A New Year with Century 21 V.J.F. Realty
As 2008 has comes to an end, I realize how fortunate I have been to be associated with an outstanding Real Estate Office.
This past year has been a challenging year, but it has also been a year to remember, as Century 21 V.J.F. Realty celebrated it’s 30th year with Century 21…
attended functions and classes…
Visited many Realtor Open Houses …
Graciously accepted Awards and Celebrated the Holidays!
and listed and sold many homes despite the slow market …
I look forward to the New Year of 2009 – and wish you and your family the very best!
laserguided- Flickr.com
Champagne for the New Year!
oskay – Flickr.com
Pop the cork and ring in the New Year with some Bubbly!
Gary Vaynerchuck with Wine Library TV has some great recommendations <CLICK>
krikit – Flickr.com
From FoodNetwork.com – here are some great New Years Celebration recipes <CLICK> and ideas.
and … From Evite.com <CLICK> – get ideas for a Wild New Years Eve Cocktail Party – A Glitzy New Years Eve Dinner Party – and – A Sophisticated New Years Day Brunch.
dps – Flickr.com
So enjoy a toast and many kisses at midnight – and don’t forget your New Years resolution!
Do You Want to Buy a House?
Do you want to buy a house?? If your answer is YES – Great!! Interest rates are FANTASTIC – Inventory is HIGH – AND – most sellers are ANXIOUS!
visulogik – Flickr.com
So, if your interested in a single family, multi – family home, condo or townhouse – I’d be happy to assist!
sailorbill – Flickr.com
Christmas … Here and Gone
Between all the snow, shopping, preparing and decorating, I can’t believe CHRISTMAS had come and gone!!
imnop88a – Flickr.com
While the stocking where hung by the chimney with care, I hope that St. Nicholas gave with generosity and care!
busymommy – Flickr.com
and … I hope that you and your family had a WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS!!
bohnen – Flickr.com
Would You Buy A Ginger Bread House…?
Would you buy a Ginger Bread House …
kb35 – Flickr.com
or maybe a Light House ….
priotography – Flickr.com
how about a Little House on the Prarie …
dingbat2005 – Flickr.com
a Blue House …
pedrosimoes – Flickr.com
or a House by the Lake!
Seabamirum’s – Flickr.com
Whatever home you may be interested in purchasing, I’d love to help in the search!
It’s Snowing! Let’s Build a Snowman!
Here in Connecticut and New York, it’s been snowing and snowing AND SNOWING!! Perfect for making a snowman! So forget about just having an illuminated snowman…
activefree – Flickr.com
Now you can make your own. So, get bundled up and go build a REAL SNOWMAN!
MGShelton - Flickr.com
My Holiday Wish to You
My Holiday Wish to You and to All is that you and your loved ones be Healthy, Safe, Together, Happy and Financially Stable.
aussiegall – Flickr.com
Also, if your a BUYER, looking to purchase a HOME, my wish is that I help you find it!
H Dickins – Flickr.com
Interest Rates are DOWN AGAIN!! There are lots of homes to view and lots of negotiable sellers!
A White Winter Wonderland
nagy david – Flickr.com
The Weather Channel announced that we may have snow in the forecast for Christmas! I’m hoping it will be just enough to cover everything with a Frosty White Blanket, but not enough to interfere with all the Holiday Travelers visiting family. We know that Santa can get through any snow storm – but unfortunately, none of us have a sleigh!
<CLICK> to view New Fairfield, CT weather
<CLICK> to view Brewster, NY weather
clearly ambiguous – Flickr.com
Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow…
Let it snow, let it snow, let it SNOW – and it did!
noel zia lee – Flickr.com
How exciting – it snowed here in New Fairfield, CT where I live and Brewster, NY where I work. If you haven’t noticed yet, it’s also snowing on my BLOG!
The kids were excited, thinking they were going to have a snow day – or at least a delay. Fortunately, the snow plows were out – plowing and sanding – making our roads as safe as possible – peace of mind for me since my husband leaves at 4:30 in the morning to make his way into New York City.
seriously photographic (Jim) – Flickr.com
Enjoy this Music Video – with Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow! by Dean Martin
It’s Time to Trim the Tree, Wrap the Gifts & Holiday Cheer!
busymommy – Flickr.com
This past weekend, I purchased my freshly cut Christmas Tree. I LOVE the smell of the pine needles and deciding where to place my ornaments. This year, my family and I will have decorate the tree together – a wonderful holiday tradition. With my mother visiting from Portugal, my husband and I working 7 days a week and my 5 kids running in different directions – it will take some planning!
krisdecurtis – Flickr.com
- HGTV’s Trim the Tree <CLICK>
- Rachael Ray – Holiday Decorating <CLICK>
- About .com – Tips on Decorating Your Christmas Tree <CLICK>
- DIYnetwork – Gift Wrapping & Christmas Crafts <CLICK>
mysza831 – Flickr.com
Please stay safe – from ABC News - Good Morning American – <CLICK> for Holiday Safety Tips Video
Holiday Cooking, Baking & Drinks!
dano – Flickr.com
Oh the Holidays is always associated with FOOD!! Here are some delicious recipes from some of my favorite sites:
- Rachael Ray’s guest, Gabrielle Union Candy Cane Cookies <CLICK>
- The Food Netwook – Giada’s Family Holiday Presentation <CLICK>
- Pillsbury.com – Cinnamon Christmas Tree <CLICK>
- HGTV – Holiday Tips for Christmas - Hanukkah - Kwanzaa - and - New Years!<CLICK>
- Evite.com – Holiday Brunch<CLICK>
- FineLiving.com – Holiday Cocktails<CLICK>
Please keep in mind that once you visit these different sites – go exploring on them for more Holiday Recipes and Entertaining Ideas!
Whether you and your family celebrate one or more of these Holidays – ENJOY!!
somethingmarissa – Flickr.com
2009 Could be the Best Year for Home Buyers
FrontDoor.com has a fantastic article about how 2009 could be the best year for home buyers!
Some of the items mentioned is the home buyers tax credit, the increase of inventory of homes on the market and the decreasing interest rates. It reads that interest rates are in the high 5′s and that there may be more reductions. Well, there was a decrease in interest rates. Just today, Carey Hollander with Patriot Home Funding said interest rates for a 30 fixed mortgage are in the LOW 5′s for someone with good credit. For more info on Patriot Home Funding <CLICK>
To read the entire article “The Last Year for Best Buying Opportunities – Considering buying a home? Take advantage of low prices and interest rates in 2009.” <CLICK HERE>
Happy House Hunting!
Flickr Foto Fun Friday Post – RAIN
It’s raining – and at times pouring today. Here in New Fairfield, CT – where I live, and Brewster, NY- where I work, streams and rivers are rushing, reservoirs are filling, puddles are bountiful!
Click to view this slow moving stream in my backyard that was not so slow today!
I’ve decided to make this wet Friday a – Flickr Foto Fun Friday Post with pics of RAIN. Here are just a few of the photos that I have come across on Flickr.com. Whether it’s the object being photographed, the camera being used or the photographer – I am in awe with some of these fantastic pics – and – I admit, I am addicted to Flickr photos!
juliannehide – Flickr.com
Burning Image – Flickr.com
aussiegall – Flickr.com
tanakawho- Flickr.com
ENJOY!!
Holiday Shopping at Danbury Fair Mall
I feel like a kid again when I go Holiday Shopping at the Danbury Fair Mall in Danbury, CT.
All the decorations are up and Santa’s Tracking Station await to take photos of your little ones with Santa. Throughout the holiday season, there are community performances from local schools and organizations performing holiday entertainment - check the guest services desk for a schedule. For more information from NewsTimes.com on the malls special events <CLICK>.
The Mall, Connecticut’s largest shopping mall, has approximately 200 retailers along with lots of yummy eateries. For a treat for all ages, take a ride on the malls famous carousel. The large department stores are Macy’s, JCPenney, Sears and Lord & Taylors . A few other stores are: GAP, Old Navy, Coach, PacSun, Radio Shack, Foot Locker, KB Toys, Apple Store, Yankee Candle, H & M and many, many more located on 2 levels. For on-line printable coupons <CLICK>.
Find a Home on TRULIA Real Estate Search
The other day I was asked by a client, where could he search on line for ALL currently listed homes for sale. One of the Real Estate sites I mentioned was TRULIA Real Estate Search (click).
You input what state, town and price of home your interested in – and VOILA! Oogles and oodles of HOMES! You can search from the comfort of your own home – during a break at work – or even on your phone!
Then, when you find a few potential listings – call a REALTOR for more information, set up an appointment to view some of these properties and your on your way to purchasing a home!
If you need assistance in Westchester, Putnam or Dutchess Counties in New York – or – Fairfield and parts of Litchfield Counties in Connecticut – feel free to contact me – I’d be happy to walk you down the path of HOMEOWNERSHIP!
Diana Santos – call or text: 203-648-2619 – E-Mail: Diana.Santos@Century21.com or visit me on Trulia.com
mannequin – Flickr.com
Thunder Ridge Skiing & Snowboarding Area
Thunder Ridge Skiing and Snowboarding Area – CLICK HERE FOR THEIR WEBSITE - is conveniently located on Route 22 in Patterson, NY on over 100 acres and approximately 75 minutes from NYC – or ride Metro North and pick up their FREE shuttle bus.
skidrd – Flickr.com
Thunder Ridgeis a family mountain with 30 trails, 3 chairlifts, a t-bar, a handtow and a magic carpet. There are slow and gentle slopes for skiers and snowboarders on all levels.
For more info call Thunder Ridge – 845-878-4100.
dirkgroeger – Flickr.com
American Towns – Brewster & New Fairfield
My American Towns are New Fairfield, CT – where my husband and I live and are raising our 5 children – and – Brewster, NY – where I happily work as a REALTOR for Century 21 V.J.F. Realty. I am licensed in both states and show homes in 5 counties throughout those states. For information in and around these areas, AmericanTowns.com has some great info:
Candlewood Lake – New Fairfield, Danbury, Brookfield, Sherman & New Milford, CT
For in and around Danbury, CT – which will include New Fairfield click here: AmericanTowns.com – CT
Brewster, NY – Milltown Road
For in and around Brewster, NY – click here: AmericanTowns.com – NY
Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
Where is the Snow?
Shahram Sharif – Flickr.com
As my daughter and I drove through our town the other day – New Fairfield, CT- I Ooooo’d and Aaaaa’d over all the lights and decorations – “What a wonderful time of the year!” I shouted. My daughter then said, “It would be REALLY nice if it snowed.”
True – SNOW is great – for sledding, skiing, making snowmen and having snowball fights! AND - while is falling, it’s SPECTACULAR!
Clearly Ambiguous – Flickr.com
My daughter got her wish – today, when we woke, we had about one inch of crisp white snow! Beautiful!…until it was time to clean off the cars, plow the driveway and shovel the paths!!
soundman1024 – Flickr.com
Decorating Your Christmas Tree
It’s that time again – to go up in the attic, down to the basement, garage or wherever it is that you stored your Holiday Decorations – Yup! A whole year has past since you last took them out.
In New York City, it was the 76th Tree Lighting Ceremony at Rockefeller Center.
Phillie Casablanca – Flickr.com
The show kicked of with a performance by Britney Spears, followed by many great and popular artist – both young and old, attracting all audiences. There was Tony Bennett, The Jonas Brothers, Faith Hill, Beyonce, Harry Connick Jr., Miley Cyrus and more.
mandj98 – Flickr.com
The 72-foot Norway spruce tree was decorated with 30,000 energy efficient LED lights on 5 miles of wire topped with a massive Swarovski crystal star.
Now, we don’t have to worry about decorating a tree of this size, but it can still be challenging – for some helpful video tips from HGTV – Click here - and for 31 Ways to Trim Your Christmas Tree – click here for Country Living.
Z170727 liz kb – Flickr.com
For Buyers looking during this time, seeing a house tastefully decorated, makes it feel like a HOME to them. For sellers, selling during the Holidays, decorating the home will enhance it’s beauty.
For Holiday Safety Tips – ABC News – Good Morning America – <CLICK> Here for Video
The Color Yellow at Home
takacsi75 – Flickr.com
The color YELLOW is associated with knowledge, sunshine and flourishing of all living creatures. This past weekend, my husband painted one of our rooms the color YELLOW.
halima ahkdar – Flickr.com
For homeowners selling their home, or buyers who have just purchased their home – YELLOW is a popular color. It’s BOLD, BRIGHT and LUSCIOUS – says HGTV. Try a Hip, Fresh Yellow color in the bathroom - or use YELLOW as an accent piece!
fazen – Flickr.com
So… Follow the YELLOW Brick Road – and have fun!
It’s a Wonderful Life – at Home
mysza831 – Flickr.com
Oh, Thanksgiving has come and gone – but the Holidays do continue. New Fairfield – Connecticut - has decorated the center of town and they will be having their TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY on Sunday, December 7th at 4pm on Memorial Field. I do Love this time of the year. Seeing the lights and holiday decorations takes me back in time to when I was a child and Christmas was my favorite time of the year!
FreaksAnon – Flickr.com
Now as an adult, I admit that I do get a bit stressed – between deciding what to buy for who, getting and decorating the tree, sending out cards, baking, wrapping, trying ever so hard to keep many gifts a secret – which can be difficult for me, and preparing for Christmas Eve at my house… Whew! I do love – and need to take a break – with my laptop in hand so that I can keep working, I LOVE watching Holiday movies.
The HALLMARK CHANNEL has begun their Holiday shows and they do a great job at pulling on my heart strings.
Another all time favorite of mine – and a tradition – is watching, “IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE”. Starring James Stewart and Donna Reed. This 1946 movie made #4 of Moviefone’s list of 25 “Flicks That’ll Lift Your Spirits” as it prompts, then answers the question of what would happen if a whole life was erased as if it had never been lived??
elif ayse – Flickr.com
It snowed yesterday, making it a perfect time to make some hot cocoa, light a fire, and pop in a great movie!
Hey Paul – Flickr.com
GETTING TO KNOW ME
As a full time REALTOR in Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties in NEW YORK – and Fairfield and parts of Litchfield counties in CONNECTICUT , I am very pleased to have the opportunity to share my passions on REAL ESTATE, FAMILY, PETS, anything and everything in and around a HOME – including COOKING, MOVIES, MUSIC and more!
I have been married for 25+ years to my wonderful husband Joe. We have 5 children – Melissa, David, Amanda, Sara and Jonathan. After waiting anxiously – for almost 17 years, being home with my kids for 10 and a Nursery school teacher for 7 years – I FINALLY became a Licensed Realtor – first in Connecticut - where my family and I live – and then in New York – where my office, Century 21 V.J.F. Realty is located.
I was born and raised in Mt. Vernon, New York. My parents, who came to the US from Portugal, were extremely hard working – with even stronger ethics on being good to everyone – everywhere – period! “Faz bem, nao olhes a quem.” This has been instilled in me all my life, which has made me the mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend and the REALTOR I am today. Thank You Ma and Papa. 
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Should You Move or Remodel?
When your house no longer suits you, you can move or remodel. Find out which big change is the right investment of your housing dollars. Read
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Fielding a Lowball Purchase Offer on Your Home
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Keep Your Home Sale from Falling Apart
After finding a buyer, all you have to do to make it to closing is to avoid these five traps. Read
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Get prequalified for a loan and set aside funds, and you’ll be ready to purchase a foreclosed home. Read
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