Hallmark Abstract Introduced Letter From The Executive SuiteMy name is Michael Haltman, and I am the Managing Partner at Hallmark Abstract Service. I wanted to take the opportunity in this inaugural article to once again speak to the committment of this firm, from my office on down, to serving the needs of our clients.Our firm motto, “We treat your title insurance and settlement needs as if they were our own” is more than just a catchy tagline. It is the mission statement that Hallmark operates by. Our goal is to provide a seamless title experience, each and every time.As in any transactional business, being blindsided, particularly at the closing table, is unacceptable. We pride ourselves on taking the headaches revolving around the clearing of title away from the attorney before closi... 01/12/2010

A few weeks ago, I shared with you what was in my staging kit.  I asked you what was in your kit that wasn't in mine.  I received over 40 comments on my blog and decided to consolidate your ideas into a list for all to easily see. Some of you decided to share the form of your staging kit.  Here they are: Double-decker rolling tookbox 5 gallon buckets Large blue bin Suitcase on wheels Here are the items that I don't have in my kit, but that you have in yours: Hangers (when staging vacant homes in the winter - this was my add-on after a recent experience) Bottled water Snacks CD/MP3 Player Black light to detect pet and other odors Steamer Extra lamp finials and harps Glue gun Plastic grocery bags for stuffing pillows that need help Restore-A-Finish A few home decorating magazines and fabr... 01/09/2010

    Fashion, Feng Shui and a New York City Business  In the heart of New York City, the once booming and bustling Garment District seems almost extinct now.  Located between 34th and 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan, I remember going into NYC and having to dodge all the garments as the workers wizzed by with the latest fashions on long metal garment racks. YOU dodged them....you had a lot more to lose!  As the 70's wore on, I saw less and less of it.  We were losing our Garment District in New York City and some of our designers as well to other parts of the world where manufacturing was much less expensive.  Laura & I was delighted to receive a referral in Midtown Manhattan for the Feng Shui of a fashion business.  Though I've worked with both Fashion and Swimwear before, it had not be... 01/03/2010

How Can Gardens Improve the Real Estate Business        Community gardens have come to my attention within the past few years. My son had the fortunate experience to work in one this past summer and has talked to me about the important benefits gardens bring to a community. The concerns he brought up were promoting healthy lifestyles through the act of gardening, promoting nutritious diets by growing and eating fresh vegetables and fruits, creating community by working with neighbors and caring for the environment though sustainable growing practices, among many more.   Visit the American Community Garden Association to learn about the values of a community garden and locate the garden nearest you. Being in real estate other sets of values tend to permeate your life due to their importa... 12/30/2009

  Just a little bit of New York City Feng Shui for Your Office If I could only give you once piece of advice in Feng Shui truly help your business for the coming year, I wondered how many people would take me up on it.  Would they make Feng Shui part of their Business Plan for the coming year?  I thought they would.  I thought they would incorporate just a little bit of Feng Shui Advice from a New York Feng Shui Consultant.  Then I came upon this featured post: Try Not to be Too Neat by Gabe Sanders  AND the comments it generated.  Oh dear....some people find comfort in their clutter.  I knew I could write all I wanted and not succeed.  There was hope, however, when I came upon this post: Do Everyone a Favor, and Tidy Up!  Robin Taylor Roth.  Although written for a different reason then... 12/29/2009

  The ART of Feng Shui in New York City NYC  Everywhere I look in New York City (NYC), I manage to see some evidence of Feng Shui.  If I'm wandering through Central Park, I am surrounded by Nature.  If I'm walking the streets of New York City, I am always surrounded by the Energy of all the people bustling about. Even in the Subway System in New York City, you will find Elements of Feng Shui through the wonderful Artwork that so many others pass by and don't really SEE.  It's Feng Shui Art and is addressing the Elements of Feng Shui with all the Colors it employs.  Feng Shui Art in New York City also addresses the Energy.  It would be a shame to pass this by.... The Subway System in NYC can hide some pretty incredible Feng Shui Artwork! For those of you brave enough to come to NYC Rainc... 12/26/2009

All across the world, the jet setting bunch of our world's trendsetters prepare so religiously for their winter and summer holidays. From the luxurious beaches on the French Riviera to the picturesque islands of Crete, from the casinos of Monaco to the quiet luxury of the Maldives, you will readily find these classes of people languorously trying their luck at the gambling tables or stretched across their reclining beach stools or swimming in the cool or warm waters of the nearest pool. The onlooker would eye them with a certain measure of jealousy, as he or she would rightly be envious of their luxurious lifestyle. But they have earned it, and so should we....   If you have the money, the time and the inclination, why not make Dubai your stopover for the next holidays? Contrary to a We... 12/17/2009

      ↑ Grab this Headline Animator Information Provided By: Jeremy Williams of Keller Williams Realty NE specializes in residential real estate in the northeast Houston area including KingwoodTX, Atascocita TX, Humble TX, Fall Creek, Summerwood, and Eagle Springs, and International properties. Whether buying or selling a home, see why clients have chosen to trust Jeremy with their real estate needs. To learn more about the real estate services Jeremy Williams of Keller Williams offers his clients and customers, visit http://www.williams4yourhome.com/ or read more at Jeremy's Active Rainblog. Utilize the searches below to see what is happening in your neighborhood, or search for your next dream home.  Top Blog Posts Lakeshore in Houston, TX One-Story Home on Cul-de-Sac - Price Reductio... 12/16/2009

All you need is Love --  And a Little Bit of Feng Shui in New York City Every season in New York City is special and unique.  The winter holds it's charms with Ice Skating, Fall is spectacular for the beautiful Autumn Colors, Spring makes you look ahead and see only Sunshine in your future.  Summer in Central Park for me is the BEST time.  Long, LONG walks where you can choose the usual paths or ones not travelled very often. No matter what time of year you go, Love is always in the Air.  I loved this photo.  It was taken just outside the famous Boathouse Restaurant in New York City....a destination in itself.  It reminds me somehow of another era.....   Is it Feng Shui in New York City?  Or Love?  Maybe just a bit of both.   *Photo by Feng Shui New York Consultant Laura Cerrano http://... 12/13/2009

 Credit Repair in New York  National Credit Fixers: 330 Roberts Street Suite 402 East Hartford CT 06108 phone: 860-282-6181. National Credit Fixers boasts of 13 years experience repairing low FICO scores. Whether your credit has been damaged by a foreclosure, bankruptcy, slow credit, collections, judgments, repossessions, etc. we can help. We are the experts in credit restoration and credit repair. We have helped numerous residents of New York. We are experts in New York Credit Repair. Have no idea where to start to get better credit?  Well National Credit Fixers today and speak with one of our credit repair specialist today!  Come see why we're the BEST! ☺ MattToll Free: 888-NCFIXER (623-4937)Toll Free Fax: 888-FAX-4020 (329-4020)Local: 860-282-6181330 Roberts Street 4th FloorEast Hart... 12/09/2009

As a real estate company, Better Homes has around 20 years experience in the Dubai property market. This makes it one of the most knowledgeable and experienced firms in the Dubai real estate sector. It matters not whether a client is interested in buying, selling or renting Dubai apartments, villas, marina properties or making any other kinds of property deals-Better Homes real estate wing is here to help.   The good news is that Dubai has just recovered from a crisis of sorts in the property market. Given that the outlook is a bit gloomy and uncertain, and Dubai’s real estate prices have slumped from their earlier high about 2 years ago, the present conditions are making it feasible for less affluent but serious buyers to show their interest. Over the last year or so, Dubai has transfo... 11/30/2009

Captain Agent is a web design firm that specializes in real estate web design, hosting, and marketing. Captain Agent has raised the bar in the real estate industry with our result driven products and superior designs. We offer these services at an affordable price and with great customer service. Listings syndicationYour listings are automatically syndicated to the top real estate portals. This makes your listings accessible to millions of potential buyers across the internet. And the best part is this feature is available for free with all of our plans. Control Your Web PresenceCustomize your website with our easy-to-use web control panel. You can easily change your website's look and feel, add your logo, photos, graphics and text. Add custom pages. Edit your Website 24/7 from your ow... 11/29/2009

Mayor Bloomberg and a bi-partisan coalition of Mayors and law enforcement officials including NYC Police Commissioner Ray Kelly joined NY Junior Senator Kristan Gillibrand and Long Island Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy to introduce legislation to crack down on gun trafficking. Proposed changes in state and federal law, with respect to the sale and possession of firearms that have been transported from outside New York State. For those not familiar with NY politics Kristan Gillibrand was appointed by Governor Patterson to fill Hillary Clinton's Senate seat. A relatively unknown conservative democrat congresswoman from a rural upstate NY district, Gillibrand had a 100% approval rating from the NRA. She has been criticized for her position by state Democrats and Republican Mayor Bloomberg.... 11/29/2009

Just listed - A sunny corner 2 bedroom 2 bathroom property with a fifth avenue address. South and east facing with unobstructed views of the Empire State building, beautiful Brazilian mahogany wood flooring with crown and base-board molding, windowed kitchen with granite countertops and slate tiles floor. Ample closet spaces masterfully outfitted with the Elfa shelf system throughout. 425 Fifth Avenue is a recently built luxury building designed by renowned architect Michael Graves. Amenities include a fully equipped techno gym, pool, sauna, lounge, screening room, children's playroom, business center, computer room, terrace for residents, 24-hour doorman and concierge services, a live-in super, bike room, storage bin and much more. Located two blocks away from Bryant Park and NYC publi... 11/28/2009

Price: $260,000 FIZBER.com ID 12862807 Condo/Townhome/Co-op with 1.0 bath, in 19 West 105th Street #1C (Central Park West) New york, NY, 10025 http://www.fizber.com/12862807/ 19 West 105th Street #1C (Central Park West) - For Sale By Owner Property Details: Type: Condo/Townhome/Co-op Address: 19 West 105th Street #1C (Central Park West), New york, NY, 10025 Sq footage: 222.0 Floors: n/a Bathrooms: 1.0 Bedrooms: 0 Year built: 1915 View full property details and seller's contacts. View more New York homes for sale. Homes for Sale by Owner. Description: Central Park West - small renovated studio in a landmark building; monthly maintenance $410 per month; 222 sq. ft.; separate kitchen; 11 ft. ceiling; hardwood floor; close to Columbia University - perfect for a student. Income restriction ... 11/27/2009

  Wishing you a Happy, Healthy and Safe Thanksgiving! In this New York Feng Shui House we think of Gratefulness.  We also think of Giving Back or Tithing.  A certain percentage of each Feng Shui Consultation goes to my two favorite charites. One is St. Jude's Children's Hospital.  We all have a soft spot in our hearts for children and I believe Danny Thomas did a wonderful thing by creating such a place.  Where there is hope for Children AND their families while they all face a very uncertain and frightening future. The other place that has stolen my heart is a non profit Senior Home called The Jones Manor located in Bayville, Long Island New York.  The amazing volunteers that help these seniors do it out of love; many are unpaid.  I had the opportunity several years ago with the help o... 11/25/2009

When your home is for sale, it is now a product that needs to appeal to the greatest number of buyers.  Walls, along with the floors, are the bones of a home and they need to be in good condition and neutral in appearance so that they do appeal to the greatest number of buyers. People are heavily influenced by color, and it is difficult for buyers to look past the dark purple or other strong colors on the walls. Paint is an inexpensive but effective way to re-decorate a room. It can update a kitchen or bathroom, make a small room seem to be larger, and make architectural details like molding or built-ins pop.  Dirty and scratched walls and peeling paint turn off buyers.  Potential buyers will be thinking about how they have to take the time and spend the money to repaint; or even worse,... 11/19/2009

© 2009 Patricia Kennedy. Unless otherwise noted, the content, both written and in pictures, is the property of Patricia Kennedy . If you would like to use this image, please  email me (housepat@mac.com) with your request. I'll almost certianly say yes, and ask only that you provide a link back to my original content as well as an acknowledgment.  The same thing applies to any other material you see posted here on Active Rain or on any of my other blogs. 10/28/2009

Investors only. Investment property. 2 Bedroom Duplex with Private Outdoor Deck in Prime West Village. Investors only. ~900 sq ft of living space plus another 450 sq ft of outdoor space on your private roof deck. Serious inquiries only. To directly access this property, use this shortcut: http://www.fizber.com/new-york-buy-condo-townhome-co-op-home-11648649.html 10/28/2009

The SIGNS in Feng Shui in New York  --  From a New York Feng Shui Consultant When I began my Feng Shui Course in New York in 1996, one of the very first things we learned about was to look for "signs" on our way to a client's home.  While on my way to Feng Shui Consultations either here on Long Island or in New York City or Queens, I have since come across some unusual SIGNS. Interpreting these signs in Feng Shui can be another thing.  For example, there was the time I passed a Clown riding a bicycle on a Long Island NY road.  I had no idea until I was speaking with my clients during the consultation and the husband told me his job was a comedian.  He was concerned he may not make it in his chosen career and I related what I had passed-which I took as a VERY good sign that he would.  (T... 10/05/2009