Lyme Disease in Connecticut - 09/29/07 04:22 PM
We have just been told that our black lab puppy, Jack, tested positive for Lyme disease.  We are taking all the precautions with him, but somehow, an infected tick bit our one year old lab.  I had brought him to the vet for a routine check. Three days later, I got the message.  He tested positive. Immediately, he was prescribed an antibiotic.  We can only hope it does its job. He will be on the medicine for six months, and then be retested to see if his count goes down, meaning the meds worked. He has shown no visable signs of the illness. … (4 comments)

How About a Client Hayride? - 09/29/07 10:48 AM
This is a good time to enjoy the beautiful fall weather.  Our forecast is still for the 75-80 degree weather for next week, but, that won't last for long. The crisp, cool and clean air will arrive soon!  A hayride is a wonderful event to host, for all ages.  We have several farms in our locality that do all of the work, you just show up and pay.  Hot cider, hot chocolate, cookies, etc. Sometimes, you can include having each guest choose a pumpkin! 
Imagine what fun it would be to spend an afternoon with your clients, family and friends on a country … (3 comments)

Bloomfield,Connecticut ~ Commercial, Investors! $500,000 - 09/28/07 07:17 PM
Need land?  Industrial, commercial, this property is 30 acres of level land.  About 10 acres is wetlands, but, no worries, there are presently radio towers located on that section of the parcel.  Someone is paying rent to keep those in place. As for the remaining twenty acres, how about storage units?  How about commercial storage, contractors, moving companies, etc?  It is an estate, so offers are welcomed!  Priced at $500,000, Call Fran Today! 860-646-3455
 Here's a quick glance at the plot plan. Oh, By the Way...I am never to busy for your CT referrals!
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Courses for Your Continuing Education for License Renewal - 09/28/07 06:32 PM
In Connecticut, we renew next spring.  I have completed my needed courses already.  I hate to do the last minute, panic classes. I like to choose the content. Of course, some are mandatory.  I choose by the speaker, as well as, the content.  Some of these courses are really full of good information.  One class that I attended for the relicensure, was on 1031 Exchange Properties. By the break, I wanted to go buy something with this program.  It can be very eye opening.  I, also, look forward to meeting and networking with fellow agents.  We get a group together when … (1 comments)

Has Fall Become "Spring Market?" - 09/28/07 01:17 PM
Our market in Connecticut is really becoming fast paced!  Showings, contracts, multiple offers, new listings, OH MY!  The weather has been unusually warm, is that it?  The fed dropping the rate, is that it?  Whatever it is, we are all thrilled to be "on fire" at this time of year!  I have a new agent who is starting her training course next week and she is so excited to hear the phones ringing. Three more months to go. Looks like this year is going to go out with a BANG!  Hope to go to one more Turning Point before the new year!  They … (17 comments)

Jack Talent Bandit is One Year Old! - 09/25/07 09:48 AM
Wow!  Where did that time go? We went to the vet, yesterday, on his official, one year birthday.  He had been there last in January.  The staff was amazed at how he remembered them and the facility. It has continued to be a positive experience for him.  He weighed in at 85.4 lbs. They say he won't grow much more. He is on the Wellness Food and Cookie Food Products. They have no meat by-products, no wheat, no artificial preservatives, colors, etc.  Healthy, good pet food. When we were leaving, they offered him a small, puppy cookie. I knew it wasn't … (2 comments)

Fran Rokicki's Small Group - Buffini and Company, Coaching the Good Life! - 09/16/07 01:00 PM
Have you joined a small group with the Clubnet Community?  They are a great place to share your concerns, ideas, tips and networking skills.  Ranging in size from two people to ten people, it is a good gathering of fellow clubnet members. We are a mix of Realtors, Bankers and Financial Planners. We are given an assignment, every month, from Buffini and Company, and it coordinates with the topic on the monthly CD from Brian Buffini.  While going through the assignment, different questions arise and here's the good part, we are all there to help each other, and offer our suggestions, experience … (5 comments)

Powerwashing, Mulching, Stone, Getting Ready for Next Season! - 09/16/07 12:17 PM
Today is a nice, sunny, but cool day in CT.  We are powerwashing our decks and screened porch.  They will need to be painted prior to the upcoming winter season. The flowerbeds, islands and shrubbery along our house will be replenished, too.  We will call Birch Mountain Earthworks , on Rt 5 in South Windsor for the supplies needed for the gardens and yard.  They have a good variety of mulch and stone.  I like to have different colors of mulch in my gardens and beds, so as, to have a little contrast in the yard. Plus, they deliver, which helps … (0 comments)

MONEY DOWN, BUT, PAYING CLOSING COSTS FOR BUYERS - 09/14/07 10:14 AM
The last two contracts that were written on two of my listings had between five and twenty percent down.  So, good, more solid Buyers.  Are they?  Is the bank giving back their deposit monies to enable them to receive the 100% financing?  The second part is, they are asking the Seller for closing costs credit.  The Seller, then asks me, if they have all this cash, why am I paying for their closing costs!  Add to that, they are not offering to pay full price, which now the Seller has reduced. Keeping my Sellers focused, calm and on task is most … (4 comments)

Food & Wine Festival - 09/10/07 04:09 PM
Love food, wine?  Many types of food and wine will be offered, this Saturday, starting at one o'clock. You can meet excellent chefs, try their famous prepared specialties and taste lovely wines. Learn all the tips for the upcoming holidays!  Location is Foxwoods Casino!  Shopping, spa, food, wine!  Sound like a nice way to spend your weekend?  You bet!  ;)
It's a Good Life!
Fran Rokicki, Clubnet~Mentor, Broker~CT
Oh, By the Way...I am never too busy for your referrals!
www.FranRokicki.IsAn.Expert.com
… (2 comments)

You'll Love Working With Fran! What's Your Tagline? - 09/10/07 01:28 PM
Taglines, where do they come from?  A marketing firm, an ad you have seen, a book you once read, or something that people know about you, these are all good sources.  Mine came from a client.  Lovely couple, met them when they moved to Connecticut from Tampa, Florida.  They moved here because of their jobs.  They bought their 1st home from me, and I have visited them often.  They had their first baby, a Son, then two years later, twins - a boy and a girl.  They quickly outgrew their home.  Her Mom had even moved here to Connecticut to help … (17 comments)

CT Mystery Bus Trip for Clients! - 09/09/07 12:12 PM
Has anyone done this before?  I am excited to be planning a trip for my A+ Clients this fall. My Coaching Company suggests three of these client gatherings a year.  So, here I go! One of my clients works at a Limo Service and she is setting up the plans and trip, along with a party bus!  I only need to provide the list of folks who will attend the event.  The refreshments will be included with the party bus.  I am not sure if we should do a day of shopping at the beach, shopping at the outlets, day at the spa, or to … (1 comments)

Ellington, Ct - 09/08/07 02:15 PM
Here's a beauty!  Nice home, totally redone.  For ease, you can go directly to the homesite, which is www.6Gloria.com  The owner of this home has replaced the siding, windows, deck, appliances, walls, shrubs, vanities in baths, flooring and refinished the oak flooring, had the chimney repaired and checked over by a licensed mason, new exterior doors, added to the landscape, painted the interior, gee, I can't imagine what's left, but to move in! This a is good price for the town of Ellington, the home is set in a lovely neighborhood where folks are always outside walking and enjoying their fellow … (0 comments)

DROPPING INTEREST RATES!! - 09/07/07 04:46 PM
Honest, I just heard this on the news.  Apparently, the feds are hoping to shake up the economy by dropping interest rates.  How much that will affect mortgage interest rates, who knows, but, we can only hope.  I do think the rates are already low.
The increase in taxes in our market area is what is keeping the payment too high. Our property taxes are very high, increasing every year.  Some towns even phase them in over five years!
In the state of Connecticut, our conveyance tax, which is paid by the Seller at time of closing, has been voted in for yet another … (2 comments)

Leaves are Already Changing Color! - 09/07/07 12:31 PM
Summer, officially, is not over.  But in Connecticut, the cooler nights have brought the magic aura of fall upon us. Whether you are walking, boating or driving, you cannot miss the leaves that are becoming yellow, orange and red.  Today, we are hosting a hot, humid day.  At some point, the weather forecasters will declare that it is Indian Summer.  It usually will last from three days to a week.  Students are back in school, and I have found that the market here is picking up again.  Of course, prices are better and the interest rates have stayed nice and low.  That, … (3 comments)

Do you Dress For Success? - 09/06/07 03:55 PM
This was an important part of the business years ago, and still is today.  Watch the Top Producers in your office or area.  Do you ever see them come to the office in sweats?  Do they show houses that way?  I always noticed things like that when I first started in real estate. No, they always dressed sharp and looked professional.  I know that there are places, on the beach, etc., where the dress codes are a bit different.  But, I have noticed that even on islands, or tourist towns, that the agents may have shorts on, but, a nice shirt … (21 comments)

QUARTERLY IRS SELF-EMPLOYMENT TAX DUE SEPTEMBER 15TH - 09/06/07 01:08 PM
Just to remind all of you who are Realtors(self-employed), our quarterly tax payment is due, next week.  If you have had income in the last three months, which, of course, you have, make sure you send Uncle Sam his portion.  You can pay online, mail it in to them, or go to your local IRS office and make the payment there.  Estimating your end of year income, can be difficult, if you haven't tracked your expenses to date, however, if you don't pay them now, they will charge you more, later.  Figure on one-third of your net, that should be about the … (1 comments)

Toys Made in China for Pets, Too! - 09/04/07 11:33 AM
Yesterday, on my errand list, was a note to purchase a few rubber balls for Jack, our black lab.  He has other toys, but, really loves those tennis balls.  He has become a master at taking them apart, within minutes.  So, I was determined to find him a solid rubber one.  He has a Kong, which is fun for him to play with, but, still not a ball. To my amazement, we, my Daughter and I, looked closely at the tags to see where they were made, you guessed it ~ China.  That didn't give me a good feeling.  We continued … (10 comments)

Puppy Photo ~ Not Professional - 09/03/07 04:54 PM
I am posting the photo from the first time we met Jack at his home in Massachusetts.  He was 1 month old. The breeder and his wife were amazing with their dog family.  We had searched and looked in six different locations to find the best breeder of labs.  We had found them! They were kind to the dogs, kind to us, and the kennel that was attached to the heated room for the puppies was very clean.  He was two months old at the time we went back to bring him to our home.  As I look at this photo, I realize … (11 comments)

Love Colonials with Touches of Yesterday!~ Manchester, Ct - 09/03/07 02:39 PM
With improvements of today.  This home offers a newer roof, newer windows, painted - neutral decor, updated kitchen and baths, and newer appliances.  However, the oak floors (with patterns), the oak banister and oak railing on the stairway, the french doors opening to the fireplaced living room can take you back to memories of yesteryear.  Not to mention, the front porch wraps around to the side of the house, the backporch is enclosed and offers an opening window so that you can access the clothesline easily.  The two car detached garage is oversized and they even have an outbuilding next to it! The folks … (2 comments)

Jack Talent Bandit is Going to be One Year Old! - 09/03/07 01:29 PM
To celebrate our puppy's first birthday, we will be popping by with a treat for our clients and friends who have pets, to share this happy day!  Jack has grown quite a bit, as all puppies do!  He is still cuddly and sure to make my family pleased with showing off his new tricks. He is a smart boy.  When we go out for a ride in the 4 Runner, he loves to see the big dump trucks and pickup trucks.  My Son owns a construction company, Birch Mountain Earthworks in Ct, and Jack is just crazy in love with him. Often, … (2 comments)

Buy & Close Before End of the Year! - 09/03/07 12:49 PM
Here's a good tip for your Buyers!  If they find their new home and are able to close on or before December 31, 2007, what a nice tax deduction that will have.  I checked my calendar, to be sure, and, yes, December 31st is on a Monday this year.  If they are living with their parents, a friend or relative, or in an apartment, and haven't or don't own a home, they have never been able to use this before. Clearly, this is a point to make when meeting with your buyer clients.  Especially, if their income has increased this year.  … (5 comments)

Sell-A-Bration is in Hawaii!! - 09/02/07 10:17 AM
Well, how is that for a business write off?  Calling all CRS Realtors to Hawaii for a conference?  Yippee!  In the middle of winter?  Oh, yes, the answer to these questions has to be YES.  Did I mention, Waikiki Beach?  It is just like Christmas in September.  September because the invite just came yesterday.  Top agents and educators will be speaking and sharing their tips, wisdom and experiences of our changing market.  The breakout sessions sound power packed, too.  Beaches, warm weather, tropical paradise, good speakers, approved - credit worthy courses, and Howard Brinton will be the host and keynote speaker. … (2 comments)

WANT GOOD REFERRALS? ASK FOR THEM! - 09/02/07 08:52 AM
Does this sound too easy?  I believe this is one step that is easier for new agents.  Sometimes they just listen to good advice, and don't question it as much as a seasoned agent would.  Many of the newer agents, say within the last five years, didn't have to look for business.  You could just answer the phone or put up a sign, and bingo, you had a sale.  Now, skills and experience are neccessary, like they were in the pre-hot market.
Surprise!  It still can be easy.  Don't panic and become negative.  Along with taking courses to improve your skills, there are … (15 comments)

 
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Frances C. Rokicki, Broker~Mentor,CRS

Bolton, CT

More about me…

Fran Rokicki Realty, LLC

Address: 19 Anthony Road, Bolton, CT, 06043

Office Phone: (860) 646-3455

Cell Phone: (860) 983-5228

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