With the current real estate market the way that it is, it is imperative that one gain a competitive advantage. One of the ways to gain that upper hand on the market is to have your home staged and ready to show to prospective buyers. Staging involves a number of things, but simply is the process of presenting your home in a way that welcomes the prospective buyer with a vision of what the home could look like. It is important for your home to look and show well, and it is to this end that there are professional stagers that will come in (for a fee, of course) and decorate your home to increase the homes presentation abilities. You can find more about selling your home at the Chapel Hill NC real estate for sale website here www.chapelhillrealty.com

Staging involves the look and feel of the home and has it’s main goal to create a warm and welcoming feeling to the potential buyer. We all remember the stories about the apple pies or cookies baking in the oven when the potential buyer comes to view the home. The sweet smell of the apple pie creates a very welcoming homey feel that aids in the comfort level of the buyer.

Landscaping and the cosmetic show of the outside of the house is a consideration as well as the inside. The outside of the house must be appealing, after all this is the first thing the buyer will see. If they can’t get past the outside it will be difficult to win them over completely. We have all heard the term "curb appeal’, and this is where the outside of the house has a look and feel that is appealing as you drive by. You would want the outside of the house to be so appealing that it tantalizes the potential buyer to see the inside. If the outside is welcoming and the inside is warm and friendly than you have a good combination to sell the home. These are just some thoughts on the staging of your home. Find more at www.chapelhillrealty.com and happy house selling!

What is it that makes home prices go up or down? We all know about the supply and demand concept and most of the time that is the pinnacle factor in the driving of our pricing markets and models, but what if there were other factors that were just as important and had equal impact.

Incentives could play a major role in the pricing of homes. If there are a lot of incentives being offered to home owners than this creates more competition in the housing market, especially for home builders. For Durham homes pricing information please see www.teamjodi.com. Competition as we all know definitely drives pricing.

Recently in our economy we have seen a huge increase in unemployment rates. This creates and insecurity and that insecurity makes people not spend. When people aren’t spending, prices usually go down to try and draw them in to making purchases. We are in a struggling period of time right now in America with our economy taking hits over the last couple of years. The housing market is fighting to stay afloat and Realtors are doing what they can to sell houses.

Different markets are fairing differently with Florida leading the pack with markets that are not doing so well, whereas California is getting reports of a recovery with homes selling for more that the listing price. Please visit www.teamjodi.com for assistance with your real estate needs. We know that time will tell on most of the theories around the housing market, but for a portion of America we need solutions now. We can only get so many tax breaks that may actually be tax burdens in the future. I think for most we are all just hoping that the economy somehow corrects itself and we can have things somewhat back to normal.

There are reports that the California housing market is leading the recovery for the entire nation concerning the housing market. Tax credits, incentives, supply and demand are all factors that may be contributing to the housing market in the Sunshine State. Reports are surfacing of 107% purchases, meaning that homes are being sold for more than the listing price by 7%.

Could this really be the end of the housing slump for California? Are the incentives really working or is this just smoke and mirrors? Since many of the major cities will be the forerunners to this, outlying cities like Tracy will get a good taste of what may come. We’ll have to watch Tracy real estate for sale for trends that may indicate similar reports. Many other states will be watching this so called recovery especially Florida who holds many of the top cold markets. Should other states follow California’s way of doing things, at least for the housing market? I think most will take a wait and see approach.

Whenever there are incentives or tax breaks, or when the government is handing out money, there is room for caution. Most things are not for free and the question needs to be asked if we are all going to pay for this someday, somehow. California is having financial issues and yet they can find ways to provide tax breaks. It’s great to be able to give away money as long as you have it to give. Time will tell whether or not the real estate market in California is really recovering or is just in a temporary spike. The Silveria Team specializes in Tracy CA and surrounding area real estate. Please visit our website for more info here www.thesilveriateam.com

With unemployment rates on the decline in most states, the hopes of the battered real estate gaining a recovery is becoming more of a reality. There have been many incentives over the last year with the government offering the first time home buyers tax credit as being the biggest. We saw home builders offering purchase incentives by teaming up with the local Sears stores or other home appliance outlets giving credits on supplying their newly purchased home. You can view or search Chapel Hill homes for sale at our website at www.chapelhillrealty.com.

People are always in the mood for a good deal and when thinking about buying a home, people are constantly looking for deals. The uncertainty of the job market has caused many to rethink the American dream and has given rise to the fact that things may not always be prosperous. America is vulnerable just like any other country and people are spending less and possibly saving more, for that just in case season. 

The market actually has seen a gain in pending home sales up around 22% since April of last year. People are hopeful and with some of the jobs coming back there may be a sense that everything is going to be OK. We are a resilient country and we can figure out how to make things work. We just need to protect ourselves from being so vulnerable to downturns and other things that with a little foresight can prevent. We sell real estate in Chapel Hill NC and if your interested in services for the Chapel Hill area you can visit our website at www.chapelhillrealty.com.

Pending homes sales has risen over the last few months up about 6% since April and over 22% since April of 2009. This upward swing is good news for a failing real estate market and good news for real estate in Augusta Georgia.  The last couple of years have been horrible for home owners trying to sell their homes without losing money and it has been very difficult on local realtors. Some realtors who were not busy have returned to old jobs or are fighting to stay alive in this market.

There have been good signs though that some of the worst is behind us. Markets are showing an increase in pending sales and the government has added incentives to try and lure the potential home buyer to get off the fence and make the purchase. The mortgage rates have stayed low and seem to be going even lower, which will help with purchases since the government tax credit has now expired. Having mortgage rates low will go along way in helping with the real estate market recovery and help the market to sustain itself without having to rely on government help.

Augusta Georgia has been affected just like any other city, but as the nation turns around the Augusta market will too. We have been fortunate that our market wasn’t affected as much as some of the other areas, though no one really escaped the downslide. If you are interested in buying or selling a home in Augusta, please let us know at www.augustalistingexpert.com. Augusta is a great place to live with great shopping and dining. It is also located on the Savannah River which adds to the laid back and the adventurer.

A new law in California enables borrowers to have a tax break whose mortgage debt was forgiven through modification of their loan, a short sale or even due to foreclosure. The bill (SB 401) was signed off by Governor Schwarzenegger just before April 15th, which is the tax deadline.

This law gives a needed tax relief to those that have lost their homes and can’t afford to pay more taxes. Added on to this anyone in California that had to sell their home on a short sale is allowed to exclude the amount that was still owed to the loan company from their taxes. This also applies to homeowners who have had loan modifications to lower their debt. We specialize in Tracy homes for sale and would love to help you with your next purchase in Tracy CA or any of the surrounding areas.

One thing this new law does is allows the majority of tax payers to not be required to include mortgage debt income that has been canceled up to $500,000 on their principal residence, or up to $250,000 for married individuals that have chosen to file separately. This is applicable for the dates 2009 through 2012.
Since the Federal Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007, is instituted through the tax year 2012, the California law comes in alignment with the federal law.

There are a few exceptions that you may need to be aware of. For example any debt forgiveness that is on a second home mortgage or business & investment property does not qualify. Also, and refinance loans that allow cash-out equity will not apply. For more information on California real estate please visit www.thesilveriateam.com. 

A good friend of mine wrote a song with a line in it that goes like this, “I need my soul stirred, I need a little inspiration, do you have what it takes to ride the rhythm and catch the breaks?” This line gripped me and as a result, I found myself pondering the topic of “Inspiration.” I want to share with you what I
feel about it and what it means to me.

Inspiration is an essential ingredient that we need in order to create and innovate, to help us see things through. Everyone would like to be great at something, or at a lot of things, but something that is worth doing is for the most part, neither quick or easy. It takes purpose, focus, persistence, energy, and a lot of inspiration. Inspiration is the ingredient that causes us to get through the tough times, the mundane times, the repetition; it causes us to get up after we have been knocked down. It moves us past our stopping points and helps us to not sweat the small stuff. I sell North Scottsdale Real Estate and you can learn more at my website www.dilarno.com.

For example
In the heady days of falling in love, be it with a person, a new sport or a musical instrument, nothing can stop us. The annoying ticks he or she may have are insignificant, on our next mountain bike ride we are going to get to the top of the mountain without stopping, and we are going to practice that
guitar 60 minutes every day until we are a rock star. Why? because we are inspired. This is the kind of inspiration that “happens” to us. Before long however, the honeymoon is over, he or she is starting to annoy you, your mountain bike isn’t getting that many miles anymore, and practicing arpeggios on
your guitar is boring as can be. This is when we get to that place where we need to find our true inspiration. We need inspiration “on demand” to help us achieve rock star status.

In my opinion what lies at the core of this stumbling block is a lack of purpose, or the lack of “clarity” of purpose. What is your purpose in life? For Columbus, it was his hunger to explore. For the Wright brothers, it was getting man to fly through the air. For Mother Teresa, it was easing the suffering of the
poor in this world. What are you to do? Who are you to be? How am I going to be meaningful? Where can I make a difference? Forget why and how you got here… you are here, now what?

What is your purpose? When we are asked this question most of us become quiet and have no answer. This, (in my opinion) lies at the heart of feeling empty. It opens the doors to depression, addiction, disease and ultimately, death.

So what is it for you? For me, it is being physically immortal. By that I mean eradicating death from my physical being, from the cells and atoms of my flesh. Being free of death means to be free of all the things mentioned above. It means being free of anything that would stop me from functioning 100%. It
means being 100% responsible. It means being 100% accountable, so I can manifest and express the true glory of me, the glory of who I am.

Some call me crazy, some call me delusional, but it works for me so who are they to tell me anything! I learned early in life that no matter what I do, there will be those that like it and those that don’t. I discovered that I needed to figure out what made me tick, and then surround myself with those whom
approve of that. Think big, feel deep, have the guts to stand for what you feel in the midst of adversity, for only there will you find true inspiration.

How are we to become inspired on demand? Once you have found your purpose, you have to line up your whole life with that purpose. This means; Get rid of everything that distracts you from manifesting who you are, change your thoughts and habits, say goodbye to unsupportive people, get rid of your
addictions, and not just the obvious ones such as tobacco or alcohol but your addiction to let’s say… drama or depression. It takes a continuous movement to be lined up with your purpose, even when you are totally free of duality; there is always the threat of invaders that want to rob your joy and
inspiration.

Once everything in your life is lined up with the new you, you have to start practicing. We have to learn how to nourish our souls, how to fuel the fire. This is done first by having people around you that remind you of who you are and what your purpose is, not only by “telling” you, but also by “showing”
you who they are.

We need to consciously engage in stimulating interactions, and stimulating activities. Every morning we need to line ourselves up with our purpose instead of going on autopilot. We need to “practice” feeling inspired.

Life takes on a different meaning when we do what we do out of inspiration and not out of a drive, or out of obligation. I hope I have inspired you to take charge of your inspiration

Good luck!
Dimitri Larno
Associate Broker – Realtor®
To learn more visit http://DiLarno.com

Scotch Plains is a quaint, mostly residential suburban town in Union County with a population of around 21,000 people. It covers an area of almost 10 square miles. Scotch Plains is located in the southern tip of Union County with the town of Edison to the south and the city of Plainfield to the Eastern side. The town of Berkeley Heights is to the northern direction and Fanwood and Westfield are to the west. Owning Scotch Plains Homes For Sale puts you only about 25 miles west of New York City, so this can accommodate those quick city fixes that come from time to time. The town is close to Garden State Parkway exit 135. Visit www.jackiesafran.com for more information about Scotch Plains, New Jersey.

Scotch Plains was settled in 1684 by Scottish Dissenters from Perth Amboy who were soon followed by the Quakers. An agricultural community, Scotch Plains grew slowly (by refusing to let the railroad come through the town, it stayed rural longer). However, after World War II, it doubled its size and became a commuter town.

Westfield, NJ is a town about 20 miles outside of New York City as the crow flies they say. There is Mountainside to the north of the city, the Springfield Township is located to the northeast, and the cities of Cranford and Garwood are situated to the eastern side, while Clark is to the southeast and Scotch Plains to the west and southwest. It is located near several major highways, the nearest exit on the Garden State Parkway being Exit 135. If you’re interested in Westfield NJ Homes, please give us a call.

Team Jodi specializes in real estate services for Durham, North Carolina and Chapel Hill North Carolina. Durham is named the City of Medicine and also goes by the name Bull City. Once you have spent some time in Durham it will be easy to see why so many residents and businesses make Durham, NC their home. If you’re interested in Durham homes for sale then check out www.teamjodi.com for valuable information that will help with all of your buying and selling desires. There Durham market this year is showing 19.2 % increase in listings and closed sales are up right at the 13% range. As in many cities it’s a great time to buy a home.

Another great place to buy a home is Chapel Hill, North Carolina. This city was named for the Church of England New Hope Chapel and is also seeing an increase in closed sales sporting upward to 29%. We are also seeing listings for Chapel Hill homes for sale rise to almost 22% this year. There are many neighborhoods in Chapel Hill and Durham that would be perfect to live in. Check out our site and give us a call if you’re interested in looking at some of the neighborhoods or would just like more information.

If you’re looking for Chapel Hill Real Estate then you should look no further than Chapel Hill Realty Group. This real estate agency is approaching fifty six (56) years in business serving the Chapel Hill Real Estate market. There is a uniqueness of Chapel Hill North Carolina and we are convinced that our local knowledge gives us the expertise in aiding our clients with their home buying or selling needs. Purchasing a home in Chapel Hill is one of the most exciting investments one can make, and it should be a rewarding experience.

Working with our exceptional team of agents, you’ll find everything you’ll need to buy, sell, or learn about homes. You can even request a CMA which shows the market value of your home. We take care to provide you with excellent service at all times, so please let us know how we can assist you with your real estate needs.

If you are buying a home, we look forward to assisting our clients with selecting the best home or property that suits their needs. If you are interested in selling your home, then our real estate expertise will give you the exposure you need to sell your home quickly for a top price.
We cater to Chapel Hill Real Estate, and believe Chapel Hill North Carolina is a wonderful place to live. We would love to talk with you and share our knowledge and enthusiasm for the markets we serve.  It is our pleasure to provide top service and look forward to developing a lasting relationship with you.  Please feel free to contact us at our web address www.chapelhillrealty.com.

Tracy Real Estate as other California cities have gone through a tough market downturn in recent years. 2010 seems to be the year that all this will change and things will start to look up. The state of California has recently passed a home buyer tax credit that will allow home buyers and new home buyers the ability to purchase homes with tax credit benefits. The California state tax credit program started on May 1, 2010 just as the federal governments home buyer tax credit was ending. Some smart shoppers actually were able to time their transactions to be included in both programs. Tracy California is just outside of Stockton and a short drive to Oakland and San Francisco. For those wanting to get out of the metropolitan areas and find a more peaceful lifestyle, Tracy Real Estate might just be the spot for you.

Tracy California has experience a fantastic growth without compromising it’s small town feel and charm. Offering shopping, dining, parks and recreation, and many schools to choose from, Tracy is a great place to grow up and raise your family. If you are looking for Tracy Homes or Real Estate in the San Joaquin Valley then give The Silveria Team a call. They specialize in real estate services for for buying or selling, plus have numerous tips for all your home owner needs. As California offers incentives for purchasing a home I am sure that much of the market downturn will see better days on the west coast. At least something is being done to help the market and change things around. Maybe other states will follow suit and the whole market will be able to take a breather from trying to stay afloat.  

There are some great deals to be had in the real estate market right now, with the incentives from the federal government, home builders, and home owners trying to sell their homes. Some may wonder is there ever a really good time to buy real estate? The short answer to this is yes. Just like the stock market there are times when stocks are low and this is the time to buy. For us right now in the real estate market, we would consider this time a low time, therefore a great time to buy, but maybe not such a great time to sell. Augusta Real Estate is no different than any other part of the country. Sure there may be better deals in California, Arizona, and Florida, but for the most part the entire market is down and now is a good time to buy anywhere.

Home builders are offering incentives to purchase their homes, home owners are lowering their asking prices just to get the sale, and in recent months the government has offered tax incentives for first time home buyers. All of this with the low prices the market is offering makes buying Augusta Real Estate or any real estate for that matter very attractive. It’s important to keep in mind that when purchasing a home make sure you use a great real estate agent who can help you negotiate a fair deal and help you with the paperwork that is involved. Using a real estate agent can save you time and a lot of headaches if you don’t know what you are doing. If you need an agent for the Augusta Georgia market please visit www.augustalistingexpert.com for all you buying and selling needs.

Going on 56 years in business, we appreciate the uniqueness of Chapel Hill North Carolina and believe our local knowledge gives us special expertise in assisting our clients. Chapel Hill Realty  is one of the most exciting investments one can make, and it should be a fun and rewarding experience.

Working with our experienced team of real estate agents, you’ll find everything you’ll need to buy or sell a home, as well as learn about the market value of homes you may own in the area. It is our goal to provide you with superior service at all times, so please let us know how we can best serve you.

Buying a home? We always look forward to helping our clients select the best home that meets their needs. Selling a home? Our real estate expertise and many effective marketing programs will give you the exposure and edge you need to sell your home quickly for top dollar.

Specializing in Chapel Hill Real Estate, we believe Chapel Hill North Carolina is an excellent place to reside and would love to share with you our knowledge and enthusiasm for the many neighborhoods that encompass it.  We pride ourselves on providing unparalleled service and look forward to developing a long-term relationship with you.  Please feel free to contact us at our web address www.chapelhillrealty.com if you would like to discuss how we can best assist you with your real estate buying or selling needs.

If you’re in the market for North Augusta Homes then you should visit www.augustagatownhomes.com for the latest townhome deals in the North Augusta area. Townhomes are a great purchase since they are easy to maintain and the upkeep is kept to a minimum. These types of homes are great for those wanting to leave the grass and yard work alone and just relax in a secure and labor free environment. They usually have small yards with energy efficient appliances. These homes are great for those just starting out in the home purchasing market since townhomes are considerably less cost than the traditional home with a regular yard to maintain. You can always sell your townhome if you decide to upgrade, since most of the time the cost is low in comparison. Augusta Ga Townhomes.com has a great deal on townhomes with dramatically reduced costs and prices way below market value.

These homes are equipped with 3 bedrooms and have these additional items: Property Type: Residential Subdivision: The Villas @ Five Notch Style: 2 Story Year Built: 2007 Square Feet: 1540 Exterior: Vinyl, Stone Roofing: Comp Shingle Driveway: Concrete Heat Type: Forced Air, Heat Pump Heat Source: Electric Air Conditioning: Heat Pump, Single System Water: Public Sewer: Public FEATURES & AMENITIES: Exterior Features: Fenced Yard, Landscaped-partial, Insul Windows/Doors ROOM INFORMATION: Bedrooms: 3 Total Full Baths: 3 Rooms: Bonus Room, Computer/Office ROOM SIZES: Room Level Approx. Size Master Bedroom: 1 13 X 13 Bedroom 2: 1 11 X 10 Bedroom 3: 2 12 X 12 Kitchen: 1 10 X 10 Living Room: 1 15 X 13 SCHOOL INFORMATION: Elementary School: Mossey Creek Middle School: North Augusta High School: North Augusta

The Villas at Five Notch Road are located in North Augusta! These North Augusta Townhomes are complete with bath and kitchen tile floors and Stainless Steel Appliances. The exterior includes a privacy fence/vinyl exterior with comp shingle roofing and a concrete drive. The builder will pay $2500 towards closing costs.

There are a number of things that are critical to having a smooth real estate transaction. For example, you want to avoid making any other major purchases, opening any new lines of credit or make an employment change. Today, lenders may verify your employment status several times prior to your loan closing. Additionally, it is the responsibility of the buyer to assume a portion of the closing costs, so we will make sure that you are informed about money that you may need at the closing table. If you’re looking at Augusta GA Homes then give us a call, we can help with all your buying needs.

Not just the first time buyers that we’ve previously worked with, but all of my previous clients will tell you that we believe a home inspection and a termite inspection is an extremely important part of the home buying process and we always highly recommend both before purchasing your next home.

After you have been approved for a mortgage, found your dream home, negotiated a purchase contract with the seller, had your inspections and then negotiated any repairs, if necessary, it’s time to go to the closing table with an attorney.

This is just a sample of what we are here to assist you with from the very first step. We have developed working relationships with lenders, inspectors and attorneys that are professional and courteous and are waiting to assist you. Simply call or send us an email, or visit our website at www.viewaugustahomes.com to begin your home buying journey. 

The time has come. You’re ready to sell your house and the big question is: what price tag should you give it? Let me explain the crucial point you need to grasp before taking your next step. Experience has shown that the foundation of any successful home sale is based on applying the Price versus Value principle. Everything else being equal, price in relation to value is what sells a house. Dimitri specializes in Luxury Scottsdale Homes and can help you with your buying or selling needs.

One challenge I always face with sellers is the belief they have in how special their home is. And how, because of this specialness they should be able to get a higher price than all the other similarly styled houses on the market. In most cases, there is nothing special about your house. I know this is hard to accept but let me explain. Your 3 bedroom, 3 bath, granite counter-topped home with 180 degree views of the mountains is up for sale along with, (at any given time), tens, if not hundreds of houses just like it in your local market.

The only way you are going to differentiate yourself is to stand out with your Price versus Value, and declare, “Look, all these features for this competitive price!” Naturally, if your house was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, or you are situated in a small town, the principle I’m talking about won’t be relevant; but in general, most of us are facing general market conditions.

Price versus Value will also determine whether or not your house will sell in a timely manner. To illustrate, let’s assume that the value of your house is $300,000 (how you got to that figure is a whole other issue that we will not get into at this time). Nothing stops you from attaching a 1 million dollar price tag to your home, but will it ever sell? At the other extreme, if you would price the property at $25,000, you would probably get multiple offers within hours. Also, it never hurts to test the market. If you don’t get an acceptable offer in the near future you can adjust your expectations or sell at a later date.

As a seller you have to be realistic about the numbers, as well as understand that at any given time there are only a finite number of buyers in the market for a home exactly like the one you are selling. In order to consummate a sale it is your job to come up with a price that works for you, as well as meet buyer expectations.

What is your personal scenario? Gather the information you need and weigh the pros and cons. Once you have come up with a price that makes sense to you, organize your best marketing materials and if you prefer, hire a real estate professional to help you with the process. Never forget; everything else being equal, price versus value is what sells.

Good luck!

Dimitri Larno
Licensed Agent
Real Estate Professional
c. 602-524-1487 e. azbigdeal@gmail.com

As an investor himself, as well as a licensed Realtor®, Dimitri has over a decade of real estate experience. Dimitri’s specialties include primary residences, second homes, investment properties, commercial properties and land. Visit www.dilarno.com for more details and listing information. He has been recognized for being a Multi-million Dollar Producer, and is an accomplished Realtor® committed to superior results for his clients.

"Strive not to be a success but rather to be of value" Albert Einstein

Tracy is in the center of most of the major Northern California attractions. Most are with 100 miles, including San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, Old Sacramento and Yosemite, which makes purchasing Tracy real estate a great option for those that want a great alternative to the fast paced life. Tracy’s location and access from three interstate highways makes it convenient from both the bay area and the Central Valley.

The newcomers have joined long time residents in creating a new, larger Tracy…but one that is still a town with all the elements of a complete community.

The Tracy Dry Bean Festival is an annual event that is held in September and is sponsored by the Tracy, California Chamber of Commerce.  It is a great way to spend time with the family and to enjoy all that Tracy has to offer. Please visit http:///www.thesilveriateam.com for more information.

The Grand Theatre is located at the corner of Central Avenue and Seventh Street and was  constructed in 1900.  It opened in 1923 as a vaudeville theatre and the centerpiece of downtown Tracy and today is a main attraction of Tracy.  The Grand Theatre offers classes, tour and continues to be a leading entertainment center for plays.

Westfield is a town in about 20 miles as-the-crow-flies from New York City. Six municipalities border the town, Mountainside to the north, Springfield Township to the northeast, Garwood and Cranford to the east, Clark to the southeast and Scotch Plains to the west and southwest. It is located near several major highways, the nearest exit on the Garden State Parkway being Exit 135. If you’re interested in Westfield NJ Real Estate, please give us a call.

Westfield is an affluent small town distinguished by a rich Colonial past. It was founded in the 17th century. The Revolution intruded in 1777 when the British camped in and plundered Westfield. It remained primarily a farm community until the railroad came through in the 1860s.

Westfield offers all the classic features of a small town with tree-lined streets and single- family colonial and Victorian homes, and a New England style village green. The north side of town has many beautiful neighborhoods where homes sell for between $1,000,000 and $3,000,000.

The downtown is highly successful, featuring many local and national stores. There’s an old fashioned feeling combined with contemporary sophistication and a wonderful array of high quality places to shop and dine. There are about 50 restaurants and casual dining establishments throughout town. See www.jackiesafran.com for more details on Westfield New Jersey real estate.

Scotch Plains is a lovely, primarily residential suburban town in the county of Union with a population of about 21,000 people. It covers an area of approximately 9.8 square miles. Scotch Plains is located in the southern tip of Union County with Edison to the south and Plainfield to the East. Berkeley Heights is to the north and Fanwood and Westfield are to the west. Owning Scotch Plains Real Estate puts you only about 25 miles west of New York City. The town is close to Exit 135 on the Garden State Parkway and Route 22 runs through the township.

Scotch Plains was settled in 1684 by Scottish Dissenters from Perth Amboy who were soon followed by the Quakers. An agricultural community, Scotch Plains grew slowly (by refusing to let the railroad come through the town, it stayed rural longer). However, after World War II, it doubled its size and became a commuter town.

The towns offer a lovely suburban setting, a variety of housing styles and options and large open park lands. There are some historic homes from the Colonial era. The south side of town has mainly single-family homes on acre lots. There are also the newer planned communities of Sterling and Berwyck Chase with private tennis courts and swimming pools for residents. There are some town home communities on the northern side of town located north of Route 22. East of Raritan Road are the Ash Brook Reservation and the Ash Brook Golf Course. Part of the Watchung Reservation also falls within Scotch Plains.

I was looking for a local web site to read local fishing journals when I ran across the web site www.FishingJournals.com. At first I thought it was exactly was I was looking for, but I found out that it was much more.

This fishing reports web site was not only local to me but also local to anyone who used the site. It somehow knows the area I’m in and centers a Google map there. It then lists all the reports that have a location on the map and lets me save any locations as favorites.

The site also has filters to set a date range for the fishing reports you’re looking for as well as a filter determining which fish I would like to see reports for.

Not only does this site have fishing reports, it also has a weather module on the same page that displays the current weather base on the maps location. There is a module for the seven day forecast as well.

They have recently added weather and tide buoys as an option to the map. It looks like they will be adding ship wrecks and reefs options soon as well. That’s something those offshore fishermen have to love.

One of the things I really like about Fishing Journals was that the fishing reports would just show the title until they were selected at which time they expanded. This had the effect of making the list very manageable and easy to locate the reports I was looking for.

I have to say that I love how clean and easy to use this site is. If you’re like me then you will love this new fishing site, It’s the best.