Burlington Township, NJ

OUT OF MANY, WE ARE ONE!

History was made yesterday.  Senator Barack Obama was elected as the 44th President of The United States of America.  He will be the nation's first African-American president.  As an African-American, this is truly a proud moment for my race.  It is a proud moment not only because of his racial background. It is a proud moment for me because this country is struggling right now.  We need a change.  We need strong leadership.  I am hoping that President-Elect Obama will be the leader to help us return to our glory days.  I look forward to the leadership of the Obama-Biden White House.

GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

The Presidential Election Is Upon Us

Not matter which way you turn, someone is discussing politics. Whether you are for McCain or Obama, everyone has an opinion. Some have been taught to never discuss religion or politics or children when you don't know the other persons stance. Why is that?

I think it comes down to one word.

IGNORANCE!

I support Barack Obama for President. However, I know that there is someone else out there who feels just as passionate about John McCain. So what's wrong with that? I say nothing. People tend to go overboard with their political stance. I want to post my political poster while tearing down yours. I want to promote my candidate while silencing yours. I don't think that is how it should work. The United States of America is a great country. Many have fought and died to protect our freedom. Not so that we can use our ignorance to enslave others.

I was recently talking to a friend from Egypt. He is a proud American citizen and he is very proud of his homeland. He will tell you very quickly that he if from Egypt and he can never forget where he comes from. He loves Egypt. He feels that all of the best things come from Egypt. I feel the same way about the United States. Why should anyone have a problem with how either of us feel? Yet due to ignorance, people will look at him and assume he must be a terrorist. If he speaks in Arabic with his friends (because he speaks better Arabic than English), people around him feel that he must be up to no good. When in reality, he and his friends are figuring where they are going this weekend.

IGNORANCE!

If we would all take time to learn about each others culture, we might learn something and have a good time along the way. I love culture and I love food, but that's a story for another day. So to all my friends who are John McCain supporters, I shake your hand and say may the best man win. To my Arabic speaking friends, I say shukran (thank you). When they come to my neighborhood, i teach them to nod their head and say...whasssup. It's all good. We are all great people and proud Americans.

CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG

Have A Great Day

Leander McClain, Burlington County's Top Realtor & Real Estate Consultant, EXIT Buyers Plus Realty, 15 E. Broad Street, Burlington, NJ 08016 609-505-6578

Tuesday November 4^th Is Election Day

For many years my mother Cora Cherry has worked the polls.  She is a faithful worker and always puts her all in to whatever she does.  When I talked to mom this morning, she reminded me that there were a few things that people should be aware of when it comes voting.  These helpful hints are valid in New Jersey and may also apply to other states. 

1. VOTE your conscience.  May the best man win.
2. Bring photo ID.  It may not be required, but why chance it.
3. Don't wear political paraphernalia into the polling place.  All polling places have a sign which state "no electioneering within 100 feet of this polling place".  Wearing a political hat, buttons, t-shirts into the polling place is considered electioneering.
4. Challengers will be stationed inside the polling places.  Challengers are hired by the political parties and their sole purpose is to challenge anyone they think does not have the right to vote.  If challenged, stay calm and answer all questions asked.  Mom says that not all challengers are nice!  But the bottom line is that you have the right to vote.  If there is a problem, ask to cast a provisional (paper) ballot.
5. If you cast a provisional (paper) ballot, your ballot will be sent to the voting commission and they will determine later if you had a right to vote.  This is better than being turned away without casting a vote.  Also, do not tear anything off the paper ballot. Some may a perforated section with your identifying information on it.  If you tear this off, no one will be able to determine who cast that ballot. 
6. Skip the hassle of Election Day and cast an absentee ballot.  You have until 3pm on November 3^rd to pick up an absentee ballot in person at your county clerks office.  The ballots must be returned in person or by mail by 8pm on Election Day.  I will post a list of county clerk addresses below. 

I hope this information helps someone.  Thanks mom.

Have a great day

Leander McClain, Burlington County New Jersey Realtor & Real Estate Consultant, EXIT Buyers Plus Realty, 15 E. Main Street, Burlington, NJ 08016  609-505-6578

I LOVE ACTIVE RAIN!

I believe that blogging is a very beneficial thing and that some of the greatest people in the world belog to Active Rain. And yes.....I believe soon I will be facing and Intervention, (My name is Leander and I am addicted to Active Rain).

Now onto the point of this post. I really believe in the six degrees of separation theory. Every one knows someone, who knows someone, who knows someone else. I also believe James when he says "ye have not because ye ask not".

Readers of my blog know that recently my commuter car died. I am now in the market for a replacement. I have decided that I would like to purchase a 95-98 Subaru Legacy Wagon. This car will be used to haul around all of my real estate crap as well as my keyboards and amp (just picked up a new gig playing for a men's choir...more on that later).

I am looking for a great car at a great price. I KNOW someone out there KNOW's someone who can help me find this car. Please contact me if you can help me out.

Thanks Family.

Have a Great Day

I just joined a heating oil cooperative called HEAT USA. If you heat with oil, this may be worth looking into. Membership is only $25 per year. Read below to see all that $25 buys you. This is a bargain in my book. You can read more or join at their website www.heatusa.com

HEAT USA is the largest heating oil buying group in the United States, with over 40,000 households and 200 heating oil dealers participating. HEAT uses the combined buying power of its membership to negotiate discounted rates for heating oil and service. As a member, you will enjoy discounted heating oil. In order to reduce your cost of heating oil Heat USA gets their dealers to reduce their profit margin substantially compared to what they would normally charge. Your HEAT dealer still makes money on your business because of the number of customers provided

Free Service Contract

With membership, HEAT USA offers a free service contract which offers extensive parts and labor coverage for your heating system so if you do have a problem with your boiler or burner, it will very often be repaired at no charge by your HEAT dealer. The exception to this is when a part is not covered, in which case you will be charged a reasonable rate for the part and prevailing labor rates for the time it took to repair or replace it. I have heated with oil for many years and I can tell you that the list of parts covered under the HEAT USA service contract is extensive.

The service contract also provides 24-hour emergency service and annual maintenance of your heating system. This alone can save you $100-300 per year.

To be a member dealer of HEAT, companies are interviewed and screened for financial stability, service quality, reputation in the industry, insurance coverage and general professionalism among many other things. By being selective we ensure our members only work with solid and capable dealers.

Additional Membership Benefits

As an added level of security, the HEAT team is available to assist you. They represent your interests with your HEAT dealer, so whether you want to check your oil price, are interested in buying a new heating system, have a complaint about your HEAT dealer or anything else that might come up, you know there is someone available to help you.

Unconditionally Guaranteed Satisfaction

You are free to leave at any time for any reason, and if you are dissatisfied with the HEAT program we will even refund your membership fee with no questions asked. We're confident you will be very pleased with your experience however, and we will do everything in our power to make you comfortable and happy.

Have a great day

Leander McClain | Realtor & Real Estate Consultant | EXIT Buyers Plus Realty| Burlington| NJ | 08016|609-505-6578