Christina's Blog
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Accountability what does it mean to You
- Farmers Market open Fridays through October
- Rail trail that goes from Ayer to Nashua - very popular with families
- Close to the Commuter rail in Ayer and Routes 2, 3 and 495
- Great library with many events for adults, teens and children
- Our old High School was recently converted to a 2nd Middle School and our High School was recently built. We share the school district with the town of Dunstable.
- Great recreational sports including soccer, basketball, hockey and so on.
- Canoeing on the Nashua River
- Many local stables for Horseback riding
- The Groton Country Club with a golf course and pool.
- The town in the last few years has purchased several acres to preserve the landscape.
- Gibbet Hill Grill and the scenic area around it.
- 2 renowned private schools: Lawrence Academy and the Groton School-both of which allow their facilities to be used by the town recreation.
- Town soccer fields, tennis courts and so on.
- Close to tax free shopping in Nashua, NH
- Sargisson beach and the Lost Lake area close by.
- Wonderful walking/riding/running trails throughout the town, well marked.
- Clean fluffy neutral colored bathroom and kitchen towels
- Decorative soaps
- Swiffer wet
- Various plugins
- Toilet Paper
- A couple of differnt floral accent arrangements
- A neutral blanket and pillows
- A couple of fancy place settings
Keller Williams has a new program coming soon that is being introduced to New England. It is costly and the classes start in January which is doubly hard for agents right after the holidays to find money on top of Realtor in December. All that aside, we were discussing ways to offset the costs for agents by reimbursing some or all of the costs. The subject came up about how many classes should an agent have to attend out of the 8. Could they miss 1 or 2 and still be reimbursed. Then the discussion lapsed into complaints:
-Broker Open Houses are that day of the week
-The drive is too long
-I may have things come up and can't make all 8.
-I don't want to drive in the snow
Accountability was the issue for me here. This is a program with a track record of success, the agents average 8 deals in the 8 week program. But for me the bigger picture is what are you willing to commit to the success of your business? Can you really not find the time to attend 8 of the 9:30-3:30pm classes? Can you really not have Broker Opens on different days for 8 weeks? What level of commitment do you have?
Is this the same reason there isn't enough time to do the things you know you should. The only reason I could think of and said is that you must not need to make any more money because if you did you would do anything to make that happen. I have been asked to share my personal story of finding success at a very challenging time in my life, but is that really necessary for someone to commit. Don't they have to find that in themselves? My story won't get them to do all the home work and show up each week. You need to find that in yourself and that is the hardest but most lasting thing we can do.
What does accountability mean to you? Do you do the things you say you will. I've been listening to Fierce Conversations a topic for another blog but a great line was "I drive carefully when someone important is in the car". Are you important?
Ready to play the Heating Game?
Welcome to New England it's a common past time to see just how long you can wait to turn your heat on. With temeperatures in the morning hovering around 45 degrees many are caving. Since heating costs can take up a significant portion of your budget here are some things to consider:
Natural Gas: It appears prices are dropping due to an oversupply of inventory.
Oil: Do you lock in or not? That's hard to predict since prices at the gas stations have dropped in the last week.
Take advantage of the tax credit to add energy efficiency to your home that is older than 10 years old. Insulate and replace windows if needed.
Don't forget to get your furnaces serviced, there is nothing worse than having an issue in the dead of winter...
So.. how long are you going to wait or have you caved already? I'm still holding on..blankets and sweaters on hand.
The Buck Stops Here
I recently read The Travelers Gift by Andy Andrews and for the next 21 days morning and night I am reading Decision 1: The Buck Stops Here.
The book was powerful, about a man at the lowest point in his life, ready to end it all who just as he is about to winds up “traveling” through history and meeting some of great historical men and women who each teach him a lesson.
This one is about accepting that you are where you are through your own doing and to stop blaming people, genetics etc for where you are. As I go about my day in Real Estate this is in the back of my mind. Here are a few changes I made because of it:
I was late for an office meeting that I thought started later. I could have sworn that’s what was written down and I was ready to go down the path of “it’s not my fault” but it was. I misread the calendar so I was late, end of story. Next time I will have to pay more attention.
I was tired and didn’t want to go to the gym after a long day. Too bad most of my days are long and I knew that and didn’t get up in the morning. So I picked myself up and off I went. I felt more energetic the next day too… except.
My ankle started acting up again. Great reason not to go right? Nope ankle brace and the bike which doesn’t aggravate it. No more excuses.
The lesson is all about putting your energy in making the right decisions and moving forward on them. Not making rash ones and regretting them later. My favorite quote in the lesson “My life will not be an apology. It will be a statement.”
Stay tuned for Decision 2: I will seek Wisdom.
Why move to Groton, MA
Recently I have had several relocation buyers looking at my listings and I've been asked to highight the features of Groton. I have lived here for 9 years and here are a few of mine.
If you are considering a move to the is area, I would love to show you some of my favorite spots.
Did the Spring Market hit? Where is the inventory?
Where is the rush of Sellers listing their homes?
April is here and Buyers are wondering when the Sellers are going to start listing their homes.
Here is the inventory of homes in Groton listed since 3/1/09 that have not been previously listed in the last year:
73 Deerfield Drive
15 Acorn Path - showing for back-up
34 Spaulding Ln
51 Overlook Drive
44 Drumlin Hill Road
40 Wallace Rd
337 Martins Pond Road
109 Nashua Rd
That's not alot of new inventory for buyers wanting to take advantage of the $8000 tax credit, if you have a home to sell nows your chance, give us a call.
My company has been bought out?
Last week was a long week. We walked into our Monthly Meeting to find out we had been bought out by a much larger office. This was a shock to everyone in the room. Our small hometown office was now part of now 11 offices the largest in the state. Here are a few lessons I learned quickly:
I don't like change as much as I thought I did.
In my complacency I always thought as an independent contractor I made my own business decisions, that illusion was quickly shattered when my old company stopped existing 10 minutes after we were told.
I handle change better than I thought.
Once I did get over my initial shock and realized I had choices I began immediately researching the new technology and benefits of my new company. I decided to give them the 3 months they asked for because change under pressure just isn't the way I prefer to do business.
Change can be good
Watching Century 21 close their office next door had me concerned about the future or our office. We are now part of a strong network of offices and agents whose benefits far exceeded what our old small office could offer. Our new management is vibrant and offers cutting edge technology. We have access to new territories, use of any of the offices and a great support system.
So I guess the real theme of this blog is about change and how to handle it. I had a range of emotions over this but in the end my optimism prevailed and I choose to embrace it and find new opportunities that may not have been on my radar if this opportunity hadn't presented itself. I hope if you find yourself in a similar situation you can do the same.
I refuse to participate in this recession
I don't know about the rest of you but I have decided not to participate in this recession.
Monday: I got short sale approval on one of my closings, set to close in 3 weeks. The whole process took about a month.
Tuesday: I wrote up an offer on one of my istings, cash deal.
Wednesday: Screened 2 new buyer leads, had an offer accepted on another of my listings.
Thursday: Negotiating the offer from Tuesday, 2 other offer on our listings were accepted.
Friday: Remains to be seen...
Could I have accomplished that if I believed our economy /industry /future was in doomed? Probably not, so I choose not to participate in this recession. I chose to keep working every day believing Sellers want to sell, Buyers want to buy and my job is to put them together.
Open House Kit
I am working on my own Open House Kit, I have the paperwork and signage but these days some homes could use a bit of freshening up before the Open House and here are a few of the items I've pulled together. I would love any suggestions that other agents have used
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I would love to hear any of your ideas as well.
Is a $25 Sign Permit Coming your Way?
I am hoping this doesn't become a trend. The town of Shirley, MA is facing a huge deficit and looking for ways to generate income. They have decided to charge a sign permit of $25 for any Real Estate sign in the town. This doesn't apply to political signs, but those for Real Estate.
So.. I want to hold an Open House this weekend, it takes on average 3 directional signs plus the one at the house, should I be writing a $75 check each time? This is an unfair burden on our industry and the Sellers. Local Realtors have been very vocal on this issue and Mark Tavenner in my office was interviewed yesterday for Channel 5 news. Here is the link:
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/money/18996006/detail.html
Please make sure that if this happens in your area that your voice is heard. I sympathize with towns facing huge deficits but this is an unfair burden on an industry that is already struggling.
Home inspections and Winterized Homes
So you’ve made an offer on a foreclosure and now you want to have a Home Inspection. The only problem is the home is winterized and it’s the middle of winter. You know the property is sold “As Is” but you want to make sure the pipes haven’t frozen and the heating system is functional. If you are getting a loan on the property your appraiser is going to want to see the water and heating system are all functioning as well. So what are your options?
First you need permission from the bank through the listing agent that they will allow the property to be un-winterized for inspections. If they will, most likely you will need to use their plumber. The cost can be around $250 to un-winterize and $250 to re-winterize it depending on the type of property. Make sure you negotiate who pays for that in your offer. At this point you really only have 2 options:
1) You do a dry inspection, test everything else in the property, even run compressed air through the pipes to see if there is any freeze damage. Have the appraiser come out and test everything but the water and heat. About a week before closing, have the property un-winterized, pay for the appraiser to come back out and if the bank allows it leave the heat on until closing.
2) You will need to have the property un-winterized and have your home inspection and apppraiser come out to the property on the same day. Some lenders are not coopertative, check with yours. The property will be re-winterized within 24 hours until closing. You will be responsible for un-winterizing it again after closing.
These issues can be tricky, make sure you have an agent who is familiar with selling foreclosures to walk you through the process.
Originally posted on www.theforeclosurehouseforyou.com
Why bother with the internet
Here's our Inaugural Video, I'm interviewing my one of my team members who went to the Inman Conference in NYC.
Lessons of the Day
This morning was typical in our household of 2 dogs and a cockatiel. If I have any stress our bird Snuffy is like my inner stress meter. His normal happy sounds turn into high pitched squeals at a time when I can least handle it. I wasn't graceful this morning and yelled "bad bird' a couple of times as I hastily got my things ready to go work in the office. There would be no peace if I stayed. I was throwing things around and heading out to my car when I stopped and took a deep breath.......
If this beautiful bird is my stress meter my getting mad wasn't helping. I quietly walked upstairs and went over to his cage. I took the time to make cooing noices and pet him. I told him I'm sorry. Animals can be humbling if you let them. He reminded me to take a deep breath and take it easy.
Many times we let the situation, our family, the client, the economy get us in a frenzy, I hope you all listen to that inner voice when it tells you to slow down and be grateful for everything we do have. I know I spent the rest of the day a better agent, friend and mother.
A New Day
Watching yesterdays Inaugural Speech was emotional for me. I think one of the key statements that really hit home for me was the scripture:
The time has come to set aside childish things
That summarized alot of what I have felt about our economic and collective emotional state. The time ahead is for maturity. We are adults who can accept responsibilty. The time to deny our state of affairs is over and the hard work of improving has begun.
In real estate we are at the forefront of Main Street America. We see firsthand the consequences of our collective bad choices. But we are very needed. If we remain strong and clear in purpose we can be the heros to those that have become overwhelmed by the state of affairs. We can guide them to the next stage of their life. We can find the creative solutions to help them through this process.
We need to dig deep inside our ourselves and find our own inner strengths to rebuild. There are so many resources out there to inspire and guide us. Our job is important, let's be the best professionals we can be, find the best solutions and use our most creative ideas to move through this time.
I don't know about you, but I embrace the challenges ahead, and look forward to what lies ahead.
Things to Do this Weekend
There is plenty of snow and it's too cold to be outside, if your getting cabin fever here are a few ideas:
The Velveteen Rabbit play Saturday 1/17 at 11am: Don't miss this live play at the Groton-Dunstable High School
Family Play Date at Borders in Nashua this Saturday 1/17 at 10:00am featuring author Sandra Boynton and the
Kids Inauguration Party at 2:00pm
Winter Symphony; America the Melting Pot Sunday 1/18 at 3:00 pm at the Indian Hill Music School in Littleton
I hope that helps give you some creative and fun ideas of things to do with your family this weekend.
I got frustrated and didn't secure the house
Imagine my surprise when I get a feedback email this past Saturday on one of my Short Sale listings. I was floored when I read about how the agent went to the wrong door, through 2 feet of snow, only to realize the lockbox was on the side door as stated in our showing instructions. There was a complete rant by this agent who was looking at the home for himself about the condition, the stuff left behind etc. Did I forget to mention that he showed this listing on Friday, at the end of the email he states he tried to lock the door but got frustrated and left...
Excuse me, did I read that correctly? You didn't call the office but sent an email the next day that you left my listing unsecured?
I immediately sent the following email to his broker and mine:
As the broker of your company I am forwarding this email. There is no excuse for the agent in your office who showed this property yesterday to leave a property unlocked and then send an email the next day. I am shocked by the lack of professionalism, there was no call made to anyone in my office or team. Secondly our showing instructions for this property are VERY clear, your agent is the only one who cannot seem to follow them. If I get to the property and find that is was vandalized I will be reporting your agent to the police and the board. There is no excuse for this kind of behavior in our industry.
Has is really come to this? What would you have done? Interestingly, I have had no response to my email.
Local Holiday Events
Here are a few local events being held this weekend:
Saturday 12/13/08
Holiday Sing-a-Long - 3:00pm
6 King St., Littleton, MA, 01460 (978) 486-9524
Concord Chorus Holiday Concert - 4pm
Middlesex School Memorial Chapel
1400 Lowell Road, Concord, MA, 01742
Sunday 12/14/08
2nd Annual Holiday Bake Off - 1-4pm
Trick or Treating in Groton
If you are new to Groton area and wondering where to trick or treat then here are some helpful tips:
You will find plenty of houses and families with children in downtown Groton. Starting at Hollis St and heading around the cemetary are the hottest spots in town. Trick or treating starts around 5pm and ends about 8pm.
Don't forget to stop by the Union Congregational Church at 218 Main St for cider, cookies and hot dogs. All donations go to Unicef
Happy Halloween!!
Did you let your clients know you've given up?
Websters Dictionary defines APATHY as:
Lost Lake Open House October 26th from 1-4pm
If you are considering moving to the area, then join us Sunday October 26th from 1-4pm and get to know the Lost Lake area of Groton. An Open House of over 8 homes will be held at the following homes:
32 Indian Rd
29 Arrow Trail Agent cancelled
10 Redskin Trail Agent cancelled
28 Redskin Trail Agent cancelled
64 Lakeside Dr
29 Whitewood Rd
23 Radio
14 Rustic
40 Lost Lake
Stop by the table at the entrance of Lost Lake and Route 40 for your map and tour brochure. This is a great area to call home, here are a few neighborhood events:
Mountain Lakes Club- $25 membership donation helps to provide Messy Games in Summer (mud pit, ooblick, water balloons, etc)
Haunted hay ride in October.
Sleigh Rides in Dec with sales of peace lights (candles in bags that everyone lights on Christmas Eve and puts along the road) and
Easter Egg hunt with visit from the Easter bunny held either at the fire station or at the field on Lost Lake.
Local residents also have access to Baby Beach, a small, private beach with sand that is weeded for swimmers on a weekly basis
Neighborhood pot luck dinners and neighborhood dances held at the fire station. Lots of kids of all ages.
6 Groton Harvard Rd, Ayer
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Living room
32 Indian Rd, Groton MA
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Willard Brook State Park
If you are looking for a great dog friendly state park to visit with the family, take a look at Willard Brook Sate Park on Rte 119 between Townsend and Ashby MA. The park sits on over 2500 acres with trails, rivers and a great area to swim. Dogs on leashes are welcome and there are several areas with picnic tables and grills some along the river.
The trails are extensive and there is great scenery along the way inlcuding a gorgeous waterfall! The brook was widened and sand was brought in to make a nice swimmng area and there are also bathroom facilities.
Here's the state link for more information:
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/northeast/wilb.htm
Staying focused this Summer
Summers in New England.
.. we have so few nice days here it's so hard not to kick back and relax. The lure of the beach, golfing, working in the garden...the Cape. But... what we do now determines how our Fall and Winter will be so as a compromise here are a few changes I made to enjoy the Summer but still have a successful Fall and Winter.
I focus on the basics, what really needs to get done every day.
- Prospecting
- Lead follow-up
- Listing Appointments
- Presenting Offers
If it sounds simple I can promise you many are not even doing that. I know that if I can just focus every day on those few things when I'm done I can go and relax and enjoy our precious Summer Days.
27 Kailey's Way, Groton MA
88 Townsend St, Fitchburg
