Labor Day - a day to relax and savor the end of summer and the last long weekend of sunshine and fun, right? This may be how most Americans see Labor Day today, but it is far from its true meaning which dates back to the height of the industrial revolution.

Labor Day was originally established as a day to honor those who toiled twelve hours a day, seven days a week to keep American running in the late 1800’s. Recognizing the history of Labor Day may enhance the holiday’s meaning for you and your family. Here are a few facts you may not have known about this day that is dedicated to America’s workers:

There are two versions of who created Labor Day:

• Peter J. McGuire, secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and co-founder of the American Federation of Labor, suggested the day be put aside to honor those “who from rude nature have delved and carved all grandeur we behold.”

• The second Labor Day creation version involves Matthew Maguire, secretary of the Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, NJ, who proposed the holiday while acting as secretary of the Central Labor Union in 1882. Maguire planned to have a picnic and demonstration in honor of American laborers.

Tuesday, September 5th, 1882 marked the first Labor Day celebration in New York City when 10,000 workers took an unpaid holiday and marched in Union Square marking the first Labor Day parade. These participants vocalized grievances with employers as well as celebrated the American workers’ accomplishments. The next year a similar demonstration was held on the same day. Oregon, Colorado, New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey were the first states to declare Labor Day a state holiday. On June 28th, 1894 the first Monday in September was declared Labor Day by President Grover Cleveland.

Labor Day celebrations have shifted from parades and demonstrations to speeches and picnics. Although Labor Day traditions have evolved, the American labor force still deserves celebration.

The American Labor force today is a far cry for where it began in the 1800s. Although an eight hour work day and a minimum wage may seem standard today, this was not so when Labor was first celebrated:

What became known as “Haymarket Square’ occurred on May 4th, 1886 when police broke up a riot in which seven policemen and four people were killed along with 100 wounded. The attention gathered from this gave steam to the labor reform movement, causing the work day to change from twelve to eight hours.

In 1938, Congress passed the Fair Labor Standards Act making the minimum wage $0.25 an hour and a maximum of 44 hours in a work week. The Act has been revised multiple times, eventually raising the minimum wage and cutting down work weeks.  In 1962, the Work Hours Act provided time and a half pay for days worked over eight hours or weeks worked over 40 hours.

The changes made due to Labor Day and the American labor force in the 1880s proves there is much to be appreciated. Without this day and those who created it, eight hour work days and a minimum wage would not be possible. Weekends also came to be because of these fearless fighters, and most notably the last long weekend that rounds out the summer.

So turn on the sprinkler and sip some lemonade, but don’t forget to give a toast to those who made it possible.

Have a safe and happy holiday weekend from your friends at MCT.

Smart eco-renovations sell.

And slashing the  monthly energy bill, reducing water usage and costs, improving indoor air quality attracts Buyers.

Looking for added value, Buyers demand eco-friendly features and Sellers benefit from that demand. . Sellers, you know the “Banish the Clutter!” anthem. Creating a great first impression is important, but investing in a home- and that’s what Buyers are doing- means Buyers also are looking for added value.

Today’s buyers demand eco-friendly features such as those found in an energy-efficient house.

If you want to make your home stand out from all of the rest and tap into a market where sales are brisker than average consider the following advice from a Level One GCREP-GL Green Certified Real Estate Professional who knows the local real estate market and can point clients in the “right” direction.   

 Here is a list we offer to Sellers.It reflects the current market buyers’ demand for eco-friendly features and benefits. Taken step-by-step it can provide sellers with a way to stand out in the crowd.

1. Order an energy audit. (Free)
2. Investigate potential for federal, state or local tax credits associated with going green. (Free)
3. Learn about green certifications - Green Certified Real Estate Professional - Level One GCREP-GL, EPA’s Energy Star for Homes, HealthyBuilt® and/or LEED ®for Homes programs.
4. Connect with buyers and a real estate professional who has earned the GCREP - Green Leadership Level One Certificationwho “speaks the language” and works with eco-friendly clients. (Free)
5. Implement energy savings suggestions from the energy audit. (Cost Effective)
   Impress buyers with a flyer-display that documents how monthly bills change reflecting energy savings. (Inexpensive)
6. Show comparisons to typical bills for similar-sized homes in the neighborhood.
7. Use CFLs. (Cost Effective)
8. Emphasize day-lighting and passive solar advantages. (Cost Effective)
9. Go green with rainwater harvesting. A simple rain chain and rain barrel can make an eco-friendly buyer smile. (Inexpensive)
10. Put aerators on faucets. Save 50% on water consumption. (Inexpensive)
11. Spruce up the home’s exterior with native and edible landscaping. (Cost Effective)
12. Pay attention to indoor air quality (IAQ.)  a) Plants can help reduce by 50% airborne molds and bacteria. Try: Rubber Plant, Ficus, English Ivy, Boston Fern, Spider Plant. (Inexpensive) b) natural aromatherapy with essential oils. (Inexpensive)
13. Clean. Use only non-toxic cleaning formulas. (Inexpensive)
14. Brighten walls with non-toxic (NO VOC) paints. (Inexpensive)
15. Donate “energy hog” appliances to charity
16. Install Energy Star® appliances- 10% to 50% more efficient. (Cost Effective)
17. Install a programmable thermostat. (Inexpensive)
18. Caulk cracks. (Inexpensive)
19. Create healthy alternatives underfoot. Recycled wood. Natural throw rugs. Bamboo. Or eco-friendly carpeting that does not emit allergens and toxins. (Cost Effective)
20. Utilize social network marketing. (Free)

If you are interested in becoming a Green Certified Real Estate Professional - Level One GCREP-GL contact our offices at 407-236-0120, email us at education@mctgroup.us or visit our website at www.mctrealestateschool.com.

Have you already taken the 24hrs Mortgage Broker Course? 

  If not this might be your last chance… ACT NOW

    If you are looking for the right school to take the required course  prior to September 30, 2010 deadline look no further. Our classes are taught by experienced licensed professionals. You do not only get the knowledge required to take the test but, throughout the class, a variety of real life examples/experience are used to explain concepts and have a better understanding of the industry.

NEXT CLASS:

      September 10-12, 2010*

     Friday, September 10, 2010                9:00am – 7:00pm

     Saturday, September 11, 2010           9:00am – 7:00pm

      Sunday,  September 12, 2010          11:00am – 3:00pm

      Cost: $199.00

Location: 2499 Trafalgar Blvd., Kissimmee, FL 34758

       On-site Course including Text Book, over 400 Review Questions, Interactive Learning Environment, and more…

REGISTER NOW VIA OUR WEBSITE:

www.MCTMortgageSchool.com

   For questions please call (407) 236-0120 or email us at: education@mctgroup.us  

The course is designed to cover all requirements of FS 494 and the 69V-40 FAC.  

 * MCT reserves the right to cancel and/or reschedule a class due to insufficient enrollment and/or availability of an instructor.  If you are traveling to get to the class, before you incur any costs in hotels, car rentals etc. please contact the school to make sure the class is not going to be postponed or canceled.

MCT Real Estate School and Green Real Estate Education have signed an agreement for MCT Real Estate School to offer theirGCREP-GL course (a Level One Green Certified Real Estate Professional, with the Green Leadership Certification) throughout the state of Florida for real estate agents to learn about green building and how to help clients to understand the attributes of a green home. There are approximately 120 million homes in the United States and many of these homeowners would like to understand how they could build value for their real estate investment. ARELLO educational leaders reviewed the content of this program and it achieved the first course approved for their Education Content Certification Program- ECCP certification. This course offers an excellent overview green products and materials and what real estate professionals may see as clients begin to show interest in these new types of renovations. Students review material that will qualify a real estate professionals’ role as these new inquiries enter the marketplace. “At any time, this classroom course has been approved for continuing education credits in 17 states.” says Kerry Mitchell, President of Green Real Estate education. The company boasts their programs cannot be offered for over $100. This price point is low enough to attract students and is what has been attractive to schools and colleges. The real estate course will be offered in Dallas, Texas at Brookhaven Community College in June 2010. “We are pleased to have MCT Real Estate School join our provider family.” says Mitchell.

In all of Green Real Estate Education courses, the content defines green building, sustainable construction and sustainable design for the students. They list materials and discuss products that promote indoor/outdoor air quality for students to discuss with their clients. We feel real estate agents need to understand why “green” is important.” says Mitchell. Business and marketing efforts are taught to students and how to bran their profession in this new green economy.

Visit MCT Real Estate School at www.MCTRealEstateSchool.com, email us at education@mctgroup.us or call us at (407)236-0120 to find out how you can get your GCREP-GL certification.

Call for details 407-481-8530 or go to www.MCTrelaty.com

MLS#  O4833983.   Beautiful 3 story Townhome For Sale near Orange County Convention Center.  3 bedrooms, 3  1/2 baths, 1 car garage. Close to theme parks (Disney, Sea World, Universal, Aquatica).  Zoned for short term rental. Residential and Vacation Community.

 We pay commission or referral fee .  If NO other Real Estate Professional involved, Seller will help buyer with closing costs.

Please click on link below:

http://www.realtor.com/Prop/1096687536

by clicking on the

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