Financing Closing Costs

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a Realtor is being able to call a client and say, “Congratulations, your offer has been accepted – you got the house!” Amy made one of those calls just last night and, even though I was sitting a good four feet away from the phone, I could practically feel the buyer’s excitement. I couldn’t make out the words, but their volume and pitch increased significantly as they

Spewing Generalities: Is Your Realtor a Politician?

It’s the political season and we’re being inundated from all sides with debates, interviews, and commercials. The recurring theme that I see seems to be politicians speaking in generalities. When they’re asked a direct question about a plan they have to solve an issue, the response is usually some circuitous generalization. Here’s a spoof of what I’m talking about… UPDATE: Embedded video removed … see it here. I don’t understand why politicians cannot answer questions

Greater Hartford Real Estate Market Statistics- Quarter 3 2008

The wreckage from all of the bailout antics won’t show up in the real estate market statistics for a few months, but I have a feeling that the winter market is going to be starting a little early this year. How did the housing market in Greater Hartford fair in Quarter 3 of 2008? Not fantastic. Here’s the latest Single Family data pulled from the Multiple Listing Service (deemed reliable, but not guaranteed)… Observations… 1.

Going to the Farm: Apple Picking Adventures in Greater Hartford

Both being from Vermont, Kyle and I have high standards for the annual tradition of apple picking. We are looking for a somewhat rural area, not too much commercialization, and baked goods at the farm stand, if possible. We typically head East of the River to the fruit mecca of Glastonbury. One won’t be disappointed by visiting Rose’s Berry Farm, Scott’s Orchards, Dondero Orchards, or Belltown Hill Orchards. But this year we decided to mix

A View from the Field- Part 1

Every Thursday this month I’m making the drive from Hartford to New Milford in order to take a 30 hour appraisal class. This class is just about the last piece of the puzzle in order for me to get my broker’s license in January. The final piece is the broker’s exam. (More on that in a future post.) While I’d prefer less of a commute, one of the benefits of taking a class so far