Christina's Blog

Accountability what does it mean to You

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 08:04:01 -0600

Keller Williams has a new program coming soon that is being introduced to New England. It is costly and the classes start in January which is doubly hard for agents right after the holidays to find money on top of Realtor in December. All that aside, we were discussing ways to offset the costs for agents by reimbursing some or all of the costs. The subject came up about how many classes should an agent have to attend out of the 8. Could they miss 1 or 2 and still be reimbursed. Then the discussion lapsed into complaints:

-Broker Open Houses are that day of the week

-The drive is too long

-I may have things come up and can't make all 8.

-I don't want to drive in the snow

Accountability was the issue for me here. This is a program with a track record of success, the agents average 8 deals in the 8 week program. But for me the bigger picture is what are you willing to commit to the success of your business? Can you really not find the time to attend 8 of the 9:30-3:30pm classes? Can you really not have Broker Opens on different days for 8 weeks? What level of commitment do you have?

Is this the same reason there isn't enough time to do the things you know you should. The only reason I could think of and said is that you must not need to make any more money because if you did you would do anything to make that happen. I have been asked to share my personal story of finding success at a very challenging time in my life, but is that really necessary for someone to commit. Don't they have to find that in themselves? My story won't get them to do all the home work and show up each week. You need to find that in yourself and that is the hardest but most lasting thing we can do.

What does accountability mean to you? Do you do the things you say you will. I've been listening to Fierce Conversations a topic for another blog but a great line was "I drive carefully when someone important is in the car". Are you important?

Ready to play the Heating Game?

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 09:24:43 -0500

Welcome to New England it's a common past time to see just how long you can wait to turn your heat on. With temeperatures in the morning hovering around 45 degrees many are caving. Since heating costs can take up a significant portion of your budget here are some things to consider:

Natural Gas: It appears prices are dropping due to an oversupply of inventory.

Oil: Do you lock in or not? That's hard to predict since prices at the gas stations have dropped in the last week.

Take advantage of the tax credit to add energy efficiency to your home that is older than 10 years old. Insulate and replace windows if needed.

Don't forget to get your furnaces serviced, there is nothing worse than having an issue in the dead of winter...

So.. how long are you going to wait or have you caved already? I'm still holding on..blankets and sweaters on hand.

The Buck Stops Here

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 08:39:33 -0500

I recently read The Travelers Gift by Andy Andrews and for the next 21 days morning and night I am reading Decision 1: The Buck Stops Here.

The book was powerful, about a man at the lowest point in his life, ready to end it all who just as he is about to winds up “traveling” through history and meeting some of great historical men and women who each teach him a lesson.

This one is about accepting that you are where you are through your own doing and to stop blaming people, genetics etc for where you are. As I go about my day in Real Estate this is in the back of my mind. Here are a few changes I made because of it:

I was late for an office meeting that I thought started later. I could have sworn that’s what was written down and I was ready to go down the path of “it’s not my fault” but it was. I misread the calendar so I was late, end of story. Next time I will have to pay more attention.

I was tired and didn’t want to go to the gym after a long day. Too bad most of my days are long and I knew that and didn’t get up in the morning. So I picked myself up and off I went. I felt more energetic the next day too… except.

My ankle started acting up again. Great reason not to go right? Nope ankle brace and the bike which doesn’t aggravate it. No more excuses.

The lesson is all about putting your energy in making the right decisions and moving forward on them. Not making rash ones and regretting them later. My favorite quote in the lesson “My life will not be an apology. It will be a statement.”

Stay tuned for Decision 2: I will seek Wisdom.

Why move to Groton, MA

Wed, 20 May 2009 07:50:45 -0500

Recently I have had several relocation buyers looking at my listings and I've been asked to highight the features of Groton. I have lived here for 9 years and here are a few of mine.

Farmers Market open Fridays through October
Rail trail that goes from Ayer to Nashua - very popular with families
Close to the Commuter rail in Ayer and Routes 2, 3 and 495
Great library with many events for adults, teens and children
Our old High School was recently converted to a 2nd Middle School and our High School was recently built. We share the school district with the town of Dunstable.
Great recreational sports including soccer, basketball, hockey and so on.
Canoeing on the Nashua River
Many local stables for Horseback riding
The Groton Country Club with a golf course and pool.
The town in the last few years has purchased several acres to preserve the landscape.
Gibbet Hill Grill and the scenic area around it.
2 renowned private schools: Lawrence Academy and the Groton School-both of which allow their facilities to be used by the town recreation.
Town soccer fields, tennis courts and so on.
Close to tax free shopping in Nashua, NH
Sargisson beach and the Lost Lake area close by.
Wonderful walking/riding/running trails throughout the town, well marked.

If you are considering a move to the is area, I would love to show you some of my favorite spots.

Did the Spring Market hit? Where is the inventory?

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 09:36:40 -0500

Where is the rush of Sellers listing their homes?

April is here and Buyers are wondering when the Sellers are going to start listing their homes.

Here is the inventory of homes in Groton listed since 3/1/09 that have not been previously listed in the last year:

73 Deerfield Drive

15 Acorn Path - showing for back-up

34 Spaulding Ln

51 Overlook Drive

44 Drumlin Hill Road

40 Wallace Rd

337 Martins Pond Road

109 Nashua Rd

That's not alot of new inventory for buyers wanting to take advantage of the $8000 tax credit, if you have a home to sell nows your chance, give us a call.

My company has been bought out?

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 11:55:02 -0500

Last week was a long week. We walked into our Monthly Meeting to find out we had been bought out by a much larger office. This was a shock to everyone in the room. Our small hometown office was now part of now 11 offices the largest in the state. Here are a few lessons I learned quickly:

I don't like change as much as I thought I did.

In my complacency I always thought as an independent contractor I made my own business decisions, that illusion was quickly shattered when my old company stopped existing 10 minutes after we were told.

I handle change better than I thought.

Once I did get over my initial shock and realized I had choices I began immediately researching the new technology and benefits of my new company. I decided to give them the 3 months they asked for because change under pressure just isn't the way I prefer to do business.

Change can be good

Watching Century 21 close their office next door had me concerned about the future or our office. We are now part of a strong network of offices and agents whose benefits far exceeded what our old small office could offer. Our new management is vibrant and offers cutting edge technology. We have access to new territories, use of any of the offices and a great support system.

So I guess the real theme of this blog is about change and how to handle it. I had a range of emotions over this but in the end my optimism prevailed and I choose to embrace it and find new opportunities that may not have been on my radar if this opportunity hadn't presented itself. I hope if you find yourself in a similar situation you can do the same.

I refuse to participate in this recession

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 18:42:39 -0500

I don't know about the rest of you but I have decided not to participate in this recession.

Monday: I got short sale approval on one of my closings, set to close in 3 weeks. The whole process took about a month.

Tuesday: I wrote up an offer on one of my istings, cash deal.

Wednesday: Screened 2 new buyer leads, had an offer accepted on another of my listings.

Thursday: Negotiating the offer from Tuesday, 2 other offer on our listings were accepted.

Friday: Remains to be seen...

Could I have accomplished that if I believed our economy /industry /future was in doomed? Probably not, so I choose not to participate in this recession. I chose to keep working every day believing Sellers want to sell, Buyers want to buy and my job is to put them together.

Open House Kit

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:33:53 -0500

I am working on my own Open House Kit, I have the paperwork and signage but these days some homes could use a bit of freshening up before the Open House and here are a few of the items I've pulled together. I would love any suggestions that other agents have used

Clean fluffy neutral colored bathroom and kitchen towels
Decorative soaps
Swiffer wet
Various plugins
Toilet Paper
A couple of differnt floral accent arrangements
A neutral blanket and pillows
A couple of fancy place settings

I would love to hear any of your ideas as well.

Is a $25 Sign Permit Coming your Way?

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:23:59 -0500

I am hoping this doesn't become a trend. The town of Shirley, MA is facing a huge deficit and looking for ways to generate income. They have decided to charge a sign permit of $25 for any Real Estate sign in the town. This doesn't apply to political signs, but those for Real Estate.

So.. I want to hold an Open House this weekend, it takes on average 3 directional signs plus the one at the house, should I be writing a $75 check each time? This is an unfair burden on our industry and the Sellers. Local Realtors have been very vocal on this issue and Mark Tavenner in my office was interviewed yesterday for Channel 5 news. Here is the link:

http://www.thebostonchannel.com/money/18996006/detail.html

Please make sure that if this happens in your area that your voice is heard. I sympathize with towns facing huge deficits but this is an unfair burden on an industry that is already struggling.

Home inspections and Winterized Homes

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 09:41:55 -0500

So you’ve made an offer on a foreclosure and now you want to have a Home Inspection. The only problem is the home is winterized and it’s the middle of winter. You know the property is sold “As Is” but you want to make sure the pipes haven’t frozen and the heating system is functional. If you are getting a loan on the property your appraiser is going to want to see the water and heating system are all functioning as well. So what are your options?

First you need permission from the bank through the listing agent that they will allow the property to be un-winterized for inspections. If they will, most likely you will need to use their plumber. The cost can be around $250 to un-winterize and $250 to re-winterize it depending on the type of property. Make sure you negotiate who pays for that in your offer. At this point you really only have 2 options:

1) You do a dry inspection, test everything else in the property, even run compressed air through the pipes to see if there is any freeze damage. Have the appraiser come out and test everything but the water and heat. About a week before closing, have the property un-winterized, pay for the appraiser to come back out and if the bank allows it leave the heat on until closing.

2) You will need to have the property un-winterized and have your home inspection and apppraiser come out to the property on the same day. Some lenders are not coopertative, check with yours. The property will be re-winterized within 24 hours until closing. You will be responsible for un-winterizing it again after closing.

These issues can be tricky, make sure you have an agent who is familiar with selling foreclosures to walk you through the process.

Originally posted on www.theforeclosurehouseforyou.com

Why bother with the internet

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:28:09 -0600

Here's our Inaugural Video, I'm interviewing my one of my team members who went to the Inman Conference in NYC.

Lessons of the Day

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 14:33:30 -0600

This morning was typical in our household of 2 dogs and a cockatiel. If I have any stress our bird Snuffy is like my inner stress meter. His normal happy sounds turn into high pitched squeals at a time when I can least handle it. I wasn't graceful this morning and yelled "bad bird' a couple of times as I hastily got my things ready to go work in the office. There would be no peace if I stayed. I was throwing things around and heading out to my car when I stopped and took a deep breath.......

If this beautiful bird is my stress meter my getting mad wasn't helping. I quietly walked upstairs and went over to his cage. I took the time to make cooing noices and pet him. I told him I'm sorry. Animals can be humbling if you let them. He reminded me to take a deep breath and take it easy.

Many times we let the situation, our family, the client, the economy get us in a frenzy, I hope you all listen to that inner voice when it tells you to slow down and be grateful for everything we do have. I know I spent the rest of the day a better agent, friend and mother.

A New Day

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 14:49:16 -0600

Watching yesterdays Inaugural Speech was emotional for me. I think one of the key statements that really hit home for me was the scripture:

The time has come to set aside childish things

That summarized alot of what I have felt about our economic and collective emotional state. The time ahead is for maturity. We are adults who can accept responsibilty. The time to deny our state of affairs is over and the hard work of improving has begun.

In real estate we are at the forefront of Main Street America. We see firsthand the consequences of our collective bad choices. But we are very needed. If we remain strong and clear in purpose we can be the heros to those that have become overwhelmed by the state of affairs. We can guide them to the next stage of their life. We can find the creative solutions to help them through this process.

We need to dig deep inside our ourselves and find our own inner strengths to rebuild. There are so many resources out there to inspire and guide us. Our job is important, let's be the best professionals we can be, find the best solutions and use our most creative ideas to move through this time.

I don't know about you, but I embrace the challenges ahead, and look forward to what lies ahead.

Things to Do this Weekend

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 12:45:30 -0600

There is plenty of snow and it's too cold to be outside, if your getting cabin fever here are a few ideas:

The Velveteen Rabbit play Saturday 1/17 at 11am: Don't miss this live play at the Groton-Dunstable High School

Family Play Date at Borders in Nashua this Saturday 1/17 at 10:00am featuring author Sandra Boynton and the

Kids Inauguration Party at 2:00pm

Winter Symphony; America the Melting Pot Sunday 1/18 at 3:00 pm at the Indian Hill Music School in Littleton

I hope that helps give you some creative and fun ideas of things to do with your family this weekend.

I got frustrated and didn't secure the house

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:27:05 -0600

Imagine my surprise when I get a feedback email this past Saturday on one of my Short Sale listings. I was floored when I read about how the agent went to the wrong door, through 2 feet of snow, only to realize the lockbox was on the side door as stated in our showing instructions. There was a complete rant by this agent who was looking at the home for himself about the condition, the stuff left behind etc. Did I forget to mention that he showed this listing on Friday, at the end of the email he states he tried to lock the door but got frustrated and left...

Excuse me, did I read that correctly? You didn't call the office but sent an email the next day that you left my listing unsecured?

I immediately sent the following email to his broker and mine:

As the broker of your company I am forwarding this email. There is no excuse for the agent in your office who showed this property yesterday to leave a property unlocked and then send an email the next day. I am shocked by the lack of professionalism, there was no call made to anyone in my office or team. Secondly our showing instructions for this property are VERY clear, your agent is the only one who cannot seem to follow them. If I get to the property and find that is was vandalized I will be reporting your agent to the police and the board. There is no excuse for this kind of behavior in our industry.

Has is really come to this? What would you have done? Interestingly, I have had no response to my email.

Local Holiday Events

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 09:18:49 -0600

Here are a few local events being held this weekend:

Saturday 12/13/08

Holiday Sing-a-Long - 3:00pm

6 King St., Littleton, MA, 01460 (978) 486-9524

Concord Chorus Holiday Concert - 4pm

Middlesex School Memorial Chapel

1400 Lowell Road, Concord, MA, 01742

Sunday 12/14/08

2nd Annual Holiday Bake Off - 1-4pm

2-4 Boston Rd., Westford, MA (978) 692-5550

Holiday Pops Cabaret 6:30pm

Monument Square, Concord, MA, 01742

(978) 269-4237

Trick or Treating in Groton

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:12:54 -0500

If you are new to Groton area and wondering where to trick or treat then here are some helpful tips:

You will find plenty of houses and families with children in downtown Groton. Starting at Hollis St and heading around the cemetary are the hottest spots in town. Trick or treating starts around 5pm and ends about 8pm.

Don't forget to stop by the Union Congregational Church at 218 Main St for cider, cookies and hot dogs. All donations go to Unicef

Happy Halloween!!

Did you let your clients know you've given up?

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 08:57:08 -0500

Websters Dictionary defines APATHY as:

1 : lack of feeling or emotion : impassiveness

2 : lack of interest or concern : indifference

Did you let your Seller know at the listing appointment that you have given up or was that just a secret for your fellow Realtors? Or how about your Buyers? When I call you up because one of my listings fits your buyers profie and you can barely remember you had a buyer and say you should probably call them should you really be doing this job anymore.

I'm just just curious, did it occur to you that your clients DESERVE better? Did you really think you weren't accountable to anyone, had no boss? Guess what, you do it's called your CLIENT.

I am already used to having to do most of the work in a transaction but do I really have to get you to even contact your clients? This post is written to unfortunately no agent in particular as there are too many to be named. Wake Up!!! Some of us are professionals that are already working 2 or 3 times as hard just to make deals happen, we don't need apathy. I know it's hard but if you are going to give up, have the courtesy to let your clients know, they are counting on you.

Lost Lake Open House October 26th from 1-4pm

Sun, 19 Oct 2008 11:38:53 -0500

If you are considering moving to the area, then join us Sunday October 26th from 1-4pm and get to know the Lost Lake area of Groton. An Open House of over 8 homes will be held at the following homes:

32 Indian Rd

29 Arrow Trail Agent cancelled

10 Redskin Trail Agent cancelled

28 Redskin Trail Agent cancelled

64 Lakeside Dr

29 Whitewood Rd

23 Radio

14 Rustic

40 Lost Lake

Stop by the table at the entrance of Lost Lake and Route 40 for your map and tour brochure. This is a great area to call home, here are a few neighborhood events:

Mountain Lakes Club- $25 membership donation helps to provide Messy Games in Summer (mud pit, ooblick, water balloons, etc)

Haunted hay ride in October.

Sleigh Rides in Dec with sales of peace lights (candles in bags that everyone lights on Christmas Eve and puts along the road) and

Easter Egg hunt with visit from the Easter bunny held either at the fire station or at the field on Lost Lake.

Local residents also have access to Baby Beach, a small, private beach with sand that is weeded for swimmers on a weekly basis

Neighborhood pot luck dinners and neighborhood dances held at the fire station. Lots of kids of all ages.

6 Groton Harvard Rd, Ayer

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 11:37:55 -0500

Christina Bennani | Re/Max Colonial | 888 -448-8288

1 Groton-Harvard Unit 6, Groton, MA

Refinished Condo On First Floor!! Low Priced!!

2BR/1BA Condo

offered at $99,000

Year Built	1970
Sq Footage	572
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	1 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	None
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

First floor unit in new condominium development. This refinished home has one of the lowest prices in town. What better way to break into home ownership than with a mortgage payment of around $1000.00 per month? Sale is subject to third party approval.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Living room

Stove/Oven

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Golf course

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Walk/Jog, Shopping, park, medical facility

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Christina Bennani

Re/Max Colonial

888 -448-8288

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Sep 24, 2008, 10:08am PDT

32 Indian Rd, Groton MA

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 11:35:18 -0500

Christina Bennani | Re/Max Colonial | 888 -448-8288

32 Indian Rd., Groton, MA

Warm up this winter next to the fireplace in this 3-bedroom/2-bath home!!

3BR/1BA Single Family House

offered at $359,000

Year Built	2000
Sq Footage	1,820
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	1 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	1 Car garage
Lot Size	14,000 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Warm up this winter next to the fireplace in this 3-bedroom/2-bath 1820-SF home in Groton. You'll enjoy a master suite with walk-in closet for your wardrobe, living room with carpeting, bright kitchen with work island, appliances included, dishwasher, refrigerator, microwave, basement laundry, attic storage. $359,000

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Fireplace	Hardwood floor	Living room
Dining room	Dishwasher	Refrigerator
Stove/Oven	Basement	Laundry area - inside
Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

attic storage

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Christina Bennani

Re/Max Colonial

888 -448-8288

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Oct 8, 2008, 3:03pm PDT

Willard Brook State Park

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:06:35 -0500

If you are looking for a great dog friendly state park to visit with the family, take a look at Willard Brook Sate Park on Rte 119 between Townsend and Ashby MA. The park sits on over 2500 acres with trails, rivers and a great area to swim. Dogs on leashes are welcome and there are several areas with picnic tables and grills some along the river.

The trails are extensive and there is great scenery along the way inlcuding a gorgeous waterfall! The brook was widened and sand was brought in to make a nice swimmng area and there are also bathroom facilities.

Here's the state link for more information:

http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/northeast/wilb.htm

Staying focused this Summer

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 09:35:49 -0500

Summers in New England.

.. we have so few nice days here it's so hard not to kick back and relax. The lure of the beach, golfing, working in the garden...the Cape. But... what we do now determines how our Fall and Winter will be so as a compromise here are a few changes I made to enjoy the Summer but still have a successful Fall and Winter.

I focus on the basics, what really needs to get done every day.

- Prospecting

- Lead follow-up

- Listing Appointments

- Presenting Offers

If it sounds simple I can promise you many are not even doing that. I know that if I can just focus every day on those few things when I'm done I can go and relax and enjoy our precious Summer Days.

27 Kailey's Way, Groton MA

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 05:22:48 -0500

Your Own Private Home On the Hill Situated On Over 6.5 Acres!!

Location: Groton, MA

Your own private home on the hill! This gorgeous colonial sits on over 6.5 acres with conservation trails and it's own pond. The home's open floor plan is perfect for entertaining from the 2 story foyer, to the cathedral ceilinged living room with French doors. The kitchen and dining room have been totally renovated. The home features granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, and travertine floors in dining room. Hurry this gorgeous home won t last!!

Information

Contact Information

Christina Bennani

978-448-8288

Contact Reply Form

Forward to a Friend

View Other Flyers

Pricing

Asking Price: $494,900.00

Property Location

27 Kailey's Way
Groton, MA 01450
View Map

Features

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2.5

Parking: Attached

Year Built: 1997

Lot Size: 6.59 acres

Garage Size: 2

Square Footage: 2066

Agent Name: Christina Bennani

Broker: RE/MAX Colonial

MLS #: 70759463

Attributes

Appliances

Range/Oven

Washer/Dryer

Dishwasher

Interior Amenities

Fireplace

Hardwood Floors

Kitchen Island

Vaulted Ceilings

Basement

French doors

Granite counters

stainless steel appliances

travertine floors in dining room

Exterior Amenities

Patio

Grass Lawn

Photo Gallery

View as Slideshow View Photo Gallery (10 Photos)

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

VFLYER ID: 1664601

88 Townsend St, Fitchburg

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 18:11:30 -0500

Single Family Home In Great Location!!

Location: Fitchburg, MA

Don't miss this 4 bedroom home close to shopping.

Features

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 2

Parking: off street

Year Built: 1900

Lot Size: 9230

Garage Size: 2 car

Square Footage: 1465

Agent Name: Christina Bennani

Broker: RE/MAX Colonial

MLS #: 70734380

Information

Contact Information

Christina Bennani

978-448-8288

Contact Reply Form

Forward to a Friend

View Other Flyers

Pricing

Asking Price: $115,000

Flexibility: Negotiable

Property Location

88 Townsend St.
Fitchburg, MA 01420
View Map

Links

The House For You Website

Interior Amenities

Hardwood Floors

Basement

Photo Gallery

View as Slideshow View Photo Gallery (9 Photos)

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

VFLYER ID: 1588443