Dan Derito's (danieldande1) Blog

Why do Brookfield Heights Streets have People's Names?

Dan Derito (Success! Real Estate) — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 09:47:49 -0800

You may live on Sully, Lynn or Kevin Road and never ever gave it a thought. Perhaps you grew up on Jon or Lisa Drive. When these slab ranch style homes were built in the late fifties and early sixties, they were considered 'private ways' by the City of Brockton. As such, the Campanelli Brothers were able to call these new streets whatever they chose to. This topic came up while caddying for one of the contractors who did much of the painting as these homes were being built. Johnny Janto was one of the best guys you could be assigned to if you had to lug a golf bag around for four hours. He treated us well, kept the ball in easy to find places, and tipped with the best of them. Johnny J grew up poor during the depression and knew what real work was. We all loved him, and he loved golf. One day when the pace of play was very slow, and we had to wait on every shot for the groups ahead, he said that he named a couple of streets in Brookfield. "Do you know where Christopher Road is" he asked me? "Yes sir, it's right near my church, and I have friends who live on Christopher." "Well," he said, "my best painter and his wife had just had a baby boy and that's what they named him." As it turned out, they were working on a new road and it was agreed that would be the name of it. Since the contstruction of these starter homes was done in assembly line fashion, many of the crews got to know each other. From the pouring of the concrete, to the framers, plumbers, and the other tradesmen involved, one crew would need to finish before another could get started. It sort of makes sense when you think about it. Perhaps Sully was a roofer who married a girl named Lynn, and next thing you know they have a Kevin, and then an Elsie. I'm guessing that Keswick (Rd.) may have worked in the accounting office.Dan Derito "Dan De Homes" Success! Real Estate 508-843-1035 danieldande1@aol.com

Wait a Minute Mr. Postman (or woman).

Dan Derito (Success! Real Estate) — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 09:31:57 -0800

It is so easy to order the big, bright and shiny full color postcards from the comfort of the home office, that I have decided to do more of it in 2015. This past order was a 'Just Sold' card that is going to 200 homes around this Brockton, MA property. The printing, labeling and postage came to about $65. per hundred, or $130. total. These are going to be hand delivered to each home and will be physically handled by the homeowner. It will be information that should be of interest to them. People get less mail now than they used to, so this piece will stick out a little more. While it is likely to get tossed out, the information will be noted, not deleted like an annoying spam email. When they drive past the house they will mentally refer back to the information from the card. "They got that house for a pretty good price," or "I can't believe they got that much for that house." The postal service gets a regular beating at the hands of the media, yet it remains one of the best bargains in America. Pay your bills online and there is the increasing possibility that your account will get hacked. How convenient will it be that day? I did pay the printing company with a credit card, but it's one that they already have on file. On line marketing, blogging, video, and the myriad other ways that we get business are always going to need to get done. My feeling is that a card or letter, delivered by your mail person because it was directly addressed to you, is just a bit more valuable Dan Derito "Dan De Homes" Success! Real Estate 508-843-1035 danieldande1@aol.com

Brockton Ma Single Family Home Sales Spike in July.

Dan Derito (Success! Real Estate) — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 12:00:01 -0700

The number of single family homes sold in Brockton in July of 2014 jumped to 65. While they have been trending upward since the awful winter weather (36 homes sold in January), the first half of 2014 saw an average of about 47 homes sold per month. By the end of most years about 600 single family transactions will occur. Most months will see an average of about 50. Some active months will be above that and, conversely, the slower winter months will be in the mid to upper 40's sold. These sales are in addition to the multi family and condo markets, whose sales figures are kept seperately. The figures are taken from the Multiple Listing Service and don't include private sales.Dan Derito "Dan De Homes" Success! Real Estate 508-843-1035 danieldande1@aol.com

It Feels Like an Assault on Home Ownership.

Dan Derito (Success! Real Estate) — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 07:40:44 -0800

It's always been my favorite argument that, unlike paying rent, your thirty year, fixed rate mortgage could never go up. Of course, your real estate taxes go up a little every year, and so will your insurance. Ever since my dad purchased our first home, a five room starter ranch in Brockton MA in 1959 for $12,500.00, which he thought was a little high, he would justify it by stating that they can never raise the mortgage by a penny. He'd tell anyone who would listen, " I made them put that in there, that's why I didn't mind paying a little more." Once a year, when our tax bill came in the mail he would study it, then deem that all the politicians were crooks for personally raising our taxes. He was none too happy about it when the Insurance man came to the house to explain that annual rate increase. He would get over it soon enough, but he was a child of the Great Depression, and every penny mattered. Were he alive today, however, he would be overwhelmed by the increases in property taxes, and stunned to here of the premiums his friends in coastal areas are getting on their insurance rates. It seems as though there is an all out assault on home ownership, or is it just me being a chip off the old block?Dan Derito "Dan De Homes" Success! Real Estate 508-843-1035 danieldande1@aol.com

Going Backward With Technology.

Dan Derito (Success! Real Estate) — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 09:46:49 -0800

Active Rain Contests The challenge put forth was to explain how we are going to implement technology in our businesses in 2014. In the movie Caddyshack, the obnoxious Al Cervic, (played by Rodney Dangerfield) instructed his stockbroker to do the opposite of everyone else. “If everyone is buying, then sell,sell, sell, and if they are selling, then buy,buy, buy.” That was his trading philosophy since he was a Real Estate developer and didn’t appear to know anything about stocks. As it was with Al in stocks, so it is with many of us with technology. Armed with an IPhone, laptop, accounts with Active Rain Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+ and more, many of us are looking back fondly to ‘snail mail’, aka the United States Postal Service. These people know where my clients live, and actually go to all of their houses every day. They will, for a fair and predictable price, deliver postcards and letters reminding people who know me that I can help them with their Real Estate needs. They get recipes, pictures of cute puppies in front of my ‘Sold’ signs, and articles of interest that let them know that I am constantly looking out for their best interests. Going forward, technology will take up an increasing amount of time and will continue to get more user friendly. It is indeed the wave of the future, but I still enjoy passing along trends in the written form from sources like Inman News. Dan Derito "Dan De Homes" Success! Real Estate 508-843-1035 danieldande1@aol.com

Brockton MA Sees Jump In Home Sales in Third Quarter

Dan Derito (Success! Real Estate) — Thu, 31 Oct 2013 00:37:13 -0700

The number of single family homes sold in the City of Brockton in the third quarter of 2013 came in at 163. This figure increased from 151 in Q3 2012. More significantly, the average price of those homes was $190,944. compared to $165,510 from the same period in 2012. These homes also sold more quickly than last year by 29 days. The figure are based on MLS data and may not include private sales. In analyzing the data, however, the biggest determing factor in this increase was the fact that there were far fewer 'distressed' homes sold this year than last. That is, homes that were priced below $125,000. dropped to 18 from 40 in 2012. Many of these are not habitable and cannot get bank financing. They are often sold to contractors for cash, rehabbed and then resold at a profit. This activity helps our City in many ways. It takes eysore properties, which usually don't produce tax revenue, and returns them back onto the market for sale to homeowners who have a vested interest. The new homeowner takes care of the property, blends into the neighborhood and contributes to the tax base. Everyone wins!!! Dan Derito "Dan De Homes" Success! Real Estate 508-843-1035 danieldande1@aol.com

Can Anyone Give This Guy Some Money?

Dan Derito (Success! Real Estate) — Tue, 03 Sep 2013 12:46:50 -0700

Chuck is going to be 72 years old this year. His wife passed away in 2012 after a lengthy illness. He's a pretty simple, unassuming guy who spent most of his working life in a shoe factory. He and Mrs. Chuck truly loved and needed each other. She worked as a book keeper and was very good with stretching the money and paying the bills. He had never written a check and, when he was single, paid all of his bills with cash. She didn't drive, and he was happy to take her shopping and anywhere else she wanted to go. Mrs. Chuck gave him an allowance for spending money each week and it was plenty for him. Along the way, they acquired a home and kept it in neat condition at all times. Chuck was in charge of making sure everything worked, and that the lawn was mowed in the summer and that the driveway was shoveled in winter so that they could get out when they needed to. Together they made it all work. They had managed to pay off the house over the years, and now only had to keep it operating. Work was in the rear view mirror, and they could live comfortably on their Social Security and a couple of small pensions that came in. Chuck loved his (paid off) pick up truck and it will last forever Even their dog Buddy was happy with the arrangements. They couldn't have children. It all ended for Chuck in 2012. He is sitting on a property that has always been his home and it is what he worked his whole life for. The walls are adorned with pictures of the two of them at different key points in their life together. Neither she, nor her pension money are ever going to come back in the door. The sense of grief will always be there but, he never planned on outliving her. He now needs more income but is unable to work. He won't hear of a reverse mortgage, but I can't figure out a way to get him a line of credit that will enable him to live there. This is a guy who deserves to spend the rest of his time at home with dignity. Lots of equity, not enough income to qualify for a loan, or is there another way?Dan Derito "Dan De Homes" Success! Real Estate 508-843-1035 danieldande1@aol.com

My old Profile

Dan Derito (Success! Real Estate) — Thu, 17 Oct 2013 22:54:31 -0700

Old Profile Contents About me: Honest, knowledgeable and reliable are Dan's hallmarks. Known for his 'Dan De Service' pledge since the 1970's, he has bought and sold, managed and been involved with both residential and commercial properties. He brings a vast knowledge to the table. Dan also brings the human touch to the transaction because he knows about both sides. You are going to want, and appreciate, everything Dan does to make sure everything goes smoothly whether you are buying your first home, or selling the home that has so many memories with it. Pricing, marketing, financing, appraising, negotiating, and so much more are involved. Trust Dan when it's REALLY important. Certifications: As a Baby Boomer, Dan is active in the Senior Relocation and Estate Sales market. These can be emotional transactions that require patience and understanding for all of the parties involved. You will appreciate the steady, mature guidance that comes only from experience. Dan serves the Greater Brockton area and surrounding towns in Plymouth, Bristol and Norfolk Counties. Not only does he know the market, he is involved in the community and has been for many years. Member of Montello Business Association, Brockton Historical Society, D.W Field Golf Course, Southern Mass. Umpires Assn.(Baseball) A "Dan De Home" builds memories for you and your family. Don't settle for less. Testimonials: Dan Derito of Keller Williams Realty was named the first annual "Good Neighbor Award" winner for 2008 by the Greater Boston Real Estate Board for his work in establishing a Junior Golf Program for the City of Brockton, MA at it's municipal golf course, D.W. Field GC. The city's Mayor, James Harrington, was quoted as saying "...we are all very proud of Dan...", for the work he has put in. The program is free for the children and teaches them about golf etiquette, honor, respect, honesty and more. * " I just finished the Home Buyers Seminar....as required by the bank. We were informed and educated by 7 Real Estate professionals. The presenters included realtors, bankers, a home inspector, insurance specialist and a real estate lawyer. I just want you to know that almost every topic we covered in these sessions was territory you had already covered with me. I felt very confident in your hands before this seminar and now I'm also impressed." Kathleen B. "Dan, thank you so much for all the work you did on Franks condo deal. It's always a pleasure to work with such a professional." Steve A. "Words can't come close to describe the relief that we have in not getting our house foreclosed on, Dan. It's like the weight of the world has been lifted from our shoulders, and we can now move on with our life. It's hard to believe that you were able to fight through the aggravation from the bank to get our 'Short Sale' approved. " "Tony and I can't thank you enough." "Dan, I would like to take this time to thank you for making me so comfortable with the sale of our Mom's home. It was bitter sweet with all of the family drama. I had mixed feelings going into the closing , but you made me feel very comfortable and at ease. I will highly recommmend you to my family and friends." Ciny L.Dan Derito "Dan De Homes" Success! Real Estate 508-843-1035 danieldande1@aol.com

It's the Baby Boomer Dilemma!!!

Dan Derito (Success! Real Estate) — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 23:37:51 -0800

For us the decision came in 2005. The home that we all grew up in had just become too much for our mother to take care of. She was 80 now and our dad had passed away more than a decade ago. Her “I ‘ll be fine” argument no longer sounded so sure. You could tell it in her voice. Her mind was still sharp as a tack and was in excellent health, but the day to day management of the house was taking its toll. Through friends, we had found an apartment complex that had recently been built which catered specifically to older folks in her circumstance. The one-bedroom unit was spacious enough, all on one level, and with all new appliances including a washer and dryer. It is the white elephant in the room. As a Baby Boomer we are going to be hit with decisions from various directions, whether it is to dispose of an aging Parents home to help them down size to something more manageable, or to do it for ourselves while we are still able to enjoy it. It could mean downsizing from a large 2 story home to a smaller single level, or moving in with an adult child, even building an in law unit. While a Senior Community worked for us, an Assisted Living Center with various levels may be what you need. Once the decision is made to make the move, and choosing the place to go to comes first, cleaning out and preparing the ‘Homestead’ for sale is the monumental task that no one wants to face. Fortunately, we have put together a group of experts to help in this endeavor. Depending on your budget there are cleaners, haulers, painters, moving companies, along with an assortment of professionals to assist you in whatever may come up. It is usual for the family to go through your possessions and decide what is going to be moved or given away, and what is to be tossed out. Feel free to call for a “NO-COST” consultation to give you the best course of action to suit what your needs may be. Dan Derito, Agent Partner 508-843-1035 Direct. 508-238-6068 Fax danieldande1@aol.comDan Derito "Dan De Homes" Success! Real Estate 508-843-1035 danieldande1@aol.com

Let's Just Get those Smoke Detectors Up.

Dan Derito (Success! Real Estate) — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 23:09:14 -0800

If I had a nickel for every time that I had a home seller tell me that the smoke detectors work fine, I wouldn’t be rich but I would have a whole bunch of nickels. Sometimes it is just better to skip the ion/photo speech and go to the how they work if there was a real fire and everyone was asleep mode. What if you kept setting off false alarms near the kitchen or bathroom, and one of the kids took the battery out because it annoyed them, or alerted the family that they had spent too much time in the shower? You would never know. In a real fire, the firefighters don’t know who may still be in the house, if anyone, They just know that the house is on fire, their worst case scenario is loss of life, and that every second is vital. The Brockton Fire Department, and its Fire Prevention Bureau is all over this. It has one of the best reputations in the country by organizations like the Insurance Adjuster groups. Life is so much easier if you are already on the front lawn telling the Squad Commander that everyone is safe when they arrive, so let’s just follow the law and get it doneDan Derito "Dan De Homes" Success! Real Estate 508-843-1035 danieldande1@aol.com

The Origins of Brookfield Heights in Brockton, MA

Dan Derito (Success! Real Estate) — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 09:51:07 -0800

Brookfield Heights is a section of Brockton, MA that is nicely located in the Northeast part of the City, bordering the towns of Abington and Holbrook. From about 1958 to 1962 the Campanelli Brothers built several thousand houses designed to appeal to the young, first time homebuyer. Nearly all of the designs featured an eat-in-kitchen,a family sized living room, three bedrooms and one bath. It also included an attached garage, which was often modified into living space(s). At the time, the demand came from young men and women who had grown up during the Great Depression, and were striving to build a better life for their kids. The economy had recovered from World War II and Korea, and America was building automobiles, and roads to drive them on, at a feverish pace. Boston was only a twenty minute ride from Brockton when Interstate Rt. 24 was opened. Instead of living in a crowded tenement apartment, you now had the choice of coming home to a three Bedroom home on a quarter acre of land. This ranch style house was constructed on a concrete pad, or slab. Each home was stick built and formed brand new streets that quickly became neighborhoods. Financing was provided by the Veterans Administration (VA), among others, and the terms were favorable. The starting price was in the $10,000. range and there was very little money down to buy in. You couldn't rent for that. Most of these homes are over 50 years old and are still a good way to go for the first time home buyer. They have been upgraded to meet the needs of today's world. What had been a good fit for the Greatest Generation to provide for their Baby Boomer children is alive and well for the next Generations in the Brookfield Heights section of Brockton, MA.Dan Derito "Dan De Homes" Success! Real Estate 508-843-1035 danieldande1@aol.com

'Santa Hat Day" in Brockton (MA) This Sunday!!!

Dan Derito (Success! Real Estate) — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:05:56 -0800

The City of Brockton will be holding its' 'Santa Hat Day" this Sunday, November 18th in the downtown section in an attempt to break its' own mark in the "Guiness Book of World Records" for having the most people gathered in one place wearing Santa Hats at the same time. This year they will be teaming up with the Town of Mullinger, Ireland in an attempt to set the record for greatest number of people in two continents wearing Santa Hats at the same time. Registration will begin at 10am in front of the Parking Garage and the Official Tally will be taken at 1pm. Be there, or be square. Dan Derito "Dan De Homes" Success! Real Estate 508-843-1035 danieldande1@aol.com

Rocky Marciano Statue Arrives in Brockton

Dan Derito (Success! Real Estate) — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 12:41:38 -0700

The long awaited statue of World Heavy Weight Champion Rocky Marciano has been delived to the City of Brockton MA. The massive 22 foot tall image of the "Brockton Blockbuster" was delivered this week from Mexico City in six seperate pieces, which need to be assembled by a team of experts. The pose is of the famous Rocky punch that leveled the great 'Jersey Joe' Walcott in their 1952 title fight. Brockton is making preparations to host a long list of luminaries on September 23. Former Champions Evander Holyfield and Larry Holmes have already been confirmed but, they are rumored to be just the tip of the iceberg. In the middle of the century, the World Heavy weight Champion was the most revered athlete in the world. Every title fight was the top story of the day. Rocky held the title from 1952 until 1956, retiring with a 49-0 record. Rocky was proud to call Brockton his home town, and insisted that he be introduced that way even though the promoters suggested that he be announced as from Boston. They must have thought that it would enhance the gate receipts. Many thanks go out to the World Boxing Council, and Jose Suliaman for providing the long overdue memorial. Dan Derito "Dan De Homes" Success! Real Estate 508-843-1035 danieldande1@aol.com

Brockton (MA) High School Set to Unveil Rocky Marciano Statue

Dan Derito (Success! Real Estate) — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 10:51:49 -0700

Brockton High Schools Marciano Stadium will be presented a 22' tall Statue of the Brockton Blockbuster on September 23rd. A gift to the city by the World Boxing Council, the $250,000 sculpture has been on display in Mexico City. Rocky Marciano was born in Brockton, the son of immigrant Italians who were lured to the city by the opportunities for work in the bustling shoe factories. Rocky's love of sports eventually led him to the boxing ring where he rose to become the Heavy Weight Champion of the World, and retired as the only undefeated Champion in history with a 49-0 record. Although he was small in stature by heavy weight standards, his ability to take a punch allowed him to deliver knockout blows that devastated his opponents. The site for the impressive work of art is prepared for its' arrival and dedication ceremony near the entrance of the stadium, which also bears his name. The list of luminaries who are scheduled to be on hand include past champions from several weight classes, although the final list has not yet been released. It is hoped that Brockton World Middleweight Champion "Marvelous" Marvin Hagler, retired and living in Italy, will be able to make the trip. Dan Derito "Dan De Homes" Success! Real Estate 508-843-1035 danieldande1@aol.com

Brockton Junior Golf at D.W Field GC. Starts Tuesday, June 26

Dan Derito (Success! Real Estate) — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 10:48:27 -0700

The 2012 Junior Golf season begins this Tuesday with the start of the Tuesday Night League. We are hoping to build a traveling team this year, with the help of Head Pro Brian Mattos. He is trying to arrange a 'home and home' series with a couple of other courses in the area. This is not as easy as it seems. Whereas Tuesday is a slow night at DW Field GC, it could be a busy night at some other courses, so the away matches may have to be on a Wednesday or Thursday. One of our young golfers has graduated from Brockton HS (Golf Team Captain) and will be going to college in North Miami, Florida. Bill Kougias started his golf journey in our first year at age 12 and regularly shoots in the low '70s. Mike Mason will be assisting us this year, prior to his Senior year at Catholic Memorial HS. Mike and Billy began together and CM is expecting big things again from Mike to lead them in a tough conference. Dan Derito "Dan De Homes" Success! Real Estate 508-843-1035 danieldande1@aol.com

What Owning a Home Used To Stand For.

Dan Derito (Success! Real Estate) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 11:25:35 -0700

Why We Will Rue The Demise of The Greatest Generation Austin (Bud) Kingston passed away last week at the age of 87 with very little fanfare. There were no news people around to note his demise. There was no mention on CNN, Fox News, or any other news outlet about his Reality Show, drug addiction, questionable talent for entertainment or sexual deviancy, for he had none of those. Far from it. Bud was born on his parents humble farm in southern New Jersey in 1925. He worked hard, learned to respect his elders and was eternally grateful for what he did have, even though it would appear to be abject poverty in today’s world. They somehow made it through the Great Depression of the 1930’s. It was two days after he turned eighteen in January of 1943 that he enlisted in the United States Navy to do his part in protecting his country from the evils of Nazi Germany and the Imperial forces of Japan. He served as a coxswain aboard the USS Cowpens in the Pacific Theater, based in the Philippines, until the job was done and he was honorably discharged in 1946. He earned numerous medals, including a Purple Heart. that resulted in a ‘bum knee’ that he spent the rest of his days with. He returned to New Jersey and settled in Freehold, got married, had kids, and worked every day to keep the roof over their heads and have food on the table. It was the thing to do and it was rewarding that he was able to provide for his family, bum knee and all. He marveled at the progress of the country he risked his life for, and felt blessed that he had so much more than his folks had ever dreamed possible. That his death was not noted in the Fluffington Post, the National Enquirer, or any of the other inane media outlets is not surprising. Bud was just a humble American Hero. I’m sure that they had more pressing issues to attend to. Perhaps a drug addled actor or rock star was getting locked up, or one of the Kardashian tramps got a pimple on their ample backsides. In any event, it didn’t matter to Bud. He only joined with millions of others to save the world from disaster, and kept our country free. He considered himself lucky to just make it home alive, bum knee and all. Dan Derito "Dan De Homes" Success! Real Estate 508-843-1035 danieldande1@aol.com

Homebuilder optimism up for 5th straight month

Dan Derito (Success! Real Estate) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 10:42:36 -0800

For the fifth consecutive month, homebuilders are feeling upbeat about prospects for the market in single-family homes, offering another positive signal for the depressed housing industry. The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index rose to 29 from 25 in February, hitting the highest level in four years, the National Association of Home Builders said on Wednesday. The index has climbed 15 points since September and is now at its highest level since May 2007. Builders have generally become more hopeful during that stretch about current sales, sales six months out, and foot traffic, the report shows. “Builder confidence has doubled since September as measured by the HMI,” said NAHB Chairman Barry Rutenberg, a home builder from Gainesville, Fla. “Given the recent improvements in new home starts and the increasing number of markets included in the NAHB/First American Improving Markets Index, this consistency suggests that the housing market is moving toward more sustainable growth.” Even with the brighter outlook, the industry has a long way to go. Any reading below 50 indicates negative sentiment about the housing market. The index hasn't reached 50 since April 2006, the peak of the housing boom. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Source: MSNDan Derito "Dan De Homes" Success! Real Estate 508-843-1035 danieldande1@aol.com

Value Range Pricing You Can Believe In.

Dan Derito (Success! Real Estate) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:31:12 -0800

In perusing some older blogs of the best and brightest of the AR Community, I happened upon a piece by Broker Bryant on his opinion of Value Range Pricing in which he was in favor. In the many comments that followed he was praised, villified, called a genius, and threatened to be publicly thrashed in the Town Square at noon. Of course, I figured, he must be on to something good, so I gave it a try. It worked!!! Perhaps it was just beginners luck, but this tiny bungalow that has been fully rehabbed brought a string of showings that resulted in a successful bid that fell right near the middle of the range. This home is really a condo alternative that never would have been shown to this buyer at the top price, yet it suited her needs and she was more than happy to offer a fair price. Our market is not nearly as bad as many others but our inventory far exceeds the number of qualified buyers, and looks to remain that way for the forseeable future. My sellers' were skeptical, but open to suggestions and are looking forward to buying another distressed property to fix up as soon as we close on this one. Please feel free to voice your opinion on Value Range Pricing. It did work in this case and I'm planning on using it on a short sale listing as well. It is within the law, and it meets a code of ethics that were ingrained in me by the good nuns long ago. By the way, this was a co-broke with an agent who had shown this buyer more that twenty properties prior to this one.Dan Derito "Dan De Homes" Success! Real Estate 508-843-1035 danieldande1@aol.com

Brockton MA Sales for 2011

Dan Derito (Success! Real Estate) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:48:56 -0800

According to data from the MLS the following facts of record will show that: in the first six months of 2011: 243 homes sold with an average List Price of $170,270 and a final sales price of $164,408 in the last six months : 268 homes sold with an average List Price of $174,352 and a final sales price of $$169,401. These are statistics for single family homes listed and sold in Brockton MA in 2011 through the Multiple Listing Service.Dan Derito "Dan De Homes" Success! Real Estate 508-843-1035 danieldande1@aol.com

It's Easy Being Green, If You Were Like My Aunt Emma!!

Dan Derito (Success! Real Estate) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 13:19:28 -0800

Everything that I know about conservation I learned from my Aunt Emma. She and my Uncle Cyril made their way in the world during the Great Depression. He built a solid, though crooked, house in the early 1930's that still stands today. Most of the back yard was a vegetable garden, and what they couldn't eat Auntie would store in Mason jars, and enjoy during the cold months. Liquids were served in glass or metal containers so that they could be cleaned and used again, she would be appalled by our use of disposible plastics. Old clothes and towels, when used up, would be cut into rags for cleaning and other uses. They generated very little trash. Given how little they had, and how endless the work must have seemed, I never went to their house and found her less than thrilled with her life. In the summer she would have fresh lemonade and slap together some kind of sandwiches for us to eat. If my folks took them out to lunch or dinner she would order the grilled cheese, and take half of it home and, much to the consternation of my father, a nice handful of sugar packets. Aunt Emma was my mother's aunt and my great aunt. I learned a lot of valuable lessons from her, the most important of which that she could make do if Cyril got slow at work. She had a hubby, a roof over her head and a cackle of a laugh that was infectious. If she ever had a bad day no one would know it. Dan Derito "Dan De Homes" Success! Real Estate 508-843-1035 danieldande1@aol.com

Brockton's 25th Christmas Holiday Parade Set for Saturday.

Dan Derito (Success! Real Estate) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 12:21:44 -0800

The 25th Christmas Holiday Parade kicks off at 1:00 o'clock on Saturday afternoon, November 26. It looks like the weather will cooperate, with sunny skies and temps in the upper 50's. The festivities will take place in the Downtown section, near the site of James Edgar's Department Store. Mr. Edgar is known as the 1st Department Store Santa Claus in America back around 1895. It was about a week ago that Brockton set the record for most people gathered in one place to be wearing Santa Hats. Dan Derito "Dan De Homes" Success! Real Estate 508-843-1035 danieldande1@aol.com

Brockton to Celebrate "Santa Hat Day' on Sunday.

Dan Derito (Success! Real Estate) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 11:40:06 -0800

For the 4th year in a row the City of Brockton will host a 'SANTA HAT' day to break it's own record for the most people in one place to be wearing one. The Downtown event will be distributing more than 14,000 hats to school children and adults for the event. The City already holds the world record. Officials will record the count, which begins at 2:30. In the late 1800's James Edgar became the first department store Santa Claus at his store on Main St. From there the idea was adopted by Macy's and other retailers throughout the country. Dan Derito "Dan De Homes" Success! Real Estate 508-843-1035 danieldande1@aol.com

Why Fifth Graders Should be Running Things

Dan Derito (Success! Real Estate) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 06:08:38 -0700

Why Fifth-Graders Should be Running things!!! It should be obvious to the most casual observer that we adults have made an awful mess of things. Everyone seems to be angry and many have taken to the streets in protest complaining about one thing or another, and our so-called leaders seem incapable of telling us anything that would resemble the truth. Even the peaceful Amish have been acting up lately. Having worked as a volunteer for the last few years with Junior golfers it has struck me that these kids just have a better sense of what is right and fair. They notice quickly whenever someone tries to cheat or take unfair advantage of the others, and refuse to stand for it. Here in Massachusetts, for instance, the politicians are required to combine 11 congressional districts into 10 to better represent the people of the Commonwealth. One look at the map that they have drawn would show that the common good has nothing to do with anything. Even cavemen would be perplexed. Nationally, if your 10-year-olds ran the White House and both chambers of Congress and debated the pros and cons of the issues of the day, then most of our problems would be settled in a fair and equitable manner. My guess is that they would do a far better job than the people we now have running the show. They would better understand that home ownership is a major building block in improving our local economy, and would chastise any group, such as the banks, to get their head on straight, and fix the problem or get out of the way. Dan Derito "Dan De Homes" Success! Real Estate 508-843-1035 danieldande1@aol.com

My First Blog Using Dragon. This is only a Test!!!!

Dan Derito (Success! Real Estate) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 06:26:46 -0700

This is my first blog using Dragon Systems. I'd like to thank all the bloggers from Active Rain who gave made sound advice on how to use this program. Please bear with me as I work my way through it, and that the many mistakes made should diminish as it becomes more familiar. Free advice will be accepted, even encouraged.Dan Derito "Dan De Homes" Success! Real Estate 508-843-1035 danieldande1@aol.com

Time Out

Dan Derito (Success! Real Estate) — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 16:54:10 -0700

James seems like one of the good Home Inspectors that you want to see your clients hire. The inspection is a stressful day for the buyer making the biggest investment of their life, and a calm, sensible condition report that is well explained usually eases the stress. I met a real estate agent this week that has plagued my thoughts since our encounter. Not in a bad way, all though she wasn’t all that pleasant, but her ill mood wasn’t in any way directed towards me, I actually feel a little sympathy. The woman was clearly having a bad day, and had no trouble letting me know it. She was also, it appeared, a very successful and driven agent. Because she was so forth coming, I was equally so. I made a few suggestions back to her about her unpleasant situation, one being to turn off her phone and take a vacation. Her response was everyone gets to go on vacation but me. She also said that her phone and emails never stop, she basically gets no peace. There is a very simple solution, which I suggested, but don’t think she heard (I don’t think she’s ready). Set some rules and take a vacation, the world will not end if you do. Early on when I started in business I set some rules for myself, especially since I had, have a young family. Yet that shouldn’t matter. Everyone should have some rules for how they operate their business, but more importantly their life outside their business. I have been slow to learn this lesson, but I am getting better. Sure I slip off the wagon now and again, but I hop right back on. We live in an age of hyper communication, connected to one other in an instant…if we choose. Our society, our culture equates success with stuff. The more you have, the more successful you are or so we lead to believe. We all need money to survive and we must work to get it. Way back when, people spent more time working to stay alive. Cutting wood, gathering food, searching out what they needed just to survive another day. There was no thinking about retirement, a life of leisure. We are fortunate today to live in a time where life is easy and we can devote a great deal of our time to just goofing off and having fun… if we choose to do so. Chasing after money all the time will make you crazy and in the end I’m pretty certain lonely. I can still hear that agent on the phone, manic. Like I tell my kids once in a while, you need a time out. Have you taken yours lately? James QuarelloConnecticut Home Inspector2010 - 2011 SNEC-ASHI PresidentNRSB #8SS0022JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC To find out more about our other high tech services we offer in Connecticut click on the links below:

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Serving the Connecticut Counties of Fairfield, Hartford, Middlesex, New Haven, Southern Litchfield and Western New London. Dan Derito "Dan De Homes" Success! Real Estate 508-843-1035 danieldande1@aol.com