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If you search Google today you’ll see something a bit different.  Today Google is honoring the famous children’s book author and illustrator.

Richard Scarry was a popular children’s book author who sold over 100 million units and written over 300 books in his lifetime.

He was born today June 5th, 1919 and passed away on April 30, 1994 at the age of 74.

When you do a search you’ll be greated with this image on your results page.

 

 

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So why is a blog about Internet Technology for the Real Estate Industry writing about National Breast Cancer Awareness Month?  Well sometimes when things are passionate enough, mean enough,  or is worthy enough, it is OK to go off topic.

Breast Cancer for me has a whole new meaning when it hits close to home.  My sister was diagnosed and is currently battling this horrible disease.  Bev and I are best friends and I cannot image a world without her.  The old saying “It only happens to the good ones” certainly holds true here.  Because in my book, there is not a better and more caring person on the planet.  I often reflect and try to make some sense of this whole situation and why people need to go through this.  I guess that is one question that will never get answered.  But what I can do to deflect some brain cells off that issue is try to help make a difference.

So I thought I would dedicate this post in getting more people aware of Breast Cancer because if enough people know and care about the issue I am sure someday we can conquer it.  I believe that one day, breast cancer will never steal another year from anyone’s life – and we will live in a world with less breast cancer and more birthdays.

This year in honor of Bev we formed “Team Bev” and I am walking in the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event.

So what can you do?

  1. Stop over at the American Cancer Society Making Strides Website and read about the issue
  2. If you live in the New Jersey, join Bev and walk for the cure.  Join Team Bev here
  3. Stop over at Team Bev’s Facebook page, 100 fans in 30 days!
  4. Make a donation to fight Breast Cancer
  5. Just spread the word.

Together we can make a difference!

Resources about Breast Cancer:

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Tax Day Freebies

Quite a few companies are jumping on the band wagon and are offering some April 15th Tax Day Freebies and Discounts.

Get a free cup of coffee at Starbucks when you bring in your own reusable mug on today.

Snarf down two free cupcake bites from Cinnabon from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. tonight. While supplies last.

Get 15% when you eat at P.F. Chang’s on today. Excludes alcohol and any happy hour deals.  You need to join the restaurant’s warrior card program to get the deal.

Check out some more from Julia Scott on WalletPop.

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RE/Advantage specializes in Real Estate Website Design, IDX Solutions, and Internet Technology. We have been working with the Real Estate Industry for over 10 years so we understand what makes a site work for you and your buyers and sellers. After all we have been developing real estate web sites, Internet tools and marketing strategies since 1997. No one provides a more comprehensive, well-thought-out site and tool set for your Internet presence. We provide you with not only the tools to manage and customize your site, but the peace of mind that comes from knowing we are here to help if you need us.

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Recently I came across a rather interesting article on Realtor.org – it discussed “The Top 10 Real Estate Developments of the 2000′s”. After reading that article I realized 3 major changes that came upon us in the past 10 years:

1 – The housing market went from 60 to 0 in what seemed to be a matter of days!

Home owners in the past felt safe that their house was and would always be a safe and sustainable investment, but that was absolutely not the case between 2001 and 2006. The housing market dropped to 20% in some areas and combined with the state of the economy left families, once in a stable sense of security, scrambling to pull out loans, relocate, foreclose on their home etc etc etc. Quite possible one of the most negative ‘memories’ of the past decade.

2 – We all stumbled across the rise of Web 2.0 – whether we were ready or not!

I think this point would come to everyone’s mind if they were to think of how the market has changed in the sense of social marketing and advertising. Some say that you are ‘behind the times’ if you do not blog or have a Facebook account created! More and more Real Estate professionals are turning to the world wide web for their marketing and lead capture due to the upcoming generations addiction to the internet. Real Estate professionals are now utilizing online listing services, such as RE/Advantage’s IDX solution, instead of “The Book” to present and display listings to their target audiences and also implement websites into their marketing sphere which are created to brand their reputation and company.

3 - A lot of REALTORS® have decided to “Go Green” – meaning they are investing in and working alongside companies that construct eco-friendly homes and buildings

Experiencing the state of the economy this past decade many home owners and buyers have sought after ‘green’ materials and services to better the homes for the environment and replenish their wallets in the process! Personally I’ve seen the rise of companies that use ‘green’ insulation and siding as well as roofing materials. I’ve seen companies that specialize in the air and water quality, ‘green’ playground materials, and the list goes on and on. In some cases The Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) steps in and finances energy saving improvements as part of the initial mortgage break.

So reading this what else has impacted the market profoundly in the past decade? HVCC? Mortgage rates being at their all time low? I’m curious to see your imput!

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Home Prices Start to Stabilize

It is nice to see good news in the market and I came across this article on CNBC today.

On the way down and on the way up, home prices always lag sales, but they may be beginning to catch up.  A new report from Zillow.com finds home values stabilized in the third quarter of this year,  as sales of new and existing homes grew.

Read full article here.

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Web Browser Roundup

Web Browser Roundup

The Internet is constantly evolving.  New technology appears (and sometimes disappears) faster than most of us can keep up with it.  It’s hard to imagine that only a little over a year ago most of us thought a “tweet” was merely the noise that a bird makes.  Now, not only do we have to keep up with the latest trends and technologies, but we must also keep our eyes on the vessel that we navigate this vast ocean of the Internet.  I speak, of course, of the web browser.  For many, it’s known simply as “the big blue ‘E’,” and for others it’s the centerpiece of their computer’s desktop. Whatever you may call it, the web browser is one of the most important pieces of software on computers today.

Apart from the security enhancements and performance, many browsers also add support for new features that take advantage of the most current technologies developers can use to make for a better experience on the web. I’d like to take this opportunity to expose our readers to the latest versions of all the popular browsers out there that they may or may not be aware exist.  All these versions are current as of this writing.

Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 (Windows)

OK, this came out about a year ago, but it’s still not used as widely as some of the others. I mean, according to many statistics out there, there are some who are still using Internet Explorer 6! For those of you who haven’t updated to version 8, I have to tell you that you’re missing out on the best Internet Explorer yet. I highly encourage you to update, especially if you’re still using version 6.

Among the improvements you’ll find that security takes front and center. There are many new tools built in that help protect you while you’re browsing the Internet. Speed is something that has also been improved greatly. The differences between version 8 and version 7 are like night and day with version 8 running much faster than its predecessor. Finally, one of the most talked about features that version 8 boasts is support for many accepted web standards that web site developers and many popular web sites have been taking advantage of for some time now.

Check it out here: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/internet-explorer/default.aspx

 

Mozilla Firefox 3.5 (Windows / Mac)

 

The Mozilla Corporation’s Firefox web browser has been a popular choice for many on the Internet. Some of you, like me, may remember the Mozilla name from it’s humble roots as the Netscape Navigator, but version 3.5 is a far cry from the now extinct browser. Firefox is most loved for its ability to add on new features (or plug ins) and to add your own unique look by downloading a theme.

Firefox 3.5 looks similar to 3.0 and has all the great security enhancements from 3.0, too, but the real difference is under the hood so to speak. Firefox 3.5 has vastly improved performance issues and memory leaks that have often been complained about. With version 3.5 also comes the support of new web standards including the budding HTML 5 specification. With it’s slick speed, customizable features and stability, this latest version of Firefox continues to prove itself as a solid choice and I would recommend giving it a try.

Check it out here: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/personal.html

 

Safari 4 (Windows / Mac)

 

Safari was once the new kid on the block in the world of web browsers. With the new Mac OS X came Safari, and over the years it’s evolved into a truly unique way to experience the web. Noted for it’s lightweight interface, speed, and adherence to web standards, it continues to grow in popularity in direct correlation to the growth in popularity for Macs. Ever since Apple has released a Windows version even PC users can join in on what Mac users have been experiencing for years.

Safari 4 currently touts itself as the “worlds fastest browser” and with its new browser engine, you’ll see why. Today’s Internet is full of rich internet applications and Safari 4 runs them with seemingly little effort. Along with Firefox 3.5, Safari 4 fully supports HTML 5 as well as a wide range of cutting-edge features and styles. Also, the all new Windows version works more seamlessly with Windows. Safari 4 has also made browsing your bookmarks and history simple by integrating their Cover Flow technology with them allowing you to quick look at your history and bookmarks as a small photo thumbnail.

Check it out here: http://www.apple.com/safari/

 

Google Chrome 2 (Windows)

 

Google Chrome is a new browser brought to us by the most popular search company on the Internet. There browser is very simple and without a lot of the bells and whistles you’ll find in the previous three examples. However, don’t let it’s humble exterior dissuade you from trying it out. There is brilliance in Google Chrome’s simplicity. This fast, stable and secure browser will surely impress the most skeptical.

While Google Chrome’s claim to fame isn’t a library of features, it continually strives to bring a solid, secure browsing experience to any who wish to use it. It’s all-in-one address bar is more than just a place to type in a web address. It will also act as a Google search box and even give you suggestions for what you are looking for.

Check it out here: http://www.google.com/chrome/

Well that’s it and my view on some of the popular web browsers the web has to offer.  Enjoy the post.

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