SPEAKING OF TIME MANAGEMENT...........

Like so many millions of others, if you are having trouble managing your time effectively to get things done, and make your life better, consider these words of wisdom (some humorous) from some well known sources you should recognize.
1.  GOLDA MEIER: "I must govern the clock....not be governed by it"
2.  ARTHUR SCHOPENHAMER: "Ordinary people think merely how they will spend their time-a person of intellect tries to use it".
3.  ANONYMOUS: "It is critically important to listen to your body and instincts. What works beautifully for one person, tires and frustrates someone
     else.
4.  JAMES MICHENER: "Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today, because if you enjoy it today, you can do it again tomorrow"
5.  MURPHY'S LAW: "Whenever you start out to do something-something must be done first".
6.  HENRY FORD:  "Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it into small jobs".
7.  ANONYMOUS: "Schedule the most demanding, challenging tasks during the time of day when you have the most energy".
8.  WOODY ALLEN: "80% of life is just showing up".
9.  DR. ERIC ALLENBOUGH: Everything becomes different when we choose to take control, rather than be controlled. We experience a new
     sense of freedom, growth and energy".
10. CHARLES BENTON: "You will never 'find' time for anything. If you want time, you must make it."
11. FLIP WILSON: "Don't let your mouth write a check your body can't cash".
12. ANONYMOUS: "Become aware that saying YES to someone else is usually a NO to something you had planned for yourself. The purpose of
      saying NO once in a while, is to give yourself control over your time".
13. BERNARD MELTZER: "I really cannot give you the formula for success-but I can give you the formula for failure. Try to please everyone".
14. ANONYMOUS: "No executive ever looked back on his or her life and said, I wish I had spent more time at work".
15.        "                 "If you want to do better, you've got to do different".
16.        "                 "Minds that don't change are like clams that don't open".
17.        "                 "Every person starts the day with 86,400 seconds"
18. STEVE JOBS: "Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life".
19. JOHN LENNON: "Life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans".
20. GEORGE ELIOT: "It's never too late to be what you might have been".
21. ALLAN DALTON: "In order to do something well, you have to be willing to do it poorly".

These often heard, and sometimes not so often heard quotes are for your enjoyment and worth remembering.

For all your Real Estate and Insurance needs & helpful hints, Contact LEGACY REALTY GROUP, EDISON, NJ. 732.744.0400

                       PROTECTING YOUR FAMILY FROM LEAD IN YOUR HOME: (part three)



                                                 CHECKING YOUR HOME FOR LEAD:

                                You can get your home tested for lead in several different ways:

>A paint inspection, tells you whether your home has lead base paint and where it is located. However, it will not tell you whether or not there is a
  lead hazard.

>A risk assessment, reveals if your home currently has any lead hazards from lead in paint, dust or soil. Also describes what action to take.

>A combination risk assessment & home inspection, tells you if your home has any lead hazards, if your home has any lead based paint and the

  location(s).

HIRE A TRAINED AND CERTIFIED TESTING PROFESSIONAL WHO USES A RANGE OF
RELIABLE TESTING PROCEDURES WHEN TESTING YOUR HOME:

>Visual inspection

>A portable X-Ray fluorescence (XRF) machine.

>Lab test of paint, dust and soil samples.

Home test kits are available, but not always accurate.  To assure
safety,Consumers should not rely on these kits before undertaking
renovations.



WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW, TAKING SOME SIMPLE STEPS TO REDUCE YOUR FAMILY'S RISK:

> If you rent, notify your landlord of peeling or chipping paint.

> Clean up paint chips immediately.

> Clean floors, window frames & sills, and other surfaces weekly. Use a mop or sponge with warm water and a general all purpose cleaner, or a

   cleaner made specifically for lead. Never mix ammonia and bleach
products together. They can form a dangerous gas.

> Thoroughly rinse sponges and mops after cleaning.

> Wash children's hands often, especially before meals, nap time and bed time.

> Keep play areas clean. Wash bottles, pacifiers, toys and stuffed animals regularly.

> Keep children from chewing on window sills or other painted surfaces. This is common when babies are teething.

> Clean or remove shoes before entering the home to avoid tracking in lead from soil.

> Make sure children eat nutritious meals high in Iron and Calcium. Children with good diets absorb less lead.



There are many projects a homeowner can tackle to save money. Trying
to remove lead based paint, dust or soil, should not be one of them.
Don't take chances !!!!





Federal and State programs are in place to ensure that testing is done
safely, reliably and effectively. You can call 1-800-424-LEAD(5323)
for a list of contacts in your area.



For all your Real Estate & Insurance needs, and helpful hints,
contact, LEGACY REALTY GROUP, "The New Star In Town", EDISON, NJ.
732.744.0400

PROTECTING YOUR FAMILY FROM LEAD IN YOUR HOME (part two)

LEAD'S EFFECTS:

It is important to know that even exposure to low levels of lead can severely harm children:

IN CHILDREN, LEAD CAN CAUSE:
> Nervous system and kidney damage.
> Learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, and decreased intelligence.
> Speech, language and behavioral problems.
> Poor muscle coordination.
> Decreased muscle and bone growth.
> Hearing damage.
While low level, lead exposure is most common, exposure to high levels of lead, can have devastating effects on children, including seizures, unconsciousness, and in some cases, even death. Although children are especially susceptible, lead exposure can also be dangerous to adults.

IN ADULTS, LEAD CAN CAUSE:
> Increased chance of illness during a pregnancy.
> Harm to fetus, including brain damage or death.
> Fertility problems in men & women.
> High blood pressure.
> Digestive problems.
> Nerve disorders.
> Memory and concentration problems.
> Muscle and joint pain.

CHECKING YOUR FAMILY FOR LEAD:
Consult your Doctor for advice on testing yourself and children. A simple blood test can detect high levels of lead. Especially recommended for:
> Children and ages 1 and 2.
> Any family member, who you suspect may have been exposed to high levels of lead.
> Children who should be tested under your State or health screening plan. Your Doctor can explain what the test results mean, and if more testing will be needed. If you notice one, or more of the above mentioned symptoms in your child or yourself, contact your Doctor immediately.

For all your Real Estate and Insurance needs, and more helpful hints, contact LEGACY REALTY GROUP, "the New Star in Town". Edison, New Jersey, 732.744.0400

PROTECT YOUR FAMILY FROM LEAD IN YOUR HOME: part one

PROTECT YOUR FAMILY FROM LEAD IN YOUR HOME: part one

If you are planning to buy, rent or renovate, many homes and apartments built before 1978, have high levels of lead based paint. Lead from paint, chips and dust, can pose serious health hazards if not dealt with properly, and should not be taken lightly.

OWNERS, RENTERS AND BUYERS, are strongly encouraged to check for lead before renting, buying or renovating any pre-1978 housing.

LANDLORDS, are required to disclose in the lease, any known information about lead based paint & hazards, before the leases take affect.

SELLERS, likewise, have to disclose any known information on lead based paint, before selling a house. Sales contracts must include such a disclosure. Buyers have up to 10 days to check for lead.

RENOVATORS, who will be disturbing more than 2 square feet of painted surfaces, are required to provide you with a lead base paint pamphlet, from the EPA, before starting work.

IMPORTANT, LEAD FROM NOT ONLY PAINT, BUT ALSO DUST AND SOIL, CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS IF NOT MANAGED PROPERLY:

FACT: Lead exposure can harm young children and babies even before they are born.

FACT: Even children who seem healthy can have high levels of lead in their bodies.

FACT: People can absorb lead in their bodies by breathing or swallowing lead dust, or by eating soil or paint chips containing lead.

FACT: People have many options for reducing lead hazards. In most cases, lead based paint that has not been disturbed and is in good condition,

           is not a hazard.

FACT: Removing lead based paint improperly can increase the danger to your family.

LEAD GETS INTO THE HUMAN BODY IN MANY WAYS:
>Breathing in lead dust, especially during renovations.
>Putting hands or other objects that may be covered with lead dust in their mouths.
>Eating paint chips or soil that contains lead.

 CHILDHOOD LEAD POISONING REMAINS A MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PROBLEM IN THE U.S. ESPECIALLY TO CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF SIX:
> At this age, children's brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead.
> Children's growing bodies absorb more lead.
> Babies and young children often put their hands and other objects, which can have lead dust on them, into their mouths.

LEAD IS ALSO ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS TO WOMEN OF CHILDBEARING AGE:
> Women with a high lead level in their system prior to pregnancy, would expose a developing fetus to lead.

Reminder: Lead based paint was declared illegal in 1978, after which, paint no longer contained lead. If your home or apartment was built after 1978, you need not worry about the effects of lead. 
check our blogs #2 AND #3, coming up in the next weeks, for additional information.

For all your Real Estate and Insurance needs and helpful hints, contact LEGACY  REALTY GROUP, "The new star in town", Edison, New Jersey 732.744.0400.

SELLERS.....GREEN UP YOUR HOME CLEAN UP:

If you are getting ready to clean up your home for the Spring selling season, consider these preparation hints. Let the four C's of staging be your guide. A green way toward Cleaning, Clutter- free, Colorful, and Creative:

CLEAN:
Using natural cleaners to get the house ready, is better for people with allergies, and creates less harmful chemical waste. Brands such as, Mrs. Meyer's, and Seventh Generation, provide a wide array of "green" household cleaners. A simple, at-home solution for removing hard water stains and cleaning windows, is a 1-1 mixture of vinegar and water.

CLUTTER FREE:
Box up personal items such as photos and collectibles and instead, show off the architectural features of the house. Then find a way to donate items you no longer want, rather than pitching them into the dumpster.

COLORFUL:
Freshen up the look of a room(s) with paints of minimal or no Volatile Organic Compounds, such as formaldehyde. These low-VOC paints have little odor when applied and don't create hazardous waste when discarded.

CREATIVE:
Stage the home using salvaged and repurposed items, such as wine barrels and old pottery for plants, or light fixtures made from re-cycled glass.

NEW BUYERS.....CONSIDER THESE TIPS FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND ALLERGY FIGHTING:

Homeowners can save as much as $200 to $400 off their energy bills, while increasing the long term value of the home.

WATER HEATERS:
Tank-less, gas water heaters turn on when you start using hot water and turn off when you're done. This can reduce water heating costs up to 35% annually. Water heaters that have a timer, can be programmed to turn off when you are away.

LIGHTING:
Automatic dimmers will adjust lighting based on the time of day. Extremely beneficial for exterior lighting.

BLINDS AND DRAPES:
Automated blinds and drapes are an eco-savvy development in today's window treatments. They can be programmed to close during the hottest part of the day in Summer and to let the Sun in during Winter.

AIR FILTRATION:
Choose an air filter that has a small-particle or HEPA filter. Clean or replace filters frequently. Keeping the humidity low and temperature around 70 degrees, will help fight mold and dust mites.

FLOORING:
Wherever possible, replace carpeting with hardwood or tile flooring. Wash area rugs and shampoo carpeting.

PLANTS:
Spread aquarium gravel, over the dirt in potted plants, to help contain mold.

FOOD WASTE:
Place garbage in a can with an insect proof lid, and empty the trash daily.

KITCHEN AND BATH:
Scrub with bleach to clean mold from the fixtures, tub and shower.

Following these guidelines, whether selling or buying, can potentially save you money and your health.  While  you may not be able to take advantage of everything listed, do the best you can in line with your personal budget. Remember, "every little bit helps".

For all your Real Estate and Insurance needs and helpful hints, contact LEGACY REALTY GROUP, EDISON, NJ, 732.744.0400. 

NEW JERSEY HAS GOOD NEWS TO REPORT ON JOBS:

Regarding New Jersey's economy. As recently as August 2012, the Garden State's unemployment rate, a crucial economic indicator, stood at 9.7% approximately where it had stagnated for two years. But since then, the rate has steadily declined, dropping in November, 2013 to a five year low of 7.8%. It's good news, but before we send up the balloons, the rate is still too high. New Jersey lags behind the National unemployment rate of 7%, and ranks 42nd in percentage employed, compared to other states. That's not a glowing review, but it is improving and that's good news. Job growth in New Jersey is being fueled by many business sectors. As data from the state indicates, skills in demand, range from blue collar to top management. Many New Jersey companies are hiring.

TOP FIVE SECTORS FOR JOB GROWTH: (New Jersey, Oct. 2011-Oct. 2013)

Education & Health Services>>>34,600
Trade, Transportation & Utilities>>>22,200
Professional & Business Services>>>19,200
Leisure & Hospitality>>>18,800
Construction>>>3,000

THE TOP 20 ONLINE JOB POSTINGS:

1.   Software developers,applications
2.   Retail salesperson
3.   Sales representatives, wholesale & manufacturing
4.   Registered nurses
5.   First-line supervisors of retail sales workers
6.   Computer systems analysts
7.   Customer service representatives
8    Medical & health services managers
9.   Managers all other
10. Sales managers
11. Marketing managers
12. Computer user support specialists
13. Secretaries & administrative assistants
14. Heavy & tractor trailer truck drivers
15. Human resources specialists
16. Management analysts
17. Accountants
18. Computer programmers
19. First line supervisors of food preparation and serving workers
20. General & operations managers.

This is all part of the shifting reality of the marketplace in New Jersey, that despite certain conditions, looks increasingly promising for job seekers.
SO DON'T GIVE UP YOUR SEARCH JUST YET.

For all your Real Estate and Insurance needs and helpful hints, contact the "New Star In Town", LEGACY REALTY GROUP, EDISON, NEW JERSEY. 732.744.0400

*data excerpted from New Jersey Monthly

GOING FOR THE GOLD-----WATCH FOR THESE NEW JERSEY STANDOUTS !!!!!!!

With the Winter Olympics upon us, New Jersey'ites, should be aware that there are five exceptional athletes who are hoping to win a place on the U.S. Olympic or Paralympic teams in Sochi, Russia. Let's meet them:

JAZMINE FENLATOR, Wayne, NJ; 28 year old, first female Bobsledder from New Jersey, is a graduate of Wayne Valley High School, and went on to Rider University, where she aspired to medaling in a throwing event. It was her Track & Field Coach who mentioned Bobsled. Fast forwarding to 2010 when she became sled pilot. She earned a silver medal at the 2012-2013 World Cup Competition in Lake Placid, NY, and a bronze medal in Igls, Austria.

KYLE TRESS, Lambertville, NJ; 32 year old Kyle is a three time National Championship, bronze medalist, in the sport of Skeleton, and 2010 Americas Cup, overall champion. He trains 6 hours per day, 6 days per week. He had no idea that Skeleton even existed until the 2002, Salt Lake City Olympics. He clicked on a Yahoo home page that read, "third generation Olympian wins skeleton gold". After reading the article, he felt compelled to try the sport.

JOSH PAULS, Green Brook, NJ: 20 year old Josh, will be competing in the sport of Sled Hockey Paralympics, which will take place March 7-16 at Sochi. Josh has been a member of the National Sled Hockey team since 2008, which won the world championship in 2009 & 2012, and Olympic gold in 2010. He works out 3 to 4 days a week in the gym and skates at least once a week with his club team. Born without tibias, he had his lower legs amputated when he was ten months old. He fell in love with the game of sled hockey at he age of 11. He modestly calls himself a "one sport athlete", who is not gifted, but works hard.

MIKE ROSSI, Long Valley, NJ, age 19; sport, aerial and free style skiing. The International Ski Federation Rookie of the Year in 2011 and a US Ski team member since 2011, Mike was Bronze Medalist at Deer Valley Championship in 2013. In Winters, he spends 4 hours a day on the hill at the teams Park City facility. In Summers, he practices on the water ramp with an artificial snow surface. He had a trampoline in his back yard, and would teach himself flips and twists. When he tried the aerials, he knew it was what he wanted to do. "Triple flips looked like fun".

JOHN CARLSON, Colonia, NJ, age 23. John was drafted overall, by the NHL, Washington Capitals in 2008. He was the alternate Captain for the 2010, US World Junior Team, where he scored the winning goal in overtime, in the gold medal game vs Canada. John was a member of the 2011, NHL rookie Team, and as a defenseman for the Washington Capitals, he scored 29 goals and 81 assists. In the early part of the off season, he focuses on weight training and cardio, then starting in August, skates again, gradually increasing to 5 days a week leading up to training camp. John's father taught him how to skate when he was 4 years old.

WATCH FOR THESE FIVE OUTSTANDING ATHLETES FROM NEW JERSEY AND BE PROUD.

The XXII Olympic Games will be held February 7 to 23, in Sochi and televised on NBC. The Paralympics Winter Games run from March 7 to 16.

For all your Real Estate and Insurance needs and helpful hints, contact LEGACY REALTY GROUP, EDISON, NJ, "The new star in town",

732.744.0400