I am sure with a little work and searching I can find a free way to do it. How is that for DIY?
Check out the new post in "Cool New Stuff"...
Monday, February 28, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Cool New Stuff
I am adding a new tab to the old blog. So I can keep track of and share cool new tech stuff that I find out about.
Qwiki
This site is pretty awesome and expected to get a lot better. Imagine a video encyclopedia. Type in anything you would look up in an encyclopedia and get it played back to you in a video. Soon, you will be able to turn your phone into an alarm clock that wakes you up with the current time, your local weather forecast and much more. Check it out Here...
Qwiki
This site is pretty awesome and expected to get a lot better. Imagine a video encyclopedia. Type in anything you would look up in an encyclopedia and get it played back to you in a video. Soon, you will be able to turn your phone into an alarm clock that wakes you up with the current time, your local weather forecast and much more. Check it out Here...
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
IPad: Do You Really NEED it?
by Nelson Bermas
Like all real estate agents, my garage is filled with carton boxes of file folders filled with past closings that we have to keep for several years. I weighed a typical closing file and it was 1 lb. 4oz. of paper. Add up all those files in those boxes and that is a lot of paper sitting around! So in the spirit of saving the planet, I purchased an IPad 64GB wifi and 3G.
I was already a Mac user when the IPad came on the market so I was excited from the TV ads and the hype. Before I made my purchase, I had to evaluate whether it would help me in my real estate business. Here are the basic features that made it worth it.
Super Fast Start Up! Just turn on the power button and you are in business. No, waiting for the computer to boot up.
Small and Easy to carry to showing appointments. Smaller than the clipboard I carried with all my listings and notes when showing a home.
Affordable Data Plan. The IPad plan is with AT&T and there is no annual contract. 250MB for 30 days for $14.99 or 2GB for 30 days $25. I am trying out the AT&T 250MB and it is enough for what I need when I am around town needing a connection and no free wifi is available. Depending on which cell phone carrier and smart phone you have, you can make your phone a wifi hot spot and get connected to the internet that way. I have my service with Verizon and have an HTC Incredible that has the mobile hot spot option that costs an additional $20 to your current plan for 2GB of data. I will give that a try sometime and see how that works. Considering the amount of driving we do as real estate agents, I recommend getting an IPad with 3G to have that option of coverage.
Consolidated MLS can be used on Apple Computers. This was the biggest factor on making the purchase of an IPad. We all had that moment with your clients in the car and they ask about a home you drive by. Now I can look up listings on the road instead of saying to my client," I have to check on that when I get back in the office." Information today is like fast food, we want it now and convenient. NOT all MLS can be used on an Ipad or Safari browser, so check with your local office.
Listing Presentations. Great for listing presentations. It has a "WOW" factor when meeting with listing prospects. KEYNOTE is the presentation program for Apple and it has more BLING and Flair than PowerPoint from Microsoft in my opinion. It can be hooked up to a projector or TV with AV jacks (extra wiring you have to purchase separately) for a bigger presentation.
Areas For Improvement
NO Flash Support - Besides not being able to watch video from websites, if you have an A la Mode website, you cannot edit or work on it on the IPad since it is a Flash Website. Your website only displays links to your listings pages and contact info.
Top Producer Website - The browser does display Top Producer to search your contacts but you can't use the Marketing Options ( to send an email, postcard, letter).
Apps, Apps, Apps - The IPad has access to a lot of apps (applications) available for purchase from the ITunes App Store. From Netflix to Rating Bathrooms in New York City, if you think it, there is an app for it or soon to be. There is a lot to choose from which can be the problem, because you have to sift through them, read reviews, and try it out. I bought a few already and some were duds and others pretty good. Most of the apps are a "lite" version of the computer version which means it has the basic functions but NOT all the features of the original program. The apps are fairly affordable from FREE to $9.99 or more. That is another blog to be shared in the future.
No USB - Can't easily transfer files on a thumb drive. You have some other choices of transferring files such as idisk, dropbox, and other file sharing programs.
Despite some negatives, It serves the purpose of an all in one portable computer that gives me access to the MLS, Sign Contracts, Help me in my listing presentation, and Saves Paper. I have already gotten in the habit of sending my documents to my IPad like my MLS listings for my upcoming showings, contracts and addendum's that I am working on. Those are just the current applications I use for work, for fun that is another BLOG.
Courtesy of:
Victory Home Inspections
786 Garwood Rd.
Moorestown, NJ 08057
856-235-0564
Like all real estate agents, my garage is filled with carton boxes of file folders filled with past closings that we have to keep for several years. I weighed a typical closing file and it was 1 lb. 4oz. of paper. Add up all those files in those boxes and that is a lot of paper sitting around! So in the spirit of saving the planet, I purchased an IPad 64GB wifi and 3G.
I was already a Mac user when the IPad came on the market so I was excited from the TV ads and the hype. Before I made my purchase, I had to evaluate whether it would help me in my real estate business. Here are the basic features that made it worth it.
Super Fast Start Up! Just turn on the power button and you are in business. No, waiting for the computer to boot up.
Small and Easy to carry to showing appointments. Smaller than the clipboard I carried with all my listings and notes when showing a home.
Affordable Data Plan. The IPad plan is with AT&T and there is no annual contract. 250MB for 30 days for $14.99 or 2GB for 30 days $25. I am trying out the AT&T 250MB and it is enough for what I need when I am around town needing a connection and no free wifi is available. Depending on which cell phone carrier and smart phone you have, you can make your phone a wifi hot spot and get connected to the internet that way. I have my service with Verizon and have an HTC Incredible that has the mobile hot spot option that costs an additional $20 to your current plan for 2GB of data. I will give that a try sometime and see how that works. Considering the amount of driving we do as real estate agents, I recommend getting an IPad with 3G to have that option of coverage.
Consolidated MLS can be used on Apple Computers. This was the biggest factor on making the purchase of an IPad. We all had that moment with your clients in the car and they ask about a home you drive by. Now I can look up listings on the road instead of saying to my client," I have to check on that when I get back in the office." Information today is like fast food, we want it now and convenient. NOT all MLS can be used on an Ipad or Safari browser, so check with your local office.
Listing Presentations. Great for listing presentations. It has a "WOW" factor when meeting with listing prospects. KEYNOTE is the presentation program for Apple and it has more BLING and Flair than PowerPoint from Microsoft in my opinion. It can be hooked up to a projector or TV with AV jacks (extra wiring you have to purchase separately) for a bigger presentation.
Areas For Improvement
NO Flash Support - Besides not being able to watch video from websites, if you have an A la Mode website, you cannot edit or work on it on the IPad since it is a Flash Website. Your website only displays links to your listings pages and contact info.
Top Producer Website - The browser does display Top Producer to search your contacts but you can't use the Marketing Options ( to send an email, postcard, letter).
Apps, Apps, Apps - The IPad has access to a lot of apps (applications) available for purchase from the ITunes App Store. From Netflix to Rating Bathrooms in New York City, if you think it, there is an app for it or soon to be. There is a lot to choose from which can be the problem, because you have to sift through them, read reviews, and try it out. I bought a few already and some were duds and others pretty good. Most of the apps are a "lite" version of the computer version which means it has the basic functions but NOT all the features of the original program. The apps are fairly affordable from FREE to $9.99 or more. That is another blog to be shared in the future.
No USB - Can't easily transfer files on a thumb drive. You have some other choices of transferring files such as idisk, dropbox, and other file sharing programs.
Despite some negatives, It serves the purpose of an all in one portable computer that gives me access to the MLS, Sign Contracts, Help me in my listing presentation, and Saves Paper. I have already gotten in the habit of sending my documents to my IPad like my MLS listings for my upcoming showings, contracts and addendum's that I am working on. Those are just the current applications I use for work, for fun that is another BLOG.
Courtesy of:
Victory Home Inspections
786 Garwood Rd.
Moorestown, NJ 08057
856-235-0564
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Tiring out the dog...
Took The Pilot for a 45 min run around Newton Creek and Knight Park. Well, he ran and I rode the bike. All the Bungalow’s and American Foursquare’s are starting to come alive with spring on the way. Still bummed out I only got one day of skiing in this winter. There is still Spring Skiing up north.
I can’t believe this dog isn’t tired.
I can’t believe this dog isn’t tired.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Tankless Hot Water Heaters. Worth it??
Are Tankless Water Heaters Worthwhile? 
excerpted from Consumer Reports --
Heating water accounts for up to 30 percent of the average home's energy budget. Some makers of gas-fired tankless water heaters claim their products can cut your energy costs up to half over regular storage heaters. So is it time to switch?
Probably not. Gas tankless water heaters, which use high-powered burners to quickly heat water as it runs through a heat exchanger, were 22 percent more energy efficient on average than the gas-fired storage-tank models in our tests. That translates into a savings of around $70 to $80 per year, based on 2008 national energy costs. But because they cost much more than storage water heaters, it can take up to 22 years to break even-longer than the 20-year life of many models. Moreover, our online poll of 1,200 readers revealed wide variations in installation costs, energy savings, and satisfaction.
With the help of an outside lab, we pitted Takagi and Noritz gas-fired tankless water heaters against three storage water heaters. We didn't test electric tankless heaters because many can't deliver hot water fast enough to replace a conventional water heater if groundwater is cold. Even in areas with warm groundwater, most homeowners would need to upgrade their electrical service to power a whole-house tankless model.
Our tests simulated daily use of 76 to 78 gallons of hot water. That's the equivalent of taking three showers, washing one laundry load, running the dishwasher once (six cycles), and turning on the faucet nine times, for a total of 19 draws. While that's considered heavy use compared with the standard Department of Energy test, we think it more accurately represents an average family's habits. We also ran more than 45,000 gallons of very hard water through a tanked model and a Rinnai tankless model to simulate about 11 years of regular use.
Here's what else we found:
Water runs hot and cold Manufacturers of tankless water heaters are fond of touting their products' ability to provide an endless amount of hot water. But inconsistent water temperatures were a common complaint among our poll respondents. When you turn on the faucet, tankless models feed in some cold water to gauge how big a temperature rise is needed. If there's cool water lingering in your pipes, you'll receive a momentary "cold-water sandwich" between the old and new hot water. And a tankless water heater's burner might not ignite when you try to get just a trickle of hot water for, say, shaving.
Nor do tankless water heaters deliver hot water instantaneously. It takes time to heat the water to the target temperature, and just like storage water heaters, any cold water in the pipes needs to be pushed out. And tankless models' electric controls mean you'll also lose hot water during a power outage.
Up-front costs are high The tankless water heaters we tested cost $800 to $1,150, compared with $300 to $480 for the regular storage-tank types. Tankless models need electrical outlets for their fan and electronics, upgraded gas pipes, and a new ventilation system. That can bring average installation costs to $1,200, compared with $300 for storage-tank models.
Tankless units might need more care During our long-term testing, an indicator on the tankless model warned of scale buildup. We paid $334 for special valves and a plumber to flush out the water heater with vinegar. Many industry pros recommend that tankless models be serviced once a year by a qualified technician. Calcium buildup can decrease efficiency, restrict water flow, and damage tankless models. Experts suggest installing a water softener if your water hardness is above 11 grains per gallon. Ignoring this advice can shorten your warranty.
Efficient storage models are pricey We also tested the $1,400 Vertex, a high-efficiency storage water heater by A.O. Smith. The manufacturer claims its installation costs are similar to a regular storage model. But its high cost offsets much of the roughly $70 per year the Vertex will save you. Instead, we recommend buying a conventional storage water heater with a 9- or 12-year warranty. In previous tests, we found that those models generally had thicker insulation, bigger burners or larger heating elements, and better corrosion-fighting metal rods called anodes.
Courtesy of:
Victory Home Inspections, LLC
786 Garwood Rd.,Moorestown, New Jersey 08057
856-235-0564
excerpted from Consumer Reports --
Heating water accounts for up to 30 percent of the average home's energy budget. Some makers of gas-fired tankless water heaters claim their products can cut your energy costs up to half over regular storage heaters. So is it time to switch?
Probably not. Gas tankless water heaters, which use high-powered burners to quickly heat water as it runs through a heat exchanger, were 22 percent more energy efficient on average than the gas-fired storage-tank models in our tests. That translates into a savings of around $70 to $80 per year, based on 2008 national energy costs. But because they cost much more than storage water heaters, it can take up to 22 years to break even-longer than the 20-year life of many models. Moreover, our online poll of 1,200 readers revealed wide variations in installation costs, energy savings, and satisfaction.
With the help of an outside lab, we pitted Takagi and Noritz gas-fired tankless water heaters against three storage water heaters. We didn't test electric tankless heaters because many can't deliver hot water fast enough to replace a conventional water heater if groundwater is cold. Even in areas with warm groundwater, most homeowners would need to upgrade their electrical service to power a whole-house tankless model.
Our tests simulated daily use of 76 to 78 gallons of hot water. That's the equivalent of taking three showers, washing one laundry load, running the dishwasher once (six cycles), and turning on the faucet nine times, for a total of 19 draws. While that's considered heavy use compared with the standard Department of Energy test, we think it more accurately represents an average family's habits. We also ran more than 45,000 gallons of very hard water through a tanked model and a Rinnai tankless model to simulate about 11 years of regular use.
Here's what else we found:
Water runs hot and cold Manufacturers of tankless water heaters are fond of touting their products' ability to provide an endless amount of hot water. But inconsistent water temperatures were a common complaint among our poll respondents. When you turn on the faucet, tankless models feed in some cold water to gauge how big a temperature rise is needed. If there's cool water lingering in your pipes, you'll receive a momentary "cold-water sandwich" between the old and new hot water. And a tankless water heater's burner might not ignite when you try to get just a trickle of hot water for, say, shaving.
Nor do tankless water heaters deliver hot water instantaneously. It takes time to heat the water to the target temperature, and just like storage water heaters, any cold water in the pipes needs to be pushed out. And tankless models' electric controls mean you'll also lose hot water during a power outage.
Up-front costs are high The tankless water heaters we tested cost $800 to $1,150, compared with $300 to $480 for the regular storage-tank types. Tankless models need electrical outlets for their fan and electronics, upgraded gas pipes, and a new ventilation system. That can bring average installation costs to $1,200, compared with $300 for storage-tank models.
Tankless units might need more care During our long-term testing, an indicator on the tankless model warned of scale buildup. We paid $334 for special valves and a plumber to flush out the water heater with vinegar. Many industry pros recommend that tankless models be serviced once a year by a qualified technician. Calcium buildup can decrease efficiency, restrict water flow, and damage tankless models. Experts suggest installing a water softener if your water hardness is above 11 grains per gallon. Ignoring this advice can shorten your warranty.
Efficient storage models are pricey We also tested the $1,400 Vertex, a high-efficiency storage water heater by A.O. Smith. The manufacturer claims its installation costs are similar to a regular storage model. But its high cost offsets much of the roughly $70 per year the Vertex will save you. Instead, we recommend buying a conventional storage water heater with a 9- or 12-year warranty. In previous tests, we found that those models generally had thicker insulation, bigger burners or larger heating elements, and better corrosion-fighting metal rods called anodes.
Courtesy of:
Victory Home Inspections, LLC
786 Garwood Rd.,Moorestown, New Jersey 08057
856-235-0564
Monday, February 14, 2011
Your favorite bar may not have always been what it is now... Name this place...
If you live in the vacinity of Haddon Township (Haddonfield), NJ you have probably been to this establishment. But did you know it used to be the place to get your country fresh eggs and butter? Maybe a bowl of ice-cream?
Name this place today... (Here is a hint)
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
It's that time of year...
Time to reevaluate the market and take a look at where listings are priced. Prices are still down and we need to do what we can to get these homes sold.
58 E Collingswood Ave, Haddon Township... Reduced $10,000, now priced to sell at $190,000...
Watch a Video
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
NEW LISTING!! Perfect Starter Home...
Stop searching, you just found the perfect starter home. Why rent when you can own this adorable 3bed 1.5bath turn-key Bungalow. Walk into the large enclosed front porch w/storage. Plenty of room to relax and enjoy those cool summer breezes off the Delaware River. Step into the living room that leads back to the large updated Eat-In kitchen with plenty of room for cooking, entertaining and family meals. Main level has 2 nice sized bedrooms with plenty of closet space and a full bathroom. Upstairs is the third bedroom including an abundance of built in storage and your own half bath. This level also includes Two Bonus Rooms perfect for a walk-in closet, office, playroom, nursery, just use your imagination. Don’t forget about the oversized 1 car garage w/loft and the big ticket items that have all been updated for you, including New Roof, Electric Panel, Windows, Interior Doors, Drywall and Sill Plate all around. Dead end St. Minutes from Highways. 10 Min from Philly. We'll also throw in a 1/yr Home Warranty.
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