fairfield: Happy Valentine's Day to My Husband and Business Partner - 02/14/07 01:28 AM
   
      While I was making a home-made Valentine's Day card for my husband, I noticed that Chris and St. Valentine look alike. Hmmmm.... would he appreciate the comparison?  I guess sharing a few things I admire about my Valentine (and business partner) wouldn't hurt:
Chris champions those who need him.  He negotiated terms AGAIN on a contract right before closing because our person's ALS symptoms worsened (she could no longer speak) and was too ill too move at that time.  Chris was her voice.  He was tenacious and determined.  He got everyone on board to be reasonable and caring. I was never prouder. 
Chris has never given up on finding the right home (when other agents would … (0 comments)

fairfield: Firewood Buying Information for Consumers - 02/13/07 06:38 AM
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fairfield: Hardwood Floors and Dogs - 02/13/07 03:02 AM
  This is Coco Chanel.  A Designer Dog (Knock-off).  Lhasa-poo.
Some people are concerned that the dogs nails would scratch the wood and would have to refinish them every year or two.
Some questions they ask are:
I thought there are hardwood floors that are more durable than others, what are they? Also, even if you do get the durable wood what type of maintenance would there be? What does it mean to 'refinish' them? Do we have to buff and seal every year? I would really like to make a case as to why we should have hardwood floors! I actually love … (1 comments)

fairfield: Working Indepedently - It Takes Commitment to Make it Worthwhile - 02/13/07 02:43 AM
       With the real estate market  seemingly more adaptable to smaller business models, Chris and I saw a window of opportunity and we took it.  Life isn't easier and there is still hardwork, but it would have been a mistake not to venture forth from the large corporation.  
        We can compete!   Our business is expanding and fills our time.  We work past our expectations and this has enabled us to continue down the path toward success.  We gain momentum with each accomplishment.
       In our business successful agents have to be action-oriented and have a positive attitude.   There is a special camaraderie between us and are equally confident in our strengths and skills.  
        We … (0 comments)

fairfield: Giving - 02/12/07 12:26 AM
     I believe in giving.  Professionally and personally, I feel like I get so much in return.  Whether it be reciprocity for a favor or the reward of a sincere thank you.
     My precious time is given freely to friends.  For the past few years I have enjoyed the friendship of a 92 year old woman.  I am especially appreciative of our times shared; mostly laughing about boys!  When we are together we both feel 16 again! I also love learning from her life experience, her gift to me!
      And even though my prosperity has been modest, I have never missed the dollars that I have given away here and there to charities.  I am … (0 comments)

fairfield: Buyer's Walk Through - 02/08/07 04:49 AM
  A house is a major purchase for almost anyone. Taking the time to study the property one last time before closing is a smart thing to do.Here are a few tips from experienced real estate professionals for spotting potential last-minute problems.
Walk-through less than 24 hours before the closing:. You don't want too much time to lapse between the walk-through and the closing.Take your time: Don't feel rushed or pressured by the seller.Take the walk-through in daylight hours.Bring the home inspector's report. Or better yet, bring the home inspector.Examine the now-empty garage, basement, crawl spaces and attic. When they are occupied, these … (0 comments)

fairfield: I Control My Happiness - Negativity is Like the Flu - 02/06/07 06:10 AM
     For the most part I have a happy life.  My time is precious to me, so I can't waste it on negativity.  I control my own happiness.  I have justifiable concerns and on occasion will state them, but I don't whine.  No good can come of it.  I am helpful to others in need, but some people's problem seem to rule their lives.  I avoid negativity like the flu!
       I am grateful that I am rarely tense.  I deal with stress by taking walks, (I really think I should be thinner.)
       Even through all the daily dealings (I do this full-time and … (0 comments)

fairfield: Wrong Number, But the Right Thing To Do - 02/06/07 04:55 AM

    I answered the phone and heard a cheerful voice ask for "Soandso",  an agent I used to work with before I went on to be an independent broker.  I told caller that "Soandso" did not work here, but I used to be her associate manager and thought "Soandso" was a lovely person, (which is very true.)   Before I divulged any other information, I asked what the phone call was pertaining to.  She revealed that she was working with "Soandso" on a rental. 

    I quickly looked up on-line if "Soandso" was still at the same company.  She was.  I gave the caller "Soandso" phone … (0 comments)

fairfield: 10 Things You Shouldn't Buy New - 02/05/07 08:41 AM
10 things you shouldn't buy new
Why waste money on shiny packaging and a fancy store when you can find it online and 'pre-owned' for a fraction of the cost? Here are your best buys.
By Liz Pulliam Weston Few people really enjoy wasting their hard-earned money, but many of us do it every day by buying new. We could do our pocketbooks, and the environment, a big favor by opting to be the second owner of some of the stuff we buy.
Obviously, some things are best purchased new; lingerie pops to mind But lots of other stuff depreciates quickly while still having … (0 comments)

fairfield: Building A Relationship is Key to Recruiting - 02/05/07 03:36 AM
Recruiting should not be (or come off as) "a sell", but since most managers come from a selling background they can not get away from their roots.  I don't  know too many people that enjoy rejection, but that should be water off a duck's back if a manager is going to succeed.  Never accept "no" as an answer is usually a good recruiters motto. 
There are many types of managers, and many different techniques to get agents to get "on-board" without having to "shanghai" them.  Recruiting Managers go to co-operating Broker Opens and Public Open Houses to "meet and greet" competing office's agents.
Recruiting can be a slow process.  Building a … (0 comments)

fairfield: Listing and Listening - Sellers Pay Attention - 02/05/07 03:29 AM
The best teacher in life is experience and I just wanted to pass this information on to help those who are seriously considering selling their home.We received a referral from a previous satisfied customer. The property to be sold was a lovely 60's era home.An indepth price evaluation was done, utilizing SOLDS from the Multiple Listing Service and For Sale By Owner comparable. We compiled other important information as well. Building plans and renovations in the neighborhood; real estate market trends in the area and mortgage rates. Plus, the overall local, state and national economy. It was decided to offer the property for … (0 comments)

fairfield: Remember Positive is a Plus Sign - 02/02/07 02:33 AM
   Waking up motivated is how a successful professional starts their day. 
    Keeping the momentem of motivation going is a skill!
 
Here are a few ideas to keep desire and willingness a part of your day and to keep your business growing! 
WARNING:  MOTIVATION CAN BE CONTAGIOUS!
 
Opportunities are always there to be more effective, successful and positive.   
Trust people's work to meet  your standards.  Give  people clear expectations so they know what they are supposed to do.  
    Practice positive feedback.   
   Avoid complaining.   Always take time to praise the performance of individuals.   
     Be careful of setting up suggestion roadblocks for improvement.  Too many roadblocks may cause a bumpy detour in your career. 
 Apply ethical … (1 comments)

 

Ruthman Real Estate

Fairfield, CT

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