Being a Real Estate Agent: A Fresh Start

Kyle and I have a lot of fun as real estate agents. Meeting new and interesting people is a big part of it. And it’s also very rewarding to help buyers and sellers through a large and important transaction. But real estate isn’t always as glamorous as it may seem. We not only have to find our clients, but we also have to demonstrate the expertise and provide the level of service that we advertise.

B is for Broker

A few weeks ago I went to an indescript little office building in West Hartford Center really early in the morning. My task was to sit in front of a computer for up to 3 hours and pass 2 multiple choice tests. The room was about 90 degrees so that sped me along a little bit. Forty seven minutes later I received the good news from the glowing screen “Congratulations. You have PASSED the Connecticut

To Refinance or Not To Refinance (Part 1)

That is the question. Whether ’tis nobler to suffer the slings and arrows of higher monthly interest payments, or to take arms against the current mortgage, and by refinancing, to end it. Interest rates are back down to historic low levels. The chart at left is from Bankrate.com and shows the average interest rate for 30-year fixed mortgages in Connecticut over the past 5 years. Large mortgage rate drops historically lead to a boom in

Who Pays a Buyer's Agent?

Before I officially start working with a Buyer I often meet with them for a no-obligation consultative session. It’s really a two way interview. They have an opportunity to pick my brain about the market, the buying process, and me- my work style, my philosophy about home buying, and my life outside of work. Similarly, I am asking them questions about their interests, their thoughts about buying, and what they’re looking for in a home