Kenneth Bargers

HOME SALES TOP 2,000 FOR SECOND CONSECUTIVE MONTH

There were 2,214 home closings reported for the month of July, according to figures provided by the Greater Nashville Association of REALTORS®. This represents an 11 percent decrease from the 2,488 closings reported for the same period last year.

Year-to-date closings for the Greater Nashville area are 11,454. That is a decrease of 26 percent from the 15,485 closings reported through July 2008.

"There were more than 2,000 closings in July, which makes two consecutive months at that level. And, there are more than 2,000 sales pending for the third consecutive month, which creates a positive outlook for next month, as well," said GNAR president Mike Nichols. "Clearly, sales continue to decrease, but it is encouraging to see the rate of that decline improve so dramatically since the beginning of the year."

There were 2,147 sales pending at the end of July, compared with 2,394 pending sales at this time last year. The average number of days on the market for a single-family home was 87 days.

The median residential price for a single-family home during July was $171,100, and for a condominium it was $142,146. This compares with last year's median residential and condominium prices of $179,995 and $162,900, respectively.

Inventory at the end of July was 24,592, down from 25,023 in July 2008.

"Value is one of the most significant terms for potential home buyers right now. There is a good amount of inventory available, though slightly less than last year. And, prices are lower than a year ago," added Nichols. "It is important to be aware that interest rates have shown some upward trends recently and the $8,000 tax credit is scheduled to end soon. So, those who are considering the purchase of a home may want to consider acting before circumstances change and costs increase."

Source: Greater Nashville Association of Realtors®; Press Release 081009

I was in the pub yesterday when I suddenly realized I desperately need to pass gas.

The music was really, really loud, so I timed my farts with the beat.

After a couple of songs, I started to feel better. - I finished my pint and noticed that everybody was staring at me.

Then I suddenly remembered that I was listening to my I-Pod.

The State of Tennessee's Annual Sales Tax Holiday is held every year on the first Friday in August and ends the following Sunday night. This year's tax-free holiday weekend begins at 12:01 a.m on Friday, August 7th and ends Sunday, August 9th at 11:59 p.m.

What is Tax Free? Clothing ($100 or less); School Supplies ($100 or less); Computers ($1500 or less)

Further detials can be found at http://www.tn.gov/revenue/salestaxholiday/

Questions? Consumers and retailers can call (800) 342-1003, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time or e-mail Salestax.Holiday@tn.gov.

The threat of Internet crime is a serious concern. Unfortunately, criminals have caught up with technology and a variety of Internet crimes are occurring regularly against adults and children. First Alert Professional is committed to public safety. Your First Alert Professional Authorized Dealer can provide you with Internet Safety materials for you to share with your family.

ONLINE SHOPPING (E-commerce)

When shopping online, here are some tips to remember:

• Make sure the browser you currently use is a secure browser. On most browser toolbars, you will find a "Tools" section. Click on this section and find the "Security" Tab. Enter in the level of security you want the browser to contain. Install security updates as they are made available.
• Check the site you plan to shop at to ensure it is a secure site; a "lock" icon on the screen will inform you that you are at a secure site.
• Do not give out passwords, social security numbers or personal bank account information.
• Pay by credit card.
• Keep a record of all transactions.

KIDS AND THE INTERNET

The Internet can be a fun and educational resource for children. As a parent, you should communicate with your children on what is acceptable and what is not when your child is online. By speaking with your children about the Internet, you are helping to empower them against the potential dangers lurking on the Internet.

To help protect your child:

• Monitor your child's use on the Internet.
• Teach your child not to give out personal information.
• Use filtering software.
• Check the lists of sites that may advocate child abuse or pedophilia by searching on the CyberAngels web site (cyberangels.com).

E-MAIL SAFETY

E-mail is an easy and affordable way to stay in touch with relatives, keep up to date with friends and communicate with business associates. Unfortunately, the increased incidents of crime involving e-mail are on the rise. In addition to scams, computer viruses are another rising threat involving e-mail.

Here are some simple rules to follow in protecting yourself when using e-mail:

• If you do not recognize the sender of the email, do not open it. Simply delete the message.
• Check with your Online Service Provider about their rules and regulations regarding unwanted e-mails, or if they offer a way to "block" unwanted email.
• If you receive an e-mail of a violent or offensive nature, report it to your Internet Service Provider. If the problem persists, contact your local law enforcement agency.

CHAT ROOM

Chat rooms can be a fun experience. You can share views on politics, TV shows, music, etc. However, you should exercise caution when participating in chats.

Be sure to log into a chat room using an alias as opposed to your user name. Also, do not give out personal information, such as your address, place of employment, etc. Keep in mind that the person you are speaking to is a stranger and may not be who he or she claims they are. Do not answer Instant Messages unless they are from someone you know.

The Internet has opened up many possibilities. Along with this progress come safety concerns. We hope you find these tips useful in helping to protect you and your family. By practicing some of the safety tips mentioned, you may reduce the risk of becoming victimized by the dangers that lurk in cyberspace.

Source: First Alert/Honeywell; Consumer Life Safety Division