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Archive for November, 2011

Tremblant In Canada

Tremblant is based in Canada and has over 90 runs servicing millions of skiers each year. With 13 state-of-the-art ski lifts and a selection of choices for both snowboarders and skiers Tremblant attained its reputation through daring, varied runs catering for a selection of abilities and preferences. With its longest run being 6km long, you cannot help but picture Tremblant as the skiing capital of Canada.

Tremblant has also recently had 18 acres of quality, freestyle snowboarding playground custom-built. With jumps, rails, ramps and half-pipes those who are familiar with this should be sure to check it out should the visit. With 94 slaloms, the Tremblant management team have been sure to cater for all levels with 31 intermediate slopes, 17 slopes for novices and mountains worth of expert, countered terrain.

Standing 870 metres tall, and with snowboarding and skiing facilities on all four faces, it is no wonder the 628 acre facility is considered the home to Skiing in the area. The facility allows for natural snow between November and April however this does not set anyone back for the other months of the year. The revolutionary Avalanche system actually turns water into snow in an instant.

So how does the system work? In Tremblant there are 885 guns, that spray a cooling gassy chemical onto the snow and the coverage is able to not only turn water into snow in minutes, but also maintain organic snow forever. The amazing system ensures that the temperature is just right: not turning the snow to ice. The revolutionary system is also used to alter the temperature of snow for big events, however its main advantage is 365 day snow, for the people of Tremblant.

The Tremblant Lift system can carry over 27,000 snowboarders and skiers per hour, whilst the Gondola and quads also aid the in the massive effort of lifting millions of people up the mountain each day.

For those of you who get hungry there are also great accessible eateries available at the top of the 870 metre mountain. Whilst most holiday makers will experience the Tremblant as experienced skiers, there are also many options available to the beginners and intermediates choosing to visit Tremblant. With over 40 beginner slopes and over 50 multi-lingual skiing instructors you really have to visit Tremblant to understand its sheer scale. Learning to ski in Tremblant is not only a great idea because of the experience of the instructors, but also because your choices are not restricted at all.

During my first visit to Tremblant I was a keen skier but I had never had the opportunity to snowboard before. During my time in Tremblant I was taught how to snowboard in one day, and by the end of the vacation I was able to attempt challenging runs on the intermediate circuits. Although my experience in skiing was helpful, I felt a lot of this came down to the dexterity of the instructors.

The accommodation in Tremblant is amazing, with 6 hotels all with excellent service and offering amazing luxury to their guests. In a hotel, where you see amazing views onto the massive mountain, you also see firework displays that they put on for the tourists each evening. In case that puts you off, I was assured the fireworks do not make any noise, apart from at the weekends. The amazing Tremblant skiing resort has never hosted a large event, and is firmly known for its ability to cater for tourists, however that has not stopped it, in its quest to host the 2009 open. Having placed a bid, we can all wait and see if Tremblant is successful.

Ski Press Weekly voted Tremblant the best skiing facility for tourists in North America and this is hardly a surprise. With accessible pricing, a massive selection of runs and a lift that can carry over 25,000 people an hour it is hardly surprising.

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Finding The Best Realtor For Your Real Estate Needs

Finding the appropriate time to leave behind the unforgettable moments that you experienced in your home is sometimes stressful, but it’s always the time to move forward to get a new investment. Statistics in SW Florida real estate show that the average family is ready to jump into a new home almost every 5-7 years, so how you interview the best candidate is going to help you to sell your most valuable asset and move to the next step of finding your next “dream home.” Here is some advice for you:

Find an agent with a marketing plan that is designed to incorporate all the resources, tools, and systems accomplishing your goals and needs as the seller of a real state property.

Look for somebody who is going to get you the most amount of money in the least amount of time and the least amount of inconvenience.

Sometimes looking around and interviewing so many candidates can make you confused because everyone uses different strategies to get you sold. It is important that you get focused and express all your concerns and necessities to the candidates that you interview.

Pay attention to the different marketing plans they offer to you. Ask questions all the time about the different steps that happen through the transaction process. Make sure you understand everything they say and take notes. This way, in the end of your process to find a Las Vegas Realtor®, you have specific notes about the agent you are going to hire and all the promises and commitments this person is going to do for you to get you through the process of selling your home or buying a new one.

Select the agent that looks professional, acts professional, and most importantly, shows you that he or she knows what they are doing. This is why it is important to see if the agent uses current technologies, advertising, and all other marketing strategies available to get your home exposed everywhere in the real estate market.

Ask for the seller service pledge. What this includes, is all the strategies and services that this agent is willing to provide for you. Especially, it is important your agent provides excellent customer service for you and the possible buyers interested in your home. Ask to review all the offers and acquire feedback from all the Realtors and buyers that visit your home. This way, you will get different opinions from people referring to your home, which will help you to get the right price or maybe fix a couple of things that will improve your home’s appeal to the next possible buyers.

The most important suggestion is not to base your decision on who gives you the best price for their services, but to find the agent that is most qualified based on their qualities, abilities, and array of services. Sometimes when you spend less, will cost you more in the end, because your agent matters.

And remember, don’t be nervous to leave the beautiful moments that you have in your own home, because changes always bring the best.

GOLF INCLUDED!!! 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, 3 Car Garage Home In A Gated Community In Naples Fl.

THIS NEW CONSTRUCTION HOME IN A GATED GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB RESORT COMMUNITY WITH PRICES STARTING AT $579,990.00 IN NAPLES FLORIDA, THIS 3 BEDROOM PLUS A DEN, 2 BATHROOM, 3 CAR GARAGE HOME IN COLLIER COUNTY, GOLF MEMBERSHIP IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF THE HOME!!!

  GOLF MEMBERSHIP IS INCLUDED WITH YOUR HOME PURCHASE

New  golf course community in Naples where your golf equity is included with your home purchase. Take advantage of five sets of tees on hand-mowed Tifeagle grass greens with wide and rolling fairways set amongst acres of natural preserves and crystal blue lakes. The course is complete with an aqua driving range and pro-shop.

ENJOY SEVEN LIGHTED TENNIS COURTS

Revel and delight in the facilities available. Play on one of the 7 lighted, manicured tennis courts with grand stand seating for tournament play, social or charity events. A pro-shop and on-site tennis professional will give you the resources you need to have fun and improve your skills. Members can make their experience competitive with league play or by participating in one of the many tennis mixers for members, their relatives and guests.

PLEASE CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK TO VIEW THIS HOME.

http://10010lionsbaycourt.CanBYours.com

Pool Accessory Buying Guide: What to Consider and Where to Shop

If you are interested in purchasing a pool, you are not alone. Each year, thousands of homeowners make the decision to purchase a swimming pool. Many of these swimming pools are in-ground pools, while others are above ground pools. Regardless of which type of pool you are interested in purchasing, there is one thing that you should keep in mind. It is often difficult or impossible to purchase just a pool. In addition to a pool, you may need to purchase additional pool accessories or supplies.

When it comes to purchasing pool accessories and pool supplies, there are many individuals who are unsure exactly what they are, let alone where to buy them.  If you are about to buy a swimming pool, it may be a good idea to familiarize yourself with some of the most popular and most needed pool accessories and supplies. Even if you do not plan on purchasing anything right away, you are still advised to consider what is available for your pool. Familiarizing yourself with all of your available options is a great way to not only find quality pool supplies, but find affordable ones.

Perhaps, one of the first things that you should think about purchasing for your new pool is cleaning supplies. In most cases, cleaning supplies will not be included in the cost of your pool. This means that you will need to purchase your own. Whether you purchase your swimming pool from an online retailer or a local pool supply store, you may what to consider purchasing your cleaning supplies and equipment at the same time. This will help to ensure that you do not forget these important items. 

When purchasing a swimming pool, it is important that you examine all of the fixtures that are included in your package. Most swimming pool packages will include steps, for in-ground pools, or ladders, for both types of pools. Despite the fact that these fixtures are often included; it is still advised that you check before making your final purchase. In the event that these items are not included, you will want to consider purchasing them right away. Depending on the type of pool you have, you may be unable to go swimming without a way to get in or out of your pool.

Pool fixtures and cleaning supplies are the pool accessories that you should be the most concerned with. Once you have those items covered, you can begin to think about other accessories. These accessories, may include, but should not be limited to, pool toys, pool furniture, and other fixtures.  When purchasing these items, it is important to remember that they are optional. While you may enjoy having floatable furniture or fun pool toys, they are not required.

If you are interested in purchasing pool toys, you will find that you have an unlimited number of different options.  Pool toys come in a wide variety of different sizes, shapes, styles, and designs. By shopping online or by visiting your local retail store, you should be able to find a large selection of pool toys. These toys may include, but should not be limited to, arm floaties, swim rings, baby floats, beach balls, dive rings, and other floatable toys.

While shopping for swim toys, you may also want to examine pool furniture.  This furniture may include, but should not be limited to, traditional floating chairs, floating lounge chairs, or floating rafts.  While pool furniture may be a little bit more expensive than most traditional pool toys, you should be able to purchase them from the same locations. Many retailers, both online and offline, will carry a selection of floatable pool furniture.  By purchasing your pool toys and pool furniture together you may not only be able to save time, but money as well.

The above mentioned pool supplies and accessories are just a few of the many items that can you can purchase for your in-ground or above ground pool. For additional products ideas, you may want to visit your local pool supply store or visit the online website of a well-known retailer.

Keeping Cats Out Of Your Garden

Your first line of defense when keeping cats out of your garden is to make sure that you have your boundaries secure.  If there are any gaps in your fence, you should make sure that you block them to prevent any low access.  Cats are very agile animals, and can jump very high.  Normally they can jump a fence, which is why you should also invest in string or taut wire across the top.

If a cat has made his way into your garden, it may be hard to get him out.  Most people choose to use dogs, simply because dogs are known to dislike cats. There are several dog breeds out there that completely dislike cats, such as pit bulls and Dobermans.  Cats are completely fearful of these breeds, and will flee if they see them around.

All cats are known to despise water as well.  If you spot a cat in your garden, water almost always gets him out.  All it takes is a bucket of water or a well-aimed squirt with a garden hose to make him run away.  After you have hit the cat with water several times, he should get the hint not to come back anymore.  If he comes back, simply squirt him or throw more water on him until he gets the idea.

Protecting your plants is a different story.  Mothballs are said to be very effective, as cats don’t like the smell.  You can use mothballs around your plants, garden borders, or even along the fence.  There are other repellents that you can use as well, such as cayenne peppers, tobacco, lavender oil, citronella oil, mustard oil, and even lemon grass oil.

If you visit your local hardware or lawn store, you can find motion activated sprinklers.  They work great in keeping cats out of your garden.  Once you install the sprinkler system and a cat comes into the area, the detector will pick up the cat’s presence and immediately shoot out a jet of water that will douse the cat.  In most cases, all it takes is a few times of exposure to the sprinkler before a cat learns to stay out of that area.

Sound devices that feature high frequencies are also a great way to scare off cats, although they aren’t annoying to humans.  You can find several different models, such as those that stay on all the time, and those that are motion detected.  To use this type of device, you’ll need to make sure that the model you have is strong enough to cover the entire area.  If you model you are using is strong enough to cover your entire garden, it should suffice in scaring off any unwanted animals.

You can also use commercial repellents as well.  Commercial repellents use scents to keep cats away, and shouldn’t be used near any food crops.  Due to their high chemical content, commercial repellents can pollute your crops.  You can find them at your local department store, with several varieties to choose from, many of which will fend off other animals from your garden as well.

If you have a garden, it can be very annoying if cats and other animals decide to make your garden their home.  If you stick to your guns and do your part, you can prevent them from bothering your garden or your crops.  Once you have secured your boundaries around the garden, you should try using water first.  If water doesn’t seem to work, you can look into another method, such as commercial repellents.

Making A Safe Room

The safe room, which is also known as a panic room, is a secure location within a home or building that is designed to provide safety for families during terrorist attacks, nature, burglaries, or other types of threats.  A safe room is an ideal investment for any home owner, although the more fortified rooms with heavy security are normally found in the homes of rich people.  Those that have a lot of money really have no budget – therefore they can easily spend thousands on making their safe room the best place to go in the event of an emergency.

For most of us, a safe room is a location that family members can run to and hide, or call for help in an emergency situation.  You don’t really need to go all out and put steel walls and a steel door in the room, although you do need a fortified door that opens outward with fortified walls.  You can have a door constructed of wood or other material, although the key should be a material that is very hard to break through.  No matter what type of door you choose, the door jamb should be steel, to prevent the door from being kicked in.

It’s almost important that your safe room doesn’t contain any windows.  Windows can provide entry for burglars, which is something you obviously don’t want.  You should also make sure that you keep a phone in the room, along with water, first aid kits, food, and any type of defensive weapons that you can get.  It’s also a good idea to keep medical supplies in the safe room as well, just in case you need them.

No matter how hard you may try, it’s impossible to predict how long you will be locked in your safe room when an emergency happens.  Therefore, you should always think about ventilation, lighting, and even hygiene.  Being locked in a room for several days or possibly even weeks can affect your hygiene, which is why you should keep proper hygiene supplies in your room at all times.

The reason why most people invest in a safe room is burglars, as they present a real threat.  No matter where you live, or how nice the neighborhood may be, a burglary can happen at any given time.  When a burglary happens, the last thing you want to try to do is to reason with the burglars, or attempt to cooperate with them.

When you have a safe room, you can take your family there.  You should always make sure that everyone in your family knows where the safe room is located and how to use it.  If you have children, you should teach them about the room and how important it is.  The room should never be used for recreation purposes or for children to play in.  Instead, it should only be used in case of an emergency or a place for you and your family to hide.

If you have a safe room or just interested in one, you should always make sure that you keep the proper supplies on hand, just in case.  When you finally do use the safe room, you should always make sure that you keep the keys to open the room inside, so no one else can get in.  While you are in the room you can call the local authorities, then wait inside your safe room until they get to your house and the problem is solved.  Never, under any circumstances should you come out of your safe room before the police arrive.  If a burglary is taking place, you will only make the situation worse.

Popular Backyard Activities for Teens

Just about everyone one enjoys being outside. There is just something about being outdoors that creates excitement.  While all individuals may enjoy relaxing or playing in their backyard, there are some who get the chance to be outside more than others.  Those individuals include teenagers. Most teenagers love being outside; in fact, during the summertime most can be found in their backyard. 

One thing, when it comes to teenagers, is that many are hard to please. This is because many teenagers are at the age where they easily lose interest in certain activities.  If you are the parent of a teenager, especially one that will be spending their summer break at home, you may want to familiarize yourself with some popular backyard activities, especially those designed with teenagers in mind.  Not only may this familiarization give you ideas for family friendly backyard activities, but it may also help to ensure that your teenager is outside, instead of spending their summer indoors.

If you have a pool in your backyard, your teen may literally be set for the whole summer. Although many teens get bored with certain activities, there is just something unique about a swimming pool. In fact, if given the opportunity, many teenagers would spend their entire summer break in their swimming pool.  While most teenagers are experienced swimmers, not all are.  If your teenager will be spending their summer break alone, you may want to establish some pool rules. These rules may help to ensure that they are safe while swimming alone.

Even though swimming is one of the most popular backyard activities, for teens, not everyone has a pool.  If you are looking for a way for you child to cool off during the summertime, but without having to purchase an expensive pool, you may want to examine the kiddie pools that are available. Kiddie pools are a great and safe way for teens to say cool in the summer.  When it comes to kiddie pools, not all teens will want to use them. However, many teenage girls enjoy wading in a kiddie pool, especially with their friends.

If a swimming pool, including a kiddie pool, is not an option, you may want to focus on other fun, outdoor water activities.  Many teens enjoy playing with water balloons or water guns. These water activities are a great way to cool off, but they are also fun to play with others.  Whether your teen is playing with their siblings or their friends, it is safe to assume that everyone will have a fun and cool time. 

Other fun, but dry, outdoor games may include horseshoes, basketball, football, soccer, kickball, baseball, or volleyball. As with most games, the games that your child will be able to participate will depend on if they are playing by themselves or with someone else. For those playing alone, basketball is an idea. Teens playing their siblings or friends will not have a shortage of games to choose from.  In fact, most backyard games are designed with two or more players in mind. For those of you who may live on a lake or waterway, You may enjoy fishing, boating or just skipping stones.

While it is important to focus on backyard activities, such as games, you may also want to think about what your child will eat. If they will be spending the majority of their time outside, you may want to think about allowing them to eat in the backyard.  Barbeques are ideal, when adults are present.  If your teen will be alone or with their friends, you may want to suggest a backyard picnic.  A few drinks, sandwiches, or snacks can make for an easy and safe backyard meal.

When organizing backyard activities, for your teen, you may also want to get them involved.  Teenagers are at the age where they like to make their own decisions. While your suggestions may be great appreciated, your teenager may have their own backyard activities in mind.  If this is the case, that is fine; however, you may want to make sure that those backyard activities are not only fun, but safe. 

Tips For Buying An Overseas Vacation Home

A majority of us have dreamt of owning an overseas home at home point in time.  Owning a home overseas represents a different way of life, in a sun drenched tropical location that is teaming with activities and plenty of things to see.  For many of us, owning real estate overseas is a dream that we all look forward to at some point in our lives.

If you have been considering buying a home in a foreign land, there are some things you should be aware of.  Anytime you decide to buy a home in a far away land, there are traps and pitfalls that you need to be aware of.  If you are aware of these pitfalls, you’ll go a long way in securing your home – safely and securely.

If you want to buy overseas real estate for the value, you should always keep in mind that real estate fluctuates – some months the value may go up, while other times it may go down.  Not all countries have the same real estate economy, which makes it in your best interest to look into the economy before you buy a home.  This way, if you are buying for the value, you’ll know whether or not your purchase will be profitable.

Legal systems are also something you should be aware of as well.  Different countries do things differently, which is why you will need to look into the different legal systems before you decide on a property.  The last thing you want is to purchase a home and find yourself totally unaware of how the proceedings go in the area you have chosen.

If you are buying your home to make some extra money, such as using it for a vacation or holiday home, you should always pay attention to the accessibility factor.  If you plan to visit the home yourself for vacations, you’ll want to make sure that your property is easy to reach.  If your property is hard to reach by automobile or plan, it will decrease in value and popularity over time.  On the other hand, if your property is easy to access, it will be great for you and anyone else you decide to rent the property out to.

If you want the process to go as smooth as possible, you can always enlist the services of a real estate agent.  Even though you may be buying an overseas home, a real estate agent will know the area and he can answer any questions you may have.  Chances are that you aren’t familiar with most overseas areas, which makes a qualified real estate agent a very worthy investment.  Your agent can also make recommendations based on what you are looking for – and show you the homes that you wouldn’t be able to locate without his services.

Is Re-Financing Always Worthwhile?

This is a very important question which all homeowners should ask themselves both at the start and towards the end of the process of re-financing. The answer to this question can spur the homeowner to investigate re-financing further or convince the homeowner to table the thoughts of re-financing for the moment and concentrate on other aspect of owning a home.

Establish Financial Goals

This should be the first step in the process of determining whether or not re-financing is worthwhile. Without this step, a homeowner cannot accurate answer the question of the worth of re-financing because the homeowner may not fully understand his own financial goals. While financial goals may run the gamut from one extreme to another the most basic question to ask is whether the more significant goal is long-term savings or increased monthly cash flow. This is important because re-financing can usually achieve these two goals.

Do You Want to Save Money in the Long Run?

Homeowners who establish a goal of saving money in the long run should consider re-financing options such as lower interest rates or shorter loan terms. Both of these options can considerably lower the amount of interest the homeowner is paying on the loan. This is significant because paying less interest will result in a greater cost savings.

Consider an example where a homeowner has an existing debt of $100,000, an interest rate of 6.25% and a loan term of 30 years. Just by reducing the loan term to 15 years the homeowner can significantly decrease the amount which is paid in interest during the course of the loan. However, this option will also result in an increase in the monthly payments made by the homeowner. Therefore this type of re-financing option may only be available to those who have enough cash flow to compensate for the increase in monthly payments.   Do You Want to Increase Your Monthly Cash Flow?

Some homeowners may have a chosen goal of increasing their monthly cash flow. For these homeowners the overall cost savings may not be as important as having more money available to them each month. These homeowners might consider a re-financing option in which they are able to extend their loan terms. This means they will be repaying the existing debt over a longer period of time. The homeowner will pay more in interest in the long run but will achieve their goal of lower monthly payments and an increased cash flow.

How Will Re-Financing Affect Tax Deductions?

This is another serious consideration for homeowners who are interested in investigating the possibility of re-financing. The interest paid on a home loan is often tax-deductible. A homeowner who re-finances in a manner which results in less interest being paid annually may adversely affect their tax strategy. The implications of this type of chance can be amplified for homeowners who were previously just below a significant tax break line. A significant decrease in the amount of interest paid will mean a significant decrease in the deduction the homeowner is allowed to take. This reduced deduction can put the homeowner in an entirely different tax bracket and could end up costing the homeowner money in the long run. For this reason, homeowners who are considering re-financing should have a tax preparation professional determine the ramifications re-financing will have on their tax return before a decision is made.

Motor Homes: Perfect for Retirees

Have you recently retired from your job or are you about to do so?  If you are, you will likely find yourself with a lot of free time on your hands.  While many retirees enjoy this free time, there are many more who wish to stay active. If you want to stay active in your golden years, you may want to think about buying yourself a motor home, as motor homes are perfect for retirees.

Although it is nice to hear that motor homes are perfect for retirees, just like you, you may be wondering exactly why that is.  What you may be surprised to hear is that there are a number of different reasons as to why motor homes are perfect for retires, just like yourself.  A few of those reasons are outlined below for you.

One of the many reasons why motor home are perfect for retirees, is because they are the perfect way to travel.  In addition to being comfortable and accommodating, motor homes are also an affordable way to travel. For instance, you can take a trip to visit your family and friends or you can just decide to travel across the country. When doing so, motor homes not only provide you with a mode of transportation, but they also provide you with affordable overnight accommodations.

In addition to being great for traveling, motor homes are also nice for camping.  Camping is a fun recreational activity that many retirees enjoy. The only problem with camping when you get older in age, it may be a little bit more difficult to do so.  It is not uncommon for the hard ground to cause you pain or discomfort.  If you enjoy camping, but you are tired of camping in a traditional camping tent, a motor home may be perfect for you.  Many public campgrounds have spacious camping spots designed for motor homes of all sizes.  In addition to camping in a public campground, you may also enjoy just camping in your backyard.

Another one of the many reasons why motor homes are perfect for retirees, just like you, is because they are affordable.  You have a number of different options when buying a motor home. For starters, you can decide to buy a new motor home or a used motor home.  If you are looking for a dependable motor home, like one that can get you across the country, you may feel more comfortable buying a brand new motor home.  On the other hand, if you are on a budget, you may want to buy a new motor home.  In all honesty, the decision is yours to make.

In keeping with the buying of a motor home, you will find that motor homes come in a number of different size, shapes, and styles. What does this mean for you? It means that whatever you are looking for in a motor home, you should be able to find it.  For instance, if you would like a motor home that is able to accommodate a large group of individuals, you can find and buy a large-sized motor home.  Also, you can find standard motor homes or deluxe motor homes, like ones that may come with full kitchens, bathrooms, entertainment systems, and much more.

In short, there are a number of different reasons as to why motor homes are perfect for retirees, just like you.  If you are still unsure as to whether or not you should buy a motor home, you may want to think about renting one.  Renting a motor home is a nice, fun, and affordable way to see if you would love living the motor home life.