connecticut: The Circle of WildLife in Fairfield County Connecticut (Beware: Graphic Photographs)
- 05/06/09 11:42 AM
Although it is best to keep your eyes on the road while driving down the winding roads, it is amazing that sometimes you can see some of the wild life that is usually hidden in the shadows of the thick trees. At a quick glance I thought I spied small stray dog, and pulled my car off the road to get a better look. With windows rolled up, this was the scene that was camouflaged by the tall grass. Sad and unpleasant, it was still a fascinating see a fox. The small deer must have been a victim of being hit by a vehicle. It was a rare look at the circle of wildlife … (1 comments)
connecticut: My Selfish Frivolities - I Buy Myself Smiles
- 04/16/09 09:43 AM
Some of you have read about my father-in-law, and that we are moving him out of his apartment of many years into a new house. (Not a home!) We are packing things up, and taking things off the wall. Well, in doing so, I found this ultra-fantastic super picture of him, and I had to do something with it. Dad couldn't remember his 88th birthday in February because he was a little under-the-weather at the time. I believe all birthdays should be remembered (except mine-wink). I got an idea of what to do with that great picture, see below:
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connecticut: Is Increasing Commission a Subliminal Bail-out for Real Estate Companies to Retain Agents?
- 03/29/09 08:22 AM
This is a very interesting article. It made me think and ask questions. Commission rates up, but agents earn less Study reveals reverse trend in seller's market By Bernice Ross, Sunday, March 29, 2009 My comment was as follows: Is this an advertisement for Keller Williams? ..."KW reported a 2 percent increase their per-agent productivity while the National Association of Realtors reported a 2.9 percent decrease. What's fascinating about the KW numbers is that during the time that commission rates were falling, agents were actually making more in the average amount commission amount they were earning." Is that a subliminal recruitment … (3 comments)
connecticut: News That Moves???
- 03/28/09 12:16 AM
There is no HOORAH for a change in housing. Just a steady hum of hope for better days. I was reading the housing market headlines, and was trying to do the math. What is the public perception of the housing market based on these stories? I see that home prices rose in January and home sales fell. Then I see home sales up, because prices are declining. These headlines are not so motivational to either the buyers or the sellers. US existing home sales fall 5.3% in Jan - Reuters WASHINGTON - The pace of sales of existing home in the United States fell 5.3 per cent in January … (0 comments)
connecticut: A Professional and Purposeful Life at 88 Years Old
- 03/26/09 07:42 AM
If you have ever read any of my posts you know that I have grammatically faux pas'd here, and misspelled there. My mind is faster than my fingers. But good fortune has smiled upon me. I have my own professional editor. My father-in-law, Robert Baron Ruthman. "Uncle Bob", as he is affectionately known, was a professional journalist, and television writer. He has interviewed John F. Kennedy, and the likes of others. Wrote a play with his friend, the late Kurt Vonnegut, and even did stand-up with Phyllis Diller. So you can imagine how much courage it takes to present a paragraph or two to my father-in-law. I sit there … (5 comments)
connecticut: If You Never Saved Money, Are You Now Richer For the Experiences You Bought?
- 03/21/09 09:05 AM
As I sit here philosophically pondering, I wonder: Are the people who never saved money, and spent money on "experiences" richer now than the people who saved their money only to see it virtually disappear in this economy? If your parents are "old school" (like mine), if you didn't have the money for "it", you didn't buy "it". And if credit was used, you paid "it" off, and worried until the debt was paid in full... celebrating with exuberant relief when the weight of that monetary burden was lifted. Then there is the other side of the coin; the spendthrifts. Plastic … (4 comments)
connecticut: Burning Bridges on Craigslist - Its Not Just AIG That is Ticking People Off - Joe Public is Speaking His Mind
- 03/21/09 02:47 AM
Forget Joe the Plumber, Joe Public is wanting America's businesses to hear him, and he is doing it on Craigslist. The ads on Craigslist may have caused a stir with their Meat Market media, but there is a new buzz. Employers thinking that there is a smoke screen of discretion when advertising on craigslist, is going to learn that the smoke is coming from previous or presently employees burning bridges. Employers are advertising available positions for much lower pay. Emloyers seem to be hitting a proverbial bees nest when advertising lower pay, and it is obviously causing quite a sting in potential employees wallets. The buzz is sure … (8 comments)
connecticut: New York Post Monroe Connectict Housing Market - Additional Information
- 03/19/09 05:42 AM
New York Post Article: Mon Amour! MONROE, CONN. IS LIKE FAIRFIELD AT A DISCOUNT Additional Monroe Connecticut Market Information provided by Ruthman Real Estate: January 1, 2009 to March 18, 2009 as per and limited to the Greater Fairfield County MLS: 12 Homes - Single Residential Properties have SOLD .
Monroe, Connecticut Market Report - March 18, 2009
The average days on the market were 104. The average price is approximately $458,375. The median price is approximately $390,000.
100 Homes - Single Residential Properties are ACTIVE. (For Sale)
The average days are on the market are 115. … (0 comments)
connecticut: Home Buyer Survey: What Would It Take For You To Buy A Home In Today's Housing Market?
- 03/05/09 04:33 AM
You must have seen the television commercials out there: homebuyers are sitting on the fence waiting to buy a house, or kicking themselves in the butt because they missed an opportunity to purchase a home....but what is important to you. What is important to you? What would get you to move in today's housing market? Take the survey .
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connecticut: Big Real Estate Company Exposure Using A Small Company - Value Marketing
- 02/26/09 06:44 AM
It has been said a million times, print advertising does not sell homes. Say it with me again, print advertising does not sell homes. That's right! Print advertising does not sell homes. Home Buyers Are Online. (Print advertising is usually marketed online, as well). Big Real Estate Company versus Small Real Estate Company Sellers will not necessarily net more in this market if Seller pays more, and Sellers do not necessarily need a bigger company to sell in this market. Consumers should know the power of the Internet Data Exchange. IDX. The sharing of Multiple Listing Service that allows all brokers to share the same properties on their iindividual company … (0 comments)
Recently while looking for properties for a first time homebuyer, I came across a photograph of a lovely older home. As I added the charming home to my list for showing, a certain thing caught my eye: "Plastic film on the windows". Buyers have concerns about fuel costs, and homes being efficient. The plastic film may save (somewhat) on fuel costs, but detracts from its attractiveness for a better sale price for the seller. To me, it states: need to replace windows. What do you think???
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connecticut: The Voter Next to Me
- 11/04/08 08:55 AM
Like many good Americans, I voted today. I stood in line for only a few minutes, and was quite pleased when I was finally handed my red folder with a single piece of paper inside. A gentleman pointed me in the direction of a free privacy cubicle. I walked over to it, and just as I was opening the red folder I was handed, a woman in the cubicle next to me, "pssst'ed me". I was a little shocked. I felt like I wasn't supposed to be talking to anyone. The woman, who was about my age, (ok...maybe a little younger), was … (7 comments)
connecticut: House on the Side of the Road
- 10/20/08 02:15 PM
Before I go to sleep in a bed that is well-over 150 years old, and quite opulent with a deeply carved headboard reaching over 8 feet tall. I walk past a fireplace, and glance at a small silhouette wall-hanging. It is not in pristine condition, but I love (and live by) the sentiment on the glass which covers the print of rose-covered cottage: House by the Side of the Road Samual Walter Foss public domain 1899 THERE are hermit souls that live withdrawn In the place of their self-content; There are souls like stars, that dwell apart,In a fellowless firmament; There are pioneer souls that blaze the paths … (0 comments)
Check out this great hiking site Berkshire Hiking for more information on the area trails. Berkshirehiking.com
The Redding area is so alive with colors that driving from property to property is a wonder to behold!
The blue of the water reflected brilliantly.
A crooked picture taken while driving on the crooked road that bends around the reservoir.
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connecticut: An Ethical Question Regarding Customer Thank You Testimonials
- 10/12/08 07:47 AM
Last night I received a wonderful email thanking me for the good job we have done on following up on a transaction. In this, "makes me feel good - that's why I am in real estate" kind of email, the customer mentions the name of the company that they were working with previously. So, here is my question: Can I post the actual email verbatim? Should I post it verbatim?
Dear Robert, Thank you for your thoughtful consideration for the "creature" feature! A Small Creature In My Garden Looking through my PC windows at the Activerain community, I have noticed you are an exceptional person. Lots of us go through our daily lives without so much as a pat on the back, so I want to tell you I appreciate the considerate invitations to your groups. Respectfully and sincerely, RK Ruthman Real Estate ...AND For those of you reading this personal thank you note, here are some great groups … (0 comments)
connecticut: Re-Invent the Wheel - Especially If It Has Not Been A Goodyear.
- 09/22/08 09:24 AM
Well, it hasn't been a Goodyear (pun intended) for the housing market. Which reminds me of a manager I once knew who said, "Why Re-invent the Wheel"? This was his way of a mind-obstacle; discouraging agents from leaving the company path. For me, being a co-dependent independent contractor was not the road I wanted to stay on. I felt too much like a passenger in my own career. Riding shot-gun was not for me. I wanted to take the wheel, especially during this slippery slope housing market. My point being, have you ever looked at the different"wheels" for different terrains:
I visualize … (0 comments)
connecticut: Unnatural Nature - Venti Puff Balls
- 09/22/08 09:07 AM
Our weather in Fairfield County Connecticut has been a little damp latey, and strange things are appearing. As I drove down my driveway, I saw three balls nestled near the drain. I thought perhaps the neighbor kids up the street lost their soccer balls. On closer examination, and the lack of black, I got out of my car to find that these three objects were "Fungi". They were quite enormous, but I didn't want to go all the back up the driveway for a ruler, so I used the next best thing to show how big they were...A Starbucks Venti* Coffee.
That evening, I went … (0 comments)
connecticut: Don't Let 'Em Guess About Your Intent
- 09/22/08 08:32 AM
Inspired by: Bad Members or Just Bad Posts? Mary Bowen, The Woodlands Texas Real Estate & Relocation Specialist The Woodlands, TX Thank you, Mary I agree whole-heartedly with Mary's post. I also respect the fact that she wrote such a great post with some not so great things going on in her life. Now that's a lady that can keep it together!
I think the "emotion"or the spirit in which some thing is posted can be lost in the translation. A person may harmlessly tease someone, and the other person could misunderstand. I would never attack an individual, but I may disagree with … (0 comments)
connecticut: Lehman Brothers "Memoriabilia" on eBay
- 09/22/08 04:16 AM
643 results found for "Lehman Brothers" on eBAY. I suppose that is one way to make a buck after you cleaned out your desk. I found the Global Conference Binder and Materials is probably an interesting read, and probably the best value: FREE Shipping. Lehman Brothers Global Conference Binder is up for bids by ebays: thankfulhearts4 … (0 comments)
Our indepth research is right on target. It includes local, state & national market trends. We go above & beyond the competion to supply consumers with information to make the right decisions.
Although it is best to keep your eyes on the road while driving down the winding roads, it is amazing that sometimes you can see some of the wild life that is usually hidden in the shadows of the thick trees. ;)
;)
