The Elizabeth Group, LLC

What are some of the healiest fruits we can eat? Super foods for your health!

erica@elizabethgroup.net (Erica Schaffer - Realtor) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 21:45:00 +0000

What are some of the healiest fruits we can eat?

Super foods for your health!
Apples 1 medium apple (80 calories, 0 g fat): An apples 3 g of fiber help you meet your fiber goal of 20 g to 30 g daily. High-fiber diets can lower heart disease risk

Apricots 3 apricots (51 calories, 0 g fat): A good source of beta-carotene (which is converted to vitamin A by the body), providing the equivalent of 35% of the RDA for vitamin A

Bananas 1 medium (105 calories, 0 g fat): Bananas are a great source of potassium, which plays a key role in heart health and muscle function. Plus each one has 2 g of fiber.

Blackberries 1 cup (74 calories, 0 g fat): This fruit boasts a whopping 10 g of fiber in a single cup .

Blueberries 1 cup (81 calories, 0 g fat): Blueberries help prevent and treat bladder infections by making it hard for bacteria to stick to urinary tract walls.

Cantaloupe half of a medium cantaloupe (90 calories, 0 g fat): Cantaloupes are an excellent source of vitamins A, B3, B6, C, and folate. The vitamin A has been known to help prevent lung damage in smokers and helps promote weighloss for those trying to loss weight.

Cherries 1 cup (84 calories, 1 g fat): A good source of perillyl alcohol, which helps prevent cancer in animals. Heart-protective anthocyanins give cherries their color.

Grapefruits 1/2 fruit (39 calories, 0 g fat): A good source of vitamin C and a compound called naringenin, which helps suppress tumors in animals;
Guava 1 medium (51 Calories .6 g fat): Guava most known for promoting weight loss. It contains vitamins A and C, minerals, folate, dietary fiber, protein, calcium, and iron.

Kiwi 1 medium (46 calories, 0 g fat): Just one little fruit packs a mean vitamin-C punch (74 mg) and an impressive 2.8 g fiber.
Mangoes 1 mango (135 calories, 1 g fat): A single mango has enough beta-carotene to cover your RDA for vitamin A while racking up 57 mg of vitamin C.

Oranges 1 orange (61 calories, 0 g fat): One orange provides an impressive 50 mg to 70 mg of vitamin C, 40 mcg of folic acid and 52 mg of calcium.

Papaya– 1 cup, cubed (55 calories, 0 g fat): Loaded with vitamin C , a healthy dose of fiber (2.5 g) and a sprinkling of beta-carotene and calcium.

Purple grapes 1 small (113 calories, 0.9 g fat):Offer three heart-guarding compounds: flavonoids, anthocyanins and resveratrol (green grapes are not rich in them).

Prune 1/3 cup, stewed (87 calories, 0 g fat): Prunes famed laxative effect is no mystery: There are 5 g of fiber (both soluble and insoluble) in just 1/3 cup.

Raspberries 1 cup (60 calories, 0 g fat): Teeming with 8 g of fiber per cup, they also boast vitamin C, ellagic acid and anthocyanins.

Strawberries 1 cup, sliced (50 calories, 0 g fat): Strawberries have high levels of ellagic acid and anthocyanins, and are rich in vitamin C (95 mg per cup) and fiber (3.8 g per cup).

Watermelon 1 wedge (92 calories 0 f fat): Watermelons are high in lycopene , which is a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent some forms of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Watermelon is also high in vitamin C, A, and potassium.

Mold & Allergies

erica@elizabethgroup.net (Erica Schaffer - Realtor) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 18:35:00 +0000

What is Mold?
Mold, also known as fungus, is a family of organisms that are found throughout nature. Unlike plants, mold need food and water sources in order to thrive. This food source is often in the form of a carbohydrate material, such as wood or cellulose.

Mold can be very dangerous. It can cause illness, allergies, and even death.

Which Molds are Known to Cause Allergies?
There are thousands of types of mold, however, only a few of these are currently available for allergy testing. The following are the most likely causes of allergic disease based on the types of mold spores collected in the air:
Alternaria. A common outdoor mold; allergy to this mold can be associated with severe asthma.
Cladosporium. The most common airborne outdoor mold.
Aspergillus. A common indoor and outdoor mold; also associated with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.
Penicillium. A common indoor mold; allergy to which is not associated with antibiotic allergy.
Helminthosporum. More commonly found in warmer climates.
Epicoccum. Found in grassland and agricultural areas.
Fusarium. Commonly found on rotting plants.
Aureobasidium. Common outdoor mold, commonly found on paper, lumber, and painted surfaces.
Phoma. An outdoor mold, especially common during wet periods.
Smuts. Found in areas of agriculture.
Rhizopus and Mucor. Commonly found on decaying leaves and damp indoor areas. Airborne forms of these molds are less common.
Yeasts. Commonly found in the air during wet periods in agricultural areas. Allergic disease to Candida albicans is controversial, despite some people having positive allergy testing to this type of mold.

What Measures Can Be Used to Decrease Indoor Mold Levels?
Prevent outdoor molds from entering the home by keeping doors and windows closed and using air conditioning equipped with allergen-grade air filters
1. Control indoor moisture with the use of dehumidifiers
2. Fix water leaks in bathrooms, kitchens and basements
3. Ensure adequate ventilation of moist areas
4. Clean (or replace) contaminated surfaces with diluted a chlorine bleach solution (one part household bleach in nine parts water), while using proper protective gear (mask and goggles)
5. Utilize HEPA filters on vacuums or as a stand-alone air filter
6. Limit indoor houseplants, and ensure those that are present are free of mold on leaves and in potting soil

Much of this information was found at weather.com and about.com

5 Ways to Handle Stress

erica@elizabethgroup.net (Erica Schaffer - Realtor) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 21:08:00 +0000

5 Ways to Handle Stress

Remember Things Usually Work Out In the End
If you cannot do anything about it do not stress it. Psalms 55:22 says Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee. He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

In other words PUSH which means pray until something happens.
Things may not go exactly as you planned but keep a positive attitude, a can do attitude and you will prevail!

Do the Hardest Thing on Your List First
If you have several troublesome things on your mind tackle the toughest one first. You will be tempted to do the easy things first but this will just extend and intensify the stress you are already feeling. Go ahead: Fry the Big Fish First. You will be glad you did.

Be Honest & Take Responsibility When Something is Your Fault
Stress and work is a huge problem for many people. So much to do so little time. So much on your mind. It’s difficult to tell your boss: I forgot to do that or I did not mail that check out yet. But you will avoid future stress by telling the truth now. Admit, I made a mistake. I’m Sorry! The truth will always set you free.

Exercise
When everything is going wrong or you are having a bad day, try to squeeze in a workout. Going for a jog, walk, swim, or bike ride are all excellent ways to make you feel better. Exercise is an excellent stress reliever.

Talk It Out
Sometimes the best medicine to relieve stress is to just talk about it. Talk to your spouse or Invite a friend for coffee. You could both vent to each other.

I hope this helps you feel better in some way today.
Until Next Time,
Erica

Your Home Provides Comfort & Shelter

erica@elizabethgroup.net (Erica Schaffer - Realtor) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 20:34:00 +0000

"Your home consists of two primary systems that work together to provide comfort and shelter. Your home's heating and cooling system maintains comfortable indoor temperatures. Your home's envelope helps hold in comfortable indoor temperatures and provides shelter from exterior elements. The home envelope is the combination of materials that surround the interior space you live in including walls, floors, ceiling, roof, windows, and doors. The quality and integrity of your home's envelope greatly affects the comfort and cost to operate your home.

How can improving my home's envelope save money and energy?
The average family spends $1,900 a year on energy bills, nearly half of which goes to heating and cooling. These costs can be reduced by up to 20% by combining the right amount and type of insulation, using effective air sealing techniques, and installing windows that are appropriate for your climate.
What are the benefits of an energy efficient envelope?
Reduced drafts and even room temperatures (no cold or hot rooms).
Reduced noise transmission into your home.
Savings on heating and cooling bills.
Moisture control in your home leading to longer life of your home's building materials and reduced incidence of mold and mildew."

I found this information on weather.com. I thought it was useful information and wanted to share it with everyone that visits our site.

Let us know if we can be of service to you.
Erica

erica@elizabethgroup.net (Erica Schaffer - Realtor) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:54:00 +0000

We were able to show off Dunngannon Plantation in a fun and exciting way this past weekend. Elizabeth Group Real Estate and Erica Schaffer hosted an open house/customer appreciation party that included oysters, homemade chili, salmon dip, a bon fire, and fishing...all on one of our featured listings in Ravenel SC....The kids had a great time enjoying the tidal creek and the adults had their fill of fresh oysters and a relaxing marsh view. Thanks to all who came out to enjoy the beautiful day!!

Daylight Savings Time

erica@elizabethgroup.net (Erica Schaffer - Realtor) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:10:00 +0000

Hello Everyone! Just a quick reminder when you get home from Trick or Treating or the Halloween Costume Party on Saturday Night remember to fall back one hour or you'll show up early for Church on Sunday.

Be Safe!

Sincerely,

Erica Schaffer

5 Ways to improve your homes value

erica@elizabethgroup.net (Erica Schaffer - Realtor) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:40:00 +0000

Just wanted to share a few tips on ways to improve your homes value.

5 Ways To Improve Your Home's Value
1. Focus On Curb Appeal!First impressions say everything about a home. Clean up the front lawn, plant a couple of shrubs and add some potted flowers to the front steps.
2. Make Your Kitchen Great!Update the look with new cabinet door handles, new lighting fixtures, and replace your kitchen faucet.
3. Step Up Your Storage!Unclutter your closets and install closet organizers to help them look bigger. Also, donate your old-style clothes.
4. Look Underfoot!New carpet can quickly update a home and make it look cleaner, but be sure to choose a neutral color.
5. Call Erica Schaffer and The Elizabeth Group Real Estate Team. We would love to show you our "Media Matters Package". Our one of a kind package includes: top of the line photographs for every listing with high resolution cameras, your listing will be added to our online database which reaches over 30 different websites including Google and Yahoo Real Estate.com We have the experience and knowledge to help you get your home ready to sell quickly and for top dollar. If you or someone you know would like a free, no-obligation consultation, call me today! The Elizabeth Group would love to share our Media Matters Package with you.

-- Respectfully Yours,
Erica SchafferThe Elizabeth Group, LLC.
"Where Media Matters"
843.834.1910 Cell
843.406-6898 Office
866.622.9474 Toll Free Fax
E-Mail: erica@elizabethgroup.net www.elizabethgroup.net

erica@elizabethgroup.net (Erica Schaffer - Realtor) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:28:00 +0000

Hello! I am excited to be off and running with my Career here at the Elizabeth Group Real Estate. I currently have two listings. One beautiful home for sale in Ravenel (Look for an Open House Soon) and one Gorgeous Marsh Front / Tidal Creek Lot also in Ravenel. Check them both out under our featured listings...

Get Your Home Ready For Winter With This Tip From Carolina Inspection Services:

"Touch up exterior paint now, as a sudden drop in temperature can ruin your paint job. Scrape, sand and clean any blistered or peeling areas. Spot-prime and apply a finish coat with enough overlap to adhere to the existing paint surface."

I know a great painter if you need help getting your home ready for the winter or getting it ready to sell. Email me today. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Erica Schaffer

Buyer in new home

ldettrey@elizabethgroup.net (Elizabeth Dettrey) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:01:00 +0000

Hello everyone, My last post regarding my troubles finding a precious buyer of mine the home of her dreams is long over due for an update! October 2008 we settled on a home to rent for my client. We continued to look for a suitable home for another 5 months. We finally found a home acceptable to the buyer! We closed on the home late in April of 2009. What a journey! The journey began in my neighborhood of MacLaura Hall located west of the ashley.

I had found a buyer for this clients current home mid year 2008 and began the search for her a home then.

It was the most interesting time of finding a home for someone I have ever experienced! Even with the prices of homes having dropped recently the availability of a home that met her criteria was limited..she needed a large home with a large lot and required formal rooms of a particular size along with a nice sized family room..the dining room seating area must not be visible from the kitchen and the location of the home had to be so many minutes from particular geographical points that were important to her lifestyle.

I never laughed more or had more challenges in selecting the home that would be best for a client. In the process I have made a friend for life and have been enriched by the process!
I look forward to my next great buyer adventure!

yours truly,
Liz Dettrey

Welcome Erica Schaffer to our sales team!!

michelle@elizabethgroup.net (Michelle Ivy Johnson) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:40:00 +0000

We would like to welcome Erica Schaffer to The Elizabeth Group's sales staff. We needed someone who knew the Hollywood, Ravenel, and Yonges Island territory. Erica is from Ravenel and has lived there all her life. She has over 10 years of sales and management experience and brings a wealth of information to our staff. Erica will focus on home and land sales. She and her husband and two children live in Ravenel and are currently in the process of building a new home in that area as well.
We look forward to taking advantage of her knowledge about these growing areas. To learn more about Erica click on her profile in our website which will give you all her contact information.

Looking for ways to save money?

michelle@elizabethgroup.net (Michelle Ivy Johnson) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 17:52:00 +0000

In this market we are all trying to find ways to cut cost. Just remember first impression is very important. The entrance to your home is the first place people see, keep it clean and clutter free. Paint is one of the most inexpensive ways to brighten up your home. You can spend under $100 at TJ Maxx or any other discount store and purchase a few new towels and a shower curtain to give your bathroom an updated look. In the kitchen keep the counters free from clutter and again buy a cute towel for the stove rack with a nice candle.

Not to sound funny guys but smell is another over looked by sellers characteristic of your home. "Fluffy" may smell fine to you but if your buyer is not a pet owner this may be a turn off. Smokers..you may want to keep it outside and keep those plug in air fresheners handy. Linen smells nice..not too much but just enough. You just want clean not strawberry...

Just a few things on my mind today that I thought I would discuss.

One more thing, if you have vacant land for sale in charleston or anywhere for that matter, make a trail through the property so the potential buyer can see what they can do with the property. Highlight trees with getting rid of the underbrush. You don't know how many vacant properties I have shown where all we can do is drive by it or walk through thick brush..this may be fun if your into that, but most buyers want the viewing to be easy, so make a trail! I have resources if you need help.

Free market analysis are always available, just send me an email with your address and time frame for sales.

Have a great day

M-

noreply@blogger.com (Joshua Feldman) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 20:29:00 +0000

On Monday, the government announced that it will use up to $250 billion of the $700 billion rescue fund to make equity investments in a wide range of financial institutions. Their purpose is to inject capital into the banking system and encourage lending. Many other countries have taken a similar step. This, along with the other government actions, seems to have increased investor confidence in the banking system, and conditions in the credit markets showed signs of improvement during the week. Equity markets were extremely volatile this week, and the stock market ended with moderate gains. Mortgage rates moved in a very wide range during the week as well, but finished the week nearly unchanged.

In a speech Wednesday, Fed Chief Bernanke suggested that the key tools to "confront and solve" market problems are now in place. He emphasized, though, that financial markets and the economy may take months to recover. Many investors had expected that the rescue plan and other government actions would have a larger immediate impact. Now the general outlook is for economic growth to remain weaker than normal until at least the middle of 2009. Bernanke added that he expects the inflation rate to decline due to a slowing economy and lower energy prices, which would be good news for future mortgage rates.

Existing Home Sales will be released on Friday.

What's the Good news for my real estate goals??

michelle@elizabethgroup.net (Michelle Ivy Johnson) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 14:37:00 +0000

We are all aware of the market conditions that sellers and agents are trying to stay positive about. We also know that markets ebb and flow, and it’s simply a matter of time before real estate takes an upswing again. In the meantime, we must all adjust our strategies to deal with today’s challenges. Here are just a few tactics to adopt and positive points to remember and practice.

A down market is ideal for the bargain buy, the opportunity to buy low. In short, a buyer’s market. For instance, for homeowners who are looking to sell their home and buy into a more expensive niche, a down market is the perfect timing. Interest rates are at an all-time low, which will save you money (potentially thousands) on your mortgage payments.

For sellers, first impressions last a lifetime and the term "presentation is everything" has never been more pertinent. Home buyers are always attracted to clean, spacious and attractive houses, but it has never been more critical to ‘wow’ buyers and make them fall for the property. Thus, curb appeal (through staging) can be a deal clincher.

Boosting appeal, of course, can take investment—again, now more than ever. Ratcheting up desirable qualities and amenities can impact as much as impressive square footage, and can afford a slightly higher asking price. So it’s worthwhile to put some extra money into the house before putting it on the market.

Do not overprice the home. In a down market it is a solid strategy to list the property approximately 10 percent under the expected price. A recent pre-listing appraisal can supplement the market analysis your professional real estate agent provides for you. In order for you to know the real time market value, your appraisal should be no more than 3-6 months old, as our market values are changing everyday. If properly priced, the potential exists to receive the expected sum, or close to it, because a relatively lower price can tend to garner multiple offers. Always communicate your expectations with your agent. Have a great day!

The hunt continues

ldettrey@elizabethgroup.net (Elizabeth Dettrey) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:42:00 +0000

Hello everyone!

It has been many weeks since my last blog..I have been very busy showing homes and have still not found the right home for my precious buyer. Since our time is short we have decided to look into rentals which has become an entire story of it's own! If you thought finding a home to fit your clients needs in this market would be a breeze..haha try finding a suitable rental to do the same at a reasonable price!! Not to mention all the moving problems..help!

I am praying that with the recent stock market good news (however short lived it may be) perhaps a few sellers might put their homes on the market..I am beginning to think they are all captured by terrorist and have been given strict orders not to speak to a real estate agent about selling for a couple years..but seriously I know the sellers who really need to move to another home are out there..but for the love of pete will they hurry up!!!! I will not give up the fight until they drag me kicking and screaming to the closing table!!

$7500 credit for First Time home buyers

michelle@elizabethgroup.net (Michelle Ivy Johnson) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:24:00 +0000

I had two buyer clients ask me about the tax credit that is being mentioned in the papers. You must be a first time buyer and there are other restrictions.

Below is a little information about the credit and a few contact numbers for more information..

IRS Issues Guidance on Tax CreditThe IRS has released IR-2008-106, providing some guidance about how individuals who utilize the new $7500 first-time homebuyer tax credit will reflect the credit on their tax returns and receive the benefit from any refund. The notice reinforces the fact that taxpayers will be required to repay the credit, starting with their tax return for 2010, which will be filed in 2011.
The IRS is designing a new Form 5405 for those who utilize the credit. The new form will be included in the Form 1040 packet and filing instructions that are distributed in late December and early January. The new form is not yet posted on the IRS website. While it has not yet officially announced its plans, the IRS will likely use the information on this new form to track the group of taxpayers who use the credit and provide them with instructions on how to make the repayment. This guidance will be issued later.

HOUSING AND ECONOMIC RECOVERY ACT OF 2008
First‐time Homebuyer Tax Credit FEATURE
H.R. 3221
Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008
Amount of Credit
Ten percent of cost of home, not to exceed
$7500
Eligible Property
Any single‐family residence (including condos, co‐ops) that will be used as a principal residence.
Refundable
Yes. Reduces income tax liability for the year of purchase. Claimed on tax return for that tax year.
Income Limit
Yes. Full amount of credit available for individuals with adjusted gross income of no more than $75,000 ($150,000 on a joint return). Phases out above those caps ($95,000 and $170,000, respectively).
First‐time Homebuyer Only
Yes. Purchaser (and purchaser’s spouse) may not have owned a principal residence in 3 years previous to purchase.
Recapture
Yes. Portion (6.67 % of credit) to be repaid each year for 15 years. If home sold before 15 years, then remainder of credit recaptured on sale.
Effective Date
Purchases on or after April 9, 2008
Termination
July 1, 2009

Contacts: Linda Goold, 202-383-1083
Contacts: Megan Booth, 202-383-1222
Contacts: Helen Devlin, 202-383-7559

Trouble finding a home in a buyer's market!

ldettrey@elizabethgroup.net (Elizabeth Dettrey) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 21:38:00 +0000

Hello everyone,
After 2 weeks of searching all over Charleston, James Island and John's Island for just the right home for my buyer ( I will call her lady B) I have exhausted almost every possibility I know of. I have showed her about 18 homes, driven through countless neighborhoods searching for FSBO signs, been carried away by mosquito's had my buyer's car stuck in a ditch, watched in horror as my buyer (in her golden years) run smack dab into a glass door that was so clean it was invisible to her..searched every site known to man including FSBO sites which I was sorely dissapointed in by the way..I am desperate enough to knock on doors and ask if the owner would sell their house..this sounds like a seller's market situation I realize..but this is actually a situation of a buyer ready to buy but the right home is not available :( I will keep this post going until I am successful or she has given up the fight!

Home for Sale in Charleston SC - 912 Longwood Ln - Patriots Plantation

noreply@blogger.com (Smart Realty Solutions) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 20:43:00 +0000

Beautiful corner lot that backs up to a protected wooded area. On Cul-de-sac in Patriots Plantation. One 1/2 story home with high ceilings, open floor plan, 3 bedrooms downstairs with 4th bedroom or FROG upstairs. Formal dining room, laundry, master suite with walk in closet, dual sinks, separate garden tub and shower. Screened in back porch, privacy fence with 2nd double gate for boat storage in back yard. Brick patio large enough for two tables if desired. Wonderful home with mature trees and landscaping.

For more information, go to:
www.elizabethgroup.net/listings/2827281

107 Acres for sale in Colleton County

noreply@blogger.com (Smart Realty Solutions) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 20:19:00 +0000

Excellent for hunting and timber. Located about 7 miles north of i-95 exit # 42 on US. Hwy. 21. Good stand of 13 year old plantation pines. several roads and feed plots and deer stands throughout the property. Four wheeler trails throughout entire perimeter. Great for recreation while your timber investment grows. There are a couple of pond sites which would be great for fishing. Good deer and turkey hunting. Ask agent for additional pictures of wildlife! home site on wooded tract,4+-acres. Of mixed hardwood and pine near paved road entrance. Approximately 1 hour from Charleston, just far enough to relax but still close enough for an easy travel with family. Get your property for the upcoming deer season. There are beautiful homes up and down cane branch road come see for yourself.

For more information, go to:
www.elizabethgroup.net/listings/2826737

A new real estate website for searching properties in Charleston SC

noreply@blogger.com (Smart Realty Solutions) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 22:07:00 +0000

The Elizabeth Group, LLC announces its new website at www.elizabethgroup.net