Thursday, May 19, 2011

High Gas Prices Trigger Changes in Buyer Behavior

The rise in gas prices is influencing buyer decisions as they shop for a new home, causing more buyers to make short commutes and home offices a top priority.

Seventy-five percent of the real estate professionals surveyed say the spike in gas prices is influencing their clients’ decisions on where to live. What’s more, if gas prices continue to increase, 93 percent predict that even more buyers will choose to live somewhere closer to their work.

Gas prices are topping $4 a gallon and higher, and are up about 30 percent over last year, which is starting to put a dent in many Americans’ pocketbook.

More real estate professionals also report that the rise in gas prices is prompting more buyers to look for homes that will allow them to work-from-home. Indeed, 77 percent of those surveyed say that more of their buyers are showing an interest in having a home office compared to five years ago.

Gas prices also seem to be spiking a renewed interest in urban living. More than half of real estate professionals surveyed say they are seeing more buyers wanting to target homes in urban areas compared to five years ago, citing shorter commute times, being able to walk to more places, and being near public transportation as the most likely reasons for the urban-area migration.

More buyers are also choosing homes closer to shops and services due to the increase in gas prices, according to the survey.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Buzy, Crazy and The TO Doer's --YAHOO Apps to Save time on the Run



Have you every wondered just how could you make your life more organized without all the sticky notes, yellow pads or scattered pieces of paper trying to keep your to-dos separated from your I wish I would have dones?


In todays life style we all over schedule ourselves with things we should do and things we would like to do. So here are a few apps that will help you get them DONE!!! And enjoy life along the way...









I just found this one and it is way cool organize all your reward cards in one location


Key Ring is the app that "brings 'em all together". Use it to scan &  store your existing loyalty cards, enroll in new loyalty programs, and  access exclusive coupons and discounts.




What is OPEN TABLE you ask yourself - Wow here your go...


OpenTable is a real-time restaurant reservation network that gives  diners, hotel concierges, and administrative professionals a live  Internet connection into the same computerized reservation books used by  thousands of the country's best restaurants



I dont leave in a crazy busy City but for those who do this would be great




Open Spot works by letting people who are leaving parking  spots share their spots with people who are searching for parking.


Start helping others find parking, and together we'll all  save time, save gas, and reduce pollution. Like to keep score? The more  open spots you mark, the more parking 'karma points' you'll get.



Find the best Bargins in town or hard to find stuff


Shopsavvy Find new ways to get the things you've scanned for even cheaper, learn about coupon codes, rebates, weekend sales and more. ShopSavvy 4 includes a rich set of tools to help you share the products  you scan and the prices you find on services such as Facebook, Twitter  and more.








Now that you have all these Apps running and you battery is dieing here is a quick way to kill them all with one click


Advance task Killer Just because Android apps have no "close" button doesn't mean they shut  down when you return to the home page or move on to another app. You  calendar, note pad, and programs in which you turn on event  notifications might periodically run in the background, depleting your  battery. Download and run Advanced Task Killer Free. You'll be amazed at  the apps that run on start-up without your knowledge.




Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Links to help you STOP WASTING TIME!!!

How much time in a day to we spend WASTING TIME..... Here are a few links to make your life so much easier and leave you more time for the fun stuff in life




Social made simple   All your networks in one place Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and blogs together.  Post once and it goes  everywhere, and then follow your contacts on all of these networks.



LogMeIn.com LogMeIn offers solutions for remote control, file sharing, systems management, data backup, business collaboration and on-demand customer support of PCs, servers, Macintosh computers, smartphones and other connected devices.





primopdf.com Create PDF files faster with the only free PDF creator to support one-click, drag-and-drop PDF creation.
Convert to PDF from any file you can print, including Microsoft® Word, Excel®, and PowerPoint® formats.



Eyejot.com When you dont what to type a long me mail send a video. Video Mail in a Blink! It's fun, it's easy and there's nothing to install



Get2human.com When you're tired of wasting money and time due to phone systems that require you to press 10 or more options in order to reach a real person and spending many minutes or even hours on hold.



lucyphones.com Never wait on hold again!!!! Let Lucy call the number wait on hold and then call you when the number is connected you both say hello together

Monday, May 9, 2011

Funny Instruction Labels ....I'm Just saying

Funny Instruction Labels
These are actual instruction labels on consumer goods: Are we all needing this kind of information could we not use common sence. With that being said....... Maybe not

On Sears hairdryer:
Do not use while sleeping.
(Gee, that's the only time I have to work on my hair!)

On a bag of Fritos:
You could be a winner! No purchase necessary. Details inside.
(The shoplifter special!)

On a bar of Dial soap:
Directions: Use like regular soap.
(and that would be how?)

On some Swann frozen dinners:
Serving suggestion: Defrost.
(But it's 'just' a suggestion!)

On Tesco's Tiramisu dessert:
(printed on bottom of the box)
Do not turn upside down.
(Too late! you lose!)

On Marks & Spencer Bread Pudding:
Product will be hot after heating.
(Are you sure? Let's experiment.)

On packaging for a Rowenta iron:
Do not iron clothes on body.
(But wouldn't that save more time?)
(Whose body?)

On Boot's Children's cough medicine:

Do not drive car or operate machinery.
(We could do a lot to reduce the construction accidents if we just kept those 5 year olds off fork lifts.)

On Nytol sleep aid:
Warning: may cause drowsiness.
(One would hope!)

On a Korean kitchen knife:
Warning: keep out of children.
(hmm...something must have gotten lost in the translation...)

On a string of Christmas lights:
For indoor or outdoor use only.
(As opposed to...?)

On a food processor:
Not to be used for the other use.
(Now I'm curious.)

On Sainsbury's peanuts:
Warning: contains nuts.
(but no peas?)

On an American Airlines packet of nuts:
Instructions: open packet, eat nuts.
(somebody got paid big bucks to write this one.)

On a Swedish chainsaw:

Do not attempt to stop chain with your hands.
(Raise your hand if you've tried this.)

On a child's Superman costume:
Wearing of this garment does not enable you to fly.
(Oh go ahead! That's right, destroy a universal childhood belief.)

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

America's Top 10 Healthiest Fastfood Places....HUNNN

With the busy life of all of us now a days have you ever stopped to think as you blast into the drive through... am I eating healthy?

Well here is something to think about...and some help in making your next decision to DRIVE THROUGH

The top 10 Healthiest Fast-food Restaurants - for some reason that just does not sound right.



#10 Taco Del Mar - 270 locations in 22 states Baja-style Mexican cuisine menu offers a fast, fun and delicious alternative to traditional Mexican food. We feature large, hand-rolled Mondo Burritos and rippin’ fish tacos made to order just the way you want them. The service is fast, the people are enthusiastic, and the restaurants are inspired by beach culture.
So grab your surfboard and let’s head out to grab the next wave together!

Danger zone: The breakfasts. In particular, steer clear of the Mondo Breakfast Burritos, which are more than 1,000 calories.





#9 Einstein Bros. Bagels  - 649 locations nationwide OK, we all know that bagels are pretty high-carb, but slathering cream  cheese or butter on them is what really gets you into trouble. No  worries at this chain: Einstein Bros. offers healthier alternatives like  reduced-fat shmears, hummus, and peanut butter—a great way to add  healthy fat to breakfast (or lunch). It also serves a Good Grains bagel  that has an impressive 4 grams of fiber.

Danger zone: “Overstuffed” size sandwiches are a calorie nightmare.





#8 McDonald’s - 14,000 locations nationwide I know it is hard to believe but McDonald’s is leading the way in overhauling its menu to offer more  heart- and waist-friendly fare. Take the Happy Meals, which you can  order with a side of apple dippers (with low-fat caramel) instead of  fries and low-fat milk or fruit juice instead of soda.

Danger zone: Although McDonald’s made our list, this is still the land of supersizing and giant sodas. It’s up to you to request a small.





#7 Atlanta Bread 106 locations in 24 states (Southeast, West, and North I live in Utah so I have not have the opportunity to visit this place.  There are muffin tops (half the size of regular muffins) on its  breakfast menu—the low-fat pumpkin muffin top has only 200 calories,  compared with 320 to 640 calories for regular-size muffins.

Danger zone: Pasta entrees at some locations are offered with bread … that’s a whole lotta carbs!







#6 Chipotle 800+ locations nationwide- Chipotle first opened its doors in 1993, the goal was simple: to serve  high quality, delicious food quickly with an experience that not only  exceeded, but redefined the fast food experience.

Danger zone: The dark side of a buffet is that you can go wild. So you have to go light on cheese and sour cream.





#5 Corner Bakery Cafe 111 locations in West, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, South a neighborhood favorite in communities all over—a place to find a warm  welcome. Where people can gather with friends or hide out on their own. A  place where fresh, innovative food is served up with unsurpassed  quality and consistency by passionate employees. A place still dedicated  to keeping our neighbors, friends and guests happy, in their special  little Corner of the world.

Danger zone: You have to go to their Web site to get nutritional info.





#4 Noodles and Company  204 locations in West, Midwest, South The best dishes from Asia, the Mediterranean and America  – prepared to  your liking, the Noodles way. Japanese Pan Noodles, Wisconsin Mac &  Cheese,                  something healthy or something indulgent  – the world's best food is  just inside our doors.

Danger zone: The desserts. The only options are two  kinds of cookies and a Rice Krispy Treat bar that checks in at 530  calories and 19 grams of fat!



#3 Au Bon Pain 280 locations nationwide A  pioneer in healthy fast food, Au Bon Pain serves up sandwiches, soups,  salads, and hot entrees made with whole grains, veggies, and  hormone-free chicken.

Danger zone: The sodium counts can get high if you don’t pay attention.





#2 Jason’s Dell 206 locations in the West, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, South We just serve health, fresh and even organic foods. From sandwiches to  salads, Jason's Deli offers healthy food that everyone can feel good  about. And it's not only healthy food - it's delicious food.

Danger zone: High-sodium counts on some sandwiches; if sodium is a concern, stick to the ultrahealthy choices.



AND THE # 1 FAST FOOD RESTURANT IS.....

#1 Panera Bread Over 1,230 locations nationwide (and in Canada). “Variety makes it easy for everyone to  choose healthy,” praises registered dietitian and panelist Marisa Moor. You can pick from two whole-grain breads for your sandwich and have an  apple with it instead of chips (though the chips are fine, too—they can  be baked!). Half-size soups, salads, and sandwiches make it a cinch to  control portion size. Also, most of the chicken is antibiotic- and  hormone-free, a rarity for large chains.

Danger zone: Sticky buns and cheese danishes are on display at the counter.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

United we Stand..PROUD TO BE A AMERICAN!!!

United we stand
If tomorrow all the things were gone,
I’d worked for all my life.
And I had to start again,
with just my children and my wife.
I’d thank my lucky stars,
to be livin here today.
‘ Cause the flag still stands for freedom,
and they can’t take that away.
And I’m proud to be an American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘ Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.
  Osama bin Laden, the glowering mastermind behind the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks that killed thousands of Americans, was killed in an operation led by the United States. May 1, 2011 will be a day that we as Americans have and will stand United.

Former President George W. Bush, who was in office on the day of the attacks, issued a written statement hailing bin Laden's death as a momentous achievement. "The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: "No matter how long it takes, justice will be done, President Bush."


We need to remember that America is and will be the greatest place on earth to live and raise a family, a country that we can be free to worship as we please, have the freedom of speech and most of all the abilities to own your own property.
A special thanks to all the men and woman that have fought for my freedom and the ability to live in this great country we call USA -

"The UNITED States of America"
United we stand

What a Great ENDORSEMENT...Thank you Reachfactor

What a great endorsement THANK YOU REACHFACTOR

Top Sunset, Utah Real Estate Agent Lori Fleming



by Brandon Barker on Apr 29, 2011

According to census figures, more Americans are moving to places with affordable housing and “low-density urban cores.” Family-friendly Northern Utah is such a place. According to a recent article in the Deseret News, the Salt Lake City area has recently witnessed a population boom. During the last decade the Provo-Orem area increased its population by 39.8 percent, the Salt Lake City area grew by 16 percent, and the Ogden-Clearfield area grew by 23.6 percent — a surge that has as much to do with the beauty of the surrounding as it does with the area’s business-friendly nature.

However, during the recent recession, Northern Utah has seen its share of unemployment and troubling housing vacancy rates. It’s still a wonderful place for a real estate agent to thrive, but the competition to acquire listings and represent buyers means that area real estate agents have to self-market and self-promote.

Several weeks ago, we launched a new series spotlighting real estate agents who are compiling bona fide customer reviews in their ReachFactor profile pages. This week, we highlight Lori Fleming, a Century 21 agent in Sunset, Utah. One of the most remarkable things about Ms. Fleming, aside from the excellent feedback she’s received from her clients, is the way she uses technology and social media tools to market her business and provide the best service to her customers.

For example, Lori Fleming’s Facebook page features her credentials, listings, her Reachfactor reviews and the blog posts she contributes to other web sites. Her clients believe this makes her one of the more reachable, knowledgeable and personable agents in the area. Here are a few quotes from her more than a dozen client reviews:

“She was always on top of it! Weekly phone calls, emails, texts, everything! She always kept us informed and reassured us that she WOULD sell our home!!”

“She was honest and I knew she was going to work for us. She communicated promptly over phone and email. She didn’t want to just sell us a house, but she wanted to find a home that would match our family needs, lifestyle and price point. She knew the best areas in the local market and gave us valuable advice.”

“Lori helped us sell our home. It sold in 3 Days!!! We did some staging and followed some advice from Lori on prep work and selling price. Her on-line 3D virtual home was a big plus.”

If you’re looking for a real estate agent in Salt Lake and surrounding communities, we recommend contacting Lori Fleming.

see the blog at REACHFACTOR