(NewsUSA) - A real estate brokerage paying you for the honor of handling the sale of your house?

It's true -- and maybe just the latest sign of how sizzling hot the real estate market is.

In fact, under the innovative Homeowner Benefit Program, you don't even have to be ready to sell now -- or even in the near future -- to immediately receive a check that typically runs between $800 to $3,000. You just have to agree that MV Realty, which launched the program in late 2018 and continues to expand it across the nation, will broker the sale for you if and when you are ready.

"It's a win-win situation," says Amanda Zachman, the founder of MV Realty, which has the highest 5.0 rating on the real estate website Zillow.com. "The homeowner gets money now and ongoing access to a high-quality real estate brokerage that believes real estate is more than just some one-time transactional deal. And we get a future client."

Intrigued? Then before we even get into the details, consider this month's headline from Fortune.com that should warm the heart of every potential home seller: "It's the Mother of All Seller's Markets."

Meaning, the two key factors that made 2021 a record-shattering year, with cities like Miami witnessing home prices soaring by as much as 32.5 percent, both remain in play:

* A tight inventory.

* Demand so rampant -- including from investors paying cash -- that, as CNBC reported, "houses are selling on average 10 days faster than they were a year ago" when all you heard about was people fleeing big cities because of COVID.

"On top of all that," notes Zachman, "what we're now seeing are many buyers looking to lock in still relatively low mortgage rates in anticipation of the Federal Reserve raising interest rates multiple times this year."

Headquartered in Delray Beach, Fla., MV Realty now offers the Homeowner Benefit Program through its licensed agents in 33 states (Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin).

What makes the program so extraordinary is that homeowners get to keep the money from the brokerage, which is based on the estimated value of their home, even if they never choose to sell.

That's money that can be used for anything they want. Home renovations. A much-needed vacation. One homeowner was able to host their 5-year-old's dream birthday party at Disneyworld.

Meanwhile, homeowners get the benefit of a top-rated real estate brokerage's expertise, including information delivered on everything from current market trends to a personalized home analysis.

And if they do choose to sell? That's when the full-service MV Realty really jumps into action by using its highly structured proprietary process of listing and valuing a home. And -- here's the key -- maximizing said home's marketability by using its multiple resources to promote it both nationally and internationally complete with professionally taken photographs. A sale earns the brokerage the competitive local commission rate.

"With the market the way it is, now is one of the best times ever to sell," says Zachman

(NewsUSA) - Given the unique challenges and frequent unpredictability of a military lifestyle, financial planning is especially valuable and necessary for military families. There are several opportunities for military families to reach their financial and savings goals, such as low-cost investments, loans, insurance and legal protection.

Applying the same mission mindset to managing finances that you bring to managing your military career can be especially helpful, says Steve Repak, CFP,® an Army veteran who went on to a career as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional after 12 years of military service.

"If I had done a little planning and executed on what might have been a slightly painful budget when I first joined the military, I wouldn't have been left with so much credit card debt," he acknowledges.

To make the most of your finances, plan a strategy for saving and investment just as you would plan a military maneuver. Here are a few helpful tips to help you reach your financial planning goals:

* Identify your goal. First, identify where you are and where you want to be -- then outline the steps to get there. Start by figuring out your monthly income and expenses, and create a budget with how much you want to have in savings each month. Put a plan in place to reduce or eliminate spending to meet your goal.

* Turn to your team. Military families can consult a range of resources for help in developing a financial plan, including Army Community Services (ACS) for Army personnel. In addition, a CFP® professional can help clarify financial goals and objectives and offer strategies for meet`ing them.

* Be determined and take action. What you know about financial planning is less important than what you do about it, Repak says. Adopt a "war fighting spirit," and do what is necessary to accomplish your mission. Whether it is saving money, reducing debt or building wealth for retirement, taking specific steps for money management now will pay off with financial freedom in the future.

Visit LetsMakeAPlan.org for more advice and tips to help military families meet their financial goals.

(NewsUSA) - Golfers who combine their love of the sport with their love of travel account for the growing travel niche of golf tourism.

Golf tourism is travel just to play golf or when golf is secondary -- when a beach vacationer decides to play a round or two. Every year, of the 56 million golfers worldwide, about six million take a trip to play golf.

Europe is the largest golf tourism market, with a 44% share, while North America accounts for 30%. Of 32,000 golf courses in 140 countries, Europe has 6,000.

Tapping into the growing demand for European golf tourism, Costa Cruises is offering a "Cruise & Golf" program on Mediterranean cruises through summer 2022.

"As an occasional 'duffer' myself, I can't think of a better vacation than a Costa Mediterranean cruise combined with a few rounds of golf," says Scott Knutson, vice president of sales and marketing for Costa. "Playing these top European courses will give you bragging rights for years."

Starting in May on Costa Smeralda's seven-day cruises, this offer gives guests a choice of 15 of the most prestigious golf courses in Italy, France and Spain. Rome has five available courses (including the Marco Simone in Rome, where Italy's first Ryder Cup will be played in 2023); Savona, Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca each have two; and Marseille offers four.

An avid golfer could take back-to-back cruises and not play the same course twice!

The "Birdie" package offers three courses, and the "Eagle" four. Both packages include priority access on and off the ship, equipment storage and insurance, welcome kit, snack basket, private transfers, golf balls, lanyard with card holder, golf bag tag and branded cap. Additional perks include early breakfast times, flexible dinner times and reserved restaurant seating.

A Birdie package starts at $1,322 for one guest or $992 each for two. Cruise fares start at $849 per person, plus taxes, fees and port charges of around $70.

If you want to "shoot for the green" on the finest courses in Europe while enjoying the finest in Italian cuisine, culture and entertainment on a Costa cruise, contact a travel agent, visit costacruises.com or call Costa Cruises at 1-800-462-6782.

(NewsUSA) - Military kids are known for being resilient as they often adapt to change and overcome challenges associated with military life. What can all kids learn from military kids when it comes to building resilience? Cohen Veterans Network (CVN), a national not-for-profit network of mental health clinics for post-9/11 veterans, service members and their families, has three strategies parents can utilize to foster resilience in their children.

See full-sized image here.

(NewsUSA) - As the world continues to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, the role of the internet in our daily lives has grown exponentially. While many trends have come to light, one that stands out is the need for faster internet speeds in regions that have seen an influx of new residents. According to Pew Research Center, 4.9 million Americans left cities for suburbs or rural areas in 2020. Those who are moving from cities into more remote regions have become accustomed to high-speed connectivity and expect a similar internet experience in their new homes. 

America's digital gap

Rural areas across the country continue to face challenges when it comes to high-speed internet. According to the FCC, nearly 15 million people in rural America do not have access to high-speed internet. Terrestrial-based ISPs are unwilling or unable to serve these communities due to infrastructure limitations. Consumers in these regions therefore depend on satellite internet for staying in touch with friends and family, work, ecommerce, medical appointments, education and more. Additionally, as some companies adopt a remote work policy, more and more employees are exploring moving their families into areas where cable and fiber are unavailable. Consumers in these rural areas need faster internet to support their daily digital activities.

Internet from space connects rural America

The satellite industry has made tremendous progress in terms of its ability to deliver faster internet speeds to unserved or underserved areas. For example, the introduction of tools that allow consumers to manage their satellite internet plans' data consumption is a helpful way to optimize internet speeds. One of the ways this is done is to give the consumer the ability to control the quality of their streaming experience to use more or less data. By streaming lower- resolution content, consumers are able to better manage their monthly data allowance, which is delivered at a particular speed, depending on the type of plan they have selected.

More and more consumers in rural areas are taking advantage of internet services from satellite internet providers today. People using satellite internet today include small-town residents, network engineers and small-business owners, to name a few.

The future of the internet in rural America

Driven by innovation, satellite internet has the capability to connect more people across remote parts of the country, empowering consumers to live where they want and still be able to benefit from connectivity.

Companies such as Viasat are developing new satellites, such as its ViaSat-3 constellation, that will provide satellite internet plans with more data, higher data thresholds, faster speeds, higher-quality streaming and enhanced service reliability.

The digital gap is closing, but there's still work to be done. For more information on how Viasat's satellite internet is helping close America's digital gap, click here. 

(NewsUSA) - Take a look around your home. Does your dining table show signs of wear and tear? Is your work-from-home setup not getting the job done? Does your bedroom furniture look a little shabby and not quite chic? If you're nodding your head in agreement, then it might be time to upgrade. And there's no better investment than Real American Hardwood™ furniture crafted from a stylish wood like cypress.

Make an Entry
Is your home in need of an entryway drop zone? A console table may be just what you need to transform unused wall space into practical storage and décor. And if you value durability, woodworker Capers L. Cauthen of Landrum Tables in Charleston, South Carolina, says cypress is your best bet.

"I don't just offer cypress furniture, I recommend it," he adds. "It's naturally durable. I use a lot of river-recovered cypress in my work, and I tell my clients that any wood that can last 400 or more years on the bottom of a river or swamp is something you can bank on."

Choose a Centerpiece
Picking out a coffee table can be a big decision. It's the resting spot for remotes, drinks, greasy pizza boxes, and tired feet. So, look for one that's built to withstand spills and scratches.

"With proper care, solid wood like cypress will last forever," Cauthen says. "And it can be repaired, refinished, and brought back to life many times over. On the other hand, run-of-the-mill pieces made out of MDF (medium-density fiberboard) or particle board aren't built for long-term use. Their surface has one life, and if it gets damaged, the whole thing will need to be replaced."

Experience Fine Dining
Family dinner time shouldn't be interrupted by creaks and wobbles. That's why buying a quality table is a smart choice.

"There is truly no comparison," says woodworker Angel Komazec of The French Address in Slidell, Louisiana. "Solid, handmade furniture is just built differently than pieces created in a factory. The labor and love that goes into building our wooden tables is what sets them apart."

And her wood of choice is cypress. "Its texture and grain never disappoint, and the way it accepts stain leaves us in awe every time. Witnessing someone see their custom cypress table for the first time is a blessing. We have been told countless times that our pieces will be passed down, and that is an amazing feeling!"

Get Down to Business
Is it time to move your "home office" from the dining room to a dedicated space? Then invest in a desk that'll keep you organized and on task-and look good doing it.

Matthew Latiolais, owner and craftsman at Cajun Salvage Company in Lafayette, Louisiana, says cypress slab desks are all the rage.

"Cypress is prevalent in our area, and it's more economical and easier to work with than some other species," he adds. "We use a lot of reclaimed material. It's a pretty wood and its natural color offers the lighter tones that are popular in home décor. And when you apply a durable poly finish, it'll be well protected for everyday use."

Catch Some Zzzs
Did you know the average person spends 26 years sleeping during their lifetime? It's true, and a well-made bedframe is as important as your mattress when it comes to getting better rest. 

"Having a quality bedframe matters," says Kelly Seibels, owner of Seibels Cottage in Birmingham, Alabama. "And that's why we pride ourselves in our craftsmanship. Our frames are custom made by hand, and we pay close attention to the details to ensure every piece meets a high standard.

"Aesthetics are another consideration and that's why we choose to work with cypress. It's a beautiful, stable wood with straight grain and very few if any knots. I love its natural color and the way it takes stain or any finish. Cypress simply stands out."

For more stylish furniture finds to refresh your home's decor, visit CypressInfo.org.

(NewsUSA)

"Deception: A Hollywood Mystery"
by Britt Lind

Blood and dreams run red through the magical land of Hollywood, and rarely do kind souls win the spoils of war ... . When singer/songwriter Josh Sibley gets the opportunity to write songs for a multimillion-dollar feature film, he's all in. Then he meets Lila Levy, the sexy singer/actress married to the movie's producer. She attempts to use her sexuality to hook Josh into a secret love affair.

But in Hollywood, dark souls are clothed in glamour and secrets. When Lila's husband is murdered, Lila disappears, leaving Josh to deal with the woman determined to track her down -- Police Sergeant Rosemaria Baker. When the cops finally bring Lila in, she declares herself innocent and builds her case around disturbing childhood trauma that will twist Josh's soul. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3onjPU0.

"The Happy Clam"
by Rosemary Schmidt

If the author's "Go Forward, Support!" was all about staying a child as long as possible, this book is all about being an adult. "The Happy Clam" scales the realms of happiness -- physical, intellectual, emotional, relational, spiritual -- bringing together findings from the fields of psychology and philosophy with practical advice on how to apply them.

There are 1,000 things we can do to invite more happiness into our lives but only a few things that really make a difference. Just as clams are filter feeders, taking in nourishment from what's in the passing current, the author has taken in all the bits and bytes of daily news, research, and experience, and stitched them together to create a delicately crafted mosaic rich in hope and inspiration. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3r4F7Ib.

"Terms of Service"
by Craig W. Stanfill

This is not your typical sci-fi novel. Start with "1984," add in a healthy dose of "Brave New World" and "Fahrenheit 451," stir in a bit of "The Matrix" and "Blade Runner," and you have "Terms of Service." It is a thought-provoking exploration of the profound consequences to society as the digital world and the all-powerful corporations that rule it play a greater role in our lives, leaving readers to wonder where it will all end.

This is a work of literary science fiction, surreal in places, heavily laced with satire, mystical realism and even a bit of absurdism. In terms of subject matter, it lies squarely within the boundaries of the cyberpunk genre. A slow burn with an explosive finish. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3pxMmWI.

"The Orchid Farmer's Sacrifice"
by Fred Yu

In ancient China, spoiled and overconfident 18-year-old Mu Feng relishes life as the son of an honored general. But when his sister is abducted and his friends are slaughtered, he flees from home. He soon discovers the mystical birthmark on his body has put an enormous price on his head. Pursued across the Middle Kingdom, Feng finds allies in two fierce warriors and a beautiful assassin. When he learns his enemy plans an incursion with advanced weaponry, he must call on his friends and his own budding military genius to defend his country.

Can Feng fulfill a duty he didn't know he had and unite the empire against a terrifying force? If you like flashing swords, martial arts mayhem and inescapable fates, then you'll love this pulse-pounding saga. Purchase at https://amzn.to/332Q8zE.

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - Spend your spring with saints and sinners, featured in fresh programming with star-studded casts from Lifetime Television.

The start of April brings a pair of new feature movies from the Fallen Angels Murder Club series starring Toni Braxton, who also serves as executive producer. The Fallen Angels Murder Club features Braxton as Hollis Morgan, an ex-con turned amateur sleuth who sets out to investigate murders in her book club. The April premieres include Fallen Angels Murder Club: Friends to Die For on April 2, which also stars Eddie Cibrian, followed by Fallen Angels Murder Club: Heroes and Felons on April 9 with Kelly Hu. The movies are based on the Fallen Angels Book Club book series by R. Franklin James.

In the first installment, the members of the Fallen Angels Murder Club must have two things in common -- a love for books and have a criminal record. Hollis Morgan (Braxton) meets both requirements. Left holding the bag in an insurance fraud scheme concocted by her ex-husband, Hollis has served her time and now hopes the court will pardon her conviction so she can fulfill her dream of becoming a lawyer. But when a member of her book club is murdered in a scene straight out of the previous night's novel, Hollis becomes the subject of police scrutiny. Refusing to get stuck with another bad rap, Hollis sets out to investigate her fellow club members.

After a second book-inspired murder, she races to identify the killer before she becomes the next victim.

In the second movie, the members of the Fallen Angels Murder Club must band together again as they search for answers surrounding the death of one of their own. Hollis finds herself at the center of the investigation when a journalist reporting on the murder also winds up dead. As bodies begin to stack up, and Hollis connects the dots, she must solve the murders before it's too late.

Next up in April are two new movies from Lifetime's Seven Deadly Sins Movie Anthology, "Wrath" and "Greed," premiering on April 16 and April 23. The movies are based on the popular books by Victoria Christopher Murray. T.D. Jakes, Shaun Robinson and Derrick Williams serve as executive producers. Viewers will spot some famous actors in key roles. Michelle Williams, of Destiny's Child fame, joined by Beyonce's mom, Tina Knowles-Lawson and Romeo Miller (aka Lil' Romeo) star in "Wrath," and Monique Coleman, best known for her role in High School Musical, joined by LisaRaye McCoy and Eric Benét, star in "Greed."

The "Wrath" and "Greed" movies can be seen as modern morality tales, showing what can happen when people stray from a more righteous path.

In "Wrath," single lawyer Chastity Jeffries (Michelle Williams) meets Xavier Collins (Antonio Cupo), who seems too good to be true -- handsome, smart and a lawyer as well. In fact, Xavier is too good to be true; his affection turns to obsession, and Chastity realizes that she has abandoned her principles in this relationship. As Xavier's jealousy and wrath escalate, Chastity confides in her mother Sarah (Tina Knowles-Lawson) and turns to her former childhood boyfriend Roger Thompkins (Romeo Miller). But in the end, Chastity must find the strength to save herself.

In "Greed," interior decorator Zuri Maxwell (Monique Coleman) had it all -- a fulfilling career, loving family and friends, and a good man, artist Stephon Gardner (Nathan Witte). But greed threatens to destroy everything when Zuri meets handsome benefactor and entrepreneur Godfrey Anderson (Eric Benét) and his fabulously wealthy aunt Miss Viv (LisaRaye McCoy). They have everything Zuri thinks she wants. As Godfrey romances her, she compromises her values and morals to gain access to the moneyed lifestyle she craves.

Visit mylifetime.com for more information about Lifetime's spring lineup and other programming.

(NewsUSA) - Keeping children safer while supporting their key milestones can be a challenge for parents, but the right products can help make these transitional times smoother so families can embrace and celebrate these exciting moments.

1. The Dreambaby® Oxford Carrier is the perfect item to help as parents step out with their baby and enjoy the warmer weather. The hip healthy carrier is ergonomically designed to provide optimal comfort and support for both parent and child. It can be used in three different carrying positions. The Oxford carrier can be part of many "firsts" in a baby's life like the first trip to the zoo or the first visit with friends and relatives. The carrier can accommodate children up to 33 pounds, the breathable material makes it comfortable in all weather conditions, and quick-fastening clips and releases makes any outing easier.

2. For families looking for smart storage solutions, the Dreambaby® Strollerbuddy® StrollAway® Over-the-Door Stroller Hanger helps keep strollers safely out of the way when not in use. It requires no hardware or tools to install or use, just slip it on the door and adjust the arms to accommodate the size of your stroller. The simple, folding design makes it easy to bring along on trips and cushioning keeps doors safer from scratches.

3. Potty training can be a challenge. The Dreambaby® Step-Up Toilet Topper helps make this milestone easier by giving toddlers 18M+ the confidence and independence they need to succeed. This essential toilet topper bridges the gap between floor-based potties and adult toilets. The contoured seat and non-slip base are designed to help little ones feel confident and secure while using the toilet. As a bonus, it's light and can even be disassembled easily to bring along when visiting the grandparents, it's a potty training must-have!

4. Graduating to a "big kid bed" is another big moment for your little one. Dreambaby's® Dallas Bed Rail makes the transition smoother and helps relieve the fear of falling out of bed at night. Great for most beds, including recessed beds up to Queen sized, the fold-down feature is extra convenient for bed-making or bedtime stories, while anchors help secure the mattress and hold the bed rail in place.

5. For areas children should not go, the Dreambaby® adhesive Lever Lock® for door handles helps keep children safer by limiting their access to spaces such as laundry rooms, garages, and storage rooms. The lock is designed to fit most lever-style door handles and engages and disengages easily, with no key needed.

Dreambaby® is a family-owned and internationally renowned company with more than 20 years of experience in developing affordable, high-quality child safety products.

Follow @dreambabysafety on social media and visit dream-baby.com to purchase baby safety solutions or find more information.

(NewsUSA)

"The Colorless Womb"
by Kimberly Gowdy

Kimberly had always yearned for a child, but after multiple miscarriages coupled with an unhealthy marriage, she accepted that her plan to become a mother was inconceivable. A painful divorce and a job opportunity opened the door for a fresh start in Atlanta. A chance meeting with her husband-to-be, David, was a breath of fresh air. They seemingly shared the same goals and dreams but soon after realized that life doesn't always go as planned.

They entertained the possibility of surrogacy, yet after three unsuccessful attempts and only two embryos left, failure wasn't an option. Desperation to find the right surrogate led them to the biggest surprise of their lives: an unlikely person who proved to be the perfect match. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3KnBCDU.

"Rex's Journey"
by Dr. Ambroes Pass-Turner

A kid's emotional landscape is full of hills and valleys. Rex has been struggling with understanding why and how he feels. From angry one minute to sad the next, he just wants to be a kid. What's so hard about that? But we can't always control how we feel, especially not as kids.

Follow along with Rex's journey as he learns to cope with his emotions in a safe and healthy way: something we all can learn from. One Amazon reviewer calls it "a beautiful and timely story. We need more books like this! This book showcases the journey of a little boy who had to go to a counselor. Very well done." Purchase at https://amzn.to/344MZzK.

"Ghosted"
by Jana Eisenstein

Fueled by cheap vodka and low standards in her twenties, Jana naively assumes that "happily ever after" is just a dark, sweaty nightclub away. In this memoir, Jana meets men … lots of men. But with every face-licker, toe-sucker, and internet creep, it becomes clearer that hers is a ghost story and not the fairytale she expected. Still single in her thirties, she realizes she'll need to adjust her approach or risk being haunted by the mistakes of her dating past and a future of shirtless bathroom selfies.

Though "Ghosted" depicts the struggle to find lasting love, at its heart it's a story about learning to accept that when it comes to dating, there are scarier fates than ending up alone. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3G9dEZS.

"Crossing the Pressure Line"
by Laura Anne Bird

Twelve-year-old Clare Burch wonders whether her feelings of sorrow over her grandfather's death will ever go away. A special request sends Clare on a journey from her home to the Northwoods of Wisconsin. She knows she must honor Grandpa Anthony's last wishes.

Clare heads to rural Alwyn with her little blind dog and a duffel bag full of worries. What will she do without her best friends? Who will take her fishing and spoil her with candy now that her grandfather is gone? And is she strong enough to let him go? She stumbles upon the answers, learns to listen to the courageous voice inside and discovers just how tough she really is. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3GhMS1l.

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.