I woke up early today, excited over all I get to do before the clock strikes midnight. I have responsibilities to fulfill today. I am important. My job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have.
Today I can complain because the weather is rainy or...I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free.
Today I can feel sad that I don't have money or...I can be glad that my finances encourage me to plan my purchases wisely and guide me away from waste.
Today I can grumble about my health or...I can rejoice that I am alive.
Today I can lament over all that my parents didn't give me when I was growing up or...I can feel grateful that they allowed me to be born.
Today I can cry because roses have thorns or...I can celebrate that thorns have roses. Today I can mourn my lack of friends or...I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new relationships.
Today I can whine because I have to go to work or...I can shout for joy because I have a job to do.
Today I can complain because I have to go to school or...Eagerly open my mind and fill it with rich new tidbits of knowledge.
Today I can murmur dejectedly because I have to do housework or...I can feel honored because the Lord has provided shelter for my mind, body and soul.
Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped. And here I am the sculptor who gets to do the shaping.
What today will be is up to me. I get to choose what kind of day I will have!
In this economy, trying to do all we can to sell houses is key. Finding that buyer for your home is so very important. Buyers are looking on the internet, in the papers and driving around the areas that they would like to live in. Having an open house, so that, they can actually walk thru the home and helping them to feel that magic, is what I am planning for this Sunday, June 28th. So, if you are out and about, and looking in the South Manchester area, please take a few minutes and stop by.
Directons for you:) I-384 East, Exit Keeney St, at stop on exit, go left, at light go right. take your 2nd left, Hackmatack St. At the first stop sign, go left onto ProspectSt. This home will come up on your right.
Time: 1 - 3 PM
Location: 87 Prospect St, Manchester, Ct
Price: $262,900
Hostess: Fran Rokicki, Fran Rokicki Realty, LLC
This home was built in 1996 and offers gas heat, vinyl siding, thermal windows, ceiling fan, skylights, applianced kitchen, two full bathrooms (one of them offers a whirlpool tub), wood floors, carpet and vinyl. There are 3 to 4 bedrooms, kitchen, dining room and living room. One of the 1st floor bedrooms is currently used as the family room. There is a nice deck in the back. The yard is level and is 1.09 acres.
Convenient location, minutes to Hartford and easy access to the highway and shopping.
Public schools are Keeney Street School, Illing Junior High School and Manchester High School
I don't know about our weather in Connecticut, this spring and now summer. It has been cold, rainy and foggy. Mud is an every day nuisance now. Whether we are showing homes, or trying to keep our own yards maintained, getting the grass cut in between the rain has been a true challenge this year. Landscaping must be performed in between the drops or pour downs:) Be relentless, get your yards groomed and ready. Summer has arrived!
Everything is good and green. No shortage of water for us this year. Picnics, graduation parties, birthday parties, are all moving indoors. Today, Father's Day, is a perfect day for a picnic. Well, not here in Connecticut. Unfortunately, it is yet, another rainy day. Try to sneak in a few hours of play, in between the rain:)
Touching up of paint on your home must wait. This weather spurt of rain and cold cannot last for much longer. Hang in there and soon the sun will shine.
Warm weather is on its way, after all, today is the first day of summer!
I have the Beach Boys playing all the good summer tunes to get you ready for the glorious days of summer that are ahead.
I'll be heading to San Diego, California in August! Last year, we enjoyed an awesome car show! The cars are all in fantastic shape. No snow, no salt, does make a difference. Cruisin in California!
Well, you won't hear that saying at BJ's Warehouse in Manchester, Ct. I was so amazed at this woman, Robin, who is one of the Managers at BJ's Warehouse, that I had to take this photo! She climbed in between the registers, to clean out the space of dust and paper. Wish I had caught her jumping over the checkout belt! There was no other entry into that space! People who work hard and care this much, are rare today. You ask for help and maybe, someone will answer. Usually, they say, no we don't have that. Without even looking! Have you had that happen to you?
We are cutting back on our spending and watching our purchases. Probably, the reason that these warehouse stores are doing so well. Their prices are a great help to businesses and families in this economy. On top of that reason, when I see that they are concerned about cleanliness in their store and smiling the whole time, Wow! That's an amazing quality for this store to have. Their employees do jump to assist you. They do not make you wait. Whether it is the Manager, Robin, or the young man who is washing the floor, or the man tending the vegetables, they all value their clients. Always ready to answer your questions and help you.
Thanks to all of you for your good customer service! You are rated a Big 10!
I hope that you are able to take the day off and enjoy time with your family. Whether it be fishing, golfing, boating or working on a favorite car, take the time to relax and kick back. Sometimes, we all get so caught up in business, that we forget to take that time.
If you take the day off, you will come back on Monday, totally energized and ready to go! You may have a more productive week!
Happy Father's Day! I did have the best Dad. He taught me responsibility, trust, how to cook:)and more! My memories of time spent with my Dad, always make me smile. They are priceless!
To all the Dad's who never take time for themselves. To the Dad's who put their family first. You deserve to be applauded and recognized. Whoo Hoo!
Now this is a Contest! What fun to enter and await the results! How anxious and excited all of the entries must have been.
Did you hear about this yet? Fox 61 in Hartford, Connecticut has chosen this backyard in South Windsor, Connecticut, to have the ultimate backyard makeover! It was on the television morning newscast this week. A good bunch of people are all over there, working on transforming this rough yard, into a yard that the owners can enjoy and be proud of for years to come. Go to the web link posted below and read the names of all the businesses that are contributing their work and materials for this contest. Birch Mountain Earthworks, LLC of South Windsor, Connecticut, is one of those companies. Be sure to check back and watch how nicely this outdoor living space improves!
Congratulations to the owners of this home! I saw the interview on the Fox 61 morning news with the owner, Jaime and her baby:) I watch this show, and now even more, to see how this backyard project is coming along. Love the daily updates! She commented that she wanted to Google Earth her home and see green, not what she is seeing right now (green with brown spots). To enjoy her yard and be able to utilize its space with her family is what she is looking forward to the most. Can't wait to see the finished product! Tune in to the Fox 61 Morning Newscast for more updates and reports!
Click on the above link to visit my Ct Business Referral Directory. On this new site, you will be able to find businesses that have been sent to me by my clients. These businesses have been contracted by people in my database, or by myself, and are the best of the best in their businesses. Don't be calling business people that you don't know. Be assured and get a referral from my directory!
We have tried many local businesses. However, only those that are listed on this website have proven to be excellent, by my clients. Trust and honesty are their highest ratings. Value of expertise and work performed, came in high, too!
Whether you are looking for a pet sitter or a landscaping company that you can trust in today's economy, they are all listed with their contact information! These folks have been in business for years and are licensed, insured and reputable.
I heard a broadcast this morning. It was a man who was reviewing the upcoming law changes and amendments to our state. I almost jumped out of my skin when I heard him say that Realtors are making more of the sunset tax than it is. WHAT?
Everytime our Sellers close on a property, they now pay much more than they did before the high market. Every town in our state has a different amount. This man, claimed that it didn't affect our real estate sales because it was a tax that happened after the sale. Actually, it is at time of closing. The attorney takes that part of the money that is owed to the town where the property is located and pays it for the sellers. So, keep it a secret and drop it on the sellers at the closing table? Yikes! Is he kidding?
In our current economy, sellers are not making huge profits on the sale of their homes. In fact, some are selling their homes for less than they purchased them for. The sunset tax came out during the high market. That market is over and gone. This sunset tax has been voted in, to continue, by our State Legislatures every single year, even though, it was only meant to be a tax for one year.
Please, write to your State Representatives and let them know that they should not vote the Conveyance Sunset Taxback in again, this year. Stop taking more money from the public. The public didn't get any of the bailout bonus monies. The towns did. Our town taxes have continued to rise, every year. When does it stop? Probably, never. However, this added tax is certainly a burden to sellers in this economy. Some of them are retiring and have lost most of their savings to the stock market. Our fuel and heating oil prices have increased already, and summer isn't even here yet. They need these funds more than the towns do right now.
Let's help our clients, and let the politicians learn to cut back on their spending, just like all of us have:) Check out the CAR(Connecticut Association of Realtors) site. They usually have petitions and flyers that you can email to your clients. Keep them informed, their vote counts when re-election comes up!
In my area of Connecticut, sales have picked up. If you pay attention, you can be working every weekend. Buyers feel like kids in a candy store. So much to choose from. Sometimes, this can be overwhelming. Too hard to decide. I suggest to my clients that they take notes. Every time we go out viewing homes, I remind them to eliminate 2 of the 3 homes that they liked previously.
The sellers are now more realistic. They understand that when the rates go up, the buying almost stops. Friday the rates dropped down a bit, and Saturday proved to be busy. Sellers are listening to suggestions on staging their homes, updating their landscaping, painting, cleaning up and cleaning out. Some have even started packing for their anticipated move.
Though the buyers now need 20% down payment, if they are financing a conventional mortgage, they are still buying. Credit scores must be excellent or the sale just won't happen. 720+
First time buyers really have the advantage right now. Low interest rates, low down payment and if they fit the critieria, they may receive the $8,000 back on their IRS taxes. They have the advantage of the government loans, CHFA & FHA.
All in all, it has improved some. Will it ever loosen up? Surely, not to where it was years ago. I think we are at half speed. As the year goes on, hoping for full speed!
More and more, people are aware of the value of good credit scores. Those people who are working on that now, will by winter, be perfect candidates for buying a home!
Remember, if the listing period is 6 months(on average) until a sale, it is a buyer's market. Less than 6 months, it is a seller's market.
Gather your clients together and spend some time with them. Let them get to know eachother. Before you know it, they will be sharing their experiences about you. They will send you more referrals, therefore, increasing your business. Time well spent. Try to host one of these, each month.
Here we go with my suggestions:
Host a picnic. Very inexpensive if you host it in your own backyard. Maybe, in a local park where they could play a sport or swim!
Attend a Minor League Ball Game, the ticket prices are inexpensive and they even through in food on the tickets if you purchase a group of them! Imagine having your name scrolling on their light board during half time! I've done this and it is outstanding!
Join a Walk for a cause, invite your clients to be on your team. Community service is always fun and very rewarding. It's summer, get out and walk!
Sam's Club Tours, This is a great event for budget minded folks. They take you on a tour of the warehouse. Savings on prescriptions, eyeglasses, contacts, tires, etc. You cannot even imagine the impact on your clients. Plus, they'll feed all of you, too!
Nursery/Gardening Tips, I host an event at Birch Mountain Earthworks, LLC, landscape construction company in South Windsor, Ct. The owner is amazing with offering tips and suggestions to my clients. They leave there feeling empowered and full of knowledge about their outdoor living space. From water gardens to fish ponds, retaining walls to choosing the right materials for your particular yard, it is very informative! Find a person that is willing to give his time, like this man.
Painting Workshops, Find a local paint store and ask them to host a workshop for you and your clients. This is the time of year to freshen up the paint on decks, stairs and trim on houses!
Whatever you choose to host, make it fun! Let your clients know that they can bring a friend, neighbor or relative with them to your event. Have a small gift for each attendee. Make sure your card is attached to the gift. Take a few minutes and thank all of the guests for attending. You'll be happy to help them with any of their real estate needs, right? Let them know that!
Get out and get going! Business is out there, just waiting for you to find it!
My Commercial Listings, Click Here
Blog Disclaimer:) Posts, information & comments are for offering assistance to others, along with opinions and do not intend to offend anyone. Hoping to add positive good stuff to others' day. It's a Good Life!
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
Try to sneak in a few hours of play, in between the rain:)
I did have the best Dad. He taught me responsibility, trust, how to cook:)and more! My memories of time spent with my Dad, always make me smile. They are priceless!
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