I went to a presentation yesterday on Short Sales and Foreclosures presented by two attorneys.  While I did not get much help on working with buyers on short sales, which is what I was hoping for since I am primarily a buyer's agent, I got a better understanding of the complexities of these situations from the homeowners perspective.  What are they going through and what is in their best interests?  I know that there are soooo many of these situations all over the country today.  We as real estate professionals will be facing them more and more as we move out of the current real estate upheaval and on to a more sane realistic one.

When an agent is approached to sell a home by someone who appears to be in trouble, some agents will ignore warning buzzers and present a regular Marketing Plan to the homeowners. Some sellers will tell you upfront there is a problem and some will try to hide it from you out of embarrassment or even anger.  It is important for you to know there is a problem before you can provide the professional services you are to be paid for.  Dig a bit deeper with the sellers if you notice that they are anxious or unclear about their reasons to sell.  There is nothing worse than having a ready willing and able buyer for a property at a price that the bank won't accept and you can not deliver clear title.

In the past, I have heard agents trying to negotiate with mortgage holders who have not gotten through to the right person in time.  I was days away from a closing with buyers when the house was pulled out from under them because we could not find the right person to talk to.  I not only lost the sale but I lost the clients as they were so turned off they decided to stay renters rather than continue.

After hearing the complexities of everything that can affect a sale I believe the best we can do is to get advice from an attorney who can delve into the homeowners full financial picture and offer options.  In NY the bankruptcy laws may be used to allow your potential sellers to keep some of the equity in a house if there is any available.  Also there is a way to guarantee your payment at closing as a real estate agent if a bankruptcy is approved by the courts.  

Perhaps there is a way to work with the banks to restructure the loan to keep the people in their home.  Some of you may say "Hey wait a minute I don't get paid unless the house sells" but those happy people will return the favor by referring others and by using you at some point in the future.  When you do things like this you gain a reputation as a caring individual.  

A word of caution against getting too involved with the lives of these unfortunate individuals.  It can bring you down if you let it.  Try to refer them to someone who can help them with the whole issue that they are facing, such as an experienced bankruptcy attorney, and be there to help with the real estate part only.  It is always good to be a resource but if you try to be the source you may end up burning out, or worse, in trouble for practicing law or giving financial advice without a license to do so.  

Keep Smiling and Keep Selling (Just Make Sure Your Sellers Are Able To Deliver Clear Title)

I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work with Me and You'll be Happy!
 
This morning I read a blog by Desiree Daniels on Google Alerts and how they were useful in staying ahead of the competition.  I had already set up a Google Alert for my name based on another post and plan to follow up with some key word searches.  

Then, just a little while ago, I received this email from one of my classmates from the Leadership Orange program I attended.  She is a partner in an advertising and public relations firm which makes her comments doubly cool.     

Hi Paddy,
I have set up Google Alerts for anything having to do with Orange County Tourism, and your blog about the Tourism web site was alerted today.
It was really good.
Bringing tourism to our county benefits so many businesses and people. I think it's so important.

Well, it was good seeing your face, even though it was on my computer screen :)
Hope to see you soon, and hope you're enjoying the summer!

Regards,
Name Withheld by Me.

She had no idea I was doing this type of outreach and now she has touched it and may continue to read the blog. Her Google Alert has helped me to increase my readers and SOI.  I love it!
 
As I was surfing around today looking for some new and interesting things for my Orange County visitors to do I found some interesting pages on the Orange County Tourism Site.  The Tourism Board has put together a lot of special  deals with some of our fine Orange County Getaway locations.  You can find a package deal for Romance, a Shopping Escape, or a Family Fun Package at the Homewood Suites in New Windsor, a Hiking Escape with accommodations in a Bed and Breakfast in Pine Bush, several other Shopping Packages from the Tiger Lily Inn or the Hampton Inn in Middletown,  a Romance Package or a Girl's Weekend at the Academy House Inn & Spa in Montgomery.  The site also offers an events calendar that would be helpful for anyone planning a trip here. There are many other useful pages on the site.  I plan to bookmark it to return often.

I encourage you to come up and sample what Orange County can offer you.  I love living where others come to vacation or for a weekend getaway.  If you find that you love Orange County after visiting please consider buying a weekend or permanent home in the area.  I would love to help you find your new home away from home or a house for you to live the good life while being close enough to commute to New York City. 

Working with an experienced buyer's agent can help you to choose what is best for you.  I work in Orange, Ulster, or Sullivan County NY and I would love to be your Buyer's Agent. If you are looking elsewhere I would love to find someone in your chosen location to help you.  Give me a call or send an email today.

I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work the Me and You'll be Happy!
845-800-7086

 
Sunday August 17, 2008 in Orange County NY

Special Events

Come Hear Bluegrass at Ahif Farm- Greenville, NY
Listen to live music and enjoy a variety of food starting at 10:00 AM .  5143 Route 81 Greenville NY
Click on the link above for further information on the full weekend line-up and pricing

If you have never visited this amazing "giant sculpture garden" this would be great weekend to go.  It has acres of fields with huge sculptures placed around the grounds.  Concert at3:45 PM 1 Museum Road, Mountainville, NY  
Click link or call 845-534-3115 for more information.

Hear the US Military Academy Concert Band - United States Military Academy
Free concert performing with special guest Broadway vocalist, Caissie Levy as part of the "Music Under the Stars" program at Trophy Point Amphitheater,West Point, NY 7:30 PM
Click on link above for further information

Sunday Farmer's Markets

Warwick Valley Farmer's Market
Sunday 9:00 - 2:00 Located in the South Street Parking lot, Warwick, NY

West Point/Town of Highlands Farmer's Market
Sunday 9:00 - 2:30 Located
in the Municipal lot, Main St., near Visitor's Center, Highland, NY
There are literally thousands of things to do on this 4th of July weekend in Orange County New York.  
Get up and head out for some fun.  

The greater Hudson Valley is a great place to live or have a second home.  If you would like a link to a Greater Hudson Valley almanac that is packed with information to help you decide if this is the place for you, give me a call or send me an email.  

If you would like to start a search for a permanent residence or vacation home in the area I would love to help you.  Working with an experienced buyer's agent can help you to choose what is best for you.  I work in Orange, Ulster, or Sullivan County NY and I would love to be your Buyer's Agent. If you are looking elsewhere I would love to find someone in your chosen location to help you.  Give me a call or send an email today.

I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work the Me and You'll be Happy!
845-800-7086
 
Saturday August 16, 2008 in Orange County NY

Special Events

Pine Island Summer Fest - Pine Island, NY
Come enjoy a Car Show, bands, dance performances, and an Onion Eating Contest today.  From 9:00AM to after 10:00PM for Fireworks! 16 Legion Lane Pine Island, NY
Call 845-258-1410 for further information

Come Hear Bluegrass at Ahif Farm- Greenville, NY
Listen to live music and enjoy a variety of food starting at 11:45.  5143 Route 81 Greenville NY
Click on the link above for further information on the full weekend line-up and pricing
 

Museum of the Highlands -Take a Guided Discovery Quest
Come explore nature with a guided discovery quest at 1:00 PM  Located at 20 Kenridge Farm Road, Cornwall, NY.  Open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
For further information call 845-534-5506 x 204 or click on the above link.

Visit this amazing art facility with your family. Join storyteller Jill Olesker and hear stories inspired by sculptor Alexander Calder's works. Special event starts 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM 1 Museum Road, Mountainville, NY  
Click link above or call 845-534-3115 for more information.

Chillin and Grillin Music Festival and Food at Boodles Opera House - Chester NY

Come out for this family event at Boodles.  Many bands are playing.  39 Main St Chester NY
Click on link above or call 845-469-4595 for more information
This is a great ride out on the Palisades Parkway past beautiful lakes and incredible views of river and cliffs.  The zoo is great so go on out and enjoy!
Click link or call 845-786-2701 Ext 265 for more information

 Music in the Grove - Walden NY   
Listen to the music at a Free Concert at Wooster's Grove on East Main Street Walden NY.
Call 845-778-2617 for more information

Saturday Farmers Markets
Take advantage of the wonderful variety of produce available at many markets located throughout the county.

Middletown Farmer's Market
Saturdays 8:00 - 1:00 Located in on Erie Way from Grove and Cottage Streets, Middletown NY

PINE BUSH FARMER'S MARKET
Saturdays from 9:00 - 2:00 Located in the Municipal parking lot on the corner of Depot & New Streets, Pine Bush NY

TriState Farmer's Market Newburgh NY
Saturday 8:00 - 2:00 Located in the parking lot between Ball & Front Streets, Newburgh, NY
 
Tuxedo Farmer's Market
Saturday 9:00 - 2:00 Located at the Tuxedo Train Station 240 Rt 17N Tuxedo, NY

There are literally thousands of things to do on this weekend in Orange County New York and the surrounding area.  Get up and head out for some fun.  

The greater Hudson Valley is a great place to live or have a second home.  If you would like a link to a Greater Hudson Valley almanac that is packed with information to help you decide if this is the place for you, give me a call or send me an email.  

If you would like to start a search for a permanent residence or vacation home in the area I would love to help you.  Working with an experienced buyer's agent can help you to choose what is best for you.  I work in Orange, Ulster, or Sullivan County NY and I would love to be your Buyer's Agent. If you are looking elsewhere I would love to find someone in your chosen location to help you.  Give me a call or send an email today.

I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work the Me and You'll be Happy!
845-800-7086




 

Yesterday afternoon my daughters Nicole and Victoria and I headed out to see their favorite band, The Jonas Brothers, play.  They were so excited as we took off from home in a horrible downpour.  I was really concerned as the concert was rain or shine and we had lawn seats.  As luck would have it we arrived at beautiful Bethel Woods (on the original sight  of the famous Woodstock Festival of 1969) and found blue skies and dry lawn.

Of course we got there at the crack of early, I think the girls would have slept over in the parking lot if I let them, but we had parking right up near the entrance.  Right in front of the entrance there was a bus that is traveling the tour with the Jonas Brothers.  

Tour Bus

                                                girls by the bus        Signing the bus



The lines were frustrating and we waited a long time to get in but the weather favored us all day and night.  It was a sell out crowd (only the third one at this relatively new venue)

Crowd at concert


Believe it or not I have become a fan of these wonderful kids.  They are refreshingly humble and deeply religious. They all wear purity rings.  The youngest, Nick, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes two and a half years ago and they have been raising hope and funds for research for this disease.  They a really more than the latest pop star sensation.

The girls took a lot of concert footage and pics that I don't have on this camera and they are still sleeping as we did not get home until after 1 AM.  All in all it was a fantastic day with my girls and I enjoyed the concert itself a lot more than I expected to.

 
On Tuesday we decided to play hooky.  My husband was between jobs and my father in law had invited us to join him down at the New Jersey Shore for a break so we took advantage of the free place to stay.  I think I needed a little break after the emotional roller coaster that the Rain has been this week and besides, I am always up for a trip to the beach.  

We loaded up my car with overnight bags and beach gear and headed out about 8:30 AM for our 3 or so hour drive to south Jersey.  My father in law likes the area just north of Wildwood in Cape May County.  It is the drive I really want to discuss this morning.

I have a question for all the men out there.  Why do you have to think of driving as an "aggressive sport"?  When you are on the road, not particularly late for anything, do you feel it is your obligation to keep everyone else in line?  Is it really necessary to beat out the other guy?  Do you have to jerk the car from one lane to the other to get around that car in front of you? And finally, do you really think you can teach that other driver to drive better by traveling along at 65+ miles per hour glued to his butt? 

My husband commutes a lot.  He has never had an accident due to his "style" of driving.  He seems to do just fine other than maybe raising his blood pressure and causing me to grip the door handle in fear for my life.  I just don't understand why.  I drive a lot in my business too.  I do not feel that I have to teach lessons or beat out the other guy.  I do get frustrated by traffic and might say a few choice words but I am not aggressive.  I say live and let live.  I pass when I can and stay in line if I have to.  I always get there eventually.  I try to enjoy the ride, especially when I don't have a strict time line.

Next time you are out there on the roads.  Think about why you are getting so uptight and aggravated at the other drivers.  You don't have to teach anyone else to drive.  Just worry about your self.  Have a great day and be careful out there.

I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work with Me and You'll be Happy! 
  
 
What a refreshing young couple I had the pleasure to take out looking for starter homes on Sunday.  They are not looking for the Taj Mahal. They are looking for a house that they can afford and be comfortable in.  They are willing to do the work needed to update and rehab if needed, and they have the skills and friends to help them do that.  

I think this is one of those times when a smaller commission means so much more to me because I am going to be helping someone who will be grateful and send some more business my way.  As a matter of fact, this couple was referred to me by his mother who I showed a house to months ago but she decided to wait to buy with the uncertainty in the market.  I have kept in touch with her through an active MLS search and occasional notes and emails and this is the reward.  Many agents might have given up on the mom, but I think she will eventually buy something and now she has referred her son to me.  That's what I'm talkin 'bout.  Slow and steady wins the race.


Keep Smiling and Keep Selling!

I'm Paddy Pizappi _ Work with Me and You'll be Happy!     
 
Sunday August 10, 2008 in Orange County NY

Special Events

If you have never visited this amazing "giant sculpture garden" this would be great weekend to go.  It has acres of fields with huge sculptures placed around the grounds.  Concert at 1:00 PM with Ellen Woloshin and Barney Griffin and band 1 Museum Road, Mountainville, NY  
Click link or call 845-534-3115 for more information.

If You Can't Go To The Beach...-Interactive Museum Middletown NY
Exhibits and programs at this Children's Museum on Saturday highlight seashells.  From 2:00 - 4:00 PM 23 Center Street, Middletown NY
Click above or call 845-344-3131 
Hear the US Military Academy Band Jazz Knights - United States Military Academy
Free concert as part of the "Music Under the Stars" program at Trophy Point Amphitheater,West Point, NY 7:30 PM
Click on link above for further information

Sunday Farmer's Markets

Warwick Valley Farmer's Market
Sunday 9:00 - 2:00 Located in the South Street Parking lot, Warwick, NY

West Point/Town of Highlands Farmer's Market
Sunday 9:00 - 2:30 Located
in the Municipal lot, Main St., near Visitor's Center, Highland, NY
There are literally thousands of things to do on this 4th of July weekend in Orange County New York.  
Get up and head out for some fun.  

The greater Hudson Valley is a great place to live or have a second home.  If you would like a link to a Greater Hudson Valley almanac that is packed with information to help you decide if this is the place for you, give me a call or send me an email.  

If you would like to start a search for a permanent residence or vacation home in the area I would love to help you.  Working with an experienced buyer's agent can help you to choose what is best for you.  I work in Orange, Ulster, or Sullivan County NY and I would love to be your Buyer's Agent. If you are looking elsewhere I would love to find someone in your chosen location to help you.  Give me a call or send an email today.

I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work the Me and You'll be Happy!
845-800-7086
 
Yesterday morning I was reading a blog, Great Life Lesson I Learned from a Dog.. by Celina Gleason and I looked over at the side bar and saw she was from Manning, SC.  Well it's a small world after all for sure on AR.  My house in SC is right outside of Manning and I spend a lot of time there at WalMart and other shopping meccas (it is not a big town but it has what we need there).  I emailed her to say hi.
  
I got an email from an agent, Ginger Sala, who had caught one of my blogs.  I found the buyer for her house up north here when she moved to North Carolina a few years ago.  

I met one of my best friends in the rain, my intrepid Sister from Another Mister C Tann-Starr, because she blogged about Greeleyville,  
Greeleyville SC Tell A Friend Network.  Greeleyville is on my way out to the beach from my SC house and it is a notorious speed trap so I recognized the name right away and emailed her.  

What a great place the Rain is for connecting and re-connecting with people.  If you have not started to form relationships with others you are missing the point.  Business will come not from your advertisements and solicitations but from the relationships you form and informative localism posts. So go out and find yourself some peeps and have a great week.

Keep Smiling and Keep Selling!

I'm Paddy Pizappi - work with Me and You'll be Happy!  


 
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Real Estate Agent: Paddy Pizappi PineBush & Hudson Valley NY Real Estate  (RJ Smith Realty Real Estate Solutions)
Paddy Pizappi PineBush & Hudson Valley NY Real Estate
Pine Bush, NY
More about me…
RJ Smith Realty Real Estate Solutions

Office Phone: (845) 744-2095 Ext.: 326
Cell Phone: (845) 800-7086
Email Me
My blog will deal with working with buyers, my life as a mother of 3 teenagers and how to fit real estate into the other aspects of my world. I will also speak on volunteer efforts to assist my community

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