Help! The Ball is Rolling..Save our Pets - 12/29/08 07:08 PM
Today I had the honor of the Cape Cod Times Printing my "Letter to the Editor"
I know any "joe blow" can slap his/her opinion down and send it on in and Wallah Instant News.  I do truly feel honored that this topic was printed and has created a MAJOR push in my goal to be a Realtor In ACTION for our Animals!
With such amazing response here on Active Rain and all the encouragement to take it to the next level I wrote the Cape Cod Times.  I woke up to emails flooding in with People Thanking me, people needed … (6 comments)

Home Sellers Sweeten Deal by Paying Closing Costs - 12/27/08 05:56 PM
I really liked this article for consumers. I wanted to pass it along for your review.
By Marilyn Kennedy Melia, bankrate.com | Published: 12/24/2008
Follow this link To View the Web Page
So much for curb appeal. Sure, it takes a welcoming presence to lure homebuyers to your door. But in today's market, it often takes a fistful of cash to get them to the table.
When they come to the closing table, sellers are increasingly picking up the tab for all the ancillary costs buyers incur when purchasing a home.
These "closing costs" can include a long list of charges, from … (1 comments)

Spoiled, Spolied Spoiled..and Great on Gas! - 12/26/08 11:23 AM
 
 
Wrapped Up behind the Christmas tree, I was convinced my boyfriend had gotten me exercise equipment.
I thought, How unromantic..but in all fairness I have been complaining about losing weight and joining the gym.  This will be nice I can workout at home...but still so unromantic.
To my suprise It was my new gas sipping retro looking soon to have me known as the Scootin' Realtor Metropalitan, from my mother! I am so excited for the weather to warm up and amazed at what a "Scooter Community" is out there.  I would love to hear from other Scooter Lovin Realtors … (22 comments)

What Will You Create Today? - 12/26/08 09:16 AM

This is just a little follow up to my last blog.  Just something quick, Because we don't always feel like reading 1000 words.
What will you create today? Write it Down and see what you end up with before you hit the hay tonight.
Have fun today, make someone laugh, look in the mirror and pay yourself a compliment..and mean it!
What will you create today..post it in the comment field if you like..If you do I bet you will Inspire someone today!
 
 
… (1 comments)

Time To Shine in 2009 - 12/26/08 09:09 AM
Time To Shine in 2009
 
All sorts of little slogans are popping up for the outlook on our profession in 2009.
It's almost here, What will the New Year Bring?
It will bring what you Make it Bring...Looking for "doom and gloom", yup you'll get it.
Looking for ornery clients with bad credit to show 20 houses to until they say "we'll we're just kicking the tires...yup you'll find them too.
Looking for change? I know that's a popular phrase right now "change", but you must move and grow with the times.  Hold onto the fundamentals that grew your business … (2 comments)

Home Foreclosures increase and Family Pets Left In The Cold - 12/23/08 09:35 PM
I may sound like a broken record, but families giving up their pets due to home loss is increasing at ALARMING numbers.  I can only imagine the strain of having to move your family and find a pet friendly rental.  As a "mother" of Three dogs (Yorkie, Doberman and Lab) and One Cat..trust me I KNOW!
If you are headed towards a situation like this.PLEASE take these few simple steps that will convince a potential Land Lord to accept your family and Your Family Pets.  Landlords that are "on the fence" can be put at ease and say YES to PETS … (62 comments)

Go Elf Yourself! - 12/23/08 07:15 PM
 http://www.elfyourself.com/
Click on the link above if you have 10 minutes and some good face shots of yourself, family, coworkers, pets...Oh my gosh, this site is too funny!
My stomach muscles are sore from how hard we have been laughing at ourselves as dancing elves.
Trust me this is worth it, if you need a little holiday break..Go Elf Yourself...you will be rolling on the floor!

Feel free to post the link to your dance in the comment field...I might post mine if anyone wants to see...It's really only funny if you know the person though!
… (1 comments)

My Meez..Too Much Fun - 12/21/08 10:30 PM
OK I finally Did it..Thank You to everyone who helped me figure out that I had to paste it in the HTML sections NOT the WYSIYG section. Sometime we just need to let our mind clear and when I am making My Meez..it does the trick.. This is Me Rockin The Cape Cod Real Estate World..now I don't actually have any homes to sell that look like this...it's still fun to pretend..I will list one soon! … (4 comments)

Investing In Income Property - 12/20/08 01:55 PM
This Article is from Realtor.org Site
I thought there was a lot of good information here for investors and wanted to pass the opportunity along
 Visit the Link Below to Continue reading the Article
Have you ever thought about investing in rental property? Apartment buildings, condominiums, rental housing...all of these properties can be lucrative investments. Or they can be disastrous money pits!!! Below are several articles covering not only investing in multi-family properties, but also what to do with the property once it's yours. (K. Swanson, Information Specialist)
http://www.realtor.org/library/library/fg404?&WT.mc_id=LS121708&CAT=Comm

 
 
 
… (0 comments)

Welcome New AR Bloggers - 12/20/08 01:36 PM
Come on In The Water is Fine...
Actually Jump On In...
Head First!


Welcome and the best advice is to just start blogging and Keep Blogging!
About What you ask...ANYTHING (try and keep it real estate related)
Post a minumum of One Blog per day
Respond to a minumum of 10 blogs per day, just start reading them, you never know what you might learn. New and Old to the business trust me YOU WILL LEARN!
Search for answers to your Real Estate Questions
Post things that you think will help others..
Don't forget to add images to your blogs, … (3 comments)

Real Estate, A foot of Snow and Open Houses - 12/20/08 01:00 PM
We woke up to well over a foot of snow here this morning and I called my office manager hoping perhaps we would be delayed or closed. I had up time from 9-1 and then straight to a Open House from 1-3.  My manager called right back and said "come on in" we are plowing right now.Long story short we had a great morning at the office as people trickled in and laughed about last nights holiday parties and snow escapades.Last night I emailed my office the location of my Open House and I arrived this afternoon to a Plowed Driveway … (10 comments)

I have a Client in need of a Rental Foxboro Area - 12/19/08 10:46 AM
Hello Again Everyone, I have had sucess before reaching out for rentals so here's another one
I have a client relocating from Cape Cod to the Foxboro Area
He will be the Executive Chef for a new resturant opening in Patriot Place
Move In Date is around Feb 1st but could be earlier or a bit later if the place is right
Under $1200 per month
Must accept 1 Medium Size Dog (husky)
800sq ft +
Foxboro and surrounding area is fine, great if it's near the train as well.
Anyone have something?
Feel free to call me as well 781-664-3508
… (0 comments)

Tara Stone's Quote of The Day - 12/18/08 08:30 PM
The great thing in this world is not so much where you stand, as in what direction you are moving. Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809 - 1894) You can be at the top but not moving or moving backward
and you can be at he bottom and moving UP!
I love this quote...sometimes I feel a little shot down being new to residential Real Estate, I take a bit more "crap" from some older Realtors that are tired and ornery and not making money hand over fist anymore.  I see them stale and not moving anywhere, perhaps moving down, I feel good … (12 comments)

Can FSBO's have yard signs and Be Listed on MLS - 12/18/08 08:01 PM
I recently read somewhere that home owners cannot have their home posted on the MLS and post a FSBO yard sign on their property.  Does anyone know if there is truth behind this?   
If anyone has any insight on this topic and specifically how it applies to the state of MA, I would love to get to the bottom of the issue.

Do you have an opinion on the "Entry Only Listing Service"?
 
… (12 comments)

Tara Stone's Quote of The Day - 12/16/08 08:33 PM
While twisting off the cap to my green tea today I found a little surprise under the cap
Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out
- John Wooden
Life is certainly what we make it, but when we find ourselves in a situation that we cannot control do you cross your arms and pout in the proverbial corner?
We may not have the power to control every moment or situation but if we make the most of it we might just surprise ourselves.
 
… (5 comments)

Buying New Construction on Cape Cod - 12/16/08 12:04 PM
The Commerce Department published their monthly report today that showed housing starts and permits plummeted to their lowest points on record since they began tracking the data in 1959.
If you are looking for ONLY new construction, now is the time to seriously think about buying in the Cape Cod Market. Places like Florida where there were tremendous amounts built on spec may be saturated for years to come, however here on Cape Cod the new homes market may be sparse as we head into 2009 and 2010.  Now is the time when builders are willing to sell at drastically lower prices … (0 comments)

Get Serious About Buying On Cape Cod - 12/16/08 10:47 AM
Mortgage Loan Rates and Housing Prices Make it Buyers Market
First time home buyers may be entering the market of a lifetime. Mortgage rates are already at a record low 5.5 percent, and the Treasury is determined to make that 4.5 percent. Housing prices are also at record lows and plentiful.  Let's not forget about the incentive of a $7500 Tax Credit for 1st time home buyers.  Bought a home before and think you don't qualify? If you have not owned a home for the past three years you are considered a 1st time home buyer and YES you qualify for the credit. … (1 comments)

What I Learned From A Peacock - 12/14/08 09:53 PM
http://www.perrythepeacock.com/ 
Please click on the link above for a inspiring story
When I was hired on as a Realtor with my current company, the owner called me over at our company meeting and called me "Perry"..Perry the Peacock.  I thought what the heck..was it a compliment or what?After receiving a email with a link to this book/story, I was flattered and I myself saw the Me in Perry.
Take 4 minutes and 19 seconds for a little pick me up..
 
A Peacock in the Land of Penguins brings new insight to an important topic - cultivating new ideas instead of "business … (4 comments)

Sell now and Perhaps Save More Money! - 12/13/08 01:02 PM
With Change on it's way, could you be paying triple the rate of capital gains on your home sale?  Perhaps now is the time to sell, or even think about doing a 1031 exchange.. A little food for thought...
 
Obama Clarifies Scope of Capital Gains Tax Hike

August 14, 2008 7:33 PM
ABC News' Teddy Davis, Arnab Datta, and Rigel Anderson Report: Sen. Barack Obama's, D-Ill., top
economic advisors announced on Thursday that he is seeking to raise the capital gains tax rate from 15
percent to 20 percent for those Americans making more than $250,000 per year.
"The … (2 comments)

Tara Stone's Quote of The Day - 12/10/08 04:04 PM
Goals are the fuel in the furnace of achievement.Brian Tracy, Eat that Frog

I liked the simplicity of this quote
We all need to set, reevaluate and adjust our goals from time to time..try to do this once a month
Look at what you have achieved and how you achieved it
Look at what you did not acheive and the reasons why you feel you fell short
Set new goals, small goals that can grow and be re fired along the way.  Keep them fresh and keep that furnace strong with fire.
when the fire dies down just remeber that … (3 comments)

what I got from a Foreclosed House - 12/08/08 06:54 PM
 I went to see a foreclosed home, I ended up with a year old male Doberman in the back of my car.  As I drove home glancing in my rear view mirror wondering if he was going to lunge up and bite me or jut give me a big kiss, I thought myself...Tara, what are you getting yourself into here!?! With no collar, no leash and a half a bag of moldy food, I called my neighbor as he has a lab and I knew he had some extra collars and a leash. I tried them on him and as he … (49 comments)

Save Our Pets - 12/07/08 02:55 PM
Save Our Pets - cape Cod Pet Friendly Rentals
Moving" and "landlord won't allow" are among the top reasons given by pet owners when relinquishing their dogs or cats to animal shelters. If more rental housing permitted pets, millions of dogs and cats could stay in their homes when their caregivers move. The foreclosure crisis has forced many people to move out of their homes and owners who could have never imgained giving up their pets are now faced with finding housing that will allow them to move in with their beloved pet(s).As a animal love and Realtor, I feel a huge … (1 comments)

Young People Being Driven Off Cape Cod? Huh?? - 12/07/08 02:35 PM
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081207/NEWS/812070330
I recenlty read an article in the Cape Cod Times (link above) about how hard it is for young people to stay living here on the cape, how there is nothing to do in the winter..
Are "we" driving the Young Off Cape Cod along with our commerce?
Well I have to say as a Realtor and a young person there has never been a better opportunity for young first time home buyers to buy On Cape Cod.  Homes are selling for far below assessed value, mortgage rates are at or below 6%, there is a $7500 tax credit for 1st time … (0 comments)

Rental In Osterville Needed - 12/07/08 12:57 PM
Hello Fellow Realtors and Home Owners
I have a wonderful single woman relocating to Osterville from Boston
She would like to rent for a year to get settled in and specifically wants to be in a Condo located in the village.  She will be the only tenant with no smoking and no pets
Furnished or unfurnished will both be considered
She would like to move in February 09' but will sign a lease earlier for the right condo
If you have a rental or are considering renting your condo please contact me
Thank You and Happy Holidays


 
Tara … (0 comments)

Yule Tide, Yule Log, what the heck is a Yule? - 12/06/08 04:43 PM
Yule: the Winter Solstice, Yuletide (Teutonic), Alban Arthan (Caledonii)
Around Dec. 21This Sabbat represents the rebirth of light. Here, on the longest night of the year, the Goddess gives birth to the Sun God and hope for new light is reborn.
Yule is a time of awakening to new goals and leaving old regrets behind.
Yule coincides closely with the Christian Christmas celebration. Christmas was once a movable feast celebrated many different times during the year. The choice of December 25 was made by the Pope Julius I in the fourth century AD because this coincided with the pagan rituals … (1 comments)

Off the Cape and Onto the Islands - 12/06/08 04:26 PM
Off The Cape and Onto The Islands
One of the best parts of living on Cape Cod is the Access we Have to Nantucket and Martha's Vinyard
So Fly, Boat, Swim or walk on water to these upcoming and on going Island Holiday Events

Nantucket Noel -- NantucketNow through December 31, 2009Holiday festivities extend throughout the month and include caroling, holiday craft shows, exhibitions, and performances. Horse-drawn carriages, a gingerbread house contest, and the world famous Christmas Stroll give this event an old fashioned New England atmosphere. Location: Downtown Nantucket. Time: Varies. Cost: Free. Information: 508-228-1700 or visit www.nantucketchamber.org.

… (0 comments)

Holiday Events for Saturday December 6th - 12/05/08 09:06 PM
The Cape has so many wonderful things to offer this holiday season...Don't miss out!

What to do for Saturday December 6thChristmas fair First Light Church, 195 Meetinghouse Road, Route 137, South Chatham, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Baked goods, gift baskets, crafts, silent auction, soup and chili lunch and more. To benefit Youth Ministry.
Hyannis Village Stroll, begins at 9 a.m. with Breakfast with Santa, Main Street activities all day, Harbor Lighting and Santa's visit at 4:30 p.m.
Holiday pancake breakfast 8-10 a.m. at Morse Pond School, Jones Road, Falmouth. Featuring Wally the Green Monster, face painting, family raffle. Seafaring Santa follows … (1 comments)

Tara Stone's Quote of The Day - 12/05/08 08:55 PM
He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree. 
 ~Roy L. Smith
There is obvioulsy alot of talk about scaling back, the down market and now here comes the holidays. More Presents, More Food, More Time to Give and Less to Spare.
I read this quote and it hit a spot inside, I thought you could all find it's truth.
I am baking most of my presents for co-workers and clients this year.
We are enjoying our home, our pets, our family and each other.
I have sent a note to all my prospects wishing … (8 comments)

Open House in Osterville and Free Ice Cream - 12/05/08 08:40 PM


Come Visit this Wonderful Osterville Open House $559,000

Saturday December 6th from 1:00- 3:00 pm
Like new construction located within walking distance to Village and Dowses beach. Brought down to the studs and replaced with new. Exterior: New driveway, predipped Cedar siding, new 30 year Architectual roof, new 3 bed septic, Andersen windows, professionally landscaped including irrigation. Interior: All new walls with wainscoating, custom built cabinets and vantities with granite, red oak floors, stainless appliances, New heat and AC system. Nothing left to be done...move right in.  
Don't forget to pick up a coupon for a free ice cream at Polar … (0 comments)

Nuni Is Home and all is well in Osterville - 12/05/08 08:05 PM
Hi Everyone, just a quick Update on our Lost Cat...
While trying to get my Foreclosure Dog (My nickname for the young Doberman I pulled from a foreclosed home) inside on Wednesday Night I suddenly say a big black face and two huge yellow eyes starring at me from the bushes..After running out the front door in slippers and PJ's to get my Kitty back inside I grabbed him and swore I wouldn't let go no matter how deep the claws dug in...and Whew we made it back inside where he purred and sucked in the attention from my boyfriend and … (0 comments)

LOST Cat in Osterville, Please Help! - 12/03/08 03:09 PM
This is a Personal Plea, not Real Estate Related but please help.
We just moved close the Main Street Osterville (near Fancy's) and our beloved cat somehow got out on Sunday November 30th. He is a indoor cat, has his claws, nuetered male. His name is Nuni and he does not have a collar on, if you have seen him or know someone who might have found him PLEASE call or email us. Thank You Pierce #774-521-5741 or Tara # 781-664-3508
… (0 comments)

Holiday Calander for Hyannis - 12/02/08 08:32 PM
Fun Holiday Events to Enjoy in Hyannis
For more towns  please visit www.everythingcapecod.net

HyannisVillage of Lights Stroll  ~  December 1 & 2Main Street, Hyannis, MA800-4HYNNIS    (800-449-6647)www.hyannis.comSanta Claus arrives on Barnstable Fire Department ladder truck, 7:30 p.m. Cape and Islands United Way Spectacle of Trees at JFK Hyannis Museum (proceeds support local nonprofits). Evening continues along Main Street with activities including hayrides, live music, shopping and kids' activities.
Breakfast with Santa at British Beer Company ~ December 2nd ~  9 AM Events continue with blessing of the animals, free outdoor movie and in-store demonstrations. Harbor lighting with appearance by Santa on … (1 comments)