Real Estate Recovery - The Impact of Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse on Black Rock - 07/31/11 01:10 PM

The Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse is a 23,000 SF building featuring a nearly 8,000 SF gymnasium that will have seating for 250, a teen center, game room, arts and science center, technology center, community room, two learning centers, a café and kitchen, and a multi-purpose room for dances, fitness and yoga programs. Boys & Girls Clubs of America programs focus on five areas including education and career development, character and leadership development, the arts, health and life skills, and sports, fitness and recreation.The Clubhouse was built entirely with private funds at a cost of $6.7M.It opened in June 2011.
For more information … (5 comments)

Real Estate Recovery - The Impact of the New Fairfield Metro Train Station on Black Rock - 07/31/11 11:18 AM

In our last post on the Real Estate Recovery in Black Rock, we discussed THE WHOLE FOODS EFFECT. Property values near a Whole Foods store can go up as much as much as 17.5% and can become the catalyst for revitalization of an entire neighborhood. Urban planners call this the "Whole Foods Effect." One anchor store, such as Whole Foods, tends attracts other high end stores and transforms the community.

In addition to Whole Foods, there is a new train station which has been in the works for more than six years, but is finally slated for completion … (7 comments)

Create a Call to Action on Your Blog Using Zillow Widget - 07/31/11 10:55 AM
We all know that blogging best practice requires a "Call to Action" on our blog, so that viewers have to DO SOMETHING.  Ideally, they would pick up the phone and call us.  Our phone number is right there and a few do, but there's nothing quite like a box that says "Contact Me" for a free estimate on your home!  Zillow provides that widget for free.  I've put it on my AR blog as well as my WordPress www.blackrockhomesforsale.com  and Drupal www.blackrockonline.org  blog.  Zillow makes it easy to select the HTML code that will work best for your blog.  They even … (4 comments)

Cool free stuff - 07/29/11 09:28 AM
Nudgemail is exactly what I've been looking for and it's FREE.  I can send myself e-mail reminders on important contingency dates for my real estate transactions and receive them on my iPhone.  Very cool!
Via Jim Lee, Seacoast Realtor Portsmouth, NH, Jewel of the NH Seacoast (RE/MAX Coast to Coast):
Here's a couple of new free stuff aps that some may find useful.
First is called "NudgeMail" which sends you email reminders when you want to be reminded of something, e.g. appointment, birthday, whatever. You can set your email to just send you an email reminder on the appropiate date and/or time.
I … (7 comments)

Lease-Purchase Option Explained for Tulsa Home Buyers & Sellers - 07/28/11 08:32 PM
This is the best explanation of a lease-purchase option and the reasons for doing one.  I'm saving this so I can refer my clients to it.  Hope you find it of use, too.  Thank you, Lori Cain.
Via Lori Cain - Midtown Tulsa Real Estate www.tulsahomeforsale.net 918-852-5036 (Chinowth & Cohen Realtors ):
Lease-Purchase Option Explained for Tulsa Home Buyers & Sellers
Occasionally you will see a Tulsa home for sale advertised with a "lease/purchase" option available. For those unfamiliar with how a lease/purchase can work, here is an explanation.
There are several reasons why a home buyer may need to lease for a … (1 comments)

Black Rock Library 2nd Annual Block Party - 07/26/11 05:23 PM

Thursday, August 4th 6:00 – 8:00 PM, 2nd Annual Black Rock Branch Block Party
The Black Rock Branch Library will be celebrating its second anniversary with a gala Block Party. There will be music, food, and much more for the entire family
Featuring the music of: 
The Mimosa Steel Pan Band
Hudson, Grace and the Invisible Rhythm Section
Please join us and help us celebrate two great years as part of the Black Rock Community.
For more info call: 203 337-9676. John SoltisCommunity LibrarianBlack Rock Branch Library(203) 337-9676jsoltis@bridgeportpubliclibrary.org
… (5 comments)

60 + Places For Your Web Profile - 07/26/11 01:59 PM
I'm putting this on my To Do list.  Doesn't it make sense to create profiles on as many sites as you can that link back to your blog?  I'm going to try it and see if there is an increase in SEO for my new blog www.blackrockhomesforsale.com
Via Eleanor Thorne 919-649-5057 Cary Mortgage Loans NMLS #67179 (Corporate Investors Mortgage Group):
I started this list very quietly in 2009 for some friends who were trying to build links back to their sites and profiles... It's been updated from the original list of 32 places you could link from to over 60.  I did not … (2 comments)

Real Estate Recovery - The Whole Foods Effect on Black Rock - 07/25/11 11:18 PM
Did you know that there is a real estate phenomenon known as "the Whole Foods effect?" Apparently, entire neighborhoods have been transformed by the presence of a Whole Foods store. Google the keywords WHOLE FOODS EFFECT and see. I'm not making this up.
A 2007 study in Portland, Oregon found that property values typically go up by about 17.5% percent if you live near a Whole Foods store. The impact of all the developments together is actually called the “Whole Foods Effect” according to urban planners. The process of gentrification of an area starts with one anchor store, such as Whole … (16 comments)

DEED-IN-LIEU FORECLOSURE and Short Sale UPDATES Fannie Mae - 07/25/11 10:55 PM
Another valuable post by George Souto of McCue Mortgage.  George posted the revised waiting period before buyers can qualify for another Fannie Mae mortgage if they have gone through a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure or a short sale.  I'm keeping this handy for reference.
Via George Souto NMLS# 65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages Connecticut:
Fannie Mae has announced a new updated.  This time they are revising the waiting period for Deed-in-Lieu of foreclosure and Short Sale on conventional conforming loans effective with applications dated on or after July 1, 2010. Fannie Mae's Automated Underwriting System (DU) will be updated to version 8.1 and implemented during the weekend of June … (5 comments)

Fannie Mae Guidelines for Foreclosures, Short Sales, and Bankruptcies - 07/25/11 10:46 PM
I refer back to this blog post written by George Soute of McCue Mortgage from time to time.  Clients want to know the impact of adverse events on their ability to get a mortgage in the future.  I thought I'd repost it along with a few other classic posts from George.  He packs so much valuable into info each post.
Via George Souto NMLS# 65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages Connecticut:
We were warned that as foreclosures increased, that Guideline changes would follow.  So the new Fannie Mae Guidelines for Foreclosures, Short Sales, and Bankruptcies should not come as a surprise.  Those that have tried to … (0 comments)

FHA Time Periods For An FHA Loan After A Short Sale. - 07/25/11 10:04 PM
I've recently been asked by a number of potential sellers about the ramificatons of a short sale on buying their next home.  George Souto of McCue Mortgage has researched this issue and kindly created a number of posts on AR on this issue.  I'm going to repost several of them as they provide valuable information.
Via George Souto NMLS# 65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages Connecticut:
I have been seeing a lot of blogs on Short Sales lately, and many of them paint a very rosie picture of Short Sales.  Some of them even make it sound like the consequences to a Sale is … (3 comments)

Good News is Good for Business, "The Contest" !!! - 07/25/11 09:15 PM
Boy, we sure do need to do this to counteract the doom and gloom media.  My market reports share the good and the bad news, but we do need some posts that are just good news.  Let's share some good things that are happening in our markets.
Via Peter & Linda Pfann (250) 213-9490 Pfanntastic Victoria Homes Since 1986 (Cornerstone Properties Ltd. www.pfanntastic.com ):
Good News is Good for Business,
"The Contest" !!!
Here we are, at the launch of the Good News is Good for Business, "The Contest",  we know you are ready to change the world and start or enhance … (3 comments)

FOR RENT 39 Harbor Avenue, Black Rock - 07/24/11 10:21 PM
… (3 comments)

FOR RENT 132 Bennett Street, #106, Black Rock for $1,600 - 07/24/11 10:19 PM
… (0 comments)

FOR SALE 28 Anchorage Drive, Black Rock, St. Mary's-by-the-Sea - 07/24/11 10:17 PM
… (3 comments)

FOR SALE 427 Brewster Street, Black Rock - 07/24/11 10:16 PM
… (0 comments)

UNDER DEPOSIT 140 Midland Street, Black Rock - 07/24/11 10:13 PM
… (0 comments)

UNDER DEPOSIT 75 Haddon Street, #2, Black Rock - 07/24/11 10:12 PM
… (0 comments)

FOR SALE 29 Eames Boulevard, St. Mary's-by-the-Sea, Black Rock - 07/24/11 10:10 PM
… (0 comments)

FOR SALE 271 Grovers Avenue, Black Rock - 07/24/11 10:07 PM
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FOR SALE 62 Prescott Street, Black Rock - 07/24/11 10:06 PM
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FOR SALE 87 Ellsworth Street, Black Rock - 07/24/11 10:04 PM
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5 Reasons Why Using A Local Agent Is Better - 07/23/11 02:12 PM
If you are looking to buy in Black Rock, contact the Black Rock expert -- Gail Robinson, REALTOR, GRI, e-PRO at 203-521-0768.  I've been a resident of Black Rock for 30 years.  No agent knows Black Rock better!
Via Dan and Amy Schuman- Cleveland OH Luxury Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty Greater Cleveland):
5 Reasons Why Using A Local Agent Is Better
 

Local agents know their towns better than anyone else. We firmly believe that using a local Realtor® is in your best interests and in this post we will give you reasons why local is the only way to go.
… (5 comments)

Stop Duplicate Titles! - 07/23/11 10:53 AM
If you have a Wordpress blog, pay attention to this post by Nikesh.  Change your titles so that they are not the same from week to week.  For example, I used to run a weekly post called "This Weekend in Black Rock."  I always put the dates in the title, so it was different week to week. 
Via Nikesh Parekh (ActiveRain):
In our efforts to keep ActiveRain highly SEO friendly and to get our member blogs to the top of the search engines, we are working with a well-known SEO consultant here in Seattle.  As I had mentioned previously, Google is frequently running … (1 comments)

Be Known or Be Gone - Get Into the Spotlight! - 07/22/11 07:36 PM
I spent 8 hours today updating my blogs and sending out two Constant Contact e-mails to over 450 subscribers. It's days like this when I wonder if I'm in the real estate business or the publishing business. When did it become mandatory for us to become mini-publishers? My instructor didn't mention that in Real Estate 101. It was on AR that I became clued into the fact that this was an imperative.
Real estate is local. Staying top of mind with your Sphere of Influence and Business Development Area through phone calls, e-mails, frequent postings on your blog sites, and … (5 comments)

Why I Chose Real Estate, Left My Ph.D. Behind, and Dropped Out of the Corporate World - 07/22/11 12:01 AM
Choices – so much of our life depends upon choices we make at pivotal moments.  Okay, here is one of my first big decisions – choosing my best friend.  Over 50 years later, she’s still my best friend.  Actually, she’s more like family.  No one knows me better or loves me more on this planet (my mom and dad passed away a few months ago or they would have come in first on the love index).  I’m the small, cute one on the left.  My friend, Jan, was TWICE my age (I was 2, she was 4).  What I learned from … (2 comments)

Black Rock Art Gallery Framemakers Presents Artist Janine Brown - 07/21/11 07:08 PM
Framemakers Picture Framing & Art Gallery will exhibit selected works by Fairfield artist, Janine Brown from July 20th through August 23rd. The works are entitled ABSTRACT INTENTIONS and were selected by Bridgeport artist Gus Moran. The public is invited to the opening reception on Friday, July 22nd from 5:30-7:30 pm. Framemakers is located at 3004 Fairfield Ave. in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport. Phone: 203-338-0332 … (0 comments)

How To Maximize Your Prezi.com Presentations - 07/21/11 12:03 AM
Brad makes this look so easy, but he's a real techie.  I'd like to try this, but video editing programs on a PC are not as easy as on a Mac.  The impact of the second presentation is definitely worth the effort.  Check it out.  If you have a Mac, you might try this.
Via Brad Andersohn (Zillow - Outreach Manager):
How To Maximize Your Prezi.com Presentations - "The Secret Recipe"
A couple months ago I mentioned a site called Prezi.com and shared a post on Activerain called Prezi Presentations - Take Your Powerpoints to the Next Level.  Though that post didn't receive many … (6 comments)

Do You Wait Until Your Technology Dies Before You Replace It? - 07/19/11 11:50 PM
I know times are tough. I'm scrutinizing every expenditure, too. However, I know from experience that when my cell phone or computer gets to a certain age, it's going to die. So the question is, do I wait until the bitter end or bite the bullet and make the expenditure? Yesterday I bought an iPhone 4. I then trotted down to my local MLS office because our Supra electronic keyboxes require infrared technology, which was standard on my Treo 700, but not available on the new smart phones. I figured I was the last Treo user in existence. My Treo's antenna … (16 comments)

Is Your Smart Phone Making You Look Stupid? - 07/19/11 11:32 PM

I finally broke down and got an iPhone yesterday.  This post from Broker Bryant came just in time to help me from looking stupid on my smart phone.  Thank you, Broker Bryant!
Via Bryant Tutas-Tutas Towne Realty, Inc:
I LOVE my iPhone. My entire business can be run from it. If I can't do a task completely from my iPhone I use LogMeIn to access my computer and go from there. So I truly can work from anywhere I want.
My experience is that most agents now use their smart phones for sending out emails. Do you?
Then why oh why … (6 comments)

SELLER CHECKLIST – 30 Interior Tasks to Prepare for Your Charlotte Home for Sale - 07/19/11 11:20 PM
Debe has created a valuable checklist of interior tasks for preparing your home for sale.  I'm willing to bet she has an exterior checklist on the way.  I may reblog that, too.
Via Debe Maxwell - Search Charlotte Homes for Sale - Charlotte NC Neighborhoods (iCharlotteRealEstate.com Savvy + Company Real Estate):

SELLER CHECKLIST – 30 Interior Tasks to Prepare for Your Charlotte Home for Sale Those who have never had a Charlotte home for sale before often think that selling is as simple as hiring a real estate agent and putting a sign in the yard. Believe me, it’s not that … (2 comments)

There Are No Trophies For "Showing Up" In The Game Of Life! - 07/17/11 10:01 PM
Mike wrote a post that resonated with me and I suspect with most of us in the real estate field.  Life is tough and there are no commission checks given out by our clients for just "showing up."  We work hard every day and deliver the performance needed to get results.
Via Mike Cooper, Real Estate Agent-Broker, Winchester,VA (Cornerstone Business Group, Inc.):
I am so glad my sons were older when the "here's your trophy for showing up" phase of childhood sports began.  I grew up at time when the team who won the game received the trophy, and the kids who didn't … (4 comments)

Listing Madness at Another Property - 07/17/11 08:42 PM
This isn't quite as dramatic as the first one, but this is an estate sale and the Executrix and I agreed to price the property based on the price of the land, so basically the house comes with the land for free.  It does need updates and some repairs, but it's in very good shape structurally.  The excitement is, of course, over the price and the fact that the home is on a very desirable street with water views.
I had no sooner gotten home from showing one client the home, when another one called up to see it and I had … (3 comments)

Price Reduction Causes Chaos at My Listing - 07/17/11 08:29 PM
After two years of incremental price reductions, my client, the wealth management division of a large bank, decided to dramatically reduce the price of my listing by more than 25% from $875,000 to $619,900 for an acre of direct waterfront land on Long Island Sound.  There is a house on the property, but it is vacant.  I put an electronic keybox on the property to make it easier for agents to show and "go and show" instructions on MLS.
Well, you'd think we were giving out free iPads at the site!  I got calls from neighbors that there were five or … (2 comments)

Black Rock Library Job Interview Techniques - 07/17/11 06:35 PM
Friday, July 29th1:00 PMBlack Rock Branch
Job Interview Techniques
Learn basic interviewing techniques including what to wear, which questions to ask the interviewer, how to answer important interviewing questions, how to interview the interviewer and much more.
 Bring paper and pencil to participate in the activities.
A "Lunch & Learn" program.
Bring a brown bag lunch and we'll supply the coffee and dessert.
This program is free but seating is limited. To register call:
203 337-9676 
Most recently Sharon Carey was the Director of Career Services for a vocational school. She has helped hundreds of individuals realize their career goals through coaching, career mapping … (1 comments)

Black Rock Library Book Discussion with Author John Gilmore - 07/17/11 06:30 PM
Tuesday, July 26th6:30 PMBlack Rock Branch
Cocaineros Duel by John J. Gilmore
Published Dec. 2010 by Mainly Murder Press, Wethersfield, CT
Join author and former Connecticut Post reporter and editor, John Gilmore  in the brand new Black Rock Branch Reading Garden as he discusses his new novel, Cocaineros Duel - a great summer read.
Refreshments will be served and copies of Cocaineros Duel will be available for purchase and signing.
Broken police detective Frank Reardon is struggling to rebuild his life while being the only one able to save others. Abandoning Connecticut after failing to capture his wife's murderer, he attempts to get … (1 comments)

Black Rock Library - Resumes 101 - 07/17/11 06:25 PM
Friday, July 22nd1:00 PMBlack Rock Branch
Resumes 101
Whether you need to fine tune your resume or you are starting from scratch, this is the program for you.
Join Career Coach, Motivational Speaker and Corporate Trainer Sharon Carey and learn the ins and outs of writing effective resumes.
A "Lunch & Learn" program.
Bring a brown bag lunch and we'll supply the coffee and dessert.
This program is free but seating is limited. To register call:
203 337-9676

Most recently Sharon was the Director of Career Services for a vocational school. She has helped hundreds of individuals realize their career goals through coaching, career … (0 comments)

Black Rock Library Book Discussion - People of the Book - 07/17/11 06:20 PM
Wednesday, July 20th1:00 PMBlack Rock Branch
Food for Thought - Book Discussion
The Black Rock Branch Library's lunchtime book club meets the 3rd  Wednesday of the month at 1:00 PM - bring your brown bag lunch, we will provide coffee, tea and dessert.
Our next book up for discussion is:
People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks  
In People of the Book, Pulitzer Prize-winning Author Geraldine Brooks presents a fictional history of the Sarajevo Haggadah - an important Jewish book that originated in fifteenth-century Spain. People of the Book is a set of stories about the book's survival, woven together through the story of a conservationist who is trying … (0 comments)

JUST SOLD 155 Grovers Avenue in Black Rock Listed for $645,000 Sold for $633,000 - 07/17/11 05:26 PM
… (1 comments)

NEW LISTING Black Rock Water View Home for $229,000 - 07/17/11 09:13 AM
… (6 comments)

FOR SALE Black Rock Colonial for $355,000 - 07/16/11 10:20 AM
… (5 comments)

FOR SALE Antique Colonial with Townhouse Apartment for $475,000 - 07/16/11 10:08 AM
… (2 comments)

UNDER DEPOSIT Black Rock Coop for $155,000 - 07/16/11 10:04 AM

… (2 comments)

FOR RENT Black Rock 3 BR, 2 BA Condo for $1,700 - 07/16/11 10:02 AM
… (0 comments)

FOR RENT Black Rock Cape Cod for $2,100 - 07/16/11 09:59 AM
… (2 comments)

DRAMATIC PRICE REDUCTION 1 Acre of Direct Waterfront Land on Black Rock Harbor for $619,900 - 07/15/11 05:46 PM
… (2 comments)

Cast Your Vote...Pretty Please - 07/14/11 08:38 AM
Saw this on Ed Silva's blog and thought I'd reblog it as well.  Please cast your vote today for ActiveRain!  Isn't it one of the best real estate technology innovations you know of? 
Via Kerrie Greenhalgh (ActiveRain, Community Builder):
Inman News is holding their annual voting poll for the 2011 People's Choice Innovator Award.  "The People's Choice award is intended to recognize a standout real estate-related technology".  
Hmmmm.....which Community do I know that standouts from the rest?  Ok, so it has to be real-estate related.....ok...um...geez....this is a toughie.....NOT!!!!!!  ActiveRain baby!!!
Voting ends Friday, July 22nd so cast your vote for ActiveRain your favorite … (3 comments)

JUST REDUCED Modern Updates in Antique Victorian Condo $329,500 - 07/12/11 09:11 PM
… (8 comments)

JUST REDUCED Spacious Black Rock Colonial for $274,000 - 07/12/11 07:00 PM
… (1 comments)

July Events at the Black Rock Library - 07/09/11 06:35 PM

Here are some upcoming July events at the Black Rock Branch Library
Wednesday, July 20th at 1:00 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Food for Thought. The Black Rock Branch Library's lunchtime book club meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 1:00 PM - bring your brown bag lunch, we will provide coffee, tea and dessert. Our July book up for discussion is: People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks.  For more info call: 203 337-9676.
Friday, July 22nd at 1:00 PM, The Black Rock Branch Library, 2705 Fairfield Avenue presents: Resumes 101 with Sharon Carey.  Whether you need to fine tune your resume … (2 comments)

Seabright Beach Pilates Offered by Black Rock Pilates Studio - 07/09/11 11:37 AM

Back for our 7th YEAR!
Seabright Beach
7:15 AM Saturdays
ONLY $12 (or use your Express Mat Class Package)
Bring your Sunblock, Towel and Sunglasses. No registration required. Seabright beach is very accessible and does not require a parking permit. Directions to Seabright Beach: 
Directions  - North on Fairfield Ave - take a R onto Courtland St. South on Fairfield Ave - Take a L onto Courtland AveFollow Courtland to the end. Take a L on Grovers, 1st R on Beacon, L on Seabright Ave!
For more information about Black Rock Pilates Studio's programs. please visit www.blackrockpilates.com
 

… (4 comments)

Martial Arts Program Offered at St. Ann's Parish Gymnasium - 07/09/11 11:22 AM

The Center Martial Arts is pleased to announce that we are currently offering programs at St. Ann Parish Gymnasium at 481 Brewster St in Black Rock. Come by and visit us and we will get you started. Training in martial arts is a great way to get fit, decrease stress and learn self defense.  We look forward to seeing you on the mat.
Regards,
Denise Discepolo
Co-owner The Center Martial Arts
http://www.thecentermartialarts.com
office@thecentermartialarts.com
cell 203.895.2379
 
Connect with us:
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Center-Martial-Arts/280805503593
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/thecenterma
Blog: http://www.thecentermartialarts.com/blog
 
Located at:
1550 State Street
Bridgeport, CT 06605
203.540.5020
… (0 comments)

Google Juice Listing Thanks to Advice From My AR Friends - 07/08/11 08:44 AM

I just signed up a listing from someone I don't know.  They found me via a Google search using the keywords BLACK ROCK REALTOR.
You'll note that my new client did not include the state.  This is important, because you may rank highly if your state is included as one of the key words, but potential clients won't necessary include all the keywords you'd like.
What's important is that you come up on Page 1 of a Google keyword search under organic results and ideally in the top three.  As you can see, I came up #3 on the Google search.
I … (8 comments)

Black Rock Library - Food for Thought Book Discussion: People of the Book - 07/07/11 07:38 PM
Wednesday, July 20th1:00 PMBlack Rock Branch
Food for Thought - Book Discussion
The Black Rock Branch Library's lunchtime book club meets the 3rd  Wednesday of the month at 1:00 PM - bring your brown bag lunch, we will provide coffee, tea and dessert.
Our next book up for discussion is:
People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks  
In People of the Book, Pulitzer Prize-winning Author Geraldine Brooks presents a fictional history of the Sarajevo Haggadah - an important Jewish book that originated in fifteenth-century Spain. People of the Book is a set of stories about the book's survival, woven together through the story of a conservationist who is trying … (1 comments)

Qigong Classes at Seabright Beach - 07/05/11 08:44 AM
Reduce STRESS, Improve BALANCE, Enhance MENTAL ACUITY, Tone MUSCLES, Increase FLEXIBILITY and learn to RELAX while bringing ener-qi into your life!
QIGONG is a NON-COMPETITIVE, SELF-PACED, MIND-BODY PRACTICE that promotes wellness and relaxation. The gentle movements can be easily adapted, even for the physically challenged, and can be practiced by all age groups. It can be done sitting, standing or lying down. No experience, special equipment or clothing is required--just an open mind.
Wednesdays - July 6th - August 31th
8:15 - 9:15 a.m.
Seabright Beach on Seabright Avenue, Black Rock
$10 per class
(a percentage of the fee will be donate … (3 comments)

Just For Fun: Would You Answer This Help Wanted Ad??? - 07/03/11 01:08 PM
Wanted hard working, honest real estate professional. Must be willing to work holidays and weekends. No benefits. No salary. Occasional payment at end of transactions, but not always. Must have the following skills:
Capable of creating blog/websites and enhancing their exposure through SEO techniques that don't cross the black hat line (must pay for development and upkeep of all sites or learn HTML coding) Excellent photographic and video skills (must own high quality equipment) Able to whip up gourmet lunches that attract agents for Broker Opens (or pay for catering company to do so) Provide grief counseling to angry homeowners who … (54 comments)

Fairfield County Municipality Mill Rates 2011-2012 - 07/03/11 11:33 AM
Effective July 1, 2011-2012 mill rates.    Assessed value for many towns can be found on www.visionappraisal.com or on the town's website.  Multiply the amount below by the assessed value, but move the decimal point back two places, e.g. for Bethel multiply $23.24 x $1,000 for a home assessed at $100,000.  The annual property taxes in this example would be $2,324.
Bethel                                           23.24
Bridgeport                                    39.64
Brookfield                                    19.94
Danbury                                        21.69  
Darien                                             12.02
Easton                                             22.95
Fairfield                                          22.47                         
Greenwich                                    10.64 w/Sewers    10.11 without
Milford                                            28.89
Monroe                                            28.79
New Canaan                                   14.479 w/sewer 13.853 without
New Fairfield                               23.95
Newtown                                      24.37
Norwalk              Dist 1,2,3,8,9   w/Garbage         20.742
                                                      W/o … (1 comments)

The ROI of Social Media is Your Business Will Exist in 5 Years - 07/03/11 10:43 AM
I can attest to the power of social media.  One of my listings just closed last week.  The buyer found the home on my business Facebook page and contacted me.  Sale price $633,000.  I'm a believer...are you???
Via Jeremy Blanton (210 Consulting~ Social Media Advisors):
I just finished watching the 2011 version of Social Media Revolution from Socialnomics.  As usual, they have put together a good visual representation of where social media is right now.  They shared some good stats as they normally do.  Things like, “If Facebook were a country, it would be the 3rd largest” “eReaders have surpassed traditional book sales,” … (1 comments)

Bank of America does listen to our blog posts. - 07/01/11 10:44 AM
It's interesting to know that BOA has a Social Media department that is apparently trying to do damage control on its reputation by responding to issues that come to their attention as they monitor Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and other social media channels.  Keep this in mind when you experience frustration on your next short sale negotiation with BOA.  Take a look at Sidney's original posts and the keywords he used that grabbed their attention.  Also note that Sidney posts all of his AR posts on Twitter.
Via Temecula short sale specialist,Cyber Sid,HAFA,HAP,Rental Hms:
Bank of America does listen to our posts.
Earlier this … (5 comments)

 
Gail%2520candid Rainmaker_large

Gail Robinson, REALTOR, e-PRO Fairfield County, CT

Fairfield, CT

More about me…

William Raveis Real Estate, Southport, CT

Address: 2525 Post Road, Southport, CT , 06890

Cell Phone: (203) 521-0768

Email Me



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