With the holidays around the corner, we can all use some of our favorite comfort foods. In fact, if you’re like me, you’ve already started cooking family favorites! Once again, from one of my favorite magazines, here are 5 great warm comfort foods! We’ll just not even mention that these recipes are healthier verisons, not only with lower calories and fat, but richer in antioxidants and other good stuff than is typical! Enjoy!

To view the recipes, head here!

This information is presented by:

Connie Taylor
Keller Williams
ConnieTaylor@KW.com
www.AmarilloDreamHomes.com

Information is deemed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed.

Obviously every individual has his or her preference for selecting a neighborhood. But the Homebuyers E-Guide (http://recenter.tamu.edu/pdf/1044.pdf) offers several key considerations:

• How close will you be to your employment? Driving a long distance may get old in a hurry, and with the cost of gasoline these days . . .
• How close is the neighborhood to shopping?  If it’s a 20-minute trip to get buns, will your children have to eat their hotdogs without them?
• How close is the neighborhood to other important places in your life – houses of worship, schools, parks, medical services?
• If you need public transportation, does the neighborhood have it?
• How do neighborhood schools rank in areas important to you? The school district and the Internet are good resources for information.
• How will your children get to school, and how long will it take them to get there?
• Are municipal services available? I own a lot that’s in College Station, but homes a block away are not.
• Is there a homeowners’ association, and what are its fees? Are there other fees or user charges for public services?
• What is the tax rate for the area?
• Is the neighborhood clean?
• Are streets and other public facilities well maintained?
• Do homeowners exhibit pride with well kept homes?
• What do police statistics show about crime in the area?
• Is the neighborhood well regarded by those familiar with the area?
• Are there deed restrictions? What are they? Are they enforced?
• What are the city’s or county’s long-range plans for the area? You don’t want to be the last one to find out a freeway is coming through.
• How is the area zoned? Don’t forget, however, that zoning can be changed.
• What are the plans for any nearby open spaces?

This information is presented by:

Connie Taylor
Keller Williams
ConnieTaylor@KW.com
www.AmarilloDreamHomes.com
Information is deemed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed.

From my favorite magazine, here are the last three recipes they had for all those inspired Greek cooks out there!  With Thanksgiving coming up, these should give a nice change of pace before and after the turkey day!

Avgolemono (Egg and Lemon Soup)

Cook Time: 30 Minutes
Servings: 6

6          cups vegetable stock
½         cup uncooked white rice
            sea salt, to taste
            freshly ground black pepper, to taste
½         cup fresh parsley, chopped
2          eggs
            juice of 2 lemons

Bring stock to a boil in a large soup pot.  Add rice, salt, and pepper and reduce heat.  Simmer for 15 minutes.  Add parsley.  In a small bowl, beat eggs with the lemon juice.  Stir a ladle of hot broth into the egg mixture.  Pour egg mixture into the pot.  Stir vigorously until slightly thickened, and remove from heat.  Serve hot or chill and reheat for future use.

Protein Twist: Add cooked, cubed chicken or turkey breast along with the parsley.  You may also substitute chicken stock for the vegetable stock if you would like.

Spanakopita (Spinach and Cheese Pie)

Prep Time: 50 Minutes
Cook time: 40 Minutes
Servings: 12

1          pound frozen phyllo dough, thawed according to package instructions
1          10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed
1          bunch scallions, finely chopped
1          garlic clove, minced
¼         cup olive oil
½         cup feta cheese, crumbled
½         cup ricotta cheese
¼         cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1          egg
1          tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
            freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1          cup butter, melted

Preheat over to 350 degrees.

On a flat surface, roll out phyllo dough and cover with wax paper and a damp towel.

Sauté spinach, scallions, and garlic in olive oil until tender.  Cool slightly and drain oil from pan.

In a large bowl, mix cheeses, egg, dill, and pepper.  Add cooked spinach mixture to cheese mixture and blend thoroughly.

Butter a 9 x 13 baking pan.  Spread 6 sheets of phyllo on the bottom of the pan, using a pastry brush to brush each layer with butter.  Spoon the spinach filling over the phyllo layers, and cover with 6 more sheets of phyllo, buttering each sheet.  Score the top 3 sheets with a sharp knife.  Bake 40 minutes, or until top is golden brown.  Let stand 15 minutes then cut into squares and serve warm.

Appetizer Twist: For cocktail parties, use this recipe to make 60 small triangle portions.  Cut phyllo dough into 3 x 11 inch strips.  Using a pastry brush, brush one strip of phyllo with melted butter, keeping remaining strips covered with a towel.  Place 1-2 teaspoons of cooled filling on one end of the strip.  Fold into a triangle as if folding a flag.  Continue folding triangle to end of strip.  Brush outside of triangle with butter.  Repeat with remaining strips.  Lay triangles seam side down, at least an inch apart, on a lightly buttered cookie sheet.  Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.  Serve hot.

Amygdalopita (Greek Almond Cake)

Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes
Servings: 12

14        eggs
1          cup sugar
1          tablespoon baking powder
¼         cup brandy
1          tablespoon vanilla
3          cups ground almonds
2 ¼      cups toasted bread crumbs
            cinnamon for sprinkling
            whipped cream for garnish

Syrup:
3          cups sugar
3          cups water
1          cup brandy
            juice of 1 lemon

Beat eggs using mixer, then add sugar and mix to combine.  Mix baking powder with brandy and vanilla, and add to egg mixture.  Mix half the almonds with the bread crumbs.  Add a little at a time to the other mixture.

Grease a 9 x 13 casserole dish.  Pour mixture into dish and top with the rest of the almonds.  Sprinkle cinnamon over the top.  Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.

While the cake is baking, prepare the syrup.  Boil the sugar and water until reduced to half.  Remove from heat and stir in brandy and lemon.

When cake is done, remove from oven and cut vertical slits into cake approximately 2 inches apart.  Then cut diagonal slits.  Pour syrup over cake and let cool completely.  Slice and serve with a dollop of whipped cream on top.

This information is presented by:

Connie Taylor
Keller Williams
ConnieTaylor@KW.com
www.AmarilloDreamHomes.com

Information is deemed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed.

On December 1, 2009, the extension for the First Time Home Buyer credit and the expansion to count some current home owners will take effect!  This is generally good news, especially if you have first time home buyers that just can’t get closed before the original deadline of Nov. 30^th.

Below is a NAR brief detailing the changes between the Jan. 1-Nov. 30^th bill and the one going from Dec. 1-Apr. 30^th for anyone wanting a handy detailing of the differences!

NAR Tax Credit Info –

This information is presented by:

Connie Taylor
Keller Williams
ConnieTaylor@KW.com
www.SoldByConnieTaylor.com

Information is deemed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed.

It’s the beginning of the month, and just wanted to remind everyone on ways to keep track of the local schedule in Amarillo, and other areas.

First, Amarillo Globe News has a little calendar story on their Local News page.  This lists events for the next few days, along with a link on how to put your upcoming event up in the paper!

A new site I was just told about – www.HelloAmarillo.com.  It covers a lot more than just current events, like local attractions, white and yellow pages, and a lot more!

Of course, Amarillo Civic Center – which hosts many of the bigger events in town – is always a great place to keep tabs on what’s coming in.

For those local movie buffs out there, Fandango.com not only shows you the current movie schedules on most of the local theaters, but it also lets you buy tickets!  Very nice!

What are you favorite ways to keep up with events in your town?  Feel free to comment!

This information is presented by:

Connie Taylor
Keller Williams
ConnieTaylor@KW.com
www.SoldByConnieTaylor.com

Information is deemed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed.

Here are some easy, yet smaller projects that can increase a home’s appeal in a time of high energy costs and an extraordinary focus on being green. Of course make sure you market the home with these positive, new features.

• Replace regular light bulbs in permanent fixtures with compact fluorescent light bulbs
• Install low-flow showerheads
• Install an ENERGY STAR qualified, programmable thermostat
• Close the damper on the fireplace.
• Add insulation to an attic.
• Seal basement rim joists. This is along the top of the basement wall where the cement or block comes in contact with the wood frame.
• Insulate water heater tanks for energy savings.
• Repair water leaks in tubs, showers and sinks.

Savvy buyers will ask what utility costs are or to see actual bills, especially in older homes, and be impressed at measures taken to reduce those costs.

For more ideas on buying or selling a home check out:

Connie Taylor
Keller Williams
ConnieTaylor@KW.com
www.SoldByConnieTaylor.com

Information is deemed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed.

One of my magazines that I find worth it to make time to read just came out with some very yummy Greek dishes, which could provide a nice addition to anyone’s cook book. Below, I’ve included two of them.

Saganaki (Flaming Greek Cheese)

Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 5 Minutes
Servings: 6

1 pound soft Kasseri cheese (may substitute mozzarella)
3 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons brandy
juice of ½ lemon
baguette, sliced

Cut cheese into 6 wedges and arrange in star shape in shallow heatproof serving dish. Brush with melted butter. Broil on high 4 to 6 inches from heat until cheese bubbles, 5 or 6 minutes. Remove from oven. Pour brandy over cheese and ignite immediately in front of guests. Extinguish by sprinkling with lemon juice. Serve with sliced baguette.

Horiatiki (Greek Salad)

Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Servings: 6

4 large tomatoes, cut into wedges
½ large cucumber, cut into half moons
½ red onion, sliced into rings
24 kalamata olives
6 ounces feta cheese, cut into small cubes
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Place all vegetables and cheese in a large salad bowl. Make dressing by adding remaining ingredients to a lidded container. Place lid on container and shake to combine. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently. Garnish with freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately.

This information is presented by:

Connie Taylor
Keller Williams
ConnieTaylor@KW.com
www.SoldByConnieTaylor.com

Information is deemed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed.

With all the uncertainty in the national housing market, some buyers are still hesitant to purchase a home.

While the reaction may be understandable, it’s not necessarily recommended in the Amarillo, TX area market.

Sitting on the sidelines and waiting for prices to fall is not necessarily a wise decision. If you’ve got good credit, a plan to stay in the new home for a few years and your dream house in your sights, go for it!

If you’re renting right now, there’s a really good chance your mortgage won’t be much more than your rent.  If you choose to rent you will not receive a tax break, and if you stay a few years, you’ll see your home start to appreciate as well.

A home mortgage is one of the very best uses of credit.  Interest rates remain at low levels, which means lower monthly mortgage payments. As rates drop, those who qualify will find it even less expensive to buy the home of their dreams. Lock in a low rate today and you’ll reap the benefits of living the American dream of being a homeowner.

Find your next dream home at:

Connie Taylor

Keller Williams

ConnieTaylor@KW.com

www.SoldByConnieTaylor.com

Information is deemed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed.

1 Improper pricing
2 Not Providing Easy Access
3 Bad Housekeeping
4 Failure to Make Repairs
5 Poor Showing Techniques
6 Relying on Traditional Methods
7 Making Emotional Decisions
8 Not Understanding the Market
9 Unqualified Prospects
10 Choosing the Wrong Agent

 ________________________________________

When conversing with real estate agents, you will often find that when they talk to you about buying real estate, they will refer to your purchase as a “home.” Yet if you are selling property, they will often refer to it as a “house.” There is a reason for this. Buying real estate is often an emotional decision, but when selling real estate you need to remove emotion from the equation.

You need to think of your house as a marketable commodity. Property. Real estate. Your goal is to get others to see it as their potential home, not yours. If you do not consciously make this decision, you can inadvertently create a situation where it takes longer to sell your property.

The first step in getting your home ready to sell is to not make the top 10 mistakes other people have made.

This information is presented by:
Connie Taylor
Keller Williams
ConnieTaylor@KW.com
www.SoldByConnieTaylor.com
Information is deemed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed.

Here I venture back into the wild world of green posting!

This time, I’m talking about www.EnergyStar.gov, our lovely blue star logo that tells us that we’re saving energy AND money when we make purchases!

However, as I discovered as I explored the site for this post, there’s a lot MORE out there than just the logo when it comes to what this website of Energy Star’s does.  Their site shows you what rebates are available in your area, give you a simple form to do something of a self-energy audit (Along with ways to contact a professional), and even helps you find an energy efficient builder in your state!  And that’s just with a few clicks of exploration!

There’s a lot more to be had on this website, a definite site to keep in mind as you or your clients seek out ways to save cash!

This information is presented by:

Connie Taylor

Keller Williams

ConnieTaylor@KW.com

www.SoldByConnieTaylor.com

Information is deemed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed.