX8 LED HDTV, which as the world's slimmest full LED HDTV, measures only 7.1 mm in depth, can go virtually anywhere in the home.

New 3D-enabled HDTVs, like the LEX9 and LX9500 LED HDTVs from LG Electronics, will make you feel like you are a part of the movie or on the field with the team, bringing the action to life in your own living room.

You can have full access to thousands of movies that stream instantly to your TV as well as a full menu of Yahoo! Widgets. Manufacturers at CES were offering an abundance of content options. LG's 2010 line of net-enabled plasma and LED TVs, offers seamless connectivity and limitless content.

To learn more about HDTV trends, prices and technology, visit www.LGusa.com.
 

Courtesy of ARAcontent

In this issue

  - Survey finds moms wanting more this Mother's Day

  - Tip of the day: tax credits for homeowners that can be applied next year

  - Turn up the fun and turn down the heat this summer

  - What you should know about your antidepressant

  - The 'keys' to homeownership

  - Hot HDTV trends for 2010

  - Recipe of the month - Strawberry Shortcake

  - Stop Foreclosure

RESOURCE CENTER

LENDERS

Dawn R. Cameron
Home Mortgage Consultant
Renovation Specialist
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

O: 631-382-2248

C: 631-860-4845

dawn.r.cameron@wellsfargo.com

dferlisi@mlend.com 

O: 301-694-7235

Mega Multi-Family Yard Sale!

Saturday, June 5, 2010

7:00 am to 3:00 pm (rain or shine)

This multi-family event features plenty of bargains, clothing, toys, furniture, elect equip, you name it, it’s here!

Dir: Ballenger Creek Pike to Wellington Trace entrance at Lambert Drive or New Design Road to Community entrance at English Muffin Way.

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Strawberry Shortcake
 

Ingredients

• 1 large angel food cake

For the custard:

• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

• 1 (12-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

For the glaze:

• 1 cup sugar

• 3 tablespoons cornstarch

• 3 tablespoons strawberry gelatin (recommended: Jell-O)

• 1 cup water

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, cut in 1/2 (if berries are extra large, they can be cut into quarters)

• Whole fresh strawberries and mint leaves, for garnish

Directions

Slice cake, using a serrated knife, horizontally into 3 equal layers.

For the custard:

Mix together cream cheese, condensed milk, and whipped topping in a bowl; set aside.

For the glaze:

In a medium saucepan, stir together sugar, cornstarch, and gelatin; add water. Cook stirring over medium heat until thick. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely. Fold in strawberries.

For assembly:

Place 1 layer of cake in a large clear bowl. Top with a layer of glaze, followed by a layer of custard mixture. Repeat layering in this order for remaining cake, glaze and custard. Top cake with 3 whole fresh strawberries and fresh mint leaves.

Courtesy of http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/strawberry-shortcake-recipe/index.html

If you or someone you know needs help with a property, I am a distressed property expert and I’d be happy to help your friends and family.  I'm never too busy for your referrals!