12.30.2009

JERSEY SHORE HOMES - HOWELL

HOWELL Charming Craftsman style Bungalow in Country Setting; Nearby Shopping, Dining, Schools, Highways, Golf Course, & Recreation Parks! Huge possibilities for the beautiful park like lot of 1.524 acres. Den has outside entrance. You will fall in love with the Large Bedrooms, Wooden Floors, Built-Ins, Fireplace, Archways, and Enclosed Porch. Little TLC to make this home yours. Sold as is. $459,900 For more information about this property and to view more photos, visit www.dianeturton.com. Enter listing #20946106.

12.28.2009

JERSEY SHORE HOMES - BRIELLE

BRIELLE This meticulous, picturesque tudor is perfectly situated on a quiet lane near the cul-de-sac in the “Hills” of Brielle. Updates galore & turnkey condition, this home is perfect for entertaining. The open floor plan lends itself for the perfect party yet the growing family will love the space. Huge great room & a game room over garage. Gorgeous new kit, baths, roof & gutters! Neutrally decorated too. Just impeccable! $919,000 For more information about this property and to view more photos, visit www.dianeturton.com. Enter listing #20946001.

12.23.2009

JERSEY SHORE HOMES - MANAHAWKIN

MANAHAWKIN Unbelievable waterfront home on a deep lagoon only 5 minutes to the open bay. Vinyl bulkhead, with a lower dock perfect for docking your boat. This home has a full in-law suite or a secluded area for your college student to call their own it even has a private entrance. Loft overlooking the living room which has a wood burning stove and is adjacent to the galley kitchen. Generous size bedrooms, galley kitchen, 2 full baths. Large deck overlooking the lagoon. $510,000 For more information about this property and to view more photos, visit www.dianeturton.com. Enter listing #20945662.

12.15.2009

JERSEY SHORE HOMES - WALL

WALL Welcome to Apple Ridge! From the moment you enter the grand 2 story foyer you will know you are home. Oak cabinets and granite counter tops enhance the kitchen. Large 12X13 breakfast nook. Butler's pantry. Formal living room. Family room with fireplace. 4 bedrooms. 2.5 bath. Gleaming hardwood floors throughout. Grand staircase. Master bedroom complete with two closets and a full bath/jacuzzi tub, tile shower and double sinks. Extra course bsmt. Beautiful backyard/a double circular stone patio. $669,000 For more information about this property and to view more photos, visit www.dianeturton.com. Enter listing #20945330.

12.14.2009

JERSEY SHORE HOMES - BEACH HAVEN

BEACH HAVEN Great Beach Haven Location, across the street from the park and tennis courts, short walk to the beach and bay. First floor condo featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, large living area and spacious front deck with views of the bay and park. Don't miss this one! $415,000 For more information about this property and to view more photos, visit www.dianeturton.com. Enter listing #20945211.

12.11.2009

JERSEY SHORE HOMES - MANASQUAN

MANASQUAN Oceanside, totally restored beach house one house in from the ocean; low maintenance; great as a summer getaway for owners or as a rental; close to restaurants. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION + 1 car garage, outside patio, shower & shared grill! $539,000 For more information about this property and to view more photos, visit www.dianeturton.com. Enter listing #20944571.

12.10.2009

JERSEY SHORE HOMES - BAYVILLE

BAYVILLE Open Floor Plan in this unique home that overlooks a 60 ft.bulkheaded, wide lagoon with easy access to the bay! Brand new hdwd & carpet to be installed, New kitchen w/silestone ctrtops & new appls. Great Room w/FP & skylites. Sliders to 2-tiered deck, Tiki Bar & Hot Tub. Gas HWBB & Central Air!! $424,900 For more information about this property and to view more photos, visit http://www.dianeturton.com/. Enter listing #20944672.

12.09.2009

FEATURED LISTING - WARETOWN

WARETOWN What a location 5 houses to the open bay! Bring your boat and make this either a full time residence or summer home. Also walking distance to the marina. This four bedroom two bath home offers a lovely sun deck for those night time sunsets to enjoy. $299,000 For more information about this property and to view more photos, visit www.dianeturton.com. Enter listing #20944857.

12.08.2009

FEATURED LISTING - BEACH HAVEN

BEACH HAVEN Oceanside home located in the desirable Little Egg Harbor Yacht Club neighborhood in Beach Haven. This split level home features a two car garage, hardwood floors, 5 roomy bedrooms, 2 full baths, large living room, dining, kitchen, 2nd floor family room and bonus room leading out to a very large 3rd floor deck. Outside features an oversized front deck.you must see this meticulous home to appreciate all its amenities. $799,000 For more information about this property and to view more photos, visit http://www.dianeturton.com. Enter listing #20944737.

12.07.2009

FEATURED LISTING - POINT PLEASANT

POINT PLEASANT East of the canal! Only one mile to beaches! This 5 BR, 2 BA home is set back off road & sits on a great 61 x 160 ft lot. Perfect mother/daughter set up w/ 2 BRs, living area, full BA & 2nd kit on 1st flr. 2nd level recently restored to the classic charm of yesteryear w/beautiful HW flrs, to the beamed ceilings & lighting, to the glass doorknobs. Features include 3 additional BRs, LR, DR, full Kit & BA & stairway leading to lg attic area which could be an extra room. $389,000 For more information about this property and to view more photos, visit www.dianeturton.com. Enter listing #20944628.

12.04.2009

FEATURED LISTING - POINT PLEASANT

POINT PLEASANT Fabulous New Colonial ready for occupancy, approx 3,000 sq ft., on 80x110 lot east of the canal! Features gleaming oak hardwood floors throughout, recessed lighting, paddle fans, with two central a/c systems, as well as two heating systems, Anderson tilt-in windows w/full screens, 5 bds (1 on 1st flr), 3 full baths w/granite & tile (1 on 1st flr), 2 gas fireplaces, tons of closets, full basement, 2 car garage and much more! Large vinyl fenced yard with room for a pool...$659,000 For more information about this property and to view more photos, visit www.dianeturton.com. Enter listing #20938588.

12.02.2009

FEATURED LISTING - AVON-BY-THE-SEA

AVON-BY-THE-SEA Excellent location ... beautiful Sylvan Lake views, one short block to the beach! The house sits on a good sized lot, on a secluded street, with rear access to the driveway. Don't miss this opportunity to own a lakefront home so close to the beach in beautiful Avon-by-the-Sea! $849,000 For more informat...ion about this property and to view more photos, visit www.dianeturton.com. Enter listing #20944194.

12.01.2009

FEATURED LISTING - BRICK

BRICK Views of the Kettle Creek leading out into the Barnegat Bay, this expanded Cape is suitable for entertaining with an open floor plan overlooking the inground pool & patio. Updated features include newer kitchen w/tiled floor & both full baths, living room features a fireplace in addition to hardwood floors that a...re also in the dining room. There is a bedroom on the first floor while two others feature cathedral ceilings. Rear yard is fenced w/concrete patio, storage shed & docking for your boat. Just Reduced! $509,895 To schedule a private showing or view more photos of this property, visit www.dianeturton.com. Enter listing #20911392.

11.30.2009

FEATURED LISTING - BRICK

BRICK A Truely Updated-Mint-Move in Condition Home! Newer Roof '02, Siding '05, Schuco Windows '07, Insulated Garage Door w/opener '05 & Gas Furnace '05! Eat-in-Kitchen Remodeled in '06 with Stainless Appliances & Corian Counter Top w/Ceramic Tile Back Splash! Bathroom with Kohler Fixtures, Ceramic Tile, Jacuzzi Tub & Glass Enclosure! Open Floor Plan Entertaining Area with Vaulted Ceiling in & Skylights! 15x10 Deck! Quiet Neighborhood backs up to Woods on a Dead End Street with Well Kept Larger Homes! $289,000 For more information about this property and to view more photos, visit www.dianeturton.com. Enter listing #20943889.

11.24.2009

FEATURED LISTING - POINT PLEASANT BEACH

POINT PLEASANT BEACH Although originally built in 1979 this has been totally redone to like new condition & should be seen by anyone wanting a turn key home at the beach. Multiple baths, hardwood & marble floors, MBR suite w/exercise room, walkin clst and luxury bath. Custom kitchen with maple glazed cabinets, SS appli...ances range w/combination convection, granite counter with center island PEX continuous hot water system, 2 zone heat and A/C all andersen thermopane windows recessed lighting gas FP new roof and vinyl siding. $689,900 For more information and to view more photos visit www.dianeturton.com. Enter listing #20943470.

11.23.2009

FEATURED LISTING - POINT PLEASANT

Meticulously maintained colonial featuring 3 nice size bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Come and see this beautiful home with an open floor plan and beautiful hardwood floors on the first floor and a private fenced in yard with deck and awning. Less than a mile to Pt. Pleasant or Bay Head beaches and a short walk to train station. Don't miss this one! $459,000 Call the Point Pleasant Beach Office for details 732-295-0018 or visit www.dianeturton.com and enter listing #20943445.

11.20.2009

FEATURED LISTING - BELMAR

1/2 block to beach! Nicely updated town home in North Belmar. Open design with hardwood flrs, large living rm/din rm w/sliding doors to private 25' balcony; den can be used as 2nd bedroom; 1 car garage and carport, front and rear entrances. $449,500 Call the Spring Lake Office for details 732-449-4441 or visit www.dianeturton.com and enter listing #20943165.

11.19.2009

FEATURED LISTING - POINT PLEASANT

POINT PLEASANT This property has 215 feet of bulkheading. Heated inground pool, 2 boat lifts, 8000lbs & 100,000lbs. Sold subject to bank approval. AS IS. $649,000 Call the Point Pleasant Office for details 732-295-9600 or visit www.dianeturton.com and enter listing #20943063.

11.18.2009

FEATURED LISTING - BRICK

BRICK A rare opportunity to acquire the most spectacular waterfront property on Kettle Creek. This secluded home offers grace & charm, as well as a tranquil & private setting that takes full advantage of open waterviews. Renovated to perfection w/newer cedar shingles that invoke the feeling of Nantucket. Elegant master suite w/French drs leading to lg private deck. Newer bulkhead & roof, high ceilings w/tasteful refinement that is evident throughout. Separate boat slip included. Plus so much more! $829,000 Call the Bay Head Office for details or visit www.dianeturton.com and enter listing #20942990.

11.17.2009

FEATURED LISTING - WARETOWN

ADULT COMMUNITY – WARETOWN Greenbriar Oceanaire Golf & Country Club w/18 hole Championship Golf Course. Clubhouse, Driving Range, Pro Shop, In & Outside Pools, Fitness Center, Restaurant & Much more. Home features Grand Cypress Model w/Golf course views, Gourmet Kitchen w/Cherry Wood Cab. S.S.appliances, Granite Counte...r Tops and Tile Fl. & Dinette, 3 Bedrooms, 3 Full Baths, Second Floor Loft, Master Bedroom w/Walk-in closet & Full Bath, Formal Living Rm, Dining Rm, Family Rm w/Hardwood Floors, Sunroom w/Tile Floors. $449,900 Call the Lacey Office for details 609-693-7040 or visit www.dianeturton.com and enter listing #20942818.

11.16.2009

FEATURED LISTING

BRICK Magnificent riverfront home with spectacular views from the windows, balconies, & decks that hug this home. Beautiful fl plan w/huge kitchen & family rm. Private In law suite on 1st level w/separate entrance. 75 ft of newer bulkhead w/dock. Cathedral ceilings, stone fireplace in the family rm & decorative gas stove in the front palor, wood trim, moldings, commercial stove in kitchen & so much sunshine abound in this home. Walk to Windward Beach, marinas,& restaurants in this special waterfront community. $1,150,000 Call the Wall Office for details 732-292-1400 or visit www.dianeturton.com and enter listing #20942730.

11.13.2009

FEATURED LISTING

SURF CITY House has vinyl siding and newer roof. Features large living area. Home is just a short block to the Beach. Home has a detached one car garage and an outdoor shower. $590,000 Call the Beach Haven Office for details 609-492-7000 or visit www.dianeturton.com and enter listing #20942444.

11.12.2009

FEATURED LISTING

ADULT COMMUNITY IN TOMS RIVER The lovely community of Shenandoah Commons was created in 1994 & has just 58 homes - assn. fees are only $35 month! 2 bedrooms, 2 full updated baths, LR, huge kitchen with center island and dining area. Full basement is partially finished plus tons of storage space. Secluded backyard surro...unded by conservation area - no house on one side for lots of privacy! Sprinkler system, c/air, security system, brand new carpets & freshly painted. DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS FABULOUS HOME! $169,995 Call the Toms River Office for details 732-244-7776 or visit www.dianeturton.com and enter listing #20942355

11.11.2009

FEATURED LISTING

SEA GIRT Cute as a button Cape style home centrally located in Sea Girt. This classic home features 3 bedrms the 1st flr bdrm currently used as a family room; The kitchen/dining room is very large and updated, great for todays casual lifestyles. The screened in front porch is very private. The landscaping is easy maintenance. Large bedrooms upstairs. Hardwd floors throughout, updated baths new windows, updated electric, decorative molding, fireplace for cozy evenings make this home a perfect weekend getaway. $1,250,000 Call the Sea Girt Office for details 732-974-8700 or visit www.dianeturton.com and enter listing #20942249.

11.10.2009

FEATURED LISTING

MANASQUAN Charming 1877 Colonial on oversized 50 x 175 lot on one of the best streets in town! Original wide plank pine floors and oak flooring, large living room w/gas fireplace, dining room with original fireplace, updated kitchen w/sub zero refrig & cozy breakfast nook, front & rear staircases. Many details such as stained glass window, wainscoting, built ins, open beamed ceilings; newer baths, separate master suite, fantastic large & private rear yard w/brick patio - walk to town. This one's a winner! $599,000 Call the Spring Lake Office for details 732-449-4441 or visit www.dianeturton.com and enter listing #20942154.

11.09.2009

FEATURED LISTING

LONG BRANCH Fully Furnished And Upgraded 2 Bdrm, 2 Bath 2nd Floor Brighton Model Available For Immediate Occupancy. This Grand Resorts Unit Features Granite Counter Tops, Stainless Steel Appliances, And Hardwood Floors In The Kitchen, Laundry Room Off Of Kitchen, Hardwoood Floors Througout Open Livin...g And Dining Rooms, Master Bdrm With Master Bath And Walk-In Closet, And Parking In The Underground Lot With Extra Storage. Also, Full Access To Clubhouse With Pool, Exercise Room, Billiards, And Meeting Room. $599,900 Call the Ocean Grove Office for details 732-775-2774 or visit www.dianeturton.com and enter listing #20942032.

11.05.2009

The Importance of Mortgage Pre-Approval

You wouldn't start shopping around to book a vacation without having a budget in mind. It shouldn't be any different when it comes to buying a home.

You may have convinced yourself that you can afford a home with a double car garage and a family room only to learn later on that it's not the case. Readjusting to homes that are less expensive is disappointing and takes all the fun out of the home buying process.

There are various tools on the Internet that can estimate what you qualify for but it’s best to visit a mortgage specialist for an accurate assessment. They can review your finances and check your credit in order to structure your application in the best light.

Most lenders will also place a hold on the current interest rate for a certain time period to protect you against rate increases. On a $150,000 mortgage, the difference between 5% and 6% is $87 per month or $5,220 over a five year term! Many buyers will leave this to the last minute and potentially miss out on the best rate. Don't be one of them -- make sure you're ahead of the game.

Working with a professional will also help you understand the various options associated with mortgages. Although interest rates are important, there are many other things to consider such as the type of mortgage (fixed/variable or open/closed) as well as the loan's duration. You’ll want to examine all the options to determine which one best suits your current and future financial situations.

Another advantage of mortgage pre-approval comes when it’s time to make an offer on your dream home. Unconditional offers are significantly more attractive to sellers and can knock thousands off the purchase price. In the case of multiple offers, it can mean the difference between getting the home or losing it. If you still need to make the offer conditional on financing, you'll at least be able to attach the pre-approval to your offer.

A mortgage pre-approval can save thousands of dollars and eliminate countless hours of stress. It can even prevent you from losing your dream home as you'll be in a stronger negotiating position. Getting pre-approved is easy, there’s no obligation and it doesn’t cost a cent. Contact a Turton Signature Mortgage Loan Expert today! Visit www.turtonsignaturemortgage.com.

FEATURED LISTING

OCEAN TWP West Allenhurst - A best kept secret for value! This 2 bedroom, 2 bath home on a double size lot is located 1 short block from Deal Lake, 2 blocks from the Train station, and 3 blocks from Main St shopping. This cute shore cottage has been partially updated but needs your finishing touch. A great starter home in a wonderful shore community. Well worth a look at this price. All offers will be thoughtfully considered. $299,000 Call the Wall Office for more details 732-292-1400 or visit www.dianeturton.com and enter listing #20941618.

10.13.2009

Furnace Tune Ups -- Not Just a Bunch of Hot Air

When we're down in the basement, we usually walk past the furnace without giving it a second thought -- until the weather changes and it’s time to turn it on! Having your furnace checked out by a licensed technician will ensure confidence when the time comes to fire it up.

The last thing you want is for your heat to fail on the coldest night of the year when service calls cost a fortune so treat your furnace like your car and have it maintained on a regular basis. An annual inspection which covers the motor, fan, burner, heat exchanger and thermostat will help you avoid costly repairs.

Give your furnace a quick visual inspection from time to time and make sure you clean or replace your furnace filters regularly as dirty air filters block air flow which causes the system to work overtime. Also, keep the area around the furnace clear of obstructions and never store any kind of flammable material nearby.

An efficiently running furnace will reduce heating costs but there are other easy ways to save money. Seal up air leaks with caulk or weather strips and always open your drapes on sunny days and close them at night to keep the heat in. The easiest way to save though is to turn down the thermostat and add an extra layer of clothing!

Regular maintenance will increase efficiency, reduce energy use and prevent general wear and tear. Having your furnace serviced so it works at its optimum performance level is more of an investment than an expense as it'll keep your hard earned cash where it belongs -- in your wallet!

What's Your Home Worth?

Your home's a huge asset so you'll of course want to keep tabs on its value. A real estate agent can assist you by providing a “Comparative Market Analysis” (CMA) which is a report that determines your home's value by comparing it to similar properties that have recently sold. This will enable you to set a competitive price should you decide to sell.

Online home evaluations are quick and easy but aren't very accurate as they don't take the finer details into account. If you choose to go online, it's best to use a local real estate agent who specializes in your area rather than a national website. It's best though to have a real estate agent come by in person to gather information as it will result in a much more accurate CMA.

Professional appraisers charge up to $750 so a CMA is an excellent alternative. The report, which is usually complimentary and comes with no obligation, is essential to setting a competitive asking price. The right price is crucial to achieving a successful sale as it'll help attract the greatest number of buyers which in turn will help your home sell faster and for top dollar. A CMA's also helpful during negotiations as concrete facts will help justify your asking price.

After your agent has gathered information on your home, they’ll research properties in your area that have recently sold as well as current homes on the market and recently expired listings. They'll compare homes in the area that are similar in style, square footage, age, lot size, etc. and adjust for factors such as extra bathrooms or finished basements. The home's condition and other issues like surrounding houses (i.e. is it the biggest house on the street) will also play a part in determining fair market value.

You don’t have to necessarily be ready to sell your home to receive a CMA from a real estate agent. If you’re thinking about renovating your home for instance, your real estate agent can provide an estimate on how much value certain renovations will add to your home so you can move confidently forward knowing the facts. On the other hand, if you're curious about what the house down the street sold for, they can help you out with that too.

If you’re thinking about selling your home, make sure to have an agent provide you with a CMA. This important service will ensure you have an accurate, up to date idea of your home’s true market value. This will in turn help you get top dollar for your home, because incorrectly pricing your home is a mistake that could end up costing you thousands of dollars and months of frustration.

To find out what you're home is worth, contact your Diane Turton Agent today! If you are currently not working with a Diane Turton Agent, visit our website www.dianeturton.com and receive a report within 1 BUSINESS DAY!

9.18.2009

Thinking Outside the (Lunch) Box!

It’s that time of year again when we have to think of inspiring school lunch ideas! It’s frustrating when the lunch you lovingly pack for your little one is either traded or comes home uneaten, so here are a few fresh ideas:

  • Instead of the usual ham sandwich, mix it up by making mini pizzas on english muffins, tuna on pita bread, turkey tortillas pinwheels or bagels with apple butter.
  • Kids love to assemble things themselves so put in the fixings and encourage them to build their own sandwich – they’re more likely to eat it that way!
  • Make healthy desserts by using dates or dried fruits in cookies Carrot cake and homemade banana bread will also be a big hit! Make extra and freeze portions for down the road.

There are lots of simple ways to jazz up lunch box choices and sometimes it’s as simple as cutting sandwiches into fun shapes using cookie cutters or adding new, exotic fruit. It's not always easy getting your kids to eat the right types of food but a little creativity will go a long way.

9.16.2009

The Importance of Specifying Fixtures

Taking Everything But the Kitchen Sink!

Your excitement is boundless as you walk through your new home a few days before closing. Good feelings quickly turn sour though as you discover that the beautiful, antique chandelier you fell in love with has vanished.

Now imagine you're the seller. You're feeling sentimental at the thought of leaving your home of so many years. You’re getting ready to move and are carefully packing up the chandelier your grandmother passed on to you when you receive an irate call from the buyers who are livid that it’s been removed!

Unfortunately this scenario plays out all too often because the importance of addressing fixtures early on in the real estate process is often overlooked. Real estate law isn’t always black and white in terms of what stays and what goes so if you’re planning on selling your home, you’ll want to make a list in advance of what you’re including and excluding.

A fixture is usually something that’s attached to the building in such a way that buyers will assume it's included such as light fixtures, ceiling fans and doorknobs. Personal items (often referred to as chattels) are items such as potted plants, hanging mirrors and artwork. Window coverings can be a murky area but curtain rods are usually considered fixtures while the actual curtains are not.

If a fixture has sentimental value, it’s best to remove it before the showing process rather than writing it into the exclusions. If a seller doesn’t know it’s there then they won’t miss it. If they see it during the showing, chances are they’ll fall in love with it and will be annoyed to discover later on that it’s not included with the home.

If you're taking a fixture with you but don’t want to take it down before you move, you must clearly state it in writing. If you’re a buyer, make sure you read the listing carefully and ask your real estate agent for assistance if something’s not clear. Some non-fixtures are negotiable, for example appliances are often written into a contract to make the home more attractive to first time buyers.

Ensure you proactively detail your exclusions (as well as inclusions) as soon as you put your home on the market in order to avoid upset buyers and unnecessary legal fees. Whether you’re selling or buying, you’ll want a smooth transaction where both parties have ownership over what they expected and are happy with the outcome.

1.30.2009

The Hard Reality of a Soft Market

If you're listing your home during a downswing, you'll need to follow a specific plan of action to ensure you receive the most amount of money possible.

Here are some strategies to assist you in selling your home during slower times:

  • Buyer Incentives - Many sellers offer incentives such as appliances, furniture or help with closing costs to make their home more attractive during a competitive market. These little extras can really make a difference especially to first time buyers who don't have much left after their down payment.
  • Price to Sell - Pricing your home correctly in a competitive market is absolutely critical. It's best to set the price a little less than comparable homes in order to acquire a competitive edge. Overpricing your home can be disastrous as not only will it quickly lose its 'just listed' appeal but the market could decline further causing you to 'chase the market' into a downward spiral of price reductions.
  • Use an Agent - You may want to reconsider if you're thinking of selling your home yourself to save commission. A real estate agent exposes your property to a larger supply of potential prospects which creates more demand. Your chances of selling for a higher price are far better with an agent. It's tough times like these when you need an agent the most.
  • Consider All Offers - You may have to be somewhat flexible with your price so it's important to seriously consider all offers no matter how low they are. Keep your emotions out of the negotiation process and remember that every offer has the potential to significantly increase despite your first impression.
  • Get Ready, Get Set, Show - In a competitive market, you have to be ready to show your home on a moments notice so keep it ultra clean and clutter free. Walk through each room and pack away personal items like photos and sentimental knick knacks. Space is a huge selling feature so remove any unnecessary furniture to make your home appear larger.
  • 1st Class Curb Appeal - First impressions are especially critical in a competitive market. With so many homes to choose from, buyers may not even bother seeing the inside based on the home's exterior. Stand outside your home with a friend who'll be honest so you can figure out different ways to make it more appealing to prospects.

For every dark cloud, there's a silver lining. Although the market may have slumped, try and stay positive throughout the entire process knowing that you'll likely negotiate a great deal on the purchase price of your next home! Just make sure your financing's arranged so that when you receive a suitable offer on your property, you'll be in a position to confidently move ahead.

How to Make the Super Bowl Fun for Toddlers

The Superbowl is one of the few nights a year that many people attend or hold a party. Parents of a toddler don't want to miss out on the fun just because they have a young child. Instead of staying home, there are some easy ways to make the toddler part of the action.
Things You'll Need:
  • Superbowl clothing
  • Football-related crafts and games
  1. Dress the child in team gear. Make your toddler look like a true fan and outfit him with team gear or colors. He will get lots of compliments, enhance his mood and encourage interest in the Superbowl.
  2. Let the toddler help in the kitchen. Toddlers love to be helpful. They can assist with the food preparation by mixing brownie batter, pouring chips into bowls and helping throw away trash.
  3. Encourage the child to get involved in the Superbowl. This is one of few nights that your toddler can yell, jump and run all over the house to cheer the team. Since many party guests are likely to be behaving in the same fashion, it will not be a challenge to get your toddler to join in the fun.
  4. Bring football-related crafts and games to do in the car or when the Superbowl action slows down. Since a toddler's span of attention is not extremely long, bring something to distract him when needed. Simple arts and crafts ideas include football coloring sheets or activity books.
  5. Forget about bedtime. As difficult as it may be, don't stress over bedtime. One night off schedule will not cause irrevocable harm. In fact, it will probably encourage the toddler to sleep a little more the next day.