“Dare to Be

When a new day begins, dare to smile gratefully.

When there is darkness, dare to be first to shine a light.

When there is injustice, dare to be the first to condemn it.

When something seems difficult, dare to do it anyway.

When life seems to beat you down, dare to fight back.

When there seems to be no hope, dare to find some.

When you’re feeling tired, dare to keep going.

When times are tough, dare to be tougher.

When love hurts you, dare to love again.

When someone is hurting, dare to help them heal.

When another is lost, dare to help them find the way.

When a friend falls, dare to be first to extend a hand.

When you feel great, dare to help someone else feel great too.

When the day has ended, dare to feel as you’ve done your best.

Dare to be the best you can –

At all times, Dare to be!”

For any additional information about your real estate transaction, buying & selling, insurance or helpful hints, contact LEGACY REALTY GROUP, "The new star in town", 1963 Oak Tree Rd. Edison, N.J.

732.744.0400.  CALL US TODAY.

LOAN LANGUAGE:

If you are about to purchase a home, especially for the first time, and have to obtain a mortgage to do so, like the majority of home buyers.....here's some information you should find helpful.

HOW MUCH HOME CAN I AFFORD?:

Depending on the price of the home and the amount of your down payment, generally, lenders want your monthly payment, including insurance and taxes, not to exceed 25-30% of your gross monthly income.

ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGE (ARM):

Interest rates are typically 2% lower than a fixed rate mortgage during the first year and adjusts at specific periods. Most ARMs increase by 2% per adjustment period or a maximum of 6% for the life of the loan.

ANNUAL PERCENTAGE RATE (APR):

Actual rate you pay for a mortgage in long term, including interest, points and certain closing costs.

APPRAISAL:

An official valuation of the market value of a home, required to obtain a mortgage, since the loan amount is predicated on the value. It also assures the buyer that they are not overpaying for the home.

CLOSING:

Generally attended by buyers and sellers and their respective attorneys (not always together), where ownership is transferred.

CLOSING COSTS:

Up front fees, typically include, escrows for real estate taxes, Insurances, & mortgage interest, as well as points (if applicable) along with attorneys fees, transfer fees, property survey, etc.  Buyers closing costs normally range from 2% to 3% of the purchase price. 

INSURANCE:

Hazard Insurance and Title Insurance are both required when obtaining a mortgage. In some case, mortgage Insurance may also be required.

INTEREST:

The cost paid to the lending institution for the money borrowed. Sometimes described as "the price you pay for the privilege of owning a home and living in it without actually paying for it".

LOCK-IN:

Obtaining a set interest rate, that cannot go up while you are awaiting your closing. Usually available for a period of up to 90 days before closing.

PITI:

Abbreviations for Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance, which make up the monthly payment.

POINTS:

Costs a lender may charge. One point equals 1% of the amount borrowed.

For any additional information about your real estate transaction, buying & selling, insurance or helpful hints, contact LEGACY REALTY GROUP, "The new star in town",  1963 Oak Tree Rd. Edison, N.J.

732.744.0400.  CALL US TODAY.

IMPORTANT REAL ESTATE CONSUMER INFORMATION FOR NEW JERSEY SELLERS-BUYERS-LANDLORDS-TENANTS: 

In New Jersey, real estate licensees are required to disclose how they intend to work with buyers and sellers in a real estate transaction.(In rental transactions, the terms "buyers" and "sellers" should be read as "tenants" and "landlords")

SELLERS AGENT:

A sellers agent works only for the seller and has legal obligations, called fiduciary duties, to the seller which include: Reasonable care, undivided loyalty, confidentiality, and full disclosure. All material information supplied to the agent, by either the buyer or a cooperating agent, will be conveyed to the seller.

BUYERS AGENT:

A buyers agent represents the buyer, and all material information supplied to the agent by the seller or cooperating agent, will be conveyed to the buyer. A buyers agent also has fiduciary duties to the buyer which also include, reasonable care, undivided loyalty, confidentiality and full disclosure.

DISCLOSED DUAL AGENT:

A disclosed dual agent represents both parties in the transaction, however, may not, without express permission, disclose that a seller will accept less than the asking price, or that the buyer will pay a price greater than the offered price. Before acting as a disclosed dual agent, brokerage firms must make written disclosure to both parties. A brokerage firm acting as a disclosed dual agent, cannot put one party's interests ahead of those of the other party and cannot advise or counsel either party on how to gain an advantage at the expense of the other party, from confidential information obtained from either party.

TRANSACTION BROKER:

As a transaction broker, a licensee does not represent either the buyer or the seller. All information acquired from one party may be shared with the other party. A transaction broker works with a buyer or seller, or both, in a sales transaction, without representing anyone. A transaction broker does not promote the interests of one party over those of the other party to the transaction. A transaction broker primarily serves as a manager of the transaction, communicating information between the parties, to assist them in arriving at a mutually acceptable agreement and in closing the transaction, but cannot advise or counsel either party on how to gain an advantage at the expense of the other party.

It is critical, that as a participant in a real estate transaction, you are advised and understand the terms of how you are to be represented, and which is in your best interest. If you are planning to become a party in a real estate transaction soon, and are not sure which form of representation best suits your goals, feel free to contact us for any information you may require. It will be our pleasure.

For all your real estate, insurance needs and helpful hints, contact: LEGACY REALTY GROUP, "The New Star In Town",   1963 Oak Tree Rd. Edison, N.J. Call, 732-744-0400

KWANZAA OBSERVANCE:

Holiday in brief: 

Kwanzaa is a week long celebration held in the United States and also celebrated in the Western African Disapora in other nations of the Americas. The celebration honors African heritage in African-American culture. Is observed from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a feast and gift-giving. Kawnzaa has seven core principles (Nguzo Saba) It was created by Maulana Karenga, and was first celebrated in 1966-67.

During the early years of Kwanzaa it was meant to be an "oppositional alternative" to Christmas. However, as Kwanzaa gained mainstream followers, it's position was altered so that practicing Christians would not be alienated. Many African Americans who celebrate Kwanzaa, do so in addition to observing Christmas.

PRINCIPLES AND SYMBOLS:

> UMOJA (Unity): To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.

> KUJICHAGULIA (Self-Determination): To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.

> UJIMA (Collective work and responsibility): To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers' and sisters' problems our problems, and to solve them together

.

> UJAMAA (Cooperative economics): To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together.

> NIA (Purpose): To make our collective vocation, the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

> KUUMBA (Creativity): To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than when we inherited.

> IMANI (Faith): To believe with all our hearts in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

SYMBOLS:

 A decorative mat (Mkeka) on which other symbols are placed, such as: corn (Muhindi) and other crops, a candle holder kinara with seven candles (Mishumaa Saba), a communal cup for libation (Kikombe cha Umoja), gifts (Zawadi), a poster of the seven principles, and a black, red, and green flag. The symbols were designed to convey the seven principles.

OBSERVANCE:

Families celebrating Kwanzaa decorate their households with objects of art: colorful African cloth such as kente, especially the wearing of kaftans by women; and fresh fruits that represent African idealism. Children are included in Kwanzaa ceremonies to give respect and gratitude to ancestors. Libations are shared, generally with a common chalice, (Kikombe cha Umoja), passed around to all celebrants. The holiday greeting is "Joyous Kwanzaa". A ceremony may also include drumming and musical selections.

Cultural exhibitions include the Spirit of Kwanzaa, an annual celebration, held at the JFK Center for the Performing Arts, featuring interpretive dance, African dance, song and poetry.

The holiday has also spread to Canada and is celebrated by Black Canadians in a similar fashion as in the United States.

Have a safe and meaningful Kwanzaa and remember the greeting for each day, "Habari Gani (what's the news?)

(Content excerpted from Wikipedia)

For all your Real Estate & Insurance and helpful hints, contact LEGACY REALTY GROUP, "The new star in Town", 1963 Oak Tree Rd. Edison, NJ  Tel: 732-744-0400

IS YOUR HOLIDAY HUSTLE & BUSTLE GETTING TO BE TOO MUCH? TRY SLOWING DOWN A LITTLE BY REMEMBERING SOME OLD TRADITIONS !!!!!

The Holiday Season should be joyous and a time to build lifelong memories with your family. Traditions also help you to bond and reconnect with loved ones, friends and neighbors. Creating traditions can take a little time and energy to plan, so here is a list of a few traditions to inspire your own holiday plans and make the season a little more fun and brighter.

HOLIDAY FOOD TRADITIONS:

1. Make traditional dishes for your holiday meals and include foods from your own culture and foods you ate while growing up. Ask for recipes from relatives to keep your family food traditions alive.

NEIGHBORHOOD AND COMMUNITY TRADITIONS:

1. See a local production of "The Nutcracker", "A Christmas Carol" or another holiday-themed show.

2. Get in your car, check out and privately judge, holiday lighting displays in your neighborhood.

3. Make a note of local holiday events on your calendar. Most cities/towns, produce concerts, festivals and plays to celebrate the season.

AROUND THE HOME HOLIDAY TRADITIONS:

1. Go to a tree farm and cut down the perfect tree (they last longer). Decorate it as a family, let the kids do their thing. Have some treats on hand.

2. Set aside at least one night to watch a holiday movie or TV special, like "Scrooge", "Miracle on 34th Street", "A Charlie Brown Christmas", etc.

3. Purchase or make a holiday ornament for each child every year. Helps to reminisce holiday decorating.

4. Sit down with your child and take the time to write a letter to Santa.

GIVING BACK HOLIDAY TRADITIONS:

1. Volunteer your time at a food bank to help families in need.

2. Go through your closets and donate gently used clothing to a local shelter. Coats are particularly useful at this time of year.

3. Deliver cookies and treats to those who must work during the holiday. i.e. local fire station, police department and your local hospital.

4. Volunteer a little time at a Senior Citizen Center.

HOLIDAY GIFT TRADITIONS:

1. If your extended family is large, consider making a deal among the adults to buy gifts only for the kids.

2. Start a "Gag Gift" tradition to a family member. Each year pass the gift on to another, unsuspecting family member.

CHRISTMAS EVE TRADITIONS:

1. Open one gift on Christmas Eve.

2. Track Santa's progress across the globe.

3. Read "the Night Before Christmas" at bedtime.

4. Get matching pajamas for the kids to wear on Christmas Eve for a great photo op in the morning.

CHRISTMAS MORNING:

1. Choose a family member at random to pass out the gifts to everyone.

2. Call or have a video chat with loved ones who are unable to be with your family

3. Go out for breakfast (if you can find a place open) let someone else besides Mom, do the cooking.

Most of all, remember to try to observe the religious purpose of the holiday you are celebrating. From the staff of Legacy Realty Group....have a wonderful and safe holiday season.

For all your Real Estate & Insurance needs and helpful hints, contact, LEGACY REALTY GROUP, "The New Star in Town",  1963 Oak Tree Road, Edison, NJ 08820. Tel: 732-744-0400.

THE HISTORY OF HANUKKAH (CHANUKAH)

Hanukkah or Chanukah (for anyone not aware) is the eight day festival celebrated by Jewish people around the world. The history of Hanukkah dates back to 165 BCE. The land of Judea was ruled by Antiochus, a Syrian King, who ordered the Jews to reject all their rituals and beliefs, forcing them to worship Greek Gods and eat the meat of a pig. Out of fear of the Greek Soldiers, some Jews obeyed, while the remaining Jewish people, would not comply to these orders, both of which were against Jewish law, and out of anger, decided to fight back.

A Jewish High Priest, Mattahias and his five sons, attacked and killed many of the Greek soldiers, then took asylum nearby. When Mattahias died a year later, his son Judah Maccabee took charge of the Jewish Army, committed to defeat the Greek Soldiers. The determined army fought fiercely and successfully defeated the Greek Soldiers. Judah and his men then traveled to the Holy Temple to attend to it's restoration. While they were cleaning and repairing the damages to the temple, which was in shambles, they discovered that many precious items were missing or had been destroyed. They repaired what was left, including the Menorah, a nine branched candelabrum. They discovered that the limited amount of purified oil, which could only light the Menorah for one night, miraculously burned for eight days, thus giving rise to the establishment of Hanukkah, "The Festival of Lights". This eight day festival is celebrated to commemorate the re-dedication of the Holy Temple and the victory of Judah Maccabee over the Greeks. During this eight day festival, Jews light one candle on the Menorah each night, preceded by Jewish blessings. According to the Hanukkah tradition, the candles should not be blown out.

This year, on Thursday, November 28, 2013, Hanukkah and Thanksgiving occur on the same day, an astronomical merging of the Holidays, that will not happen again for 77,000 years. Since this will be a "once in a lifetime" event, perhaps there could be a turkey shaped Menorah called a "Menurkey", or a "Thanksgivukka" to honor both Holidays. Pardon the humor.
Ironically, in 2016, Hanukkah begins on Christmas Eve. Not as spectacular an event as this year, but special nevertheless.

ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAYS !!!!!!!

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

THE COLORS OF CHRISTMAS

There are several colors which are traditionally  associated with Christmas. The most popular are Red, Green & Gold. But why....and what do all the colors represent? Most of the colors and their meanings have evolved from the Western/Northern European Christian traditions and customs, with Christmas in the middle of Winter where it is dark early and cold.

GREEN:

Evergreen plants like Holly, Ivy and Mistletoe have been used for thousands of years to decorate and brighten up buildings during the long, dark Winter. They also reminded people that Spring was around the corner, and Winter wouldn't last forever. The Romans would exchange evergreen branches during January as a sign of good luck. The ancient Egyptians would bring palm branches into their homes during the mid-winter festivals.

In many parts of Europe during the Middle Ages, Paradise Plays were performed, most often on Christmas Eve. Bible stories were acted out for people who couldn't read. The "Paradise Tree" in the Garden of Eden in the play, was normally a pine tree, adorned with red apples tied to it. Now the most common use of green at Christmas time, are Christmas trees.

RED:

As stated, the early use of red at Christmas, were the apples on the Paradise Tree, which, in the plays, represented the fall of Adam. Red is also the color of holly berries, which is said to represent the blood of Jesus when he died on the cross. Red is also the color of Bishops robes. These would have been worn by St. Nicholas, then became Santa's uniform.

GOLD:

Gold is the color of the Sun and light, both very important in the dark Winter and both red and gold are the colors of fire, needed to keep you warm. Gold was also one of the gifts presented to the baby Jesus by one of the wise men. Traditionally it's the color used to depict the star, followed by the wise men. (Silver is sometimes used, instead, but gold is the warmer color)

WHITE:

White is often associated with purity and peace in Western Cultures, as is the snow of Winter. White, paper thin, wafers were also sometimes used to decorate the Paradise Trees. The wafers represented the bread which is eaten during the Christian Communion or Mass, as a reminder that Jesus died for them. White is used by most churches as the color of Christmas, when the altar is covered by a white cloth. (In the Russian Orthodox Church, at Christmas, a Gold cloth is used to cover the altar)

BLUE:

The color blue is often associated with Mary, the mother of Jesus. In Medieval times, blue dye and paint was more expensive than gold, therefore would only be worn by Royal families and people of wealth. Mary was often painted wearing blue to show that she was very important. Blue also represents the color of the sky and heaven. During Advent, the month of preparation leading to Christmas day, purple (occasionally blue) is used in most churches for the color of the altar cloth. (In the Russian Orthodox Church, during Advent, red is used as the color of the alter cloth)

some information excerpted from, www.whychristmas.com/customs/colors-of-christmas.

While the Christmas Holiday is arguably the most colorful of all holidays, it is celebrated by many cultures in many different ways. Have a safe and wonderful Holiday, and try to not let all the commercialism overshadow this meaningful time of year.

For all your Real Estate & Insurance needs and helpful hints, Contact, LEGACY REALTY GROUP, "The New Star in Town", 1963 Oak Tree Rd. Edison, N.J, 732-744-0400

WIFI HACKING

With Thanksgiving upon us, more people will be traveling by land or air, than at any other time of the year. Aside from weather predictions and driving hints here is another important precaution you may not have thought about. If your trip includes a stay at a hotel that provides WIFI service, take advantage of it, and when you are finished, shut it down, and remind your kids (if any) to do the same. Leaving your computer connected and on, provides great opportunities for Cyber attacks, which happen at hotels frequently. The last thing you want to discover is that your computer has been "hacked", and all your important data stolen. Be careful, so you can enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving.

THANKSGIVING DAY IS AROUND THE CORNER. HERE ARE A FEW TRADITIONS & CUSTOMS OLD AND NEW:

Every celebration is accompanied by some customs or rituals in which people enthusiastically participate with minor degrees of variation. Thanksgiving Day has it's own set of traditions, and pastimes. Here are just a few....

GOBBLING TURKEY:

Surveys conducted by the National Turkey Federation (NFT), projects that 91% of Americans eat turkey on Thanksgiving Day. Southerners typically prefer deep-fried turkey as opposed to roasted turkey, however. Approximately 675 million pounds of turkey is consumed on Thanksgiving Day.... And how about those late night sandwiches.

CHARITY FOR THE NEEDY:

As Thanksgiving is a celebration of sharing thanks, blessings and prosperity, many people move to help their "not so lucky" fellow- beings. They supervise soup kitchens and many other activities to contribute to the less fortunate members of society.

FOOTBALL:

Americans are well known for their passion of football, which is relished on Thanksgiving Day and well into the evening. While some people play it, others prefer to watch it, either in stadiums or on TV. Usually you can find a minimum of four, nationally televised games of pro-football on this day.

ENJOYING THE LAVISH, FUN FILLED, THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE:

Before the football games, many Americans have the opportunity to watch the great parade, highlighted by the exquisite balloons, the amazing Radio City, Rockettes, and Santa, by visiting NYC personally. Many millions of others enjoy the extravaganza on TV. The arrival of Santa marks the end of the parade and the official start of the Christmas Season.

MAKING A WISH:

Following the footsteps of the Etruscans, Americans make a wish by breaking the forked breast bone (wish bone) removed from the turkey or chicken. The belief is the wish will be granted to the person holding the biggest piece of the "wish bone". The tradition started in Rome and was introduced to America by the British.

The evolution of Thanksgiving has certainly come a long way since the first American Thanksgiving festival was held in 1607, in Virginia. As for the official start of the Christmas Season, it keeps coming earlier each year. In fact there is a humorous story about a couple walking down the street observing Christmas lights and decorations. One says to the other, "Oh my gosh, I didn't realize it was September already".

HAVE A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY.

For all your Real Estate and Insurance needs & helpful hints, contact LEGACY REALTY GROUP, "the new star in town", 1963 Oak Tree Rd. Edison, N.J . 732-744-0400

THE HISTORY OF VETERANS DAY:

Veterans Day gives Americans the opportunity to celebrate the bravery and sacrifice of all U.S. veterans. However, as the Department of Veterans Affairs reports, many Americans confuse this holiday with Memorial Day. In addition, some Americans don't know why we commemorate our Veterans on November 11.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF VETERANS DAY:

Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor the end of World War 1, which officially took place on November 11, 1918. Through legislation that was passed in 1938, November 11 was "dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as Armistice Day". As such, this new legal holiday honored World War 1 Veterans. In 1954, after having been through both World War 2 and the Korean War, the 83rd U.S. Congress-at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting the word "Veterans". With the approval of this legislation on June 1st, 1954, November 11 became the day to honor American veterans of all wars. In 1968, under the Uniforms Holiday Bill, Veterans Day was moved to the fourth Monday of October. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holiday on it's original date. The first Veterans Day, under the new law, was observed with much confusion on October 25, 1971.

Finally, on September 20, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed a law which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to it's original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. Since then, the Veterans Day holiday has been observed on November 11.

CELEBRATING THE VETERANS DAY HOLIDAY:

If the November 11 holiday falls on a non-workday...Saturday or Sunday, the holiday is then observed by the Federal Government on Monday. Federal Government closings are established by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. State and local government closings are determined locally, and non-government businesses can close or remain open as they see fit.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN VETERANS DAY AND MEMORIAL DAY:

Memorial Day honors service members who died in service to their country or as a result of injuries incurred during battle. Deceased veterans are also remembered on Veterans Day, but the day is set aside to thank and honor living veterans who served honorably in the Military in wartime or peacetime.

Don't forget to serve veterans as well as they served us.  <THANK YOU VETERANS>

**information courtesy of www.military.com/veterans

For all your Real Estate, Insurance needs and helpful hints, contact  LEGACY REALTY GROUP, "The New Star in Town", 1963 Oak Tree Rd. Edison, N.J. 732-744-0400.

HALLOWEEN HISTORY & ORIGIN:

Halloween is one of the oldest holidays still celebrated today. It's one of the most popular holidays, some say, second only to Christmas. While millions of people celebrate Halloween without knowing it's origins and myths, the history and facts about Halloween make the holiday more fascinating.

Some people view it as a time of superstitions, ghosts, goblins and evil spirits that should be avoided at all costs. However, the holiday has, in fact, transitioned from a somber pagan ritual, to the day of merriment it has become...a time of fun, putting on costumes, trick-or-treating, and having theme parties.

HALLOWEEN HISTORY:

Halloween is celebrated on October 31st, the last day of the Celtic calendar. It was originally a Pagan holiday, honoring the dead, referred to as, All Hallows Eve, and dates back to over 2,000 years ago. All Hallows Eve is the evening before All Saints Day, which was created by Christians to convert Pagans, and is celebrated on November 1st. The Catholic Church designated this day specifically to honor it's saints.

ORIGIN OF HALLOWEEN:

While there are many versions of the origins and old customs of Halloween, some remain consistent by all accounts. Different cultures view Halloween differently, but traditional Halloween practices remain the same.

Halloween culture can be traced back to the Druids, a Celtic culture in Ireland, Britain and Northern Europe. Roots lay in the feast of Samhain, celebrated annually on October 31st, to honor the dead. Samhain signifies "summers end" or November. Samhain was a harvest festival with huge, sacred bonfires marking the end of the Celtic year and the beginning of a new one. Many of the practices involved in this celebration were motivated by superstition. The Celts believed the souls of the dead roamed the streets and villages at night. Since not all spirits were thought to be friendly, gifts and treats were left out to pacify the evil and ensure that next years crops would be plentiful. Do you get the connection? This custom evolved into Trick-or-Treating............<HAPPY HALLOWEEN>

For all your Real Estate & Insurance needs and helpful hints, contact, LEGACY REALTY GROUP, "The New Star in Town",1963 Oak Tree Rd. Edison, N.J. Tel: 732-744-0400