Jack and Jill went up the hill- and Jack came tumbling down - 07/31/07 09:57 PM
I was on a listing appointment this evening and we were taking a tour of the home after we had discussed marketing and their CMA. As we walked out of the kitchen and to the basement door, he was boasting and bragging how he had single handed redone the basement into a … (11 comments)
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Sharpen, clean and organize your marketing tools. The fall boom is on the way. - 07/31/07 09:39 AM
The fall season real estate boom is almost here. it is time to clean, sharpen and organize your marketing tools! More homes will be coming onto the already loaded real estate market and it is times like this where those who utilize their marketing tools shall come out on top!Here are … (8 comments)
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Should the photos reflect the season? - 07/30/07 07:56 PM
Well as we are soon ending the hot summer season, we will soon be stepping into my favorite season, The Fall. We have our listings that sold quickly and others that may had fallen apart. We have others that just waiting for the right buyer.
Either way we are heading into the new … (6 comments)
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Small ears lands listing - 07/30/07 02:10 PM
When I had returned from my vacation a few weeks ago not only was I tired from the long drive, but I knew we were in need of groceries. We always let our groceries go down while away- after all you never know when the power may die or the fridge … (8 comments)
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The Pro's and Con's of sellers being present during home inspection - 07/30/07 10:19 AM
Weather you are the buyer's agent or the seller's agent, I think this question would apply. Once the home has come under agreement and you client is ready to undergo the home inspection, should the sellers be present?
There could be PROs and CONs for example:
THE SELLERS~ Pro
You are able to know … (8 comments)
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Husband threats to post wife's face on milk carton! - 07/29/07 04:43 PM
Husband working for local dairy and ice cream plant has made several threats to post wife's face on milk carton. Sources say that husband has worked for 19 years at the company and has many ties to his community.
A few years ago the wife had made a career change to better … (8 comments)
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126 Feeding Hills Rd Southwick, Ma 01077 - 07/29/07 03:57 PM
Southwick is a rural farming, business, and residential community. Its close proximity to the cities of Springfield, Massachusetts and Hartford, Connecticut via routes 10, 202 and 57 has generated significant demand for new housing. Additionally, the town enjoys its status as a major recreational center because of the Congamond Lakes, Moto … (0 comments)
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Southwick ,Ma ~ 3 bedroom Ranch~~open house 8/5/07 - 07/27/07 06:23 PM
Just reduced!
Come join us for open house on Sunday, August 5th from 11am-2pm!
Great starter home with many nice perks! Listed for $212,000!
For more photos, please visit the visual tour......
This updated Ranch offers newly refinished hardwood floors, all rooms have been freshly painted & many other updates! Sunny bay/bow window w/recessed lighting … (0 comments)
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It's not about the points, it's about helping each other! - 07/27/07 05:45 PM
We all enjoy coming onto the Active Rain site and posting our blogs and commenting on others. It has become addictive to me and I am sure a great deal of others here at AR. But I must confess and complain at the same time I guess.....
We post or blogs to … (9 comments)
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Juggle your home and career; but home is first - 07/26/07 03:20 PM
We all have very busy lives but as we all know it is hard to juggle career and home life sometimes. No matter how busy I am no matter how much my clients may need me, my home life and my family will always come first!
Take the time to enjoy your family, … (5 comments)
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My 50,000 point blog! - 07/26/07 08:18 AM
I am amazed that I have made it to this milestone here at Active Rain! I must admit I am quite excited and thrilled to have made it to this point!
I never figured I would be able to get this far in such a short time! I have been active here since … (8 comments)
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How do you present your CMAs to your propsects? - 07/26/07 07:50 AM
There are many ways to present your CMAs to your listing prospects. I am sure most of us have great ideas how to present them and make it look as professional as possible.
I know for a fact that there are some mom and pop brokers in my location that just … (4 comments)
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What does your Real Estate sign say about you? - 07/25/07 02:47 PM
With us trying to discover many new ways to market ourselves, our real estate signs are just one of the many ways people will view us for our creativity and our professionalism.
Some companies such as mine- let's you brand yourself so you have more freedom to be creative with your signs … (6 comments)
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Give them options and they will sign - 07/24/07 09:14 PM
When you are at a listing appointment and you are giving your presentation, do you feel like you are in control? Well if you do then maybe your sellers feel that you are also.
We all want to go out there and get every listing we can but there is more to … (2 comments)
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You might be a Realtor.......... - 07/24/07 08:39 PM
If you can go on vacation and instead of bringing back souvenirs you pick up a new buyer, you might be a RealtorIf you stop at a yard sale to buy some nick nacks and then walk away with a listing, you might be a RealtorIf someone asks you what is the address to your office … (16 comments)
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Recipes for food solutions to household problems! - 07/24/07 08:17 PM
Not only is food tasty and sometimes even heavenly, but there are many foods that are great for your household solutions. I have a small list of foods that can actually help around the house!
Odors in the garbage disposal~ Try cutting a lemon and putting it in your disposal. Run with … (1 comments)
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Would you buy it? The deadly question - 07/23/07 07:38 PM
What do you say to your buyers when they are considering a home and they have rolled it over and then you meet with them and they ask you the deadly question, " If it was you, would you buy this house?"
I know you have to be impartial and you have … (7 comments)
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Curb Appeal can save you money - 07/23/07 07:12 PM
A large percentage of home buyers decide whether or not to look inside a house or take it seriously based on its curb appeal-the view they see when they drive by or arrive for a showing. You can help make sure they want to come inside your house by spending some … (3 comments)
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Your not just a Realtor- your a single parent - 07/22/07 07:00 PM
As we all know we devote a lot of our time to our Buyers and sellers. Besides being the clients' professional real estate agents, we are also their parents; single parents if you will. Here are some great examples of a single parent/real estate professional;
When they get nervous about their pending sale, … (2 comments)
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Jack Daniel's Pie - 07/22/07 06:02 PM
This is a great pie for parties and holidays! Hope you enjoy it as much as I have in the past!
Jack Daniel's Pie
3 eggs1 cup pure maple syrup2/3 cup sugar1/3 cup butter, melted1/2 tsp vanilla1 1/4 cups pecan halves2 tsp Jack Daniel'sSingle crust patry pie shell. 9 inch (You can use pre-made and … (13 comments)
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Broker's Open breakfast ideas - 07/22/07 05:40 PM
Not all Broker's Opens have to be at lunch time and I have a few ideas that have been a great hit in the past. Not only are they a tasty treats, but they are also not too messy for your party!
Every once in a while I like to host a … (6 comments)
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No referral fees for Vacation properties? - 07/21/07 07:22 PM
I had just returned today from our family vacation to Lake George NY and first I must say we had a great time as always. The weather was nice except for 2 days but hey- can't get it all.
While we were there walking around the village, we came across a sign … (7 comments)
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Saying bye for the week! - 07/16/07 10:09 AM
I am off to vacation!!
It never fails that just as I am getting ready to leave I get flooded with calls for offers and showings! Maybe I should go on vacation once a month so I can generate more business courtesy of Murphy's Law!~
I shall miss you all while I am … (4 comments)
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What's with the 000's anyways? - 07/16/07 09:44 AM
Why is it that some agents just fill in the blanks with 000s instead of taking the time to find out the proper information for their new listings on theMLS? There are required fields for a reason, so why do you just add 000s instead of providing that information? It doesn't … (2 comments)
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Can a raffle bring buyers to your open house and produce leads? - 07/16/07 08:54 AM
We are always looking for new ideas to bring prospects and buyers to our open houses. I know we try creative ways to market the home and get top dollar for our sellers. I was thinking of something that could work but not sure if it is something that would be … (8 comments)
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Introducing you to my baby~Tiny - 07/15/07 09:25 PM
Hi there one and all!
I am new to this group and wanted to introduce you to my love of my life! This is my chihuahua Tiny. She is the kindest, most loving baby I have ever encountered. She is my pride and joy. She is 2 1/2 years old and she … (7 comments)
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Fee to be paid by Buyer? - 07/15/07 08:46 PM
I must say that this almost knocked me out of my chair when I was reading the listing information on a particular listing. I had a client call me yesterday to tell me they found a few homes from my daily emails that interested them. I pulled up the listings and we went … (23 comments)
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Please have the courtesy to be dressed - 07/15/07 02:27 PM
There is nothing worse than having a seller not cooperate when it is time for their open house. I went this morning to get myself ready for the open house. I wanted to make sure to get all my signs posted, get some candles burning, get the lights on and … (10 comments)
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Buying a plot of land on the moon. - 07/14/07 10:06 PM
I recieved this in my email last night and I wanted to share it with you. Imagine buying a plot on the moon? What I would like to know is if Real Estate agents could get a bite of that market! LOL! Read on and tell me what YOU think.
- Can … (2 comments)
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Stand up and be noticed! The value of blogging! - 07/14/07 09:49 PM
You can't look very far online without seeing a weblog, or blog. Everywhere you look there are blogs. They're increasing in popularity and many companies are starting to use them to communicate with their customers about latest projects or new products in a "human voice." Real Estate is no exception. A … (2 comments)
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Blog Block - is there a pill for that? - 07/14/07 09:26 PM
Day by day I sit down at my desk and I have some great ideas that come to mind and I get on Active Rain to start blogging. I may inspired by something that just happened or a funny story that I was told by another agent, many ways I get … (8 comments)
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How do you make someone leave? - 07/14/07 09:09 PM
The one thing I hate the most is when I am showing a home and the seller is there trying to do my job. They are telling my buyers what improvements they have made, or asking them questions the really is not their place to ask like are they interested in … (22 comments)
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MLS stands for Many Lovely Suprises - 07/13/07 09:31 PM
It's amazing just how many surprises we find when we search MLS for listings for our buyers. I have found some amazing things that just made me laugh!
I have seen photos of bathrooms and hallways loaded side-ways and upside-down. BUT the biggest surprise was once I had a buyer that called … (11 comments)
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Is today's market a good time for new Real Estate Agents? - 07/13/07 06:26 PM
You hear many professionals weather it is a loan officer or realtor state how the market has been slow or the shift has made such a change and a pinch in our pockets. What would you say to someone who is wanting to start their career in real estate?
Is it … (7 comments)
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Closings on the go - 07/13/07 05:44 PM
Years ago we used to savor the moments in our lives. Now everyone is so busy; 10 minute guaranteed lunches, curbside service at Apple-bees, drive thru ATM machines and swipe your card at the gas pump. With the milestones in our lives we should take time to enjoy those moments and not … (1 comments)
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A crumb of some is better than none - 07/12/07 11:55 AM
When there are low times in the real estate market there are many other ways to earn while we work on selling our listings. I know in my area there are many agents who do not want to bother with renters. They only want the listings or the buyers because they … (10 comments)
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Should "As Is" properties be immune from FHA loans? - 07/12/07 11:39 AM
Well there are new programs coming aboard all the time and even FHAhave introduced some new loans for 1st time buyers. The NEIHAMA program is another program that will gift back 6% total for down payment and closing costs. But if a home is being sold "as is" that does … (2 comments)
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My baby has turned 12 today! - 07/12/07 11:19 AM
Today is my youngest child's birthday! He is my special angel and the love of my life. Why am I blogging this? Well it has been a hard road for him because he has special needs that has taken down a bumpy road over the years. I am blessed with such … (4 comments)
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Call me and we can make some money! - 07/11/07 05:59 PM
Hi there Agents one and all!
I am offering 23% referral fee to those who have clients/prospects relocating to the Western Ma area seeking a home! I can offer your prospects/clients the following service;
Compassion and understanding of their needs. Buyers know what it is they are seeking in a home and I will … (4 comments)
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Need a refi in Ma- help please! - 07/11/07 05:33 PM
Hi there lender pros!
I have someone who is looking to refi their home because they will be going adjustable in March. Here is the scenario that seems to be a problem.
BK- The BK is 19 months out. She had the BK but not the spouse and was able to get the mortgage only … (2 comments)
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All the right steps to buying your home - 07/10/07 09:19 PM
When you decide it is time to buy your home Maureen Staccato of Keller Williams Realty will suggest making a "wish list" of what features you would like to have in your home.
Before the home search begins, Maureen will want to know as much as possible about the features and amenities you … (2 comments)
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Exposed tattoos; do they effect the professional view of an Agent? - 07/10/07 07:53 PM
Today more than ever it is common to see tattoos on both men and women. Most have them in a discrete area of their bodies. However there are tattoos that are on the areas of the body that can't be covered by clothing sometimes for example in the summer when it … (38 comments)
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What data base system do you use? - 07/09/07 11:40 AM
I am seeking and exploring for a data base system for all my clients, vendors etc. I know there's top producer out there but I wanted to know what system has worked well for you and what features you like about it.
The Data system I am currently using is crap and I really need … (10 comments)
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Active Rain is like a thunder storm - 07/09/07 08:30 AM
Well I woke up this morning to a sunny beautiful day. I poured myself a cup of coffee and was enjoying the view of my back yard with the sun beaming down on the flower beds. It was a precious sight.
As I stepped out of the shower, it had gotten very … (10 comments)
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Poor customer service should be against the law! - 07/08/07 07:34 PM
There is nothing worse than having to experience poor customer service! We as professionals are involved with total customer service and satisfaction everyday weather we are meeting in person or talking on the phone to lendersand clients. It makes me furious to get on the phone with the cable or phone … (7 comments)
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Is it really the right answer? - 07/07/07 03:03 PM
With the Real Estate market being such a buyer's market and having so many listings out there that will be competing, is it wise to sell your home as is? I can understand that bank owned properties selling the homes as is because of their particular circumstances, but as a homeowner … (5 comments)
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Smiling goes beyond what is in front of you. - 07/06/07 07:28 PM
When we meet our buyers or sellers, we greet them with a smile, shake their hand and ask how they are doing and the other usual small talk. Part of our customer servicethat we provide is building a re-pore with our clients. We all understand the value of a good, healthy … (12 comments)
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I can get a better deal with the listing agent! Fact or Fiction? - 07/06/07 04:43 PM
When we list a home we are showing that there is a commitment from the sellerto the agent representing thier interests in selling the home. However as we all know it is so different with the buyers. There are buyers that call each agent on the real estate signs and they … (6 comments)
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Can't touch this; accomplish home improvements without hurting your equity - 07/05/07 02:18 PM
Many first time home buyers but their home with ideas and dreams of either updating the out to date kitchen. Maybe the bathroom could use some updating or removing the wall to open up the living room.
You have a lot of great ideas and you know that once you have … (4 comments)
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SPED programs for your children. Know what is out there before you relocate! - 07/05/07 10:07 AM
As a parent of an Autisticchild, I know just how important it is to have the right kind of schooling and programs available concerning your child's well being. There are many great programs available within the school systems and outside of the school systems. Knowing what is available for your child … (0 comments)
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Relocating to Springfield, Ma? Know your school information to register! - 07/04/07 07:47 PM
If you will be relocating to Springfield, Ma and have school age children, you will need to know vital information for registration and to know what school district to sign up your children. Buying a home consumes a lot of your time and the most important thing is your children's education! September … (3 comments)
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In recognition of America's birthday, let's celebrate the birth of Real Estate - 07/03/07 01:10 PM
As we get ready to celebrate the fourth of July, we should also as professionals celebrate the birth of Real Estate and Real Estate Agents! I have enclosed the history of our fantastic careers!
Happy holiday to all of you from my family to yours!
English real-estate law was imported, through colonization, into … (1 comments)
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Does this listing make me look fat? - 07/03/07 07:52 AM
It's sometimes not easy to be the chunky one of the bunch. I prefer fluffy than fat. I know I am over weight and yes I have tried many things to drop the pounds. When I go to the company meetings, I walk in and I see all these top producers; … (8 comments)
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Area attractions for Western Ma. - 07/02/07 10:00 PM
There are so many wonderful attractions, history and much much more in Western, Ma. If you are considering relocating here are some great ideas and hot spots that you and your family will enjoy.
There are lots of ways to have fun at the Children's Museum in Holyoke! No matter what … (2 comments)
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Seperation- the buyers from the browsers - 07/02/07 12:55 PM
It is very difficult sometimes when you meet with your buyers for the first few times weather they are really serious about buying a home or just kinda tossing it around to see if it is what they really want to do.
You meet with them, ask them the proper questions … (1 comments)
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The NEHEMIAH program- first time with this program and need advice! - 07/02/07 09:25 AM
I have a buyer that just got an accepted offer on a property and they are in the NEHEMIAH program. It is a FHA program that can gift back 6% towards closing costs and down payment money. This is my first experience with this program so I am learning as we … (9 comments)
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Spacious 5 bedroom Colonial in Springfield, Ma - 07/01/07 02:01 PM
Location Location!
This 5 bedroom Colonial is loaded with updates and is in a very desirable location of East Springfield, MA!
For more information and photos, please visit the visual tour!
http://www.visualtour.com/shownp.asp?T=1099831
… (0 comments)
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Sorry, we're just here for the food....... - 07/01/07 01:14 PM
Well I must say that sometimes there are Agents out there that give a bad impression for our careers. Reading about some of the Open Housesthat our AR Agents have discussed, complained or boasted about today had reminded me of a Broker's Open House I had about a month ago.
Like always, … (37 comments)
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