Cynthia's Blog

If your looking for a roller coaster you won't find it here...

2008-08-20T15:40:41Z

I had the privilege of traveling to one of my favorite places this past week.

Its not the Caribbean nor a big city full of excitement.

Its a simple, calm, peaceful retreat. There is no boardwalk for people to overtake. There are gift shops but only a few.

No amusement park, nor Broadway shows.

The place that I enjoy spending alot of my time is Chincoteague, VA. Many say, "How boring", and that is one reason I love it soo. It isn't a tourist trap, or crowded with millions of visitors a year. Its a small hometown with a beach. You spend your mornings riding your bike, looking at the beautiful marsh filled with birds, turtles and ponies. Your afternoons are spend at the calm beach of Assateague. If your looking for a refreshment stand.. not going to find it..

My family of 6spent 7 days on Chincoteague island.

And yes we have teenagers!! 4 of them.

Did they complain they had nothing to do??? Nope! The only complaint came the day we had to leave. Yes my car is full of sand, but more importantly it is full of family memories.

Oh yeah... I almost forgot to mention... We survived without a......

My friend Bob Carney said it clearly in his blog "friday-foto-is-for-fond-memories".

"Family..... Cherish them"

Piece of the Pie

2008-07-03T16:05:44Z

It is unbelievable how many companies want a share of your hard work.

From the Internet, television, newspapers, to bulletin boards; they want you to buy the best of the best. They will "make your sales soar" the say. I find more and more that the only way my business is going to soar is if I treat my clients right. They are my business not the Open House ad in this weeks paper.

Don't get me wrong; we need to do our clients a service by using items such as "The Frederick NewsPost" or "Realtor.com". It is our job to expose their properties on places like "Google" and "Craigslist".

But when it comes down to it, It is the client that shares our name and gives us our next client. If it wasn't for the respect we provide them, our business would die.

So please my co-agents, remember to thank your clients for you being where you are today!

Is your phone ringing?

2008-07-02T14:25:21Z

I am curious to know around the country how many are getting phone inquiries and how often.

In my office we split our time to share the responsibility of answering phones with the idea of getting the opportunity to help people list and buy homes.

More and more I am finding more luck with my personal phone and face to face interaction then I am with the office phone. Are you finding the same?

There was a day when two agents would be scrambling to keep up with the inquiries; now many complain about the responsibility rather that fight for it.

Have you experienced the same?

I couldn't help but post...

2008-07-02T13:50:03Z

The local news station was interviewing an 84-year old lady because she had just gotten married -- for the fourth time!

The interviewer asked her questions about her life, about what it felt like to be marrying again at 84, and then about her new husband's occupation. "He's a funeral director," she answered.

"interesting," the newsman thought.

He then asked her if she wouldn't mind telling him a little about her first three husbans and what they did for a living.

She paused for a few moments, needing time to reflect on all those years.....

After a short time, a smile came to her face and she answered proudly. explaining that she first married a banker when she was in her early 20's, then a circus ringmaster when in her 40's, later on a preacher when in her 60's, and now, in her 80's, a funeral director.

The interviewer looked at her, quite astonished, and asked why she had married four men with such diverse careers.

"Easy, son," she smile.

"I married one for the money,... two for the show,... three to get ready,... and four to go!"

A Life of the new American teenager

2008-07-01T15:50:40Z

It amazes me how dating has changed over time but yet has the same meaning.

Back in the day, it was expected that a boy goes to the girls home and gets permission from the parents in order to take her out (to get to know each other).

After the initial acceptance from the parents the boy returns at a designated time to pick up the girl and take her from her home for their date. The date is usually planned by the boy in order to woe the girl. After the all expense paid date, the boy returns the girl to her home walking to the door and hoping for a kiss goodbye. If the girl was pleased with the date she acknowledges it and they plan to do it again.

Well let me tell you, as a parent I wish I was back in the day.

This daughter who spends endless hours texting has broken off a disastrous relationship and began to befriend a boy via texting and the famous myspace. I should mention he is from the same school and not a complete stranger. With her very active schedule of soccer practice, work, cheerleading practice and SAT class she is trying to make time to meet this new boy of interest.

She confronts her father with the plan to go to soccer and cheer and then when this boy gets off work she will drive to his house "to hang out" I DON'T THINK SO!!! It is requested that this boy come over to meet Dad and then the two can "hang out" at daughters home or go to local deli or Ice cream shop.

Daughter becomes livid "Its not a date" she tries to convice her father. She state this boy wants "to get to know her" not DATE her. Since when did dating mean something other then getting to know each other???

I am amazed of how the new generation tries to justify the way they do things. And it is even more amazing that many parents accept their explanations and allow it to continue.

Teens today have so much more to worry about and yet they want to be so carefree and careless.

Am I the only parent that is still insisting on meeting the friends of my children?

If so, we only have ourselves to blame for the issues that our kids are facing today. When did parents lose their right to authority in their own home?

A day at Home Depot

2008-05-08T14:10:31Z

Two guys, one old (81) , Jim, and one young (28), David, collide while
pushing their carts around Home Depot

The old guy says to the young guy, "Sorry about that. I'm looking for
my wife, and I guess I wasn't paying attention to where I was going."

The young guy David , says, "That's OK. It's a coincidence. I'm
looking for my wife, too. I can't find her and I'm getting a little
desperate."

The old guy Jim says, "Well, maybe we can help each other. What does
your wife look like?"

The young guy says, "Well, she is 24 yrs old, tall, with blonde hair,
blue eyes, long legs, big boobs, and she's wearing tight white shorts,
a halter top and no bra. What does your wife look like?"

The old guy Jim says, "Doesn't matter --- let's look for yours ."

Thinking and staying positive

2008-05-08T14:04:18Z

I have been a member of Active Rain for a while and read many posts. The last few weeks my area has been feeling the burn from todays market. I have listings that have dropped extremely in price causing sellers to face the foreclosure dilema. With this being so tough on them, I have been wondering if myself along with other agents will make it.

The more I read, the more I am reminded that there is light at the end and with persistance it can be done. Thank you to the activerain community for keeping it positive. I look forward to the upswing in this market and the reward of satisfying client after client with therir needs. It will be tough but I know with your help, it can be done!

News Report: New evidence that the Lie Detector Robot really works!

2008-04-30T13:49:44Z

LIE DETECTOR ROBOT

John was a salesman's delight when it came to any kind of unusual gimmick. His wife Marsha had long ago given up trying to get him to change. One day John came home with another one of his unusual purchases. It was a robot that John claimed was actually a lie detector.

It was about 5:30 that afternoon when Tommy, their 11 year old son, returned home from school. Tommy was over 2 hours late.

"Where have you been? Why are you over 2 hours late getting home?" asked John.

"Several of us went to the library to work on an extra credit project," said Tommy.

The robot then walked around the table and slapped Tommy, knocking him completely out of his chair.

"Son," said John, "this robot is a lie detector, now tell us where you really were after school."

"We went to Bobby's house and watched a movie." said Tommy.

"What did you watch?" asked Marsha.

"The Ten Commandments." answered Tommy.

The robot went around to Tommy and once again slapped him, knocking him off his chair once more.

With his lip quivering, Tommy got up, sat down and said, "I am sorry I lied. We really watched a tape called Sex Queen."

"I am ashamed of you son," said John. "When I was your age, I never lied to my parents."

The robot then walked around to John and delivered a whack that nearly knocked him out of his chair.

Marsha doubled over in laughter, almost in tears and said, "Boy, did you ever ask for that one! You can't be too mad with Tommy. After all, he is your son!"

With that the robot immediately walked around to Marsha and slapped her three times.

Why Parents Drink

2008-04-28T12:58:37Z

The boss wondered why one of his most valued employees had not phoned in sick one day. Having an urgent problem with one of the main computers, he dialed the employee's home phone number and

was greeted with a child's whisper. "Hello?"

'Is your daddy home?' he asked.

"Yes", whispered the small voice.

'May I talk with him?'

The child whispered, "No.'"

Surprised and wanting to talk with an adult, the boss asked, 'Is your Mommy there?'
'Yes.'

'May I talk with her?' Again the small voice whispered,'No.'

Hoping there was somebody with whom he could leave a message, the boss asked, 'Is anybody else there?'

'Yes,' whispered the child,'a policeman.'

Wondering what a cop would be doing at his employee's home, the boss asked, 'May I speak with the policeman?'

'No, he's busy,' whispered the child.

'Busy doing what?'

'Talking to Daddy and Mommy and the Fireman,' came the whispered answer.

Growing more worried as he heard a loud noise in the background through the earpiece on the phone, the boss asked, 'What is that noise?'

'A helicopter,' answered the whispering voice.

'What is going on there?' demanded the boss, now truly apprehensive.

Again, whispering, the child answered, 'They just landed a helicopter.'

Alarmed, concerned and a little frustrated, the boss asked, 'What are they looking for?'

Still whispering, the young voice replied with a muffled giggle . . . .

'ME.'

Something just isn't right......

2008-04-23T16:29:16Z

Think about it... On a regular basis we spread the word that we are inviting strangers into a home that probably will be empty and we will be alone there for awhile. What is wrong with that picture???

It amazes me how many agents advertise their open houses and sit them alone with no back up plan if they should become uncomfortable or get into a situation where danger may be present.

It has always been my policy to bring someone along to my open houses. If I am unable to get the help, I either reschedule or make sure I stay near the door with my phone in hand when I have visitors.

I have heard horror stories of agents being alone in homes all over the country in the most reputable towns. Please I ask all of you take that extra step to protect yourself.

This isn't just for women either!

The strongest man will not get past the weakest if there is a gun present.

Don't take chances.. Stay Safe!!

"What did you do all day?"

2008-04-22T16:43:19Z

If you are married you have heard those wonderful words more than once I am sure. I thought after my children went off to school I would no longer have to hear that famous line again. Well here I am, working my butt off and yet not receiving immediate gratification. This market does put us in that mode of work harder reap less.

My day usually involves many hours of computer time, looking for that next best marketing idea, contacting current, past and present clients and searching for the future ones.

Unfortunately, this is not seen by someone who gets up and reports to a 9-5 job. AND with that 9-5 job, weekends are usually free. Well you know as well as I do that we don't have that luxury.

Don't get me wrong, I am a very positive person and always seeing the good rather than the bad, always being Optimistic...

but if I hear "what did you do all day?" one more time... I am going to go insane!

Now I ask... How do you respond to that wonderful question we have all heard?

Frederick Maryland Townhouse at a great price

2008-04-22T15:31:20Z

This townhome features 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. The home is convenient to Fort Detrick, Weis Market, Local Physicians and much more. The basement is partially finished with storage space. The backyard is closed off with a large fence and the home has been updated.

Priced to sell - $199,900 - Motivated Seller - Great Opportunity

Light at the end of the tunnel in the Real Estate Market!

2008-03-27T15:44:23Z

Who else agrees that the market is improving? This Spring is going to be fabulous!! Buyers are realizing they are going to miss the boat if they don't act. I just had a client miss two great opportunities that went under contract. Galyn Manor in Brunswick, MD has gone from 31 listings to 12 in a matter of a few months! What a relief to see. I am confident buyers are going to find the deal they have been looking for and sellers will be more and more satisfied with the end result.

Halloween Costumes for the Office Party????

2007-10-25T10:57:38Z

I am curious to know what others have done on Halloween to be in the spirit if the Holiday. What you think is acceptable for the office and what is a NO NO? Have you displayed a costume that you thought was acceptable but were told otherwise? This is meant for fun! Its always interesting to get others opinions and ideas for the upcoming Holiday!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN AND BE SAFE!

home for sale in Brunswick Maryland, Galyn Manor Development

2007-10-25T10:42:45Z

This beautiful home as been priced to sell! It is gorgeous and beats the rest in the area. With 4br, 2 1/2 bathrooms you cannot go wrong. Don't miss out on the opportunity to own your dream home at a great price! This home sits in a great commuting location; near the MARC and backroads to get you to DC/VA/WVA/MD in a reasonable amount of time.

Bring your buyers today and they will thank you for finding them a great deal!

September 11, 2001 - Take time to remember

2007-09-11T16:30:26Z

I had the opportunity to be in front of the tv when Oprah's show came on and she had children who lost a parent on September 11th. It is hard for us to remember to take time to reflect, but should be a priority. Most of us have families and cherish them. Take a moment to say a prayer for those who are still mourning from that tragic day.

My heart goes out to all of you that have been touched directly or indirectly by 9/11.

Prepare your Buyers

2007-09-11T16:12:54Z

As most of you know, I have emphasized on home sales in Brunswick, Maryland in Frederick County. I have done this because of it being my hometown and what I know best. Now I want to touch on a topic that we all should pay more attention too. First Time Home-buyers.

Pay attention to details with your buyer. When your buyer gets that loan approval Don't Assume the Lender told them everything; Do not assume the lender gave them the bottom line. Make sure you hold your buyer's hand, tell them what to ask the lender. Such as did they include not just the principle but the taxes and insurance when they gave them their monthly number. Did they explain clearly what an ARM is... and so On.

There is nothing more disappointing to the buyer than to be told they can afford a home to later find out they will have to give up their first born to make the payment.

Better yet give my wonderful group of lenders a call and be sure they will take care of your clients. Karen Friedman, Christine Lovell-Cook and Kevin Carey with Prosperity are wonderful and will not sugar coat the truth to get the client. Karen, Christine and Kevin can be reached thru my website at http://www.cynthiashouses.com

THE GREAT FREDERICK COUNTY FAIR IN FREDERICK MARYLAND

2007-08-29T15:29:31Z

FOOD, FAMILY, FUN

The Frederick County Fair once known as the "Cattle Show and Fair is being held this year from September 14, 2007 - September 22, 2007. There is always alot to experience. Schools even have a special day off to experience this wonderful fair. The fair will begin with the Free Annual Horse Pull at 7pm. On Friday there will plenty to see and do and at 7:30pm you can see the livestock show in the main arena (this is also free).

The fair also has stars such as Gretchen Wilson, The Oak Ridge Boys, Gary Allen, and Lonestar! I must say this is quite a line up! Tickets are still available for some of these performances.

There is also a day meant for riding which is called Carload day. On Wednesday September 19 from 2pm - close you can pay $45 for your full carload of people and everyone in the car will have unlimited amusement rides! This is a deal and from experience, try not to get there to late because the line of cars gets long later in the evening to take advantage of this deal. You also need to park in "parking lot D" in order get your wristbands to ride.

It is always fun to see all the livestock on show during this week. I have wonderful memories of the birthing center that is on display. At anytime during the week you may witness the birth of a piglet or calf. There is always at least 2 births during this fair.

The last thing that needs to be mentioned is the FOOD!! Wow, who can not appreciate good fair food and there is reasonably priced fair food. Make sure to stop by the Trinity United Methodist Church Tent for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner. They are open 24 hours a day during the fair and provide wonderful eggs, pancakes, burgers, beef sandwiches, and fresh made soups. They also have fries, chicken tenders, and Delicious Pies!! It is a must during your day! Just think you will also be benefitting your local church while you enjoy great food!

Entry price varies on your age. Typically $5 is your entry fee unless you are under 18 and come Monday-Friday before 5pm. Also Senior citizens are free Monday - Friday before 3pm.

The fair is located at the Frederick Fairgrounds of all places (O: click the Fairgrounds link and it will direct you to a map of the fair.

Take time out of your busy schedule to laugh and play. We all deserve it and our families will thank us for it.

School Districts, statistics, etc.

2007-08-22T17:47:30Z

Reading the paper today, and flipping thru all of the back to school ads,

I am reminded of the licensing rules and ethics we are to follow and curious to know how other agents respond.

Many times I search for homes on my MLS and see the schools listed specifically. What I mean is the name such as my local Frederick County Shools: Brunswick High School, Governor Thomas Johnson High School, Brunswick Elementary School, Linganore High School , Tuscarora High School and so on.

I have been taught that this is a big NO NO. What if the schools decide to redistrict the kids (and in many cases this happens). Many agents are setting themselves up for lawsuits. It amazes me what agents will put in there ads and listings. "#1 School" "Great School" "High Education" . I personally would not want to make my opinions on the homes my buyer's will be looking at. Who am I to stay its a great school"?

Frederick County Townhome at a great price in Brunswick,Md

2007-07-23T10:20:52Z

This 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom Townhouse has been loved and needs a new caretaker! At only $394,900 and closing help offered, you can't let it by. Galyn Manor is a great location for commuters to DC/MD/VA/WVA locations. With the MARC nearby you can relax on that commute as well. Avoid Highways and take a look at how easy it is to travel the back routes to many popular professional locations from this home. It is indeed a hidden gem. You cannot beat the views and spacious size in this townhome.

Independence Day Sale in Brunswick Maryland

2007-06-30T12:00:17Z

This home has been reduced for the Independence Day Holiday!!! You can get it now for $574,900!!! Hurry its not going to last and the price will not stay this low!!

My sellers want your clients to have the American Dream. This home is located in Beautiful Brunswick and if you look at my blogs you will already be familiar with what a great place it is to live! I know I am a resident! You can see my virtual tour and other pictures at http://www.cynthiashouses.com/

When you know you did it right

2007-06-11T11:41:11Z

I received a wonderful gift from my clients and wanted to share it with everyone. But first, I want to explain the clients previous situation. I was referred this listing due to the current agent not being familiar with the Brunswick area. Immediately I marketed the area heavily and followed this listing very closely. It was a challenge due to its location. I was able to get showings on the home but struggled on getting the right buyer. We thought we found the right buyer and indeed the buyer was not committed to go to settlement. The house continued to show well and I pushed its advantages to potential buyers.

A year and half later we found an excited buyer and was able to get to settlement. My sellers were very grateful and we all were very emotional on the outcome of this listing. Besides the look on there faces at settlement this was my other reward:

This beautiful arrangement came with a note that read

"Well we gave you lemons and you made lemonade! Thank You! Your Positive Attitude, Understand and Determination helped more than you know! Thank You"

Thanks Bob & Geri for being Awesome Sellers to work with! I hope I have many more fun and genuine clients as yourself!

Oh, how many times have I been too quick to judge people/situations!!!

2007-05-16T15:22:39Z

This story is worth sharing: I hope it makes you think before you act..

Please take the time to read it

A young lady was waiting for her flight in the boarding room of a big airport....

As she would need to wait many hours, she decided to buy a book to spend her time. She also bought a packet of cookies.... She sat down in an armchair, in the VIP room of the airport, to rest and read in peace.....

Beside the armchair where the packet of cookies lay, a man sat down in the next seat, opened his magazine and started reading.... when she took out the first cookie, the man took one also.

She felt irritated but said nothing.... She just thought.. "What a nerve! If I was in the mood I would punch him for daring!"... For each cookie she took one too.... This was infuriating her but she didn't want to cause a scene.... When only one cookie remained, she thought: "ah.. What this abusive man to do now?"

Then, the man taking the last cookie, divided it into half, giving her one half..... Ah! That was too much!! She was much too angry now! In a huff, she took her book, her things and stormed to the boarding place....

When she sat down in her seat, inside the plane, she looked into her purse to take her eyeglasses, and..., to her suprise... Her packet of cookies was there, untouched, unopened! She felt so ashamed!! She realized that she was wrong... She had forgotten that her cookies were kept in her purse.

The man had divided HIS cookies with her, without feeling angered or bitter... while she had been very angry, thinking that she was dividing her cookies with him. And now there was no chance to explain herself..nor to apologize.

There are 4 things you cannot recover.....

I hope this blog finds you having a pleasant day and allows you to sit back and take a bigger look at the picture rather than assuming the worst.

Cynthia

Price homes to sell not to have the opportunity to list!!

2007-05-16T14:25:16Z

I am discovering more and more that agents in the Frederick County area are pricing homes over what the market can handle. I know that the seller's are wanting this, but is it doing them any justice?? Days go by, Weeks go by, and then months and their home is still sitting. What does that cause the buyer to say? "Oh this has been on the market a long time, there must be something wrong with it" The home than sits and sits and eventually a buyer comes along and says "This has been here a long time, I can offer much lower than they want"

Is this doing any good to the Seller? I think not!

I have lost a few listings due to other agents agreeing with the seller on pricing their home for more money, in the end I end up selling a home nearby for more money, when indeed I started out at a lower list price! Go Figure!!

I just listed and placed a home under contract within 90 days. The home was priced a few thousand below some of the other ones and the neighbors complained that their value will go down. No this doesn't help me get their listings at first, but eventually they see that its not me determining the price of the home. IT IS THE MARKET.

How many of have experienced the same thing??

Something to ponder; for my friends in Brunswick, Maryland and the surrounding areas

2007-05-16T13:43:13Z

1.   The nicest thing about the future is that it always starts tomorrow.

2.   Money will buy a fine dog, but only kindness will make him wag his tail.

3.   If you don't have a sense of humor, you probably don't have any sense at all.

4.   Seat belts are not as confining as wheelchairs.

5.   A good time to keep your mouth shut is when you're in deep water.

6.   How come it takes so little time for a child who is afraid of the dark to become a teenager who wants to stay out all night?

7.   Business conventions are important because they demonstrate how many people a company can operate without.

8 Why is it that at class reunions you feel younger than everyone else looks?

9   Scratch a dog and you'll find a permanent job.
10.   No one has more driving ambition than the boy who wants to buy a car.

11.   There are no new sins; the old ones just get more publicity.

12.   There are worse things than getting a call for a wrong number at 4 AM. It could be a right number.

13.   Think about this: No one ever says "It's only a game." when his team is winning.

14.   I've reached the age where the happy hour is a nap.

15.   Be careful reading the fine print There's no way you're going to like it.

16.   The trouble with bucket seats is that not everybody has the same size bucket.

17.   Do you realize that in about 40 years, there'll be thousands of old ladies running around with tattoos?

18.   Do you also realize that in about 40 years, RAP music will be the Golden Oldies!?

19.   Money can't buy ha ppiness -- but somehow it's more comfortable to cry in a Corvette than in a Yugo.

20.   After a certain age, if you don't wake up with an ache in at least a few joints, you are probably dead.