New Milford CT Real Estate Happenings

New Milford CT Real Estate Happenings http://sellnewmilford.com/ Real estate and local information for New Milford, CT. Including New Milford, Roxbury, Bridgewater, Washington, Warren, Kent and Sherman. Buyers, Sellers, Local news, events, photos. Litchfield County and Upper Fairfield County. en-us http://sellnewmilford.com/post/1771519/help-your-animals-beat-the-heat- Help your animals beat the heat! <p><big><strong>Help your animals beat the heat!</strong><br /> <br /> </big><img title="Here is our beloved Spook, on his 8th life." src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/7/7/5/8/ar128045960985776.jpg" height="255" alt="Spook kitty" width="250" /><big>I am "babysitting" my daughters cat, he is an old guy that has had a few health problems lately. Kidney failure (which seems to have reversed itself), only has one tooth left, and who knows what else, we think he is on his 8th life at least. But he is happy, and he has been a member of the family for a long, long time. This heat is really getting to him. Without AC in the house, and with no one home, the house is getting too warm for him. <br /> <br /> I went over tonight to open the doors and windows and turn on the fans, hoping to pull the cooler air in the house. (and of course to sit with him and love him a bit) I recently read about freezing water in soda bottles to leave on the floors for a dog in the heat, and I figured perhaps I could do the same for him. I have bottles in the freezer as I write this. I found a large freezer pack in her freezer, wrapped it in a towel and put it on his favorite sleeping spot. <br /> <br /> Guess where Spook is sleeping tonight? For those of you who don't have AC give it a try for your pets. Freeze some water in a soda bottle and put it where they sleep. Like our kittie, I am sure your pet will soon realize that the frozen bottle is a great thing to sleep against.<br /> <br /> Now I am freezing a whole bunch of bottles for my big pooch!<br /> </big></p><div class="agent_signature"><p><a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/andreaswiedler/rss" title="Subscribe to my blog"><img title="Subscribe to my blog" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/1/0/7/ar125972615970149.png" height="50" alt="Subscribe to my blog" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaswiedler" title="Linkedin for Andrea Swiedler"><img title="Linkedin Subscribe" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/4/9/0/2/ar125972621020946.png" height="50" alt="Linkedin Subscribe" width="50" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/andreaswiedler" title="Picasa Web Albums Andrea Swiedler"><img title="Picasa Web Albums Andrea" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/6/3/1/ar125972625913658.png" height="50" alt="Picasa Web Albums Andrea" width="50" /></a><a href="http://twitter.com/andreastwits" title="Andreas Twits on Twitter"><img title="Subscribe to Andreastwits" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/8/4/8/4/ar125972630248483.png" height="50" alt="Twitter Subscribe" width="50" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="New Milford CT Real Estate"><img title="Village Green Bandstand in New Milford CT" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/7/3/7/8/ar126243469887377.jpg" height="172" alt="New Milford CT Bandstand" width="132" /></a></p> <p><span><em><strong><span>Come Explore Litchfield County!</span></strong></em></span></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="Andrea Swiedler at Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS"><big><span>Andrea Swiedler, Realtor®</span></big></a><br /></span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>Prudential Adams & Associ</span></big></span></small></small></big></big><big><big><small><small><span><big><span><big></big></span></big></span></small></small></big></big><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>ates, REALTORS</span></big></span></small></small></big></big>®</p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>337 Danbury Road, New Milford, CT 06776</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>Office: 860.355.2646 ext 19, Cell: 203.460.1775</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span> Email: andrea@andreaswiedler.com</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><span><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/search_mls4.asp" title="New Milford CT Real Estate">New Milford CT Real Estate, start your home search here.</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/region.asp">Greater New Milford, CT area information. Litchfield County at its best.</a></span></strong></p> <p><strong><span>Get your free e-book called <a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/img/Assemble-a winning team when buying your home.pdf" title="Assemble a Winning Team When Buying Your Home">"Assemble a Winning Team When Buying Your Home" </a></span></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><span>Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. - Mark Twain</span></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="Andrea Swiedler at Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS"><img title="Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/2/7/6/7/ar12702535276726.jpg" height="88" alt="Prudential Adams Logo" width="153" /></a></p> <p><br /><span>© 2010 Andrea Swiedler. Unless otherwise noted, the content, both written and in pictures, is the property of Andrea Swiedler. If you wish to use something you see here, please </span><span>email me</span><span> at andrea@andreswiedler.com with your request. Most likely I will oblige, with a link back to my original content as well as an acknowledgment. Although imitation is the highest form of flattery, please let me know before you decide to bestow this form of flattery on me! Thank you.</span></p> <p><span>© 2010 Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities.  An independently owned and operated broker member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company.  Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license.  Equal Housing Opportunity</span> <img title="Equal Housing Opportunity" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/0/4/0/ar127025370404093.jpg" height="12" alt="EHO" width="20" /></p></div> Andrea Swiedler - REALTOR - Greater New Milford CT, Litchfield County & More (Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS, New Milford CT) Thu, 29 Jul 2010 23:18:42 -0400 http://sellnewmilford.com/post/1771519/help-your-animals-beat-the-heat- http://sellnewmilford.com/post/1767708/new-milford-ct-village-fair-days-2010 New Milford CT Village Fair Days 2010 <p><big><span>New Milford CT Village Fair Days 2010</span><br /><br /></big><img title="The town green gets ready for Village Fair Days" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/8/8/5/3/ar128035861535881.jpg" height="329" alt="New Milford CT Village Fair Days 2010" width="220" /><big>It's that time again, the New Milford CT town green is being transformed, the electrical wires are snaking the green, the tents are going up, The 43rd annual Village Fair Days are upon us! All sorts of arts and crafts, music, fun things for kids to do, great food, shopping, a great way for the town to celebrate our vibrant downtown center.<br /><br />I love Village Fair Days, I have been attending for 30 years and looking forward to every one of them! Some things never change and New Milford, CT Village Fair Days is one of those things. <br /><br />So come on down this Friday, July 30th from 10 am to 10 pm, and Saturday, July 31 from 10 am to 10 pm. Village Fair Days is sponsored by the Greater New Milford Chamber of Commerce. Kudos to the Village Fair Days Committee who work so hard all year long to put this event together, and to all the volunteers who work at the fair, rain, shine, heat and more, thank you!<br /><br />The Greater New Milford Board of Realtors® will have a booth, I will be there on Saturday night from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm. My friend, Attorney Ann Fisher, will be at the Fried Dough Booth (New Milford Rotary Club) on both Friday and Saturday evening, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm, stop by and get some fried dough from her and say hello.<br /><br />Come on by, enjoy beautiful downtown New Milford at its best. See you there!<br /><br /><br /><br /></big></p><div class="agent_signature"><p><a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/andreaswiedler/rss" title="Subscribe to my blog"><img title="Subscribe to my blog" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/1/0/7/ar125972615970149.png" height="50" alt="Subscribe to my blog" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaswiedler" title="Linkedin for Andrea Swiedler"><img title="Linkedin Subscribe" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/4/9/0/2/ar125972621020946.png" height="50" alt="Linkedin Subscribe" width="50" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/andreaswiedler" title="Picasa Web Albums Andrea Swiedler"><img title="Picasa Web Albums Andrea" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/6/3/1/ar125972625913658.png" height="50" alt="Picasa Web Albums Andrea" width="50" /></a><a href="http://twitter.com/andreastwits" title="Andreas Twits on Twitter"><img title="Subscribe to Andreastwits" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/8/4/8/4/ar125972630248483.png" height="50" alt="Twitter Subscribe" width="50" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="New Milford CT Real Estate"><img title="Village Green Bandstand in New Milford CT" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/7/3/7/8/ar126243469887377.jpg" height="172" alt="New Milford CT Bandstand" width="132" /></a></p> <p><span><em><strong><span>Come Explore Litchfield County!</span></strong></em></span></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="Andrea Swiedler at Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS"><big><span>Andrea Swiedler, Realtor®</span></big></a><br /></span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>Prudential Adams & Associ</span></big></span></small></small></big></big><big><big><small><small><span><big><span><big></big></span></big></span></small></small></big></big><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>ates, REALTORS</span></big></span></small></small></big></big>®</p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>337 Danbury Road, New Milford, CT 06776</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>Office: 860.355.2646 ext 19, Cell: 203.460.1775</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span> Email: andrea@andreaswiedler.com</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><span><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/search_mls4.asp" title="New Milford CT Real Estate">New Milford CT Real Estate, start your home search here.</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/region.asp">Greater New Milford, CT area information. Litchfield County at its best.</a></span></strong></p> <p><strong><span>Get your free e-book called <a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/img/Assemble-a winning team when buying your home.pdf" title="Assemble a Winning Team When Buying Your Home">"Assemble a Winning Team When Buying Your Home" </a></span></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><span>Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. - Mark Twain</span></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="Andrea Swiedler at Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS"><img title="Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/2/7/6/7/ar12702535276726.jpg" height="88" alt="Prudential Adams Logo" width="153" /></a></p> <p><br /><span>© 2010 Andrea Swiedler. Unless otherwise noted, the content, both written and in pictures, is the property of Andrea Swiedler. If you wish to use something you see here, please </span><span>email me</span><span> at andrea@andreswiedler.com with your request. Most likely I will oblige, with a link back to my original content as well as an acknowledgment. Although imitation is the highest form of flattery, please let me know before you decide to bestow this form of flattery on me! Thank you.</span></p> <p><span>© 2010 Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities.  An independently owned and operated broker member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company.  Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license.  Equal Housing Opportunity</span> <img title="Equal Housing Opportunity" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/0/4/0/ar127025370404093.jpg" height="12" alt="EHO" width="20" /></p></div> Andrea Swiedler - REALTOR - Greater New Milford CT, Litchfield County & More (Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS, New Milford CT) Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:13:25 -0400 http://sellnewmilford.com/post/1767708/new-milford-ct-village-fair-days-2010 http://sellnewmilford.com/post/1763920/clean-it-paint-it-fix-it-up-you-just-lost-a-buyer-for-your-big-expensive-home- Clean it, paint it, fix it up, you just lost a buyer for your big, expensive home. <p><big><strong>Clean it, paint it, fix it up, you just lost a buyer for your big, expensive home.</strong><br /> <br /> </big><img title="Paint it, clean it, get it ready before you put it on the market!" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/8/9/6/1/ar128015542216989.jpg" height="220" alt="Paint Can" width="251" /><big>I have been showing higher end <strong>homes</strong> in <strong>Brookfield, CT,</strong> between 650,000 to 680,000 to a client. Although I think his mind is made up, something popped on the market that he just had to see. It was at the top end of what he wanted to spend, judging from the photos and description he was very excited about it. I would have previewed, time was not on my side however.<br /> <br /> The house sits up, with sweeping views over the cul de sac and beyond. We knew the back yard was minimal, he was ok with that based on the interior photos. This home is fairly new, 5 years young. We expected something entirely different than what we saw. As we walked up the front walkway, surprise, surprise. The vinyl siding was covered in algea and what appeared to be mold on the columns. Strange indeed as their were no trees, the front of the house had a good amount of sun for a major portion of the day. As I arrived at double front doors I was shocked. The black doors were beaten up, chipped, banged up, dirty. Not the grand entrance one would have expected at all.ha<br /> <br /> Once inside we were greeted with more of the same. The family lived hard in this house, there were young children, a large dog and a cat. But for this price I would have expected that they would have taken the time to get the house ready to go on the market. Almost every wall was dented, banged, had grimy hand prints. There were nail pops in almost every room. An obvious leak from the master bath into the kitchen had stained the ceiling and walls. Perhaps the leak was fixed but it sure scared my buyer. <br /> <br /> The lower level was not finished but they still used it for a playroom and office. The first thing I noticed was the children had way to much fun with crayons on the sheetrock  going down the stairs. Wow! Next their were toys scattered everywhere on the floor, all over the place! It turned my client off completely. The gauge on the oil burner looked like it was growing a scientific experiment inside, I have never seen anything quite like it. <br /> <br /> </big><img title="Make those buyers think you rolled out the red carpet for them!" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/9/3/7/3/ar128015555637391.jpg" height="160" alt="Red Carpet" width="200" /><big>When we left my client said that he just couldn't do it, the cost to take care of everything that needs to be done was overwhelming for him. He asked me why, at that price range, the homeowner didn't do everything they could to make the house shine? I couldn't answer the question, and I couldn't agree with him more.<br /> <br /> I would bet this one will sit for a while, until it goes to the relocation company. I wonder how they will feel about that when they take it over? Either that or the owner will take a significant hit on the price if he does get an offer. <br /> <br /> <strong>Clean it up, paint it, get it ready to go on the market!</strong> Buyers have multiple choices, and they really do prefer the homes that are in great shape, or are priced according to condition. <strong>Make those buyers feel like you rolled out the red carpet for them!</strong><br /> </big></p><div class="agent_signature"><p><a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/andreaswiedler/rss" title="Subscribe to my blog"><img title="Subscribe to my blog" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/1/0/7/ar125972615970149.png" height="50" alt="Subscribe to my blog" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaswiedler" title="Linkedin for Andrea Swiedler"><img title="Linkedin Subscribe" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/4/9/0/2/ar125972621020946.png" height="50" alt="Linkedin Subscribe" width="50" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/andreaswiedler" title="Picasa Web Albums Andrea Swiedler"><img title="Picasa Web Albums Andrea" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/6/3/1/ar125972625913658.png" height="50" alt="Picasa Web Albums Andrea" width="50" /></a><a href="http://twitter.com/andreastwits" title="Andreas Twits on Twitter"><img title="Subscribe to Andreastwits" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/8/4/8/4/ar125972630248483.png" height="50" alt="Twitter Subscribe" width="50" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="New Milford CT Real Estate"><img title="Village Green Bandstand in New Milford CT" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/7/3/7/8/ar126243469887377.jpg" height="172" alt="New Milford CT Bandstand" width="132" /></a></p> <p><span><em><strong><span>Come Explore Litchfield County!</span></strong></em></span></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="Andrea Swiedler at Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS"><big><span>Andrea Swiedler, Realtor®</span></big></a><br /></span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>Prudential Adams & Associ</span></big></span></small></small></big></big><big><big><small><small><span><big><span><big></big></span></big></span></small></small></big></big><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>ates, REALTORS</span></big></span></small></small></big></big>®</p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>337 Danbury Road, New Milford, CT 06776</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>Office: 860.355.2646 ext 19, Cell: 203.460.1775</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span> Email: andrea@andreaswiedler.com</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><span><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/search_mls4.asp" title="New Milford CT Real Estate">New Milford CT Real Estate, start your home search here.</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/region.asp">Greater New Milford, CT area information. Litchfield County at its best.</a></span></strong></p> <p><strong><span>Get your free e-book called <a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/img/Assemble-a winning team when buying your home.pdf" title="Assemble a Winning Team When Buying Your Home">"Assemble a Winning Team When Buying Your Home" </a></span></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><span>Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. - Mark Twain</span></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="Andrea Swiedler at Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS"><img title="Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/2/7/6/7/ar12702535276726.jpg" height="88" alt="Prudential Adams Logo" width="153" /></a></p> <p><br /><span>© 2010 Andrea Swiedler. Unless otherwise noted, the content, both written and in pictures, is the property of Andrea Swiedler. If you wish to use something you see here, please </span><span>email me</span><span> at andrea@andreswiedler.com with your request. Most likely I will oblige, with a link back to my original content as well as an acknowledgment. Although imitation is the highest form of flattery, please let me know before you decide to bestow this form of flattery on me! Thank you.</span></p> <p><span>© 2010 Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities.  An independently owned and operated broker member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company.  Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license.  Equal Housing Opportunity</span> <img title="Equal Housing Opportunity" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/0/4/0/ar127025370404093.jpg" height="12" alt="EHO" width="20" /></p></div> Andrea Swiedler - REALTOR - Greater New Milford CT, Litchfield County & More (Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS, New Milford CT) Mon, 26 Jul 2010 10:48:11 -0400 http://sellnewmilford.com/post/1763920/clean-it-paint-it-fix-it-up-you-just-lost-a-buyer-for-your-big-expensive-home- http://sellnewmilford.com/post/1760746/facebook-listing-page-update-and-other-productivity-features Facebook Listing Page update and other productivity features <p><big>You are taking the time to blog for business, you are trying to develop an online presence that will blow your clients and potential clients socks off.</big></p> <p><big><strong>BUT....</strong></big></p> <p><img title="Thumbs up for Realbird!" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/5/2/0/5/ar127994161850257.jpg" height="234" alt="Thumbs up" width="200" /><big>Are you using Realbird? When I first saw someone here using Realbird I just had to know what it was all about. The post was a market report, and at the bottom was a Realbird search tool. I loved it! I followed the links to Realbird and signed up for a free account. I was hooked.</big></p> <p><big>I hit a snag, I can't remember exactly what it was. I called Realbird and spoke with Gabe. He was so helpful, he spent so much of his time helping me to resolve the issue I hung up and quickly signed up for a full Realbird account. Under a hundred bucks for the year, it was a no brainer. Anyone who would spend so much time helping me on the phone when I had a free account deserved my business.</big></p> <p><big>And if you can't afford to spend LESS than 100 bucks on marketing both your listings AND yourself, then you need to rethink your choice of professions! I tell everyone I can about Realbird.</big></p> <p><big>Check out what they are NOW doing for us with Facebook!!!! Realbird is the most effective marketing tool I have in my aresenal of weapons. I know my clients love the listing flyers that are produced at minimal effort on our part. </big></p> <p><big>No, this is not a paid advertisement. This is a totally unsolicited blog, I am singing the praises of Realbird because.... REALBIRD ROCKS! Give them a try and you will understand why I love Realbird, Gabe and Zoltan!!!!</big></p> <p> </p> <div>Via <b><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/1756021/facebook-listing-page-update-and-other-productivity-features">Real Bird (RealBird Inc.)</a></b>:<br /><blockquote><p>Our recently launched <strong><a href="http://www.realbird.com">Facebook Listing Page integration with RealBird</a></strong> has gained popularity pretty fast: Over 500 agents and brokers are already using it. With this new RealBird software update it is now even more convenient to manage your Facebook Listing Pages, directly from the RealBird listing management interface.</p> <p><strong><span><strong>For our new readers, h</strong></span>ere is a quick recap of what the Facebook Listing Pages are all about:</strong></p> <p>With the new Facebook Open Graph API integration, you can now set up an individual Facebook Pages for your of your single property websites on <a href="http://www.realbird.com">RealBird</a> and it only takes one click per listing. You can then use these Facebook Listing Pages to send property status updates to people who *Liked* your property - updates are posted on their Facebook News Feed. <em>We have more details about this on our intro blog post: </em><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/1634764/don-t-forget-to-like-yourself-facebook-listing-pages-with-realbird" title="Facebook Listing Pages"><em>Don't forget to Like yourself - Facebook Listing Pages with RealBird</em></a></p> <p><strong><span><strong>Updated Facebook Listing Page management interface</strong></span></strong></p> <p>With the new interface, the Facebook Listing Management utility is right at your fingertips on the RealBird Listing Management page. Below is an example screenshot that shows just how convenient it is to manage this feature. <br /><em></em></p> <p><em>Just a reminder, once you set up the Facebook Listing Page, make sure you ask your seller to click the *Like* button on their single property websites so that their own Facebook sphere of influence get a polite note about the property for sale.</em></p> <p>1) Connect your Facebook account with <a href="http://www.realbird.com">RealBird</a> (one-time step and secure, we won't see your Facebook credentials)</p> <p><img title="Facebook Listing Page Management - Connect Facebook with RealBird" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/6/8/8/2/ar127974972728862.png" height="600" alt="Facebook Listing Page Management - Connect Facebook with RealBird" width="600" /></p> <p>2) Click the *Like* button to create the Facebook Listing Page. Depending your browser, you may have to refresh this page to see the Admin Page link after the initial *Like* click, from there on, it will always show</p> <p><img title="Managing Facebook Listing Pages via the Admin link" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/7/2/0/7/ar127974985470279.png" height="639" alt="Managing Facebook Listing Pages via the Admin link" width="600" /></p> <p><strong><span><strong>Another productivity update: filter your inventory by Listing Title and by Visibility Status</strong></span></strong></p> <p>Based on some user requests, we extended the search utility on the <a href="http://www.realbird.com">RealBird</a> listing management page. Besides the existing search fields, you can now filter your listing inventory by Visibility Status (Published vs Draft) and search portion of the Listing Title field. We hope that this feature will increase your productivity and will save you time while managing large inventories of active, pending and sold listings on RealBird.</p> <p><img title="RealBird Listing Management search filters" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/8/9/4/0/ar127974842004988.png" height="140" alt="RealBird Listing Management search filters" width="500" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Let us know what you think about these updates and stay tuned, there are more to come :)</p> <p>Thanks !</p> <p> </p> <p><span> </span></p> <p><img src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/8/4/6/6/ar121227503566482.png" height="80" alt="" width="80" />-- Zoltan <a href="http://www.realbird.com/" title="RealBird"><br />RealBird.com</a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p><div class="agent_signature"><div></div></div></blockquote></div><div class="agent_signature"><p><a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/andreaswiedler/rss" title="Subscribe to my blog"><img title="Subscribe to my blog" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/1/0/7/ar125972615970149.png" height="50" alt="Subscribe to my blog" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaswiedler" title="Linkedin for Andrea Swiedler"><img title="Linkedin Subscribe" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/4/9/0/2/ar125972621020946.png" height="50" alt="Linkedin Subscribe" width="50" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/andreaswiedler" title="Picasa Web Albums Andrea Swiedler"><img title="Picasa Web Albums Andrea" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/6/3/1/ar125972625913658.png" height="50" alt="Picasa Web Albums Andrea" width="50" /></a><a href="http://twitter.com/andreastwits" title="Andreas Twits on Twitter"><img title="Subscribe to Andreastwits" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/8/4/8/4/ar125972630248483.png" height="50" alt="Twitter Subscribe" width="50" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="New Milford CT Real Estate"><img title="Village Green Bandstand in New Milford CT" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/7/3/7/8/ar126243469887377.jpg" height="172" alt="New Milford CT Bandstand" width="132" /></a></p> <p><span><em><strong><span>Come Explore Litchfield County!</span></strong></em></span></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="Andrea Swiedler at Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS"><big><span>Andrea Swiedler, Realtor®</span></big></a><br /></span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>Prudential Adams & Associ</span></big></span></small></small></big></big><big><big><small><small><span><big><span><big></big></span></big></span></small></small></big></big><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>ates, REALTORS</span></big></span></small></small></big></big>®</p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>337 Danbury Road, New Milford, CT 06776</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>Office: 860.355.2646 ext 19, Cell: 203.460.1775</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span> Email: andrea@andreaswiedler.com</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><span><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/search_mls4.asp" title="New Milford CT Real Estate">New Milford CT Real Estate, start your home search here.</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/region.asp">Greater New Milford, CT area information. Litchfield County at its best.</a></span></strong></p> <p><strong><span>Get your free e-book called <a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/img/Assemble-a winning team when buying your home.pdf" title="Assemble a Winning Team When Buying Your Home">"Assemble a Winning Team When Buying Your Home" </a></span></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><span>Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. - Mark Twain</span></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="Andrea Swiedler at Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS"><img title="Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/2/7/6/7/ar12702535276726.jpg" height="88" alt="Prudential Adams Logo" width="153" /></a></p> <p><br /><span>© 2010 Andrea Swiedler. Unless otherwise noted, the content, both written and in pictures, is the property of Andrea Swiedler. If you wish to use something you see here, please </span><span>email me</span><span> at andrea@andreswiedler.com with your request. Most likely I will oblige, with a link back to my original content as well as an acknowledgment. Although imitation is the highest form of flattery, please let me know before you decide to bestow this form of flattery on me! Thank you.</span></p> <p><span>© 2010 Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities.  An independently owned and operated broker member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company.  Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license.  Equal Housing Opportunity</span> <img title="Equal Housing Opportunity" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/0/4/0/ar127025370404093.jpg" height="12" alt="EHO" width="20" /></p></div> Andrea Swiedler - REALTOR - Greater New Milford CT, Litchfield County & More (Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS, New Milford CT) Fri, 23 Jul 2010 23:05:09 -0400 http://sellnewmilford.com/post/1760746/facebook-listing-page-update-and-other-productivity-features http://sellnewmilford.com/post/1750303/why-should-the-buyers-agent-get-screwed-hi-ho-silver-away- Why should the buyers agent get screwed? Hi Ho Silver, AWAY! <p><big><span>Why should the buyers agent get screwed? Hi Ho Silver, AWAY! </span><br /> <br /> </big><img title="Am I naive?" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/4/7/4/2/ar127945882224746.jpg" height="205" alt="Wearing a white cowboy hat" width="200" /><big>A few months back I wrote about <a href="../../blogsview/1447825/it-doesn-t-pass-my-sniff-test-not-by-a-long-shot-">"contract purchasers" with short sales.</a> In other words, the short sale negotiator enters into an agreement with the lender to purchase the short sale at one price, the home continues to be marketed at a higher price. If and when an offer comes in the negotiator purchases the home at the lower price, then the same day or following day closes with the end buyer at a higher price. The offer to purchase is signed by the negotiator, all negotiations are done by the negotiator who does not yet own the house. He/she signs and negotiates as the "contract purchaser". <br /> <br /> Many of you agreed with me, those that didn't agree with me certainly let me know how naive and foolish I was, why shouldn't the negotiator make this type of money? 20,000, 30,000, I have even seen 200,000 recently on one sale posted in the paper. Wow! That was a great day for someone.<br /> <br /> <a href="../../blogsview/1738734/is-it-legal-to-flip-short-sales-see-posted-question-">A recent post by Lenn Harley</a> brought this up again with me, so I just had to put on that lousy white hat of mine and race in to start another blood bath for myself I am sure. <span>I think</span> I was accused of wearing a white hat and being a do-gooder, but not in a nice way based on my comment. Although I think someone got my name wrong... or maybe they weren't talking about me.<br /> <br /> When working as a buyers agent it is my job to get my buyers a home at the best possible price... hmmm. Let me explain that one to my buyers. <br /> <br /> I have one last question on the matter. <span>The offer of compensation that is out on the MLS is based on the listing contract the listing agent had with the owner of the home, not the contract purchaser</span>. I have seen buyers agents walk away with $700 on a $250,000 purchase. Yes they could have gotten the balance from their buyers. I am playing that scenario in my head.... <br /> <br /> If the theory is... why should the negotiator and listing agent miss out on this fantastic opportunity to make really good money in the short sale game....<br /> <br /> </big><img title="Why should the buyers agent get screwed?" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/5/7/9/1/ar127945922519752.jpg" height="286" alt="screwman" width="250" /><big><span>Why should the buyers agent get screwed?</span> After all, without the buyer there would be no fat profit for these people. <br /> <br /> And where is the protection for my piddling minuscule commission I will end up with? As far as I can see the offer for compensation might be worthless as my buyers won't be buying from the person who signed the listing contract in the first place. Or should we just write up something before we submit an offer that demands full commission at the closing, <span>because sure as shootin' the short sale negotiator and listing agent are making money on these deals!</span> <span>And on the backs of our end buyers I might add. You expect me to get money from my buyer after they just overpaid on the home based on what the lender agreed to take?</span><br /> <br /> Hi Ho Silver Away, I would really like to have this explained to me. <br /> </big></p><div class="agent_signature"><p><a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/andreaswiedler/rss" title="Subscribe to my blog"><img title="Subscribe to my blog" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/1/0/7/ar125972615970149.png" height="50" alt="Subscribe to my blog" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaswiedler" title="Linkedin for Andrea Swiedler"><img title="Linkedin Subscribe" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/4/9/0/2/ar125972621020946.png" height="50" alt="Linkedin Subscribe" width="50" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/andreaswiedler" title="Picasa Web Albums Andrea Swiedler"><img title="Picasa Web Albums Andrea" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/6/3/1/ar125972625913658.png" height="50" alt="Picasa Web Albums Andrea" width="50" /></a><a href="http://twitter.com/andreastwits" title="Andreas Twits on Twitter"><img title="Subscribe to Andreastwits" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/8/4/8/4/ar125972630248483.png" height="50" alt="Twitter Subscribe" width="50" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="New Milford CT Real Estate"><img title="Village Green Bandstand in New Milford CT" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/7/3/7/8/ar126243469887377.jpg" height="172" alt="New Milford CT Bandstand" width="132" /></a></p> <p><span><em><strong><span>Come Explore Litchfield County!</span></strong></em></span></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="Andrea Swiedler at Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS"><big><span>Andrea Swiedler, Realtor®</span></big></a><br /></span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>Prudential Adams & Associ</span></big></span></small></small></big></big><big><big><small><small><span><big><span><big></big></span></big></span></small></small></big></big><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>ates, REALTORS</span></big></span></small></small></big></big>®</p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>337 Danbury Road, New Milford, CT 06776</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>Office: 860.355.2646 ext 19, Cell: 203.460.1775</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span> Email: andrea@andreaswiedler.com</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><span><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/search_mls4.asp" title="New Milford CT Real Estate">New Milford CT Real Estate, start your home search here.</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/region.asp">Greater New Milford, CT area information. Litchfield County at its best.</a></span></strong></p> <p><strong><span>Get your free e-book called <a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/img/Assemble-a winning team when buying your home.pdf" title="Assemble a Winning Team When Buying Your Home">"Assemble a Winning Team When Buying Your Home" </a></span></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><span>Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. - Mark Twain</span></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="Andrea Swiedler at Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS"><img title="Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/2/7/6/7/ar12702535276726.jpg" height="88" alt="Prudential Adams Logo" width="153" /></a></p> <p><br /><span>© 2010 Andrea Swiedler. Unless otherwise noted, the content, both written and in pictures, is the property of Andrea Swiedler. If you wish to use something you see here, please </span><span>email me</span><span> at andrea@andreswiedler.com with your request. Most likely I will oblige, with a link back to my original content as well as an acknowledgment. Although imitation is the highest form of flattery, please let me know before you decide to bestow this form of flattery on me! Thank you.</span></p> <p><span>© 2010 Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities.  An independently owned and operated broker member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company.  Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license.  Equal Housing Opportunity</span> <img title="Equal Housing Opportunity" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/0/4/0/ar127025370404093.jpg" height="12" alt="EHO" width="20" /></p></div> Andrea Swiedler - REALTOR - Greater New Milford CT, Litchfield County & More (Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS, New Milford CT) Sun, 18 Jul 2010 09:18:33 -0400 http://sellnewmilford.com/post/1750303/why-should-the-buyers-agent-get-screwed-hi-ho-silver-away- http://sellnewmilford.com/post/1748743/emptying-your-bladder-or-someone-elses-not-a-good-idea Emptying your bladder... or someone elses... not a good idea <p><big><strong>Emptying your bladder... </strong><br /> <br /> <img title="take it easy on the water!" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/9/4/5/8/ar127933729685497.jpg" height="147" alt="Water faucet" width="200" />Yep, the bladder was emptied, and no one felt good about it. It was inspection time for my listing. (I hope my house inspector friends will chime in on this one.) I got that dreaded phone call from the home owner, they came home at the tail end of the 2 hour plus home inspection. The inspector informed them they had a problem with the well, there was grit all over the jet tub. And yes there was, the tub was full of "stuff". <br /> <br /> My clients were more than upset. They assured the buyers and the inspector this never happened before, they have never had any problem with the water. This home is a large colonial 6 years young in beautiful shape. They called the best well guy around who immediately asked if the inspector was running all the water in the house for a long time, and if the jet tub faucets were also opened. Yes indeed, seems the inspector turned all the water on as soon as he came in and left them running the entire time he was working (2 hours). The well guy also said that the jet tub has a larger water pipe running to it, and if things weren't bad enough when the jets were turned on it created a surge which kicked up the sediment in the bladder. Sediment is normal, my client changed the filter after this little experience. The water was clear as a bell after a bit.</big></p> <p><big><br /> </big><big> <img title="be mindful of the well " src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/8/6/4/8/ar127933738784681.jpg" height="249" alt="Well" width="201" />The well is fine, we have paper to prove it from one of the best well guys around. We are all comfortable with the results. But I am not comfortable with these type of tests. I went to the town sanitarian today and we discussed it in detail. She agreed with me and gave me documentation from the <a href="http://www.ct.gov/dph/cwp/view.asp?a=3140&q=387428">state of CT</a> that outlines guidelines for a push test when doing a septic inspection.  50 gallons of water per bedroom only, done slowly and steady. <strong><em>But this type of test is to test a septic system!</em></strong> This was <span><strong>not </strong></span>the septic inspection. I understand this can put undue strain on a septic system and can cause what appears to be a failure because of the volume of water being pushed through it. Bad idea all the way around. Better idea to run water from an outside hose into the distribution box to see what happens with the fields, so I was told by the sanitarian. </big></p> <p><big>I see it over and over again and get no clear answer as to why the water needs to be running wide open through the whole house through the entire home inspection. This is not a well yield test, those take hours, the well needs to be emptied, measurements taken. To get water samples you don't have to run water for an hour. I am always upset by this. As are the home owners when they realize what happened.<br /> <br /> Cost my client $75 to be told that there was nothing wrong and that running the water like that is a bad idea. <br /> <br /> My second gripe? We are in a drought. Why would anyone run water so irresponsibly in a drought situation? I'm just sayin... So, what say you? I am really hoping someone out there can enlighten me as to why this is a common practice and why I am wrong? (I don't think I am, but I am really looking for an explanation here!) I really don't understand the value of this type of test? </big></p> <p><big>And please, don't empty my bladder!<br /> </big></p><div class="agent_signature"><p><a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/andreaswiedler/rss" title="Subscribe to my blog"><img title="Subscribe to my blog" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/1/0/7/ar125972615970149.png" height="50" alt="Subscribe to my blog" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaswiedler" title="Linkedin for Andrea Swiedler"><img title="Linkedin Subscribe" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/4/9/0/2/ar125972621020946.png" height="50" alt="Linkedin Subscribe" width="50" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/andreaswiedler" title="Picasa Web Albums Andrea Swiedler"><img title="Picasa Web Albums Andrea" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/6/3/1/ar125972625913658.png" height="50" alt="Picasa Web Albums Andrea" width="50" /></a><a href="http://twitter.com/andreastwits" title="Andreas Twits on Twitter"><img title="Subscribe to Andreastwits" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/8/4/8/4/ar125972630248483.png" height="50" alt="Twitter Subscribe" width="50" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="New Milford CT Real Estate"><img title="Village Green Bandstand in New Milford CT" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/7/3/7/8/ar126243469887377.jpg" height="172" alt="New Milford CT Bandstand" width="132" /></a></p> <p><span><em><strong><span>Come Explore Litchfield County!</span></strong></em></span></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="Andrea Swiedler at Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS"><big><span>Andrea Swiedler, Realtor®</span></big></a><br /></span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>Prudential Adams & Associ</span></big></span></small></small></big></big><big><big><small><small><span><big><span><big></big></span></big></span></small></small></big></big><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>ates, REALTORS</span></big></span></small></small></big></big>®</p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>337 Danbury Road, New Milford, CT 06776</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>Office: 860.355.2646 ext 19, Cell: 203.460.1775</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span> Email: andrea@andreaswiedler.com</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><span><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/search_mls4.asp" title="New Milford CT Real Estate">New Milford CT Real Estate, start your home search here.</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/region.asp">Greater New Milford, CT area information. Litchfield County at its best.</a></span></strong></p> <p><strong><span>Get your free e-book called <a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/img/Assemble-a winning team when buying your home.pdf" title="Assemble a Winning Team When Buying Your Home">"Assemble a Winning Team When Buying Your Home" </a></span></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><span>Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. - Mark Twain</span></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="Andrea Swiedler at Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS"><img title="Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/2/7/6/7/ar12702535276726.jpg" height="88" alt="Prudential Adams Logo" width="153" /></a></p> <p><br /><span>© 2010 Andrea Swiedler. Unless otherwise noted, the content, both written and in pictures, is the property of Andrea Swiedler. If you wish to use something you see here, please </span><span>email me</span><span> at andrea@andreswiedler.com with your request. Most likely I will oblige, with a link back to my original content as well as an acknowledgment. Although imitation is the highest form of flattery, please let me know before you decide to bestow this form of flattery on me! Thank you.</span></p> <p><span>© 2010 Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities.  An independently owned and operated broker member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company.  Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license.  Equal Housing Opportunity</span> <img title="Equal Housing Opportunity" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/0/4/0/ar127025370404093.jpg" height="12" alt="EHO" width="20" /></p></div> Andrea Swiedler - REALTOR - Greater New Milford CT, Litchfield County & More (Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS, New Milford CT) Fri, 16 Jul 2010 23:35:01 -0400 http://sellnewmilford.com/post/1748743/emptying-your-bladder-or-someone-elses-not-a-good-idea http://sellnewmilford.com/post/1731145/how-having-your-own-pot-can-keep-you-cool- How having your own pot can keep you cool. <p><big>How having your own pot can keep you cool.<br /> <br /> It was hot today, I hear we broke a record. As I was driving past New Milford High School this afternoon the temperature read .... 110.... how could that be?<br /> <br /> I took my grandson over to his aunties house to swim in the pool this evening. He had a great time, no fear at all. After pool time he made his own entertainment....<br /> <br /> Off went the bathing suit and diaper ....</big></p> <p><img title="Reminds me of one of those "you know you're a redneck when..."" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/8/8/1/7/ar127847546171889.jpg" height="552" alt="Kid in a pot" width="550" /></p> <p> </p> <p><img title="ahhh.. life's good" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/2/1/1/3/ar127847564431122.jpg" height="531" alt="kid in a pot" width="550" /></p> <p><img title="A little Houdini" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/4/0/0/5/ar127847569950045.jpg" height="436" alt="Kid in a pot" width="550" /></p> <p><br /><big> In to the pot full of water he went... in and out, in and out.... Don't ask me how he fit in there, he screwed himself right down inside. I had fears he might get stuck, I was running that phone call to 911 in my head. <br /> <br /> Kids, you really gotta love 'em. I have to say, it reminded me of one of those... "you know you're a redneck when".... jokes.<br /> <br /> Stay cool, stick your head in a bucket of water. Do whatever it takes! We have a few more scorchers on the way! <br /> </big></p> <p><img title="We really do have a bathtub" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/9/3/1/ar127847577013993.jpg" height="375" alt="Kid in a pot" width="550" /></p><div class="agent_signature"><p><a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/andreaswiedler/rss" title="Subscribe to my blog"><img title="Subscribe to my blog" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/1/0/7/ar125972615970149.png" height="50" alt="Subscribe to my blog" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaswiedler" title="Linkedin for Andrea Swiedler"><img title="Linkedin Subscribe" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/4/9/0/2/ar125972621020946.png" height="50" alt="Linkedin Subscribe" width="50" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/andreaswiedler" title="Picasa Web Albums Andrea Swiedler"><img title="Picasa Web Albums Andrea" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/6/3/1/ar125972625913658.png" height="50" alt="Picasa Web Albums Andrea" width="50" /></a><a href="http://twitter.com/andreastwits" title="Andreas Twits on Twitter"><img title="Subscribe to Andreastwits" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/8/4/8/4/ar125972630248483.png" height="50" alt="Twitter Subscribe" width="50" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="New Milford CT Real Estate"><img title="Village Green Bandstand in New Milford CT" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/7/3/7/8/ar126243469887377.jpg" height="172" alt="New Milford CT Bandstand" width="132" /></a></p> <p><span><em><strong><span>Come Explore Litchfield County!</span></strong></em></span></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="Andrea Swiedler at Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS"><big><span>Andrea Swiedler, Realtor®</span></big></a><br /></span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>Prudential Adams & Associ</span></big></span></small></small></big></big><big><big><small><small><span><big><span><big></big></span></big></span></small></small></big></big><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>ates, REALTORS</span></big></span></small></small></big></big>®</p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>337 Danbury Road, New Milford, CT 06776</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>Office: 860.355.2646 ext 19, Cell: 203.460.1775</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span> Email: andrea@andreaswiedler.com</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><span><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/search_mls4.asp" title="New Milford CT Real Estate">New Milford CT Real Estate, start your home search here.</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/region.asp">Greater New Milford, CT area information. Litchfield County at its best.</a></span></strong></p> <p><strong><span>Get your free e-book called <a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/img/Assemble-a winning team when buying your home.pdf" title="Assemble a Winning Team When Buying Your Home">"Assemble a Winning Team When Buying Your Home" </a></span></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><span>Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. - Mark Twain</span></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="Andrea Swiedler at Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS"><img title="Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/2/7/6/7/ar12702535276726.jpg" height="88" alt="Prudential Adams Logo" width="153" /></a></p> <p><br /><span>© 2010 Andrea Swiedler. Unless otherwise noted, the content, both written and in pictures, is the property of Andrea Swiedler. If you wish to use something you see here, please </span><span>email me</span><span> at andrea@andreswiedler.com with your request. Most likely I will oblige, with a link back to my original content as well as an acknowledgment. Although imitation is the highest form of flattery, please let me know before you decide to bestow this form of flattery on me! Thank you.</span></p> <p><span>© 2010 Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities.  An independently owned and operated broker member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company.  Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license.  Equal Housing Opportunity</span> <img title="Equal Housing Opportunity" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/0/4/0/ar127025370404093.jpg" height="12" alt="EHO" width="20" /></p></div> Andrea Swiedler - REALTOR - Greater New Milford CT, Litchfield County & More (Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS, New Milford CT) Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:13:13 -0400 http://sellnewmilford.com/post/1731145/how-having-your-own-pot-can-keep-you-cool- http://sellnewmilford.com/post/1738207/home-sales-washington-ct-06793-06794-06777-june-2010- Home Sales Washington CT 06793, 06794, 06777, June 2010. <p><strong><big>Home sales in Washington, CT, June 2010, including Washington 06793, Washington Depot 06794 and New Preston 06777, CT. </big></strong><br /> <br /> <img title="Gunn Memorial Library in Washington, CT" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/0/2/6/5/ar127885021656202.jpg" height="201" alt="Gunn Memorial Library" width="300" /><big>Currently in </big><big>Washington, Washington Depot, New Preston</big><big><span>, CT</span>, <strong>including Lake Waramaug in New Preston,</strong> th</big><big>ere are 107 single family homes on the market. The average list price is $1,457,671. The average market time is 197 days.</big><br /> <br /> <big>The highest price home in Washington, CT is $7,500,000, this estate is considered to be one of Litchfield County’s finest estates on 130 acres. The home is 8,496 square feet and was built in 1997.<br /> <br /> The lowest priced home for sale in Washington, CT is an antique located on Rt. 47, listed at $100,000 and is a short sale. The price is one that I believe is supposed to garner much interest and drive up the final sale price of the home. </big></p> <p><big>Of the 107 single family homes active on the market in </big><big>Washington, W</big><big>ashington Depot and New Preston</big><big><span>, CT</span>, 2 are under deposit. The average list price of these homes under deposit is $677,450, average market time is 166 days.<br /></big></p> <p><big>Currently there are 3 homes that are in the pending sale status. This is down 2 from last month. The average list price of these homes is $851,333. The average market</big><big> time for these homes is 286 days. <br /></big></p> <p><big>7 homes sold in June of 2010 in <span>Washington, CT</span>. The average list price was $889,700, average days on market 286 days. the lowest priced sale was Bee Brook Rd. for $240,000. The highest priced sale, on Lower Churchill Rd. sold for $2,335,000. <span>An upward trend from last month when only 2 homes closed!</span></big></p> <p><span>(Data supplied by Greater Fairfield County CMLS. While date is considered to be reliable, it may not be necessarily accurate.)</span></p> <p><a href="../../blogsview/1678269/washington-ct-real-estate-sales-may-2010"><big>Check out sales in Washington, CT for May 2010.</big></a></p> <div><big>Homes for sale, Washington, Washington Depot and New Preston CT. </big><br /></div> <p><big></big></p> <p><big><br /> </big></p><div class="agent_signature"><p><a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/andreaswiedler/rss" title="Subscribe to my blog"><img title="Subscribe to my blog" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/1/0/7/ar125972615970149.png" height="50" alt="Subscribe to my blog" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaswiedler" title="Linkedin for Andrea Swiedler"><img title="Linkedin Subscribe" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/4/9/0/2/ar125972621020946.png" height="50" alt="Linkedin Subscribe" width="50" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/andreaswiedler" title="Picasa Web Albums Andrea Swiedler"><img title="Picasa Web Albums Andrea" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/6/3/1/ar125972625913658.png" height="50" alt="Picasa Web Albums Andrea" width="50" /></a><a href="http://twitter.com/andreastwits" title="Andreas Twits on Twitter"><img title="Subscribe to Andreastwits" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/8/4/8/4/ar125972630248483.png" height="50" alt="Twitter Subscribe" width="50" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="New Milford CT Real Estate"><img title="Village Green Bandstand in New Milford CT" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/7/3/7/8/ar126243469887377.jpg" height="172" alt="New Milford CT Bandstand" width="132" /></a></p> <p><span><em><strong><span>Come Explore Litchfield County!</span></strong></em></span></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="Andrea Swiedler at Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS"><big><span>Andrea Swiedler, Realtor®</span></big></a><br /></span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>Prudential Adams & Associ</span></big></span></small></small></big></big><big><big><small><small><span><big><span><big></big></span></big></span></small></small></big></big><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>ates, REALTORS</span></big></span></small></small></big></big>®</p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>337 Danbury Road, New Milford, CT 06776</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>Office: 860.355.2646 ext 19, Cell: 203.460.1775</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span> Email: andrea@andreaswiedler.com</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><span><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/search_mls4.asp" title="New Milford CT Real Estate">New Milford CT Real Estate, start your home search here.</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/region.asp">Greater New Milford, CT area information. Litchfield County at its best.</a></span></strong></p> <p><strong><span>Get your free e-book called <a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/img/Assemble-a winning team when buying your home.pdf" title="Assemble a Winning Team When Buying Your Home">"Assemble a Winning Team When Buying Your Home" </a></span></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><span>Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. - Mark Twain</span></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="Andrea Swiedler at Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS"><img title="Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/2/7/6/7/ar12702535276726.jpg" height="88" alt="Prudential Adams Logo" width="153" /></a></p> <p><br /><span>© 2010 Andrea Swiedler. Unless otherwise noted, the content, both written and in pictures, is the property of Andrea Swiedler. If you wish to use something you see here, please </span><span>email me</span><span> at andrea@andreswiedler.com with your request. Most likely I will oblige, with a link back to my original content as well as an acknowledgment. Although imitation is the highest form of flattery, please let me know before you decide to bestow this form of flattery on me! Thank you.</span></p> <p><span>© 2010 Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities.  An independently owned and operated broker member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company.  Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license.  Equal Housing Opportunity</span> <img title="Equal Housing Opportunity" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/0/4/0/ar127025370404093.jpg" height="12" alt="EHO" width="20" /></p></div> Andrea Swiedler - REALTOR - Greater New Milford CT, Litchfield County & More (Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS, New Milford CT) Sun, 11 Jul 2010 08:15:59 -0400 http://sellnewmilford.com/post/1738207/home-sales-washington-ct-06793-06794-06777-june-2010- http://sellnewmilford.com/post/1736544/litchfield-county-history-the-brick-school-house-warren-ct Litchfield County History, the Brick School House, Warren CT <p><big><strong>Litchfield County History, the</strong></big><big><strong> Brick School House in <a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/region.asp">Warren, CT</a></strong> has the distinct honor of being the longest continual operating one room school house in Connecticut history!</big></p> <p><img title="Take a drive down Brick School Rd in Warren CT to see the school house" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/4/0/9/ar127871803290472.jpg" height="335" alt="Warren CT Brick School House" width="500" /></p> <p><big>Built in 1784, the little red Brick School House, located on what is now Brick School Rd in Warren Connecticut was called North West S</big><big>chool. At the time it was built there were 7 school districts in Warren. The last </big><big>class to graduate from North West School was in 1924. <br /> </big></p> <p><img title="What a wonderful historical treasure" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/4/3/4/7/ar127871797074347.jpg" height="335" alt="Warren CT Brick School House" width="500" /></p> <p><br /><big> The building fell into disrepair over the years. In 1963 a Mr. Frank Reinhold purchased the school and donated it to the <a href="http://warrencthistory.org/?page_id=53">Warren Historical Society</a> 5 years later, when it was lovingly restored.</big></p> <p><img title="The Brick School House in Warren, CT" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/2/6/7/5/ar12787178857629.jpg" height="335" alt="Warren CT Brick School House" width="500" /></p> <p><big>I was in Warren yesterday looking at homes when I passed by the Brick School House. I couldn't help but stop and take a few photos, it really is a wonderful old building. I only wish I could have gotten inside, I could see a few desks in there, but couldn't get a photo through the glass. That will be photos for another day. <br /> </big></p> <p><big> The countryside in Warren is so beautiful, s</big><big>o peaceful. The town of Warren is 27.6 square miles and has a population of 1,385 people. Nestled between Kent, Washington, Litchfield and Cornwall, CT, the rolling hillsides are a site to behold. There are wonderful estates, properties on Lake Waramaug, farms, homes of all sizes and prices. <br /> </big></p> <p><img title="A view of Lake Waramaug from Tanner Hill" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/8/7/0/1/ar127871822910782.jpg" height="335" alt="Lake Waramaug" width="500" /></p> <p><big> If you are taking a drive throug</big><big>h Litchfield County, make sure you take a drive through Warren, CT. If you have a day or two to spend, stay at the lovely <a href="http://www.roostertailinn.com/">Rooster Tail Inn</a>, I understand it is fantastic! The rooms are wonderful, and the food is, as my friend says, worth the trip! A short trip down the road from the Rooster Tail Inn is Brick School Rd, you can certainly take a drive to see the Brick School House!</big></p> <p><img title="The Rooster Tail Inn Located in Beautiful Warren CT" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/6/2/6/2/ar127872098526266.JPG" height="335" alt="Rooster Tail Inn, Warren CT" width="500" /></p> <p><big>Search for a home in beautiful Warren, CT. <br /> <br /> </big></p><div class="agent_signature"><p><a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/andreaswiedler/rss" title="Subscribe to my blog"><img title="Subscribe to my blog" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/1/0/7/ar125972615970149.png" height="50" alt="Subscribe to my blog" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaswiedler" title="Linkedin for Andrea Swiedler"><img title="Linkedin Subscribe" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/4/9/0/2/ar125972621020946.png" height="50" alt="Linkedin Subscribe" width="50" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/andreaswiedler" title="Picasa Web Albums Andrea Swiedler"><img title="Picasa Web Albums Andrea" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/6/3/1/ar125972625913658.png" height="50" alt="Picasa Web Albums Andrea" width="50" /></a><a href="http://twitter.com/andreastwits" title="Andreas Twits on Twitter"><img title="Subscribe to Andreastwits" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/8/4/8/4/ar125972630248483.png" height="50" alt="Twitter Subscribe" width="50" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="New Milford CT Real Estate"><img title="Village Green Bandstand in New Milford CT" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/7/3/7/8/ar126243469887377.jpg" height="172" alt="New Milford CT Bandstand" width="132" /></a></p> <p><span><em><strong><span>Come Explore Litchfield County!</span></strong></em></span></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="Andrea Swiedler at Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS"><big><span>Andrea Swiedler, Realtor®</span></big></a><br /></span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>Prudential Adams & Associ</span></big></span></small></small></big></big><big><big><small><small><span><big><span><big></big></span></big></span></small></small></big></big><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>ates, REALTORS</span></big></span></small></small></big></big>®</p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>337 Danbury Road, New Milford, CT 06776</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>Office: 860.355.2646 ext 19, Cell: 203.460.1775</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span> Email: andrea@andreaswiedler.com</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><span><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/search_mls4.asp" title="New Milford CT Real Estate">New Milford CT Real Estate, start your home search here.</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/region.asp">Greater New Milford, CT area information. Litchfield County at its best.</a></span></strong></p> <p><strong><span>Get your free e-book called <a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/img/Assemble-a winning team when buying your home.pdf" title="Assemble a Winning Team When Buying Your Home">"Assemble a Winning Team When Buying Your Home" </a></span></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><span>Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. - Mark Twain</span></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="Andrea Swiedler at Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS"><img title="Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/2/7/6/7/ar12702535276726.jpg" height="88" alt="Prudential Adams Logo" width="153" /></a></p> <p><br /><span>© 2010 Andrea Swiedler. Unless otherwise noted, the content, both written and in pictures, is the property of Andrea Swiedler. If you wish to use something you see here, please </span><span>email me</span><span> at andrea@andreswiedler.com with your request. Most likely I will oblige, with a link back to my original content as well as an acknowledgment. Although imitation is the highest form of flattery, please let me know before you decide to bestow this form of flattery on me! Thank you.</span></p> <p><span>© 2010 Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities.  An independently owned and operated broker member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company.  Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license.  Equal Housing Opportunity</span> <img title="Equal Housing Opportunity" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/0/4/0/ar127025370404093.jpg" height="12" alt="EHO" width="20" /></p></div> Andrea Swiedler - REALTOR - Greater New Milford CT, Litchfield County & More (Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS, New Milford CT) Fri, 09 Jul 2010 20:26:12 -0400 http://sellnewmilford.com/post/1736544/litchfield-county-history-the-brick-school-house-warren-ct http://sellnewmilford.com/post/1733315/buyers-market-in-new-milford-ct-what-does-that-really-mean- Buyers Market in New Milford, CT. What does that REALLY mean? <p><big><strong>Buyers Market, What Does That Really Mean? Real Estate talk, New Milford CT. </strong><br /> <br /> </big><img title="What price will make me sell?" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/9/1/7/8/ar127858970787198.jpg" height="453" alt="Confused house" width="248" /><big>According to <a href="http://www.investorwords.com/641/buyers_market.html">Investorwords.com</a>, a "buyers market" means "a market that has more sellers than buyers". You know, "supply over demand". But what does that really mean? Let me break that down for you....<br /> <br /> In New Milford, CT there are currently 79 homes listed between $300,000 to $400,000. Wow, that's a lot of homes. Out of those 79 homes, 4 are under deposit. Uh oh.... that is just a bit over 5%, not so good. So now what? Remember the good ole days when those buyers were fighting like a pack of wild dogs over food scraps for your house? Well, reverse that. You are now in the pack of wild dogs, and that buyer is the food scrap you want, you need!<br /> <br /> Make sure your home stands up against the real competition. You cannot price your home according to what you want to sell it for, or what you need to sell it for. If you want or need to sell, you must price your home to sell. No other way around it.<br /> <br /> Example. I have clients very interested in a certain home. We have been back twice. The house is of a pleasing design to them, in a good location, but needs work. It is, in my opinion, overpriced by about... oh... maybe $60,000 to $70,000. <br /> <br /> </big></p> <ul> <li><big>The house needs a new roof. </big></li> <li><big>The house needs a new deck, which is large.</big></li> <li><big>The bathrooms have not been updated</big></li> <li><big>The entire upstairs needs new carpeting</big></li> <li><big>The basement is just that, a basement. It has not been finished.</big></li> <li><big>The entire chimney needs repointing, from the bottom to the top, and it is a tall chimney</big></li> <li><big>The hardwood floors are tired</big></li> <li><big>Some of the windows need attention, no one repainted the sills</big></li> <li><big>The house has electric heat, with all original baseboard heating</big></li> <li><big>Wallpaper and paint look as if they have not been touched since the house was built</big></li> <li><big>The house screams 1980's!!!!<br /> </big></li> </ul> <p><big><br /> Here is what I am being told. <br /> <br /> They updated the kitchen... no, they replaced the countertop with granite, keeping the cabinets the same 1980's originals. They replaced the original 27 year old appliances recently, yes they did. There is central air, we do love this fact. There is an inground pool. Hmmm, in this area would you like to know what that pool is going to get you? Not money. As a matter of fact, many will run from a pool as they don't want the headache. And this pool is an older one, will need some work. <br /> <br /> If you really want to sell this house, lighten and brighten the house, get real with your pricing. I have prepared my buyers with what has sold that is similar to this home, we have good comps. I have also prepared my buyers that they need to be very willing to walk away from this house. They have accepted this fact. <br /> <br /> I did learn something else. The seller paid for an appraisal. The seller also refuses to tell the listing agent what the appraisal came in at. I am shaking my head on this one. <span>This tells me that the appraisal came in at a number the seller doesn't want to accept!</span><br /> <br /> So, if you are really ready to sell, if you have to sell your home, make sure you price your home according to the local real estate market. We are in a buyers market in the greater New Milford, CT area. That means stiff competition for you. And if you need to sell and you do not price it according to the market and the condition of your home, well, my guess is you won't be selling your home anytime soon. <br /> </big></p><div class="agent_signature"><p><a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/andreaswiedler/rss" title="Subscribe to my blog"><img title="Subscribe to my blog" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/1/0/7/ar125972615970149.png" height="50" alt="Subscribe to my blog" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaswiedler" title="Linkedin for Andrea Swiedler"><img title="Linkedin Subscribe" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/4/9/0/2/ar125972621020946.png" height="50" alt="Linkedin Subscribe" width="50" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/andreaswiedler" title="Picasa Web Albums Andrea Swiedler"><img title="Picasa Web Albums Andrea" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/6/3/1/ar125972625913658.png" height="50" alt="Picasa Web Albums Andrea" width="50" /></a><a href="http://twitter.com/andreastwits" title="Andreas Twits on Twitter"><img title="Subscribe to Andreastwits" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/8/4/8/4/ar125972630248483.png" height="50" alt="Twitter Subscribe" width="50" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="New Milford CT Real Estate"><img title="Village Green Bandstand in New Milford CT" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/7/3/7/8/ar126243469887377.jpg" height="172" alt="New Milford CT Bandstand" width="132" /></a></p> <p><span><em><strong><span>Come Explore Litchfield County!</span></strong></em></span></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="Andrea Swiedler at Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS"><big><span>Andrea Swiedler, Realtor®</span></big></a><br /></span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>Prudential Adams & Associ</span></big></span></small></small></big></big><big><big><small><small><span><big><span><big></big></span></big></span></small></small></big></big><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>ates, REALTORS</span></big></span></small></small></big></big>®</p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>337 Danbury Road, New Milford, CT 06776</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>Office: 860.355.2646 ext 19, Cell: 203.460.1775</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span> Email: andrea@andreaswiedler.com</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><span><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/search_mls4.asp" title="New Milford CT Real Estate">New Milford CT Real Estate, start your home search here.</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/region.asp">Greater New Milford, CT area information. Litchfield County at its best.</a></span></strong></p> <p><strong><span>Get your free e-book called <a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/img/Assemble-a winning team when buying your home.pdf" title="Assemble a Winning Team When Buying Your Home">"Assemble a Winning Team When Buying Your Home" </a></span></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><span>Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. - Mark Twain</span></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="Andrea Swiedler at Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS"><img title="Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/2/7/6/7/ar12702535276726.jpg" height="88" alt="Prudential Adams Logo" width="153" /></a></p> <p><br /><span>© 2010 Andrea Swiedler. Unless otherwise noted, the content, both written and in pictures, is the property of Andrea Swiedler. If you wish to use something you see here, please </span><span>email me</span><span> at andrea@andreswiedler.com with your request. Most likely I will oblige, with a link back to my original content as well as an acknowledgment. Although imitation is the highest form of flattery, please let me know before you decide to bestow this form of flattery on me! Thank you.</span></p> <p><span>© 2010 Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities.  An independently owned and operated broker member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company.  Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license.  Equal Housing Opportunity</span> <img title="Equal Housing Opportunity" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/0/4/0/ar127025370404093.jpg" height="12" alt="EHO" width="20" /></p></div> Andrea Swiedler - REALTOR - Greater New Milford CT, Litchfield County & More (Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS, New Milford CT) Thu, 08 Jul 2010 07:51:31 -0400 http://sellnewmilford.com/post/1733315/buyers-market-in-new-milford-ct-what-does-that-really-mean- http://sellnewmilford.com/post/1729345/sizzlin-hot-temps-here-in-ct-surviving-the-heat-wave Sizzlin hot temps here in CT, surviving the heat wave <p><big><strong>Sizzlin hot temps here in CT, surviving the heat wave.</strong><br /> <br /> </big><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/2/2/5/3/ar127841503035223.jpg" height="226" alt="Sizzlin hot" width="300" /><big>The temperature is rising with no relief until the end of the week! For those of us that don't have central air or even window air conditioners here are a few suggestions that might help you survive the heat.<br /> <br /> </big></p> <ul> <li><big>Put a cool wet towel over your head and shoulders</big></li> <li><big>Put your feet in a bucket of ice water</big></li> <li><big>Drink plenty of water (avoid caffeine and alcohol)<br /></big></li> <li><big>Take quick, cool showers<br /></big></li> <li><big>Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing of fabric that breaths<br /></big></li> <li><big>Stay out of the sun</big></li> <li><big>Avoid too much activity</big></li> <li><big>Keep your windows and curtains closed during the day</big></li> </ul> <p><big> Check on the elderly, they often don't have the ability to feel the heat, but their bodies will still react to it. A trip to the grocery store or department store, a restaurant, these things can help if you just can't stand the heat. Young children also don't have the ability to tolerate the heat. Keep them inside, take the same precautions with them as with the elderly. <br /> <br /> Can you recognize heat related illnesses? <a href="http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=63208" title="Surviving a heat wave">Here is a great list from Medicinenet.com, you should check it out</a>. Heat rash, heat cramps, heat syncope, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke is a true medical emergency, you should learn to recognize the symptoms.<br /> <br /> Finally, don't cut the grass. One of the worst thing you can do is to cut the grass during a heat wave. It will cause the grass to turn brown even faster! So stay inside, if you have air conditioning, enjoy it. If you don't, pay attention to how you are feeling and perhaps find a friend that does have AC or go out to a restaurant! <em><strong>Who wants to cook in the heat anyway?</strong></em><br /> </big></p><div class="agent_signature"><p><a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/andreaswiedler/rss" title="Subscribe to my blog"><img title="Subscribe to my blog" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/1/0/7/ar125972615970149.png" height="50" alt="Subscribe to my blog" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaswiedler" title="Linkedin for Andrea Swiedler"><img title="Linkedin Subscribe" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/4/9/0/2/ar125972621020946.png" height="50" alt="Linkedin Subscribe" width="50" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/andreaswiedler" title="Picasa Web Albums Andrea Swiedler"><img title="Picasa Web Albums Andrea" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/6/3/1/ar125972625913658.png" height="50" alt="Picasa Web Albums Andrea" width="50" /></a><a href="http://twitter.com/andreastwits" title="Andreas Twits on Twitter"><img title="Subscribe to Andreastwits" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/8/4/8/4/ar125972630248483.png" height="50" alt="Twitter Subscribe" width="50" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="New Milford CT Real Estate"><img title="Village Green Bandstand in New Milford CT" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/7/3/7/8/ar126243469887377.jpg" height="172" alt="New Milford CT Bandstand" width="132" /></a></p> <p><span><em><strong><span>Come Explore Litchfield County!</span></strong></em></span></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="Andrea Swiedler at Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS"><big><span>Andrea Swiedler, Realtor®</span></big></a><br /></span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>Prudential Adams & Associ</span></big></span></small></small></big></big><big><big><small><small><span><big><span><big></big></span></big></span></small></small></big></big><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>ates, REALTORS</span></big></span></small></small></big></big>®</p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>337 Danbury Road, New Milford, CT 06776</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>Office: 860.355.2646 ext 19, Cell: 203.460.1775</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span> Email: andrea@andreaswiedler.com</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><span><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/search_mls4.asp" title="New Milford CT Real Estate">New Milford CT Real Estate, start your home search here.</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/region.asp">Greater New Milford, CT area information. Litchfield County at its best.</a></span></strong></p> <p><strong><span>Get your free e-book called <a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/img/Assemble-a winning team when buying your home.pdf" title="Assemble a Winning Team When Buying Your Home">"Assemble a Winning Team When Buying Your Home" </a></span></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><span>Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. - Mark Twain</span></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="Andrea Swiedler at Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS"><img title="Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/2/7/6/7/ar12702535276726.jpg" height="88" alt="Prudential Adams Logo" width="153" /></a></p> <p><br /><span>© 2010 Andrea Swiedler. Unless otherwise noted, the content, both written and in pictures, is the property of Andrea Swiedler. If you wish to use something you see here, please </span><span>email me</span><span> at andrea@andreswiedler.com with your request. Most likely I will oblige, with a link back to my original content as well as an acknowledgment. Although imitation is the highest form of flattery, please let me know before you decide to bestow this form of flattery on me! Thank you.</span></p> <p><span>© 2010 Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities.  An independently owned and operated broker member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company.  Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license.  Equal Housing Opportunity</span> <img title="Equal Housing Opportunity" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/0/4/0/ar127025370404093.jpg" height="12" alt="EHO" width="20" /></p></div> Andrea Swiedler - REALTOR - Greater New Milford CT, Litchfield County & More (Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS, New Milford CT) Tue, 06 Jul 2010 07:20:38 -0400 http://sellnewmilford.com/post/1729345/sizzlin-hot-temps-here-in-ct-surviving-the-heat-wave http://sellnewmilford.com/post/1729115/are-you-selling-a-house-of-horrors-in-new-milford-ct-what-s-buried-in-your-basement- Are you selling a house of horrors in New Milford, CT? What's buried in YOUR basement? <p><big><strong>Are you selling a house of horrors in New Milford, CT? What's buried in YOUR basement?</strong><br /> <br /> Or elsewhere.... <br /> <br /> </big><img title="What's in your basement?" src="http://newmilford-cthomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Skulls.jpg" height="375" alt="Got some skeletons buried in your basement? New Milford CT real estate" width="250" /><big>Two things that don't go together. Selling your home and mold in your home. Forget it. I was out with clients today, serious buyers, we have to find a house to buy. These are long term clients who I have a great relationship with. I just put their home under deposit, so we have a short time span to find what they want. <br /> <br /> As we enter the home they are pleased. This just might be the home they are looking for. I know the owner has to sell, it is a possible short sale. The home is very dated and has wallpaper in places I didn't even know you could put wallpaper! But the floors are hardwood, the rooms work, things are looking like this might be "the one". <br /> <br /> Then it happened. I opened the basement door to see the "finished basement". I was first, stepping down about 5 steps when it hit me. The mold smell permeated the air, hanging heavy and swirling around me. My eyes starting stinging, I was having an immediate reaction to the mold. I yelled at them to get back upstairs, there was mold. Taking a glance around as I bounded up the stairs I saw paneled walls, concrete floors looking as if carpet had just been pulled and I saw one more thing. A dehumidifier at the other end of the room. Behind the dehumidifer on the wall was a huge black stain, looking very ominous. <br /> <br /> We left the house in a big hurry. My clients have taken the home off the short list, they have taken it off the maybe list and put it in the circular file list. <br /> <br /> First of all, this should have been told to me. I am extremely sensitive to mold. I am hoping that the 5 or 10 seconds I was in the lower level won't make me sick. I am also hoping that the mold spores have not migrated to the first and second floors. My clients were not pleased, they felt if the sellers wanted to sell, or needed to sell, they should have either taken care of the mold or warned us. <br /> <br /> So, if you really want to sell your house, clean up the mold. I have a great resource for those in the Greater New Milford, CT area, <a href="../../blogsview/1613909/got-mold-">check out my post on mold testing, how to deal with mold and remediation.</a> Don't sell a house of horrors in New Milford, CT. Got mold? Take care of it the right way!<br /> </big></p><div class="agent_signature"><p><a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/andreaswiedler/rss" title="Subscribe to my blog"><img title="Subscribe to my blog" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/1/0/7/ar125972615970149.png" height="50" alt="Subscribe to my blog" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaswiedler" title="Linkedin for Andrea Swiedler"><img title="Linkedin Subscribe" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/4/9/0/2/ar125972621020946.png" height="50" alt="Linkedin Subscribe" width="50" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/andreaswiedler" title="Picasa Web Albums Andrea Swiedler"><img title="Picasa Web Albums Andrea" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/6/3/1/ar125972625913658.png" height="50" alt="Picasa Web Albums Andrea" width="50" /></a><a href="http://twitter.com/andreastwits" title="Andreas Twits on Twitter"><img title="Subscribe to Andreastwits" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/8/4/8/4/ar125972630248483.png" height="50" alt="Twitter Subscribe" width="50" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="New Milford CT Real Estate"><img title="Village Green Bandstand in New Milford CT" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/7/3/7/8/ar126243469887377.jpg" height="172" alt="New Milford CT Bandstand" width="132" /></a></p> <p><span><em><strong><span>Come Explore Litchfield County!</span></strong></em></span></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="Andrea Swiedler at Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS"><big><span>Andrea Swiedler, Realtor®</span></big></a><br /></span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>Prudential Adams & Associ</span></big></span></small></small></big></big><big><big><small><small><span><big><span><big></big></span></big></span></small></small></big></big><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>ates, REALTORS</span></big></span></small></small></big></big>®</p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>337 Danbury Road, New Milford, CT 06776</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>Office: 860.355.2646 ext 19, Cell: 203.460.1775</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span> Email: andrea@andreaswiedler.com</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><span><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/search_mls4.asp" title="New Milford CT Real Estate">New Milford CT Real Estate, start your home search here.</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/region.asp">Greater New Milford, CT area information. Litchfield County at its best.</a></span></strong></p> <p><strong><span>Get your free e-book called <a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/img/Assemble-a winning team when buying your home.pdf" title="Assemble a Winning Team When Buying Your Home">"Assemble a Winning Team When Buying Your Home" </a></span></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><span>Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. - Mark Twain</span></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="Andrea Swiedler at Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS"><img title="Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/2/7/6/7/ar12702535276726.jpg" height="88" alt="Prudential Adams Logo" width="153" /></a></p> <p><br /><span>© 2010 Andrea Swiedler. Unless otherwise noted, the content, both written and in pictures, is the property of Andrea Swiedler. If you wish to use something you see here, please </span><span>email me</span><span> at andrea@andreswiedler.com with your request. Most likely I will oblige, with a link back to my original content as well as an acknowledgment. Although imitation is the highest form of flattery, please let me know before you decide to bestow this form of flattery on me! Thank you.</span></p> <p><span>© 2010 Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities.  An independently owned and operated broker member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company.  Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license.  Equal Housing Opportunity</span> <img title="Equal Housing Opportunity" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/0/4/0/ar127025370404093.jpg" height="12" alt="EHO" width="20" /></p></div> Andrea Swiedler - REALTOR - Greater New Milford CT, Litchfield County & More (Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS, New Milford CT) Mon, 05 Jul 2010 22:01:04 -0400 http://sellnewmilford.com/post/1729115/are-you-selling-a-house-of-horrors-in-new-milford-ct-what-s-buried-in-your-basement- http://sellnewmilford.com/post/1728967/new-milford-ct-06776-real-estate-market-activity-june-2010 New Milford CT, 06776 Real Estate Market Activity June 2010 <p><big><span>New Milford CT, 06776 Real Estate Market Activity June 2010</span><br /> <br /> </big><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/0/8/4/7/ar127837351874807.jpg" height="200" alt="New Milford CT Scenic countryside" width="299" /><big>Currently in <span>New Milford</span><span>, CT</span> there are 296 <span>single family homes on the market</span>.<br /> <br /> The average list price of single family homes in <span>New Milford, CT</span> is $439,855. <br /> <br /> The average market time for these active listings in <span>New Milford, CT</span> is 138 days.<br /> <br /> The highest price home for sale in <span>New Milford, CT</span> is $5,900,000, a beautiful estate belonging to a world famous comedienne, and located on the<span> New Milford, </span>New Preston, CT border. <br /> <br /> The lowest priced home for sale in <span>New Milford, CT</span> is $77,900, a 700 square foot foreclosure, in need of major renovations, located in the Candlewood Point Area. This home is finally under deposit!<br /> <br /> Of the 296 single family homes active on the market in<span> </span><span>New Milford</span><span>, CT</span>, 21 are under deposit. The average list price of these homes is $336,513, and the average market time is 106 days.<br /> <br /> Currently there are 27 homes that are in the pending sale status in <span>New Milford, CT</span>. The average list price of these homes is $323,599. The average market time for these homes is 101 days. <a href="../../blogsview/1678038/new-milford-ct-market-report-may-2010">Check out the previous home sale market activity report for May, 2010</a>. List prices are heading down, we still see a good amount of homes in the pending sale status waiting to close. Because of the home buyers tax credit I believe the numbers are still a bit up from the previous year. And now that the deadline to close has been extended, these homes should close.</big></p> <p> </p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/2/0/4/1/ar127837332714021.jpg" height="365" alt="New Milford CT Market Stats May 2010" width="600" /></p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/4/3/9/8/ar127837326089344.jpg" height="304" alt="New Milford CT Market Stats May 2010" width="600" /></p> <p><br /><big> <span>HALF YEAR COMPARISONS</span></big></p> <p><big><br /> <span>Closed sales, 06776, January 2010 through June 2010</span><br /> 110 homes closed from January 2010 through June 2010. The average list price was $367,150, average sale price was $348,129, average days on market, 120 days.<br /> <br /> <span>Closed sales, 06776, January 2009 through June 2009</span><br /> 81 Homes closed from January 2009 through June of 2009. The average list price was $350,970, the average sale price was $328,915, average days on market, 139 days.<br /> <br /> <em>The above statistics are provided courtesy of Greater Fairfield County Multiple Listing Service (CMLS). Information provided is deemed reliable, but not necessarily accurate. There may be discrepancies, as mistakes in inputing can be made, and the fact that Connecticut has more than one multiple listing service. There may be instances where a home was/is for sale in New Milford and is on the other multiple listing service. Most of the homes for sale are listed on CMLS, therefore that is where I base my statistical information. I do believe it gives a good sense of what is happening in New Milford.</em><br /> <br /> </big></p> <div class="zemanta-pixie"><big><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=9425148d-9e79-8787-b415-3227f064e91e" alt="" /></big></div><div class="agent_signature"><p><a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/andreaswiedler/rss" title="Subscribe to my blog"><img title="Subscribe to my blog" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/1/0/7/ar125972615970149.png" height="50" alt="Subscribe to my blog" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaswiedler" title="Linkedin for Andrea Swiedler"><img title="Linkedin Subscribe" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/4/9/0/2/ar125972621020946.png" height="50" alt="Linkedin Subscribe" width="50" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/andreaswiedler" title="Picasa Web Albums Andrea Swiedler"><img title="Picasa Web Albums Andrea" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/6/3/1/ar125972625913658.png" height="50" alt="Picasa Web Albums Andrea" width="50" /></a><a href="http://twitter.com/andreastwits" title="Andreas Twits on Twitter"><img title="Subscribe to Andreastwits" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/8/4/8/4/ar125972630248483.png" height="50" alt="Twitter Subscribe" width="50" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="New Milford CT Real Estate"><img title="Village Green Bandstand in New Milford CT" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/7/3/7/8/ar126243469887377.jpg" height="172" alt="New Milford CT Bandstand" width="132" /></a></p> <p><span><em><strong><span>Come Explore Litchfield County!</span></strong></em></span></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="Andrea Swiedler at Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS"><big><span>Andrea Swiedler, Realtor®</span></big></a><br /></span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>Prudential Adams & Associ</span></big></span></small></small></big></big><big><big><small><small><span><big><span><big></big></span></big></span></small></small></big></big><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>ates, REALTORS</span></big></span></small></small></big></big>®</p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>337 Danbury Road, New Milford, CT 06776</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>Office: 860.355.2646 ext 19, Cell: 203.460.1775</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span> Email: andrea@andreaswiedler.com</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><span><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/search_mls4.asp" title="New Milford CT Real Estate">New Milford CT Real Estate, start your home search here.</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/region.asp">Greater New Milford, CT area information. Litchfield County at its best.</a></span></strong></p> <p><strong><span>Get your free e-book called <a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/img/Assemble-a winning team when buying your home.pdf" title="Assemble a Winning Team When Buying Your Home">"Assemble a Winning Team When Buying Your Home" </a></span></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><span>Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. - Mark Twain</span></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="Andrea Swiedler at Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS"><img title="Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/2/7/6/7/ar12702535276726.jpg" height="88" alt="Prudential Adams Logo" width="153" /></a></p> <p><br /><span>© 2010 Andrea Swiedler. Unless otherwise noted, the content, both written and in pictures, is the property of Andrea Swiedler. If you wish to use something you see here, please </span><span>email me</span><span> at andrea@andreswiedler.com with your request. Most likely I will oblige, with a link back to my original content as well as an acknowledgment. Although imitation is the highest form of flattery, please let me know before you decide to bestow this form of flattery on me! Thank you.</span></p> <p><span>© 2010 Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities.  An independently owned and operated broker member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company.  Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license.  Equal Housing Opportunity</span> <img title="Equal Housing Opportunity" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/0/4/0/ar127025370404093.jpg" height="12" alt="EHO" width="20" /></p></div> Andrea Swiedler - REALTOR - Greater New Milford CT, Litchfield County & More (Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS, New Milford CT) Mon, 05 Jul 2010 19:48:29 -0400 http://sellnewmilford.com/post/1728967/new-milford-ct-06776-real-estate-market-activity-june-2010 http://sellnewmilford.com/post/1727720/foreclosure-deficiency-judgment-compared-to-deed-in-lieu-and-short-sale-scenarios Foreclosure Deficiency Judgment Compared to Deed In Lieu and Short Sale Scenarios <p><p>This is so important for anyone who may find themselves in a bit of trouble making those mortgage payments. Short sales are looking better and better all the time as a viable alternative to foreclosure.</p> <p>Please understand that Richard is an attorney in Florida, check the laws in your own state. But the process is very similar to CT it would appear.</p> <p>Great read, thank you Richard!</p></p><div>Via <b><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/1727278/foreclosure-deficiency-judgment-compared-to-deed-in-lieu-and-short-sale-scenarios">Richard Zaretsky, Florida Real Estate Attorney (Richard P. Zaretsky P.A. )</a></b>:<br /><blockquote><p>We get so many questions about what is a DEFICIENCY JUDGMENT and how it differs from other possibilities including DEED IN LIEU OF FORECLOSURE or SHORT SALE.  Recent blogs and Broker Bryant provided a request that I write a detailed article explaining and differentiating these three items.</p> <p><em>This article is written based on Florida law, but most state laws are similar.  Be sure to contact your own attorney for your state laws, and always consult your own attorney on any legal decision you need to make.  This article is for information purposes and is not specific advice to any one reader.</em></p> <p><em>As a suggestion, for information on the basics of a deed in lieu of foreclosure and short sale, see </em><strong><em><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/1606356/short-sale-primer-lawyer-discussion-of-the-short-sale-evolution">SHORT SALE PRIMER - LAWYER DISCUSSION OF THE SHORT SALE EVOLUTION</a></em></strong></p> <p>Let me clarify an important issue that will have meaning later.  A <strong>"Mortgage"</strong> is NOT the obligation to pay the bank.  The obligation to pay the bank back the money it loaned along with interest is called the <strong>"Promissory Note"</strong>.  The bank makes two types of loans.  Secured loans are when the bank wants the Promissory Note to be collateralized with something of value.  In real estate that "something of value" is usually a "Mortgage" and it collateralizes or secures the Promissory Note with the house or other real estate.  So when we say only the word "Mortgage", technically you are referring only to the security document and not the Promissory Note.  Likewise when we say the words "Promissory Note", we are referring only to the obligation to repay the bank.</p> <p><strong>THE LAW OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE:</strong></p> <p>A mortgage foreclosure (some incorrectly call it a "<strong>Lis Pendens</strong>") is filed by the lender when the Promissory Note that is secured with a Mortgage on some real estate (usually the home) has not been paid on time (the "default"). </p> <p>If there was only an "unsecured" Promissory Note and there was no Mortgage, the suit would not be called a "mortgage foreclosure" because it would only demand payment of the Promissory Note and then the judge after hearing the evidence, would likely issue a Final Judgment against the borrower and in favor of the bank for the amount of the unpaid Promissory Note along with accrued interest, late fees and court costs and attorney fees.  The Final Judgment would also be entitled to interest (in Florida that rate is now 6% a year) until the Final Judgment is paid in full.</p> <p><span>A <strong>mortgage foreclosure</strong> is actually a four step process</span>.</p> <p><span>Step One</span>:  The first step is to file suit (called the "<strong>Complaint</strong>") on the non-payment of the <strong>Promissory Note</strong>. (Yes, there are other reasons for a foreclosure suit to be filed, like an unauthorized transfer of the real estate, or non-payment of the real estate taxes, but we are going to focus on not paying the Promissory Note). An <strong>action</strong> (the suit) is filed at the courthouse and it consists of 3 documents.  The first document is a <strong>Summons</strong>, which directs you to answer the Complaint.  The second document is the <strong>Complaint</strong>, which describes why the bank is entitled to the relief it is asking for - the payment on the Promissory Note.  The third document is the <strong>Lis Pendens</strong>, which puts the public at large on notice (since the lis pendens is filed in the public records where the property is located) that anyone dealing with the property should know that a claim has been made against the property in the Mortgage.  (Lis Pendens literally means "pending litigation" and is one of those fancy Latin words that we lawyers banter about).</p> <p>The Complaint will describe that there was a <strong>Promissory Note</strong> signed by the borrower to evidence that it was to repay the bank the money, and that to induce the bank to make the loan the borrower also signed a Mortgage on some real estate that promised that if the Promissory Note was not paid, the real estate could be sold and the proceeds would be used to pay the Promissory Note.  It will also say how much is unpaid and what additional money the bank may want for the non-payment of real estate taxes, for example.  It will finally make a "<strong>demand</strong>", which will ask that if the borrower does not make payment on the Promissory Note to the bank, then the real estate should be sold under court supervision at a public auction, and if there is insufficient money bid for the real estate, the court should give to the bank a judgment for the shortfall (the <strong>"Deficiency Judgment"</strong>). A quick note to those that subscribe to the foreclosure defense analysis that they won't have to pay the bank - I suggest you read <strong><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/759327/FORECLOSURE-DEFENSE-FALLACY">FORECLOSURE DEFENSE FALLACY</a>.</strong></p> <p><span>Step Two</span>:  After statutory time periods have run (for example, 20 days to answer the Complaint, the bank can more for a final judgment.  This is usually accomplished (in Florida) with a <strong>Motion for Summary Judgment</strong>, or similar name.  Another 20 days must elapse before this hearing can take place, once the motion is filed.  In reality (at least in Palm Beach County right now) that time period can be several months before a court date on the Motion for Summary Judgment can take place.</p> <p>At the Motion for Summary Judgment hearing the bank <strong>must prove</strong> that there is a valid Mortgage securing a valid Promissory Note and that it is unpaid.  The judge will then issue a <strong>Final Judgment of Foreclosure</strong> that says (1) if the borrower does not pay the bank the amount the bank proved is due to the bank within usually 30 days, the real estate is ordered to be sold by the clerk of the court to the highest bidder, and if the highest bidder bids less than the amount due to the bank then the bank can come back to court and request a Deficiency Judgment.  <span>It is important to note that the Final Judgment of Foreclosure is NOT a <strong>money judgment</strong> against the borrower</span>!  However, depending on step three below the bank can move to obtain a money judgment later on.  IMPORTANT note to borrowers who think that THIS is the hearing when you can go and tell your story to the judge.  WRONG!!!!!!!  The Summary Judgment hearing takes no testimony in open court.  It is based only on what is in the court file - nothing more.  It is a hearing based on technicalities and strict rules. I can practically guaranty you that if you or your attorney have done nothing up to the hearing in the case to establish why the judgment can not summarily be granted, unless the lender's attorney is totally asleep, the Final Judgment for Foreclosure will be granted.</p> <p><span>Step Three</span>:  Assuming that the borrower has not paid the bank to the bank's satisfaction during that 30 day period, the public sale (the "<strong>foreclosure sale</strong>") will occur.  It is conducted by the Clerk of the Court and it usually occurs "on the courthouse steps", but more usually in a courtroom or meeting hall or even in a large hallway in some courthouses and more recently, on the Web.  The property is announced and bidding starts at $100 and goes up from there.  The bank is able to bid for the property and it will do so to "protect" the collateral up to the amount (and usually beyond) the bank has determined the property is worth.  Usually the bank will bid up the amount of the judgment it received from the judge.  More often than not the property gets sold to the bank for a mere $100 and there are no other bidders at the foreclosure sale.</p> <p><span>Step Four</span>:   I am now again making as assumption.  The assumption is that the bank ended up with the property at the foreclosure sale by bidding one hundred dollars.  In that event the borrower still owes the bank money to satisfy the promissory note.  The amount of the remaining balance is what is in question.</p> <p>To figure get the balance of the monies the bank must go back to court to ask the court to award it a <strong>"Deficiency Judgment"</strong>.  The<span> amount</span> is what is in question and the amount is measured using various rules.  In our example the bank bid $100.  The court is not going to say that the house was worth $100 and $324,900 is still owed.  For our assumption and as an example we will say that the property is worth $200,000 and the foreclosure judgment is for $325,000.  That means the court will ask for an appraisal of the property as of the day of the foreclosure sale and the judge will likely give it that value.  So it will be the appraisal value less the judgment amount which will equal the Deficiency Judgment.  If the appraisal is $250,000, the Deficiency Judgment would be $75,000.   Now if there was real bidding at the foreclosure sale the judge could consider that bidding and instead adopt the selling price under the competitive bidding process that occurred at the foreclosure sale.  Then the Deficiency Judgment would be the difference from the foreclosure judgment and the winning bid amount. If the competitive bid was $240,000, then the Deficiency Judgment would be $85,000.</p> <p>A little issue that comes up is how long the bank has to get the deficiency judgment.  The Florida <strong>Statute of Limitations</strong> (time to enforce) the Promissory Note is 5 years from the time it went into default.  There is also a rule on how long a plaintiff can keep open a lawsuit that has no activity.  That rule says after 1 year of inactivity, the lawsuit can be dismissed by the court.  The rule is referred to the "<strong>Failure to Prosecute Within One Year"</strong> rule.  IF the court dismisses the lawsuit after one year and before the bank asks for a deficiency judgment, it could be argued that the bank cannot again seek to enforce the promissory note. </p> <p>Florida courts have noted that a claim for deficiency in a foreclosure action does not accrue until the foreclosure sale has occurred.  Thus the five year period starts at the time of the foreclosure sale (not the time of the default).  The courts have not addressed the one year "failure to prosecute" issue, but it is likely that a decision on it would consider that a deficiency action is separate and could be filed as new action based on the accrual of the event at the time of the foreclosure sale that resulted in the deficiency. (See <strong>Chrestensen v. Erogest, Inc., 906 So. 2d 343</strong> (Fla 4th DCA 2005). Recent cases now provide that notwithstanding that the court could dismiss the <strong><span>foreclosure case</span></strong> after one year, that dismissal would not bar the filing of the claim during the 5 years after it accrued.</p> <p><strong>DEED IN LIEU OF FORECLOSURE</strong></p> <p>Almost every client I meet with first starts out wondering if they should "just give the property back to the bank".  This is also called "Buy and Bail" and "Strategic Default" and "Walking Away from the Property".  I tell them first off that, "it ain't so easy." </p> <p>A <strong>Deed In Lieu of foreclosure</strong> has many prerequisites.  The first is that the property cannot reasonable expect to be able to be sold within a reasonable period of time.  The second is that the bank to receive the Deed In Lieu must be the only lienor.  This usually means there can be no second mortgage and the borrower and property must be clean of any claims or judgments from other creditors.  In other words the title to the property must be "clean" except for the bank's mortgage.  (Note that if the bank with the first mortgage also has the second mortgage or HELOC, the Deed In Lieu is still a possibility. Indeed, some first lenders will have their counsel seek to negotiate with the 2<sup>nd</sup> lenders even if it is a different lender, to get the deed in lieu of foreclosure accomplished.) </p> <p>The issue remains - what becomes of the disposition of the Promissory Note?  There is documentation in a Deed In Lieu that is very important to the borrower.  This documentation can be an agreement in conjunction with the deed to the bank, or it can be written right into the deed to the bank from the borrower for the subject property.  In any event the document(s) must provide that as <span>part of the consideration</span> for the giving the property to the bank the Promissory Note is satisfied in full.  If this language is included, then there is no further liability of the borrower to the bank and no lawsuit to enforce the Promissory Note can occur.  Most of all, banks don't like to have to sell your property so they don't like taking property to have to manage and sell.  It is expensive to take in your property and unless your property is worth more than the amount the bank loaned to you, the bank is likely to only loose more money than if you sold it for them.  That is why they generally prefer to do short sales rather than deeds in lieu.</p> <p><strong>Short Sale Negotiation</strong>:</p> <p>A short sale by its nature does not encompass a lawsuit to foreclose the Mortgage or a lawsuit to enforce the Promissory Note, and that is one of the primary advantages of this method of loan workout.  On the other hand, there is often a Mortgage Foreclosure Suit already in progress when a short sale is attempted to be negotiated.  [It is important to realize that a short sale "attempt" does NOT stop a Mortgage Foreclosure Suit!  The bank may or may not instruct its attorneys to delay acting on certain aspects of the suit - usually getting the Foreclosure Judgment or if one is issued, then delaying the actual conducting of the Foreclosure Sale. Don't assume anything positive about the foreclosure suit unless you have it in writing from the lender]. See the article: <strong><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/1645868/foreclosure-express-vs-little-engine-that-could">FORECLOSURE EXPRESS VS. LITTLE ENGINE THAT COULD</a></strong></p> <p>The short sale does often times result in a <strong>"Release"</strong> of the lien of the Mortgage but not a <strong>"Cancellation"</strong> or <strong>"Satisfaction"</strong> of the Promissory Note.  It is this remaining financial obligation that is the crux of so much discussion about "1099's" and forgiveness of debt.  <a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/471742/SELLERS-ALWAYS-HAVE-INCOME">Sellers Always Have Income</a> is a comprehensive article on the subject and also deals with recent legislation on how income does not have to be recognized.</p> <p>Unless a release or satisfaction of the entire Promissory Note or in the case of a property with more than one loan, then each Promissory Note is obtained, there remains the ability of the bank or banks to sue the borrower for the balance of the unpaid promissory note.  In the case of a 2<sup>nd</sup> Mortgage, this might be the entire amount of that loan if the 2<sup>nd</sup> Mortgage bank took nothing so the short sale could succeed. </p> <p>The documentation regarding a short sale is very important.  The borrower needs to know what further obligations could be in the future as a result of the short sale.  Like the Deficiency Judgment statute of limitations, the balance of the Promissory Note must be enforced within 5 years of the default or the demand for payment by the bank. </p> <p>If the unpaid balance of the Promissory Note is enforced by the bank, then it can file a lawsuit against the borrower (if done within that 5 year period which start time could be as early as the declared default if there is no foreclosure sale) and the result will almost always be a <strong>Judgment</strong> for the payment of money in the amount of the unpaid portion of the Promissory Note.  Many persons that short sell and do not get a release of the Promissory Note utilize an offer to pay back all or a portion of the Promissory Note balance with a new unsecured promissory note.  This new promissory note replaces the old Promissory Note.  The new promissory note can also be enforced by the bank in the same way as the old Promissory Note, but the time to enforce it will be based on whatever new default might occur if the terms of the new promissory note are not followed by the borrower. For a specific article on Short Sales, see <strong><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/495659/Back-to-Basics-a-Review-of-Short-Sales">Back to Basics - a Review of Short Sales</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>The Second Bite from the Apple</strong></p> <p>An interesting twist is being used by the banks.  They take the now unsecured remaining balance of the promissory note, or the new negotiated promissory note, and sell it to investors for 5 to 10 cents on the dollar.  Then the new investor tries to collect on the promissory note.  This is mentioned in my article on <a href="http://www.activerain.com/blogsview/410702/Negotiated-Payback-or-Foreclosure">Negotiated Paybacks</a>.  Obviously this represents an opportunity to negotiate the remaining balance a borrower may have on the old loan - sort of a second bite at the apple.</p> <p>Opportunity abounds for finding solutions for those that need a short sale or find themselves in a foreclosure action.  No solution is a panacea for the borrower's troubles, but the solutions present an ability for a borrower to make a bad situation a little less bad, and it gives some control to the borrower over what is otherwise a nightmarish situation.</p> <p><em>Copyright 2010 Richard P. Zaretsky, Esq.</em></p> <p><em>Be sure to contact your own attorney for your state laws, and always consult your own attorney on any legal decision you need to make.  This article is for information purposes and is not specific advice to any one reader.</em></p> <p><strong>Richard Zaretsky, Esq., RICHARD P. ZARETSKY P.A. ATTORNEYS AT LAW, 1655 PALM BEACH LAKES BLVD, SUITE 900, WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA 33401, PHONE </strong><strong>561 689 6660</strong><strong> begin_of_the_skype_highlighting</strong><strong>  </strong><strong> email: </strong><strong><a href="mailto:RPZ99@Florida-Counsel.com">RPZ99@Florida-Counsel.com</a> - </strong><em><strong>FLORIDA BAR BOARD CERTIFIED IN REAL ESTATE LAW - We assist Brokers and Sellers with Short Sales and Modifications and Consult with Brokers and Sellers Nationwide!  <a href="mailto:Shortsales@Florida-Counsel.com">Shortsales@Florida-Counsel.com</a>  New Website <a href="http://www.florida-counsel.com/">www.Florida-Counsel.com</a>.  </strong></em></p> <p><strong><em>See our easy to understand articles at:</em></strong></p> <p><strong><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/1153345/table-of-contents-short-sale-and-loan-modification-articles">TABLE OF CONTENTS - SHORT SALE AND LOAN MODIFICATION ARTICLES</a></strong></p></blockquote></div><div class="agent_signature"><p><a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/andreaswiedler/rss" title="Subscribe to my blog"><img title="Subscribe to my blog" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/1/0/7/ar125972615970149.png" height="50" alt="Subscribe to my blog" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaswiedler" title="Linkedin for Andrea Swiedler"><img title="Linkedin Subscribe" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/4/9/0/2/ar125972621020946.png" height="50" alt="Linkedin Subscribe" width="50" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/andreaswiedler" title="Picasa Web Albums Andrea Swiedler"><img title="Picasa Web Albums Andrea" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/6/3/1/ar125972625913658.png" height="50" alt="Picasa Web Albums Andrea" width="50" /></a><a href="http://twitter.com/andreastwits" title="Andreas Twits on Twitter"><img title="Subscribe to Andreastwits" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/8/4/8/4/ar125972630248483.png" height="50" alt="Twitter Subscribe" width="50" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="New Milford CT Real Estate"><img title="Village Green Bandstand in New Milford CT" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/7/3/7/8/ar126243469887377.jpg" height="172" alt="New Milford CT Bandstand" width="132" /></a></p> <p><span><em><strong><span>Come Explore Litchfield County!</span></strong></em></span></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="Andrea Swiedler at Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS"><big><span>Andrea Swiedler, Realtor®</span></big></a><br /></span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>Prudential Adams & Associ</span></big></span></small></small></big></big><big><big><small><small><span><big><span><big></big></span></big></span></small></small></big></big><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>ates, REALTORS</span></big></span></small></small></big></big>®</p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>337 Danbury Road, New Milford, CT 06776</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>Office: 860.355.2646 ext 19, Cell: 203.460.1775</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span> Email: andrea@andreaswiedler.com</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><span><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/search_mls4.asp" title="New Milford CT Real Estate">New Milford CT Real Estate, start your home search here.</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/region.asp">Greater New Milford, CT area information. Litchfield County at its best.</a></span></strong></p> <p><strong><span>Get your free e-book called <a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/img/Assemble-a winning team when buying your home.pdf" title="Assemble a Winning Team When Buying Your Home">"Assemble a Winning Team When Buying Your Home" </a></span></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><span>Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. - Mark Twain</span></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="Andrea Swiedler at Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS"><img title="Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/2/7/6/7/ar12702535276726.jpg" height="88" alt="Prudential Adams Logo" width="153" /></a></p> <p><br /><span>© 2010 Andrea Swiedler. Unless otherwise noted, the content, both written and in pictures, is the property of Andrea Swiedler. If you wish to use something you see here, please </span><span>email me</span><span> at andrea@andreswiedler.com with your request. Most likely I will oblige, with a link back to my original content as well as an acknowledgment. Although imitation is the highest form of flattery, please let me know before you decide to bestow this form of flattery on me! Thank you.</span></p> <p><span>© 2010 Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities.  An independently owned and operated broker member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company.  Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license.  Equal Housing Opportunity</span> <img title="Equal Housing Opportunity" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/0/4/0/ar127025370404093.jpg" height="12" alt="EHO" width="20" /></p></div> Andrea Swiedler - REALTOR - Greater New Milford CT, Litchfield County & More (Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS, New Milford CT) Mon, 05 Jul 2010 07:32:43 -0400 http://sellnewmilford.com/post/1727720/foreclosure-deficiency-judgment-compared-to-deed-in-lieu-and-short-sale-scenarios http://sellnewmilford.com/post/1726891/soci-l-challenge-on-activerain-growing-and-learning- Soci@l Challenge on ActiveRain, growing and learning! <p><big><span>Soci@l Challenge on ActiveRain, growing and learning!</span><br /> <br /> <a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/1694336/let-s-get-soci-l-win-a-free-ipad" title="Soci@l Challenge on ActiveRain">Of course I couldn't be left out of the challenge</a>. Besides, the inducement of 2000 points AND the possibility to win a free iPAD? Color me there! I downloaded the book <span>"Soci@l"</span> by Ben Kinney and Jay Papasan, read and re-read. So far my favorite chapter is Chapter 6, <span>"Effective Blogging - Writing content that ranks and gets read</span>". Or let me rephrase that, so far the chapter I need to really focus on is Chapter 6.<br /> <br /> </big><img title="I need to make sure all roads lead to me!" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/0/1/4/6/ar127826042064106.jpg" height="360" alt="At the crossroads..." width="300" /><big>According to the book there is one blog for every 11 people in the "connected" world. That means that I better know what I am doing when I go out fishing in my blog. Times have changed, in the beginning it was "I blog therefore I am". The book points out it has morphed into <span>"we blog, therefore we rank"</span>. And ranking is what it is all about. <br /> <br /> I know what I have to work on, I am not good at titles. I often get too wordy in my posts, I don't think about keywords when I am writing. I need to focus more on that, perhaps I should put some sticky paper on my computer screen reminding me of why I am blogging in the first place.<br /> <br /> Positioning yourself as an expert in a field or geographical area is a very important idea. Not only injecting my own personality into my blog, but making sure that it is high quality, hyper local information that will draw readers in. It must also show that I know what I am talking about, very very important. I don't want to draw them in and show them I don't know my arse from my elbow now do I?<br /> <br /> Lastly the hardest thing for me is the knowledge that all roads must lead to <a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="All roads need to lead to andreaswiedler.com">andreaswiedler.com</a>. I need to create a highway from my blogs to my website and i need to do it now. I don't know why this is so difficult for me to do, I need a better plan for my informational highway to me. <br /> <br /> After reading <span>"Soci@l"</span>, it is so very apparent to me that I need to work even harder to get where I want to go. I am thinking this book has just replaced all the others I have as my newest "favorite, best and brightest book" I have in my arsenal. Great job, but enough talking. Now I need to get back to work!</big><br /> <img title="Great book!" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/2/7/5/2/ar127653208725725.jpg" height="132" alt="Soci@l" width="95" /></p> <p> </p> <p>This blog post is a review of Soci@l: Attract Friends, Followers and Connections to Your Business. Soci@l is a free download written by Ben Kinney in conjunction with ActiveRain and Jay Papasan. In exchange for downloading the free copy of Soci@l and writing this review, I have a chance to win a free iPad and I'm getting 2000 ActiveRain points.</p> <p>Download a <a href="https://activerain.com/raincamp" title="Get Soci@l for FREE">free copy of Social here</a> and find out <a href="../../blogsview/1694336/let-s-get-soci-l-win-a-free-ipad" title="Get the details of how you can win a free iPad">how you can have a chance to win an iPad</a> and be guaranteed 2000 ActiveRain points.</p> <p><br /> <br /> <br /></p><div class="agent_signature"><p><a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/andreaswiedler/rss" title="Subscribe to my blog"><img title="Subscribe to my blog" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/1/0/7/ar125972615970149.png" height="50" alt="Subscribe to my blog" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaswiedler" title="Linkedin for Andrea Swiedler"><img title="Linkedin Subscribe" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/4/9/0/2/ar125972621020946.png" height="50" alt="Linkedin Subscribe" width="50" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/andreaswiedler" title="Picasa Web Albums Andrea Swiedler"><img title="Picasa Web Albums Andrea" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/6/3/1/ar125972625913658.png" height="50" alt="Picasa Web Albums Andrea" width="50" /></a><a href="http://twitter.com/andreastwits" title="Andreas Twits on Twitter"><img title="Subscribe to Andreastwits" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/8/4/8/4/ar125972630248483.png" height="50" alt="Twitter Subscribe" width="50" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="New Milford CT Real Estate"><img title="Village Green Bandstand in New Milford CT" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/7/3/7/8/ar126243469887377.jpg" height="172" alt="New Milford CT Bandstand" width="132" /></a></p> <p><span><em><strong><span>Come Explore Litchfield County!</span></strong></em></span></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="Andrea Swiedler at Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS"><big><span>Andrea Swiedler, Realtor®</span></big></a><br /></span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>Prudential Adams & Associ</span></big></span></small></small></big></big><big><big><small><small><span><big><span><big></big></span></big></span></small></small></big></big><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>ates, REALTORS</span></big></span></small></small></big></big>®</p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>337 Danbury Road, New Milford, CT 06776</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span>Office: 860.355.2646 ext 19, Cell: 203.460.1775</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p><big><big><small><small><span><big><span> Email: andrea@andreaswiedler.com</span></big></span></small></small></big></big></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><span><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/search_mls4.asp" title="New Milford CT Real Estate">New Milford CT Real Estate, start your home search here.</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/region.asp">Greater New Milford, CT area information. Litchfield County at its best.</a></span></strong></p> <p><strong><span>Get your free e-book called <a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com/img/Assemble-a winning team when buying your home.pdf" title="Assemble a Winning Team When Buying Your Home">"Assemble a Winning Team When Buying Your Home" </a></span></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><span>Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. - Mark Twain</span></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.andreaswiedler.com" title="Andrea Swiedler at Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS"><img title="Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/2/7/6/7/ar12702535276726.jpg" height="88" alt="Prudential Adams Logo" width="153" /></a></p> <p><br /><span>© 2010 Andrea Swiedler. Unless otherwise noted, the content, both written and in pictures, is the property of Andrea Swiedler. If you wish to use something you see here, please </span><span>email me</span><span> at andrea@andreswiedler.com with your request. Most likely I will oblige, with a link back to my original content as well as an acknowledgment. Although imitation is the highest form of flattery, please let me know before you decide to bestow this form of flattery on me! Thank you.</span></p> <p><span>© 2010 Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities.  An independently owned and operated broker member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company.  Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license.  Equal Housing Opportunity</span> <img title="Equal Housing Opportunity" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/0/4/0/ar127025370404093.jpg" height="12" alt="EHO" width="20" /></p></div> Andrea Swiedler - REALTOR - Greater New Milford CT, Litchfield County & More (Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS, New Milford CT) Sun, 04 Jul 2010 12:23:51 -0400 http://sellnewmilford.com/post/1726891/soci-l-challenge-on-activerain-growing-and-learning-