Sorry folks, the blog has been denied for a while..Real Estate been busy!

I would like to wish everyone a successful and healthy new year full of love , joy, happiness, and cheer!

May. 16, 2008* NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Oil hit another record high on Friday. So it's no surprise that natural resources mutual funds, funds that invest in energy companies and other plays on surging commodities, are the best performing domestic stock funds this year. At the same time, real estate news just gets worse and worse, and on Friday, construction of single-family homes fell to a new 17-year low. But guess what the second-best performing fund category is so far this year? That's right - real estate funds.

Prep Your Home to Sell - The "Blue Toilet" Effect 12/19/2007 The “Blue Toilet Effect” A real phenomenon that affects homeowners across the country and can cost them millions of dollars each year Typically, real estate agents will counsel their clients to clean up the clutter inside and outside,, as well as lose the family photos so prospects can imagine themselves in the home. This year, however, with the real estate market having shifted in favor of the buyer, competition amongst sellers has increased dramatically and as such, sellers need to do more, sometimes much more, than put away the garden hose and bikes, add a fresh coat of paint and put out the flowers to make their homes more appealing. Hence “The Blue Toilet Effect.” According to Tamira Martel, concierge director for Coldwell Banker® Hickok and Boardman and a certified home marketing specialist, home staging has given way to “home facelifts.” Most homebuyers would tend to buy a house that does not need work. Martel counsels her clients that to differentiate a property from all of the others on the market, sellers might want to consider doing some of the following: Room “Facelift”: The most important rooms to refurbish are the bathroom, preferably to neutral colors and the kitchen, especially if the appliances are more than three years old. Replace old faucets, showerheads and even toilets, as well as add new fixtures. Remember, the kitchen is often times the heart of the home, and the fastest way to the hearts of homebuyers. Upgrade, Upgrade, Upgrade: Upgrade appliances, sometimes floors and countertops too in an effort to make a home stand out from the rest. Tile or granite countertops instead of plastic laminate, porcelain cast iron tubs over fiberglass, even lath and plaster over drywall. Martel says that many buyers, particularly Generation Y buyers who are more likely to stay in a home a mere five years, are only willing to buy homes that are move-in ready. A new SubZero or Viking appliance, or a cement countertop, and even a neutral toilet, can make the difference between a sale, an extended stay on the market, or even the first drop in price (which can range from $10,000 to $50,000 depending upon the list price of a home).

NEW HOUSE Buiding Permits pulled so far 08 compared to same time last year FEB. 07 FEB.08 Amherst- 24 4 Buffalo 13 1 Cheektowaga 4 6 Clarence 7 10 Grand Island 10 9 Hamburg 27 25 Lancaster 15 10 Orchard Park 8 10 West Seneca 3 6

What is Green Building? A single standard for “What is Green Building” does not exist, but all green building concepts include the same basic principles. Green Building in general focuses on passive solar orientation, best use of space, an energy efficient envelope, water conservation, renewable materials, ease of maintenance, indoor air-quality, the use of less toxic materials and obtaining materials locally. To construct the perfect Green Home for your customer keep in mine these simple questions: What benefits are there to building Green? A green home has many benefits including; using less energy, water, and natural resources; while creating less waste. It is also a healthier and more comfortable for the occupants. A green home will have lower energy and water bills; reduced greenhouse gas emissions; and less exposure to mold, mildew and other indoor toxins. The net cost of owning a green home is comparable to that of owning a conventional home and will often save you money in the long run. Green Building Resources Here are a few links that can get you started building Green. Check back for additions and updates. LEED for Homes LEED for Homes is a voluntary rating system that promotes the design and construction of high performance "green" homes. NAHB's Model Green Home Building Guidelines NAHB's voluntary Model Green Home Building Guidelines are designed to be a tool kit for the individual builder looking to engage in green building practices and home builder associations (HBAs) looking to launch their own local green building programs. Building America Building America is a private/public partnership sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy that conducts research to find energy-efficient solutions for new and existing housing that can be implemented on a production basis. The Energy Star Program Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy that promotes and rewards the use of energy efficient products and practices. The Housing Zone – Green Forum A website that gathers information on the Green Building industry and puts it conveniently at your fingertips. Green building information and product facts can easily be found here. The Energy & Environmental Building Association (EEBA)™ To provide education and resources to transform the residential design and construction industry to profitably deliver energy efficient and environmentallyresponsible buildings and communities. Green by Design:Renewable, Durable, Sustainable Wood A highly informative green brochure created by the Canadian Wood Council in collaboration with the Forest Products Association of Canada, a must read for all green enthusiast.