Going back to work after the 4th of July Holiday

Going back to work after a holiday vacation is typically something that you dread. After all, you were just getting used to going to the gym at your leisure, staying up really late reading or spending your days watching lots of tv.
While it naturally may be a jolt to your system when you first get back to work, there are a few things you can do to make the transition back to work a bit smoother.

* Try to get back on your regular sleep routine.

If possible, try to get back into your sleeping routine a couple of nights prior to your first day back at work. While it may be hard to do, try to go to bed when you normally would and set your alarm, too. Sometimes, when you have been off of your sleep pattern, you feel a bit of jet lag that first day back. If you take this step, you can deal with that feeling while still at home versus on the day you return to work.

* Check work e-mails before you return.

One great way to get a jump start on your first day back is to check your e-mails prior to returning. Spending an hour or two going through your Inbox the night before you return can save you headaches the next day.

* Get organized.

Similar to checking your work emails before you return, getting organized for the work week you return is a preventative measure for additional stress. Go ahead and get your gym bag packed the night before. Also, have your coffee pot ready to go and your outfit planned. That way, if you are a bit sluggish that first morning, you will be ready to handle it.

* Prepare yourself mentally

Athletes often use mental exercises to prepare for big events. They visualize their success. As hokey as it may sound, do the same for your return to work. Picture yourself being well rested, happy to see your colleagues and ready to take on the rest of the year with focus and energy. Then, make it happen.

* Realize you are not alone.

July is a tough month. You are going back to your job. You may be experiencing post-holiday blues. The weather is often warm and sunny. Recognize that you may be in for some rough waters and you are not alone. Try to exercise, eat well and get proper rest so you can best combat stresses during this time.

* Take it one day at a time.

While your first day back may be a jolt to your system, just try to get through it. Remember that each day will get easier, as you adjust to your routine again. Before you know it, you will forget what it was like to be on vacation.
In conclusion, these are a few things you can do to prepare for returning to the office after a long break. And, once you get back in the swing of things, you will probably be happy to be in a routine again. Also, given the current economy, most people are thankful to have a job to go back to after the holiday.

Hope everyone had a SAFE and HAPPY 4th of July Weekend! AL Grant Realty Group

AL GRANT
AL GRANT REALTY GROUP
REMAX ALLEGIANCE: 202-256-8592
MY WEBSITE: WWW.ALGRANT.SELL4.COM

WWW.ALGRANTSBLOG.WORDPRESS.COM

 

Lunch Break w/ AL Grant Realty Group

10 Money-Saving Travel & Vacation Tips

• Rent a car. What sounds expensive can actually often save you money. Consider renting a car instead of using the airport shuttle. Many times the cost of the shuttle is more than that of a modest car rental – and you have the flexibility of having available transportation. Also, if you are driving to your destination, renting a car instead of using your own vehicle is often cheaper than the extra wear and tear on your own car. Take advantage of coupons to upgrade to a larger, and more comfortable, vehicle.
• Eat breakfast where kids eat free and split meals. This can mean an enormous saving for a family of four or larger. Children are many times too excited or tired to eat much at a time. Restaurants that are kid friendly are more than happy to accommodate special requests for extra plates.
• Eat lunch in your room. You’ll be surprised how good a peanut butter sandwich, chips, and fresh fruit tastes away from home, and everyone gets a needed break from the heat and crowds of tourist destinations.
• Take advantage of coupons. Whether it is for lodging, food, or attractions – coupons SAVE money! Find them everywhere… online, in local newspapers, at convenience stores, motels, etc. Always read the fine print carefully for terms of the coupon.
• Bring your own stroller. This can save $12 to $15 a day at some of the attractions.
• Bring along individual refillable water bottles. These can be refilled at the hotel and at attraction water fountains. A family of four could easily spend $20 or more a day buying water.
• Take advantage of multi-day passes at the attractions. This is especially a good deal when they can be used anytime.
• Make your own reservations. Many hotels and airlines offer additional discounts and specials for booking online.
• Give each child a set amount to spend. You can tame the “gimmes”, and your pocketbook at the same time, by giving children a pre-set spending limit for souvenirs. Also, invest in an autograph book (about $6 at most attractions) and watch the fun as the children collect the “autographs” of their favorite characters. My girls still cherish their “Barbie” autograph obtained at Epcot several years ago.
• Spend the day away from the attractions. You’re paying for that hotel swimming pool… use it! Spend the day at the beach or a nearby museum. The shopping areas near the major attractions (like Downtown Disney) have children’s play areas, providing an inexpensive day of fun for the little ones.

AL GRANT- CELL: 202-256-8592

MY WEBSITE: WWW.ALGRANT.SELL4.COM

WWW.ALGRANTSBLOG.WORDPRESS.COM

 

KNOCK $4000 OFF YOUR UTILITY BILL

KNOCK $4000 OFF YOUR UTILITY BILL

Insulate your attic – $500-1,000
Cover the ducts – $50 to $250
Use time settings for AC/Heat – $40
Seal those cracks – $15
Wrap your water heater – $40

Call for service – $100 to $200 per unit a year

AL GRANT
AL GRANT REALTY GROUP
Cell: 202-256-8592
MY WEBSITE: WWW.ALGRANT.SELL4.COM

WWW.ALGRANTSBLOG.WORDPRESS.COM

 

Video: Tips to Stall Foreclosure

Video: Tips to Stall Foreclosure

 

 In these times of economic crisis information is power. If you know someone that this information can help please forward.This two minute video provides useful insight into ways to help homeowners stall a potential foreclosure. If you may be facing the threat of foreclosure, this video may help avoid (or at least delay) an unfortunate outcome:

 

AL Grant - website: www.algrant.sell4.com

 

Watch the video on YouTube now:

The video covers lender assistance (HOPE NOW), legal assistance (NACA), and the “ask for the note” strategy

AL GRANT

AL GRANT REALTY GROUP

REMAX ALLEGIANCE: 202-256-8592

MY WEBSITE: WWW.ALGRANT.SELL4.COM

WWW.ALGRANTSBLOG.WORDPRESS.COM

 

Senate Approves $8k Tax Credit Extension

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senate Approves $8k Tax Credit Extension

The Senate yesterday voted to provide homebuyers with an additional three months to complete their home purchase. The credit, which would have expired June 30, provides an $8,000 credit against federal taxes for qualifying first-time homebuyers. The extension will affect only those sales already pending (or new backdated contracts; wait, that’s not legal), but gives them until September 30th to settle. The bill has not yet been approved by the House, but is expected to pass and be signed by the President. Homebuyers in Washington DC will still enjoy the $5,000 tax credit , which extends through the end of the year…

MY WEBSITE: WWW.ALGRANT.SELL4.COM

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Home Buyer Assistance Programs and Employer Assisted Housing Program

Home Buyer Assistance Program

The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is committed to providing homeownership opportunities for the District’s low-to-moderate income residents. The District also encourages those who work for the District Government to live in the city they serve. DHCD offers the following homebuyer assistance programs.

Home Purchase Assistance Program
The Department’s Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) helps low-to-moderate income residents purchase a home in the District. Qualified applicants can receive financial assistance for down-payment and closing costs to purchase single-family houses, condominiums or cooperative units.

 Are you eligible?

To be eligible for HPAP assistance, you must meet the following criteria:
Be the head of the household and a first-time homebuyer.
Be a low-to-moderate income resident, based on the Department’s standards.
Cannot have had ownership interest in any residential real estate within the three years prior to application.
The purchased home must be the borrower’s primary residence and must be located within the District of Columbia.
Possess a good credit rating.
Applications are prioritized based on the following:
a. low-income, elderly, handicapped, disabled or displaced District residents
b. other District residents
c. non-residents who have been employed in the District for one year prior to application
d. non-residents who have lived in the District for three years as an adult

Please note: District residents will always be the priority for HPAP assistance. Non-resident applications will be accepted, but only processed for eligibility at times when there are no pending applications from District residents.

How much assistance is available?

The Total amount of financial assistance for down payment provided to very low-, low-, and moderate-income eligible households shall not exceed $40,000 based upon household income, need, and the availability of funds. Closing cost assistance is provided separately and will be no more than $4,000.

How much will I need to contribute to qualify?

HPAP recipients contribute $500 or 50% of liquid assets greater than $3,000, whichever is greater. For very low- and low-income applicants,, the contribution in excess of five hundred dollars ($500) may be waived by the Director where there is demonstrated need and the applicant is elderly, handicapped, disabled, or displaced.

How is the loan repaid?

Payment on loans made to any income-eligible household under this program are deferred for the first five years. Monthly principal-only payments begin at the start of the sixth year of the loan, amortized over a 40 year period.

The entire amount of the loan is immediately due and payable if the borrower transfers the property, the property is refinanced (unless the refinance meets certain conditions), or the property ceases to be the borrower’s principal place of residence.

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Employer Assisted Housing Program

The Employer Assisted Housing Program (EAHP) provides assistance to employees of the District of Columbia Government who are first-time homebuyers in the District. Eligible DC Government employees are eligible for matching down payment funds up to $1,500 and a deferred loan of up to $10,000.

DC Government employees include the personnel at all DC Government agencies, including the Metropolitan Police Department and DC Public Schools., and employees of DC public charter schools. DC Government employees must be employed in good standing for one year to qualify, with the exception of public school and public charter school teachers, police officers, fire fighters, and emergency medical technicians, who are eligible at the time of appointment. Applicants can received funding from both HPAP and EAHP as long as the eligibility requirements for both programs are meet.

How can I apply?

To get more information on HPAP assistance, please contact:

MY WEBSITE: WWW.ALGRANT.SELL4.COM

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*STOP BY THE AL GRANT REALTY TEAM BOOTH FOR MORE INFORMATION ON AVAILABLE HOME BUYER PROGRAMS IN THE DC, MD & VA AREA

 

2010 Monthly Housing Inventory Snapshot

Housing Inventory Snapshot 6-6-10

Click on Link Above for the latest Housing Inventory Snapshot

AL GRANT
AL GRANT REALTY GROUP
REMAX ALLEGIANCE: 202-256-8592
WWW.ALGRANT.SELL4.COM
WWW.ALGRANTSBLOG.WORDPRESS.COM

 

13 Things a Burglar Won’t Tell You

13 Things a Burglar Won’t Tell You

1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.

2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.

3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste … and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.

4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it.

5. If it snows while you’re out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.

6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don’t let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it’s set. That makes it too easy.

7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom—and your jewelry. It’s not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.

8. It’s raining, you’re fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door—understandable. But understand this: I don’t take a day off because of bad weather.

9. I always knock first. If you answer, I’ll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don’t take me up on it.)

10. Do you really think I won’t look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.

11. Here’s a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids’ rooms.

12. You’re right: I won’t have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it’s not bolted down, I’ll take it with me.

13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you’re reluctant to leave your TV on while you’re out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television.

AL GRANT
AL GRANT REALTY GROUP
REMAX ALLEGIANCE: 202-256-8592
MY WEBSITE: WWW.ALGRANT.SELL4.COM

WWW.ALGRANTSBLOG.WORDPRESS.COM

 

Housing SnapShot for April 2010

Please Click on Image to Enlarge

AL GRANT
AL GRANT REALTY GROUP
REMAX ALLEGIANCE: 202-256-8592
WWW.ALGRANT.SELL4.COM
WWW.ALGRANTSBLOG.WORDPRESS.COM