Forest Hills Central Marching Band Students Enter Local Contest

December 9th, 2011 No comments »

Enter Naming Contest

Forest Hill Marching Band Student can pick the company name of a new local Coffee Shop and win $200.00.

In addition to the Coffee Shop in Cascade, the new business has plans for an outdoor community center with a performing sound stage for students’ mini concerts entertainment.

Local owners are providing fundraising opportunity for Band students. The coffee shop will be located adjacent to Sundaes at the Cottage Ice Cream Shop in the Village of Cascade.

To enter name your suggestions of names go to www.viewmylisting.com/coffeeshop and use the “Name Contest” button to register your ideal name.

You may also enter on Facebook at www.facebook.com/viewmylisting. Students can enter multiple names. All entered names for coffee shop must be submitted by January 10, 2012. The Winner will be announced on January 20th, 2012. In the event of no winning name selected, the $200.00 cash Prize will be awarded to the Forest Hills Band Boosters.

A winning name was selected and the winner Marti Corby was awarded the cash prize of $200.00. With over 221 great names to choose from, it became which name we could registed the dot com’s. For a Complete story on Mlive read here.

new coffe shop name

new coffe shop name

Forest Hills Marching Band Students will have local hangout with fundraising for Band Camp

January 15th, 2012 No comments »

coffee shop

coffee shop

Taro Systems Owners new venture with Forest Hills Central Marching Band. For complete story (click here)

Taro Announces New Version Release of ProGold i2 With 3 New Data Interfaces Banking, Payroll and Accounts Payable

January 4th, 2012 No comments »

Taro Systems today updated its signature real estate software ProGold i2 with next generation data interfaces, powerful accounting features, direct banking deposits and a new IDX/RETS company hosted website. Starting at $1,295, the new ProGold i2 is up to 50 percent faster and new data interfaces will streamline the accounting functions within the real estate office.*

Real Estate Software

Complete Real Estate Front and Back Office Software

“Our customers love the speed performance of the ViewMyListing.com Sync process, on-line no registration, daily ProGold i2 training courses and all-in-one integration,” said Paul Lee

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Grand Rapids, MI (PRWEB) December 29, 2011

Taro Systems today updated its signature real estate software ProGold i2 with next generation data interfaces, powerful accounting features, direct banking deposits and a new IDX/RETS company hosted website. Starting at $1,295, the new ProGold i2 is up to 50 percent faster and new data interfaces will streamline the accounting functions within the real estate office.*

“Our customers love the speed performance of the ViewMyListing.com Sync process, on-line no registration, daily ProGold i2 training courses and all-in-one integration,” said Paul Lee, ProGold i2’s Senior Product Development Manager of Taro’s Product Development. “With these next generation data interfaces, we’ve made the world’s best real estate software system even better.”

The new ProGold i2 features include an interface to Bill.com an online bill paying system, direct deposits to local banking and a payroll interface to (A)utomatic (D)ata (P)rocessing, Inc. These next generation data interfaces feature user security protection for a safe and secure data interface and a powerful new dashboard to view, monitor and edit data submissions. With the new data bridge mapping interface, the new ProGold i2 has the most powerful Single Entry capabilities ever found in an all-in-one software system.

To date, Taro Systems has developed more than 850 Multiple Listings interfaces, Bill.com interface, (A)utomatic (D)ata (P)rocessing, Inc. payroll interface, franchise interfaces to Century 21, ERA, Coldwell Banker, Weichert, and Re/Max real estate firms.

In addition, our real estate software system office features also include a company Customer Relations Manager (CRM) system that provides seller login features and agent login features to enhance communication between the company, sellers and agents and provide Search Engine Optimization to agents’ listings and personal real estate profile.

Today’s changes are consistent with Taro’s mission of providing cutting- edge tools and information to real estate owners so they can provide superior service to their agents, employees, sellers, buyers and even competing agents. For more information about our Search Engine Optimization service for your website, visit http://www.taroseo.com. Read about or comment on updated Taro news and observations on official ProGold i2 company website at http://www.ProGoldi2.com or follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter/#!/tarosystems

About Taro System, headquartered in Grand Rapids, MI, with over twenty nine years in operation, possesses the knowledge needed to develop unique and dynamic solutions to address industry-wide problems. The proof of Taro’s dedication can be found in the successes of Taro Systems’ clients – real estate companies of all sizes – including Century 21 Commonwealth representing the Frankin Real Estate for Sale area one of the largest real estate companies in the industry. Taro Systems is technology aligned with relationships, providing outstanding customer service to the people that count – the customers!

CONTACT:
Tom Wilkins
V.P. Customer Relations
Taro Systems, Inc.
6860 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Phone: (800) 949-3330
Email:support(at)taronetwork(dot)com
Fax: (616) 940-2893

*$1295 is a one time user licensee fee and $132.00/month for ProGold i2 Lite. For more information visit http://www.progoldi2.com.

# # #

Many Uses of Coffee

November 29th, 2011 No comments »

There are many people I know who would be dysfunctional without their daily doses of coffee. But coffee surprisingly can be used for so much more than a drink of caffeine & a wake up wonder.

Want to add some shine to your hair? Coffee can be used to enhance the natural gloss in your hair. Make sure you brew a very strong pot of coffee, cool, put it on your dry clean hair. Should let it sit for about 20 minutes or more then rinse.

Ditch the smells on your skin. While many foods smell & taste great in the kitchen & on your plate, later on you will not want the reminders on your skin/hands. Rub your hands with some used coffee grounds for a few minutes then rinse to erase the stink.

Freshen up the fridge. Do you ever open the fridge and get overwhelmed with the smell of food, milk that might be taking over? Well how about you open the fridge and smell coffee instead? I would prefer that too. Put a bowl of fresh coffee grounds in the fridge for a few days and watch the magic happen. The coffee grounds will soak up the stink and leave the fridge smelling great.

Ditch the ants. Those little buggers will run for the hills (not the ones in your yard) after you sprinkle some dried, used coffee grounds where you find them. Thankfully they don’t like coffee. Have those huge mounds outside? Pour a pot of coffee in and around them and poof be gone go the ants.

No more kitties in the garden. Cats just love the garden, and try to make it their outdoor liter box, but sprinkle some used coffee grounds on the soil they will no longer want to scratch in your dirt.

Freshen up the Air. Have you ever spilled coffee grounds? Well now if you do that or just want a new air freshener take a pair of pantyhose and pour some grounds in tie it shut and there you go; an easy homemade air freshener.

Yes many of us love a fresh brewed cup of coffee as well. And where will you go to get your coffee? Many people have traveled to try different brews. The east coast is one very popular place for a warm cup. Many of my relatives are in Westwood homes and when we visit we go visit local coffee shops. Always fun to try out the new blends, brews and flavors. I am still a French vanilla & Carmel mixer kinda girl. If you ever travel near the Westwood real estate areas, make sure you stop in Café Diva. It’s not a huge place, but has great food and some amazing coffee. One of our favorite stops when visiting the family.

Boston Cream Pie

November 16th, 2011 No comments »

Living in area Boston homes has its perks with the history and recipes, and the scenery.. The Boston real estate market keeps popular just as the famous Boston Cream Pie!

Ingredients:

- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups cake flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup light cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 4 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 (1 ounce) squares semisweet chocolate
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup light cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar

Directions:

1.Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease and flour two 9 inch round cake pans. Sift the all-purpose flour, cake flour, baking powder and salt together and set aside.
2.In a deep bowl cream 6 tablespoons of the butter with 3/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the 2 eggs, one at a time, then beat in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Add the flour mixture alternately with the 1/2 cup of the milk in 3 additions, Beating the batter smooth after each addition. Divide the batter between the 2 prepared pans.
3.Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 15 minutes or until cakes begin to shrink away from the sides of the pans and centers spring back when lightly touched. Turn the cakes onto wire racks to cool.
4.To Make The Filling: Combine the 1/2 cup light cream with 1/4 cup of the milk and cook over medium heat until bubbles begin to form around the edge of the pan. Immediately add 1/4 cup of the sugar and the salt, stirring until dissolved. Remove the pan from the heat.
5.In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of the milk with the cornstarch and whisk to remove lumps. Whisk in the 2 eggs. Add the hot cream mixture in a thin stream, whisking constantly. Return to the mixture to the saucepan, bring to a boil, and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens and is smooth (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and allow to cool to room temperature.
6.To Make The Chocolate Frosting: In a heavy saucepan over low heat, stir the chocolate pieces and 2 tablespoons butter until they are completely melted. Remove from the heat and, stirring constantly, add the 1/4 cup light cream in a thin steady stream. When mixture is smooth, stir in the confectioners’ sugar and beat vigorously. Stir in the 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.
7.To Assemble Cake: Spread the cooled filling over one the cooled cakes and place the second cake on top. Pour the chocolate frosting evenly over the top allowing it to spill down the sides.

Found on allrecipes.com

See more at The Best Holiday Cookies

Winter Preparations

November 10th, 2011 No comments »

1st and foremost you need a form of communication. Radio to listen to, news app on a cell phone, batteries. You will want to get updates on the storm and weather forecasts.

Always keep a blanket in your car to stay warm. Gloves, boots, hats, and small shovel are also key elements to keep as well. Those of you who don’t regularly carry a first aid kit in your vehicle should pack this now.

Most recently thousands of people found themselves stuck in one situation or another due to the weather. Oklahoma was hit with tornados, Colorado and the east coast being hit with several inches up to 30 inches of snow, leaving them without electricity, running water, heat, access to roads to drive somewhere. Planning ahead is the key to survival!

A week later and we find Holliston homes in 60 plus degree weather. With quick action, watching forecasts and being prepared it is not hard to see that Holliston real estate is quickly back on its feet and appointments are lining up. Tracking the weather is never enough. Using internet access you can keep up with the real estate trends, markets, schools and more.

Taro Systems, Inc. Announces Greenridge Realty as Newest Client to ProGold i2 and ViewMyListing.com.

November 3rd, 2011 No comments »

Taro System Inc. has partnered with Greenridge Realty to increase inner office efficiency, enhance customer server to their real estate buyers, sellers and their roster of over 400 agents. Greater Grand Rapids real estate buyers and sellers can have access to advanced communication tools to track 24/7 transaction activity and easy communication access to the company and agent. These real estate software tools address the industry wide problem of providing expected levels of customer communication with ease of use and without data duplication. The Single/Source technology of ProGold i2, can interface with the Southwestern Michigan Regional Information Center to streamline file sharing and minimize data handling—thus saving time and dollars.

“We’re delighted to welcome Greenridge Realty a local Grand Rapids, MI real estate firm as our newest customer and join the thousands of Real Estate companies making a real commitment to true customer service and office efficiency. Greenridge Realty recognizes that business must adapt and change or otherwise fall victims of technology and the free access of available property information on the Internet, to avoid the similar outcome of the travel industry many years ago.”

Buyers searching for Grand Rapids real estate and Grand Rapids homes for sale will find the local services of local based real estate companies that can offer real live customer service to West Michigan with its’ 22 offices.

About Taro Systems, Inc.: Taro Systems, Inc., headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with over twenty nine years in operation, possesses the knowledge needed to develop unique and dynamic solutions to address industry-wide problems. The proof of Taro’s dedication can be found in the successes of Taro Systems’ clients – real estate companies of all sizes – including some of the largest in the industry. Taro Systems is technology aligned with relationships, providing outstanding customer service to the people that count – the customers!

Taro Systems, Inc. Announces Century 21 Commonwealth as Newest Client to Implement our SEO Services for Commonmoves.com

November 2nd, 2011 No comments »

Taro System Inc. has partnered with Century 21 Commonwealth Realty to increase internet ranking on the major search engines. Greater Boston real estate buyers and sellers can easily have access to advanced search tools. This will provide Sellers a unique customer service experience to address the age old problem of customer communication that has plagued the real estate industry for decades.

Natick, MA (PRWEB) November 01, 2011
“We’re delighted to welcome Owners Nick and George Patsio (brothers) of Century 21 Commonwealth Realty as a customer as they join the thousands of Real Estate Brokers making a genuine commitment to true customer service,” said Doug Lee CEO Taro Systems, Inc.

Nick and George of Century 21 Commonwealth are committed to offering property buyers and sellers the most serene method to search for the property information they want at the time that they want it. Knowing that when a person is ready to get going on their sale or purchase; the communication initially delivered by Century21 Commonwealth will be further cultivated by the representatives in the offices.
Nick and George recognize that it is critical to their real estate business to maneuver through change or they will fall victims to the technology and free information available on the Internet. Several industries have adapted through such a technology change. Even the travel industry migrated through a similar change which resulted in fewer travel agencies businesses but people still traveling.

By making the choice to wisely embrace the use of the technology tools: the internet ViewMyListing.com online tools for property buyers and sellers searches and then Pro Gold i2 real estate software in their business offices; Century 21 Commonwealth has committed to further build a solid SEO strategy for http://www.commonmoves.com.

Get the Tools to your Success

Get the Tools to your Success

These tools empower Century 21 Commonwealth to compete with the top SEO companies including Trulia, Zillow and Realtor.com for the Top search engines results on Google.com. Century 21 Commonwealth is one of the top Century 21 companies nationwide with 16 locations and growing. The newest location is Newton, MA.

Buyers searching for Newton Real Estate and Newton Homes for Sale will find the local services of local based real estate companies that can offer real live customer service to Local Newton and Greater Boston real estate customers.

At Century 21 Commonwealth, the real estate associates believe in giving back to the communities that they work in. Long standing Associate Patricia Ng has been a top producer for over twenty five years for the Century 21 Masters Hall of Fame. Patricia’s mantra “Treat other people like you want to be treated and success will come to you.” Whenever I am doing charity I would say “It is always happier to share what you have”. As I have been interviewed by many news media & publications, their question is always “What’s the secret of success?” …my response is “There is no secret to success, hard work is all it takes!”

Associate Patricia Ng was installed as the 86th president of the Kiwanis Club of Somerville on September 25, 2011. The Kiwanis Club of Somerville is a community service organization, founded in 1925, dedicated to improving the lives of others, especially those of Somerville residents and the lives of children.
A hard working, dedicated real estate associates is there to serve the people so that they can reach their dreams also.

###

Tom Wilkins
Taro Systems, Inc.
1.800.949-3330
Email Information

Taro Systems, Inc. Moves Corporate Offices and Provides Local Community with Outdoor Community Center

October 20th, 2011 No comments »

Taro Systems’ new location also gives us the opportunity to facilitate local small business partnerships and website presence to provide strengthened local community. The historical location and natural beauty of building site offer a plethora of Cascade community partnerships to allow connections of people, small business and technology environment. Future plans for an outdoor community center will offer a venue for local musicians to share their talents in the natural beauty environment of the building site.

“This is a welcome addition to us right now,” said Doug Lee, President and CEO. ”During my 30 years in business I have been providing technology tools to the real estate industry with our real estate software, Progold i2, real estate search engine, ViewMyListing.com. The real estate industry has been on a constant decline since 2008. I’ve learned that the real estate people are optimistic, goal driven and have many great personality traits. Taro Systems, Inc. will continue to offer state of the art tools at competitive prices since land and houses will always be bought and sold.
What makes Taro Systems, Inc. unique is that it isn’t a franchise model nor does it provide branding; but it does deliver is a successful business model to our clients using our comprehensive real estate office software systems commonly know as Pro Gold i2.

“Our success formula for real estate companies is literately in our name “TARO”, an acronym for Technology, Aligned with, Relationships, and Outstanding customer service,” added Lee. “Using our strengths and success business model will be the grounding to our new business ventures.”

For more information on the ViewMyListing.com real estate search engine or Pro Gold i2 visit our website at http://www.ProGoldi2.com, or call 800-949-3330.
About Taro Systems, Inc.: Taro Systems, Inc., headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with over thirty years in operation, possesses the knowledge needed to develop unique and dynamic solutions to address industry-wide problems. The proof of Taro’s dedication can be found in the successes of Taro Systems’ clients – real estate companies of all sizes – including some of the largest in the industry. Taro Systems is technology aligned with relationships, providing outstanding customer service to the people that count – the customers.

ViewMyListing.com Your Real Estate Search Engine

ViewMyListing.com Your Real Estate Search Engine

Daylight Savings 2011

October 19th, 2011 No comments »

There are only two states in the USA that do not practice daylight savings and those are Hawaii and Arizona. The people in the USA will roll their clocks back on November 6, 2011 from 2:00am to 1:00am (2:00am being the official time.) Of course those of who do not turn them back may just find ourselves an hour early to work and confused for a few moments.

Cell phones & computers often adjust the time automatically; you will need to remember to change the clocks around the house and the office on your own. I for one require several reminders, and usually have some family and friends call that next morning to see what time my clocks say so they can laugh at my forgetfulness.

Many use the old saying Spring forward and Fall back to remember which way the clocks go. But this time change is used by many for having more hours in the summer to enjoy the great outdoors and fun. Many believed that the time was for the farmers to give them the best opportunities of the most hours in the sunlight. Though if you really thought about that, Daylight Savings Time only gives them something else to work around as they have to change their schedules to provide the crops during buyers’ hours.

A few local events that bring joy to many families from the Somerville homes are:
Make Your Own Toys at The Center for Arts at the Armory – Free
Storytime at Somerville Public Library West Branch – Free
Learning English at the Library – Free
Swinging Singing Seniors at the Somerville Council on Aging – Free

Many people use the extended hours to expand their time searching in the local Somerville real estate listings, as fall seems to be a popular moving time for people. With the many colors of fall, the bright bold leaves, the chatty people, the local fun, the great Somerville schools, family events and nightlife, there is much to desire about this little piece of the East Coast.

Bank Transfer Day: Use Your Money to Protest

October 13th, 2011 No comments »

You will see more and more trending on social networks called “Bank Transfer Day” which is intended to get you to take your money out of the big banks and put it into smaller banks and credit unions due to the many fees of big banks.

If you are ok with paying the big fees to the banks and working FOR them then leave everything status quo; but if you are like the millions of Americans struggling to save and keep your money, you might want to look into this further.

It is simply done by taking all funds from the Big Banks and putting it into smaller banks and credit unions where you will not obtain all the fees.

The goal of this to have enough people make the switch by November 5, 2011 and give the Big Banks a day to remember in history as to punish them for using our money against us.

Will you be on board?

Facebook has a fan page with more information and details to assist you in obtaining knowledge, links to find banks, etc simply login and search for either “Bank Transfer Day” or “Nov.Fifth

We will keep up with different news stories on many topics. Join us at any of our Facebook pages, blog with us and connect. Networking is what this is all about.

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Recent Economy Makes Home Sellers Extra Cautious – THE NEW REALITY

October 7th, 2011 No comments »

Home owners can take steps to save money when selling their house

Ever wonder the “True Reality” of the housing marketing collapse. To better understand a truer picture of today’s real estate market’; simply do your own survey.

Look at the first 10 “real estate for sale yard signs” in your local market. (Ex. Dover homes) Here’s how it probably tallies:
2 homes for sale by owner
5 homes using a realtor to sell are either about to go in the foreclosure process or have been in the foreclosure process
3 typical homeowners wishing to sell use a realtor

Before the housing crisis in the year 2008 you would have found: (Ex. Dover real estate)
1 home for sale by owner
7 typical homeowners wishing to sell used a realtor
1 home using a realtor for sale was in the foreclosure process

How can this help you?

THE NEW REALITY

Today, a homeowner may be hit with the reality that the investment they thought they made in their home may have little to zero equity. Some of the zero equity is due to the housing market meltdown and the current economic environment. Some of the zero equity is due to the homeowner accessing their house for equity lines of credit to make purchases or spend on other activities.

Whatever caused the homeowner to get to point they are today, dealing with this reality is difficulty. The homeowner now decides that they want to get out of this house. What are my options?

Do I list my house myself?
Do I sell my house myself?
Do I list my house with a Realtor?
Do I sell my house with a Realtor?

My economic realities will have influence on my course of action since I’d prefer to move out of my house without paying someone to buy it from me.
I cannot afford to lose thousands of dollars on my investment that has little to zero equity?

THE BASIC RULES OF TODAY

Understanding the nuts and bolts of real estate will help you determine the best way for you to proceed with selling or buying a house.

A real estate transaction can be broken into distinct areas. These two areas are the Listing Phase and the actual Selling Phase.

“The Listing Phase” is briefly described as the phase where the search for a buyer occurs. This phase is mostly comprised of increasing the advertising and marketing exposures of the listing/property for sale.

The actual “Selling Phase” is a little more complex. It often requires the knowledge and experience of experts. This phase may involve coordinating showing appointments, taking the prospective buyer through the home, negotiation of the final price of the house, and then working with the Bank(s), Attorney(s), and Title Company(s).

LISTING A HOUSE TODAY

Consumers are not all looking for the same “shopping” or “selling” experience…
My budget and desired shopping experience will define the manner that I finally choose to sell my house.
My economic realities will have more influence on my final purchase than my ability to browse through an on-line store of properties.

SELLING A HOUSE TODAY

How can I save monies when doing the home sale?

TODAY’S BUYER CAN USE TECHNOLOGY TOOLS AND….

To empower consumers with tools and information to transform how they buy and sell homes.

The headlock that brokers have on the market is being loosened by the availability of all kinds of information on the Web.

Give consumers more power to advertise their properties along with giving agents and consumers more web/internet based solutions for marketing properties.

SHOPPING FOR A HOUSE TODAY

The internet needs to serve the consumer, satisfy the customer and only then can it perform the services that real estate professionals need to be successful. Fool consumers once on the Internet and they remember that you are disingenuous and they will look for alternatives.

I want to sell my house and save monies by understanding the phases of selling of my home?

Know your market to determine your listing price.
Do local research to determine potential listing price.

By knowing the market prices of properties recently sold you can determine what to sell your house for thus not pay someone to buy it from you.

My budget and desired shopping experience will define the manner that I finally chose to sell my house.

The internet can serve the consumer, satisfy the customer and only then can it perform the services that real estate professionals need to be successful.

The simple survey from above probably shows you that today eighty percent (80%) of the properties for sale used a Realtor List their home.

This is great for one who can afford to share thousands of dollars but if ones’ economic realities influence me to consider saving some money then I decide what I have the abilities to do myself without breaking my budget.

Today, it may just take a homeowner just a moment to recognize that the investment they thought they made in their home may have little to zero equity because of the current economic environment and/or accessing their equity for lines of credit to make purchases or do other things.

So, now, when the homeowner wants to sell their house – how can the homeowner make the most of the situation to sell their house and save money?

The homeowner can save some or possibly all of the thousands of dollars normally paid to a real estate company.
Instead of paying a real estate company to do the listing phase and/or selling phase of their house; they might be willing to do the tasks that occur in phase.