DIY – 100 Under Half Day Projects
DIY’s Top 100 Under Half Day Projects is a great way to make some improvements on your home. Whether your selling your home, or making changes for you to enjoy and raise it’s potential value – CLICK here for a bunch of great ideas!
supershoppertoo – Flickr.com
My Life as a Realtor – Day 20
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 20:
Today, my day started with a painter coming to our house. He looked over and measured each room since we still have smoke damage. Then, I was on my way to my 1st appointment – in Danbury near the Danbury Fair Mall. From there I went to Enterprise Car Rental also in Danbury – had to rent a car for hubby-hub since his car is still in the shop – New Fairfield Auto Body – waiting for our Allstate Insurance adjuster to view.
Flew home to grab a bite to eat, made phone calls to 20 listing agents inquiring on rentals for 3 college students. Unfortunately, not many homeowners want to rent to college students… and I can understand. We have a party going on right now with a few college kids – oh my!
At around 4:30, I had another appointment – 2 homes in New Fairfield. For the first home, we walked in – and 3 minutes later – we walked out. There was so much clutter and mess – making it very difficult for any buyer to see a home’s potential. The second home was very well kept and a pleasure to view.
Next, I was off to pick up Jonathan at a friends house and to pick up Joe at Harley Davidson in Danbury. He had to drop his motorcyle off to get a new back tire.
For dinner, I ordered from Bruno’s Pizza in New Fairfield – awesome pizza – and with this heat and all the running around I did, it was great to take advange of ordering out – something we don’t do very often.
My Life as a Realtor – Day 19
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 19:
A quiet, rainy Sunday. Had lots to do, both with work and home and I was able to tackle all… almost all. The rest will have to wait until tomorrow – set up appointments, swing by the office, order pellets for our pellet stove. My list consists of about 22 “To Do” things - I must be up early!
In between all I did today, I had a blast watching Remi and Tisha play. Tisha is our long haired Chihuahua from Portugal – small with a Napoleon complex. She chases deer and neighborhood dogs and cats – bad, bad, bad - but, adorable!
Tisha
Remi was David’s 19th Birthday gift. In April, when we brought him home- Remi was 8 weeks old. He was a rescue dog from Virginia. He’s a mix of german shephard, black lab and cattle dog- too cute! He’s my wuba-wuba, or I also like calling him Remi-Demi-Licious! He has brought so much life and happiness to us – including Tisha. Trying to keep up with a puppy has made her young again.
David & Remi – 8 weeks old in April
And look at him now!
Remi at 6 months old
Remi & Tisha having fun
My Life as a Realtor – Day 18
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 18:
It’s Saturday ~ I love the weekend! Today, I came down to the kitchen, had my coffee and worked for awhile with no interruptions – Melissa was in Rhode Island, the other kids were still asleep - and so was hubby hub since he had come in from work at around 7am. He’s been driving his motorcycle to and from work in NYC since his car is… well, gone. We haven’t heard yet from our insurance company - Allstate – to see if the car is salvageable - a Mazda 3 which Joe called his “Zoom-zoom”.
Joe’s Baby
After a few phone calls with clients and other agents – we got ready for a barbecue at Joe’s brother house – Manny and Gina – in Mt.Vernon, NY - which is where I was born and raised and everytime I go down to visit with my in-laws, I’m reminded of my childhood.
Driving to Mt. Vernon, NY – near my brother-in-laws home
So many wonderful memories. I was extremely fortunate to have had the family I had – we weren’t perfect, nothing is – but having been raised by my loving, hard working parents, who came over from Portugal, made me who I am today.
Me on my 10th B-Day with friends in front of our home on Crary Ave
This photo was taken by my sister, Lisa. She organized my 10th Birthday with friends and we had fun, fun! Now, my sister tortures me with these photos by scaning and posting them on FaceBook – note, this pic is of me in the dark blue & white dress with my white bloomers showing!
Front Door – Top 10 Strategies for Choosing a Realtor
HGTV’s FrontDoor.com lists the Top 10 Strategies for Choosing the Right Real Estate Agent – and I totally agree with all ten!
ClipArt.com
Click here to view what you should be looking for in an agent – are they a full-time and full-service Realtor? Are they networking on LinkedIn, Twitter and Face Book? Do they have a BLOG? Are they Tech-savvy? Can and will they think like a buyer? Are they understanding and do they listen?
Find me on Twitter… DianaSantosC21
Find me on Face Book… Diana Alves Santos
Find me on LinkedIn… Diana Santos
Home buying & selling can be a long and frustrating process – so choose someone your comfortable with and that will do their best to smooth the bumps along the way of buying and selling your home.
My Life as a Realtor – Day 17
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 17:
Where did today go? I woke up early, took care of chores, e-mails, calls, wrote a new post for my Blog, set up appointments. The next thing I knew – I was heading back from my appointment, getting home at almost 8pm. Luckily, my son David made dinner – grilled steak, mashed potatoes and green beans – I was starving when I got in and enjoyed eating dinner cold - I didn’t even bother warming it up!
My appointment was with a customer looking for a rental – we viewed a home in Mahopac, NY and 2 townhouses in Brewster, NY. All three were very nice, but our search will continue.
Tonight, I will take some time to myself and have a Friday Movie Night. I rented “Obsessed” from Redbox at Shaw’s yesterday, and my couch is awaiting! Just hope I don’t fall asleep during the movie as I always do.
Grilled T-Bone Steak
TheBusyBrain – Flickr.com
From Food Network – try these mouth watering T-Bone Steak recipes – **Drool**
- Emeril’s Italian-style Grilled T-Bone Steak ~ CLICK ~
- Danny Boome’s Beer Marinated T-Bone Steak, Sauteed Mushroom & Onions & Egg ~ CLICK ~
- Bobby Flay’s Grilled Pepper Crusted T-Bone Steak with Worcestershire-Chive Butter ~ CLICK ~
- Rachael Ray’s Grilled T-Bones with Chipotle Chili Rub & Cilantro-Lime Compound Rub ~ CLICK ~
- Mario Batali’s T-Bone Fiorentina with Sauteed Spinach & Olive Oil
basheertome - Flickr.com
My Life as a Realtor – Day 16
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 16:
Appointment in Brookfield, CT. Met with the photographer – Jackie from CirclePix – she took some professional still photos and the virtual tour for my listing.
150 Pocono Road ~ Brookfield, CT ~ 
Oh, but before this appointment, my husband, who had been working the night shift, called at about 6:40 am with news that I’ve always feared – he’d had an accident on I-684 and probably totaled his car.
Thankfully, he has not a scratch on him. When I picked him up, he was shaken, but kept saying he wasn’t going to think about it, since it could have been so much worse.
Since Joe had worked through the night, he slept as I went to my appointment in Brookfield - then went on a few errands… dropped off the Citizen News newspaper and Pennysaver to my clients that just purchased a home in my hometown – New Fairfield, CT. Went to the bank – first to Savings Bank of Danbury in New Fairfield -
Savings Bank of Danbury – New Fairfield, CT
Then HSBC in Brewster, NY
Took Amanda and Sara to the library – I swear they could read a book a day – and a treat at Sprinkles Ice Cream in New Fairfield. Went to Shaw’s… Yes, I went food shopping…. again. Made dinner - beef stew with carrots, squash, broccoli, beans, rice and salad – a real easy dinner for all 7 of us. Made us realize how very lucky we are.
5 Inexpensive Staging Tips from TLC
Here is 5 Inexpensive Staging Tips from TLC to help sell your home!
These do-it-yourself tips from TLC can make all the difference in getting your Home SOLD!
My Life as a Realtor – Day 15
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 15:
One evening appointment today – in New Milford - near Candlewood Lake. We were followed around by 2 kitties that seem to have the run of the house. Funny that my daughter Sara, sketched this picture of a kitty just this morning -
Sara’s Drawing
My “To Do” list is getting long…er – need to get motivated and start doing things – I do love crossing off things I’ve done. It’s great seeing the list get smaller and I enjoy the sense of accomplishment. It also motivates the kids to help, they too enjoy crossing off the list. Here’s just a few items for today that I added to my everyday chores…
- Clean shelf and nic-nacs to make into our new cookbook shelf ~ CHECK
- Go through mail – get rid of junk mail – organize bills that will be paid this week ~ CHECK
- Clean out my pocketbook ~ CHECK
- Wash all fruit trays and rearrange on breakfast bar ~ CHECK
Before my appointment, I went to the office – Century 21 VJF Realty – had an Open House today in Brewster, NY - A home with 3.75 acres and zoned for 2 horses ~ CLICK ~ Eva and I also viewed another home in Brewster - a 3 bedroom, 2 bath home that’s aggressively priced ~ CLICK ~
After Open Houses, I received a call – a new client looking for a rental – we’ll be going out tomorrow since she has only 2 months left on her current rental.
Stopped at the bank – then off to A & P in Brewster, NY - flew home to drop off the groceries – picked up my clients to view the home in New Milford – home again to make dinner – chicken cutlets, baked ziti and salad- Sara and Amanda helped alot with dinner, dishes and laundry. Maybe, just maybe, I’ll be in bed by 2 am… it’s now almost 1:55am and I have just 1 more thing on my list!
Frozen Desserts from Kraft Foods
I just had some Vanilla Ice Cream with Caramel- Sooo good!
lilivanili - Flickr.com
Here are some Frozen Dessert Recipes from Kraft Foods:
- Raspberry Summer Sensation
- Fruity Philadelphia Freeze
- Frozen Grasshopper Squares
- Cookies & Cream Freeze
- Chocolate & Peanut Butter Ribbon Dessert
- Frozen Lemonade Squares
- Frozen Chocolate Souffles
- Strawberry Cream Freeze
hellospuntnik – Flickr.com
My Life as a Realtor – Day 14
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 14:
Applied for my 2 college kids loans – I hate this part – so much information is requested. And I really shouldn’t complain since Melissa, my oldest, did most of it for me.
Clock Towers – Dr. Devi – Brewster, NY
No appointments today - only a Doctors appointment for my younger 2 – Sara and Jonathan – physicals – fun, fun! It’s a 3:30 appointment and have to be back by 5pm – Melissa needs her car for her summer class at West Conn and Joe, hubby-hub, has to leave for work by 6pm for a night shift. That means dinner must be made before I leave. So, something quick and easy…. Chili!
Work, work, work…. Clean, clean, clean…. Cook, cook, cook…. – and now I’m done for the night – well, almost. I can’t ever seem to do anything without my laptop being open and on – e-mailing clients, searching, writing – I love my laptop.
Tonight, Funny Farm was on – really good movie. Starring Chevy Chase and Madolyn Smith – who play a married couple moving out of the city to a farmhouse in the country. The husband hopes all the tranquillity will inspire him to write his next novel. What he doesn’t expect is the corky town and everyone who lives there – actually, he fits right in!
Grilling Corn on the Cob
Grilling Corn on the Cob is easy and yummy! Watch this video from Kraft Foods for some helpful tips on getting sweet grilled flavored corn ~ CLICK ~
Yomi955 – Flickr.com
One of my First time Homebuyers was looking forward to purchasing their home and a grill!
My Life as a Realtor – Day 13
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 13:
Today, 1 appointment – a short sale in Danbury, CT. Confirmed 2 other appointments for later this week. 2 new Lead Routers – I was in contact with both and it’s interesting that they are looking for similar listings – in the same area and almost the same price range.
Spent lots of time on the computer today – maybe a total of 10 hours. During which a dove flew down, looking for seeds that fall from the bird feeders. As I worked, he just sat and looked at me – for the longest time – too cute!
BobMacInnes – Flickr.com
For dinner, I made pork loin with zucchini and beans – potatoes and salad. Joe is still working nights – he ate dinner and left with snacks. Tonight, Joe’s snacksconsisted of… 2 bananas, 2 oranges, 2 clementines, a peach, a nectarine, a granola bar, a slice of cheese danish, a bag of cherries, cheese, low sodium chips, strawberry Greek yogurt and lots of drinks. Please don’t ever ask what our weekly grocery bill is – I’ve blocked it out of my head.
Now, while still working, I’m watching Jon & Kate Plus 8 – anticipating their new episode tonight at 9pm.
My Life as a Realtor – Day 12
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 12:
It’s Sunday… pancake Sunday. No appointmentstoday, things seem to be slowing down. Notoriously, Real Estate does get a bit slower during the month of August. I keep busy though - searching both MLS’s in NY & CT, sending any potential listings to clients that are interested in purchasing a home. I also search for ideas for my blogs on WordPress, Active Rain, Trulia andZillow. Then there’s networking on Twitter and Facebook, adding photos to Flickr and keeping on top of my leads in my Lead Router and Listing Book - 2 new clients joined for their free accounts on Listing Book and they seem to like it. So, really there is never a slow day – there is always much to do.
makelessnoise – Flickr.com
Today, it rained for most of the day. I don’t recall ever having such a wet summer. The benefit is not having to water my flowers and our reservoirs are full and flowing. Negatives is the water that seeped into the basementtoday and that I have steak and hot dogs to barbecue for dinner. I guess we’ll use our beach umbrella while grilling and Joe will have to find where the water in the basement is getting in from. Thank goodness he is a “jack of all trades” and enjoys working on the house. Just last week, he finished refacing around our front doors. There had been clapboard siding and water had been getting into the basement from the corners of our front steps… not anymore. Now it came in from the back steps!
Was in contact with a few clients today making 3 appointments for next week. Sent an e-news letter to all my customers/clients in my Lead Router. After dinner, Melissa made some yummy mini margarita pizza’s. It was a great lazy Sunday.
My Life as a Realtor – Day 11
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 10:
It’s Saturday, the first day in August and we’re busy cleaning and organizing – something I do everyday, although today we’re taking advantage of some time we have before heading over to my sister’s house for a barbecue. Joe is installing a closet organizer in Jonathan’s room – he was the only one without an organizer and what a huge difference it will make!
Closet Organizer – Purchased at Home Depot
I’m multi-tasking, which I enjoy since I seem to do well when I’m under pressure! I’m cleaning, e-mailing, talking with clients – one new client that needs a mortgage broker to assist her. I’m making a simple pasta salad for the BBQ – flew to Shaw’s – once again. Boy do I spend alot of time… and money grocery shopping.
Cell Phone Pic – Shaw’s in New Fairfield, CT
While I was at Shaw’s, I spoke with a client, verifying that she received a call from our appointment scheduling company, AccuShow, regarding an afternoon showing – her first – for her home tomorrow. She did not, so I spent my shopping time on my cell – but all was taken care of and that is why I always push to get things done asap - don’t leave for later, what you can do now!
Blackangel – Flickr.com
We had an awesome time at my sister’s – with the exception of my 4 new mosquitoe bites. The kids went into the pool and we ate and drank and had lots of laughs. We are trying to plan a camp out at our house next weekend with my sister, brother and their families. All the older kids will sleep in the tent in the woods in our back yard and the adults and little ones will sleep in doors. I can’t wait! Note to self… lot’s of bug spray needed.
edans – Flickr.com
Home Theaters from HGTV
Home Theaters from HGTV – Click to view a slide show of high-end home theaters
chunkysalsa – Flickr.com
Most everyone who knows me knows how much I LOVE MOVIES!! My ideal Home-Theater would include my desk & laptop - I’m always multi-taking!
Google Imagery
CLICK here to watch videos for what you need to know about building your own Home Theater.
My Life as a Realtor – Day 10
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 10:
Late morning appointment in New Fairfield, CT with past clients that are looking into selling their home. I was their selling agent almost 2 years ago. What a pleasure it was to see them again, and to see the improvements they’ve done to their home.
Clients views of Ball Pond
Drove up to my listing in Brookfield, CT – went to put up my yard sign and lockbox. My brother lives just a few minutes away, so I stopped and visited with my sister-in-law, Leia, and the kids. I was also their selling agent. It’s always a pleasure to visit with them since they’re always making improvements and Leia has such awesome ideas that she inspires me. Currently, she motivating me to paint my kitchen cabinets. I’m almost there…. just need one more push - well, one more BIG push!
My kitchen cabinets – yes, that’s Moe – in his new hiding spot from the pups!
While I was visiting with the kids and meeting Taffy, their new kitty, the wind started to kick up and it got so dark within such a short amount of time. As I was talking with Leia in the kitchen, I heard a loud sound and could see the trees move and shake along with what seemed like a dark gray cloud move across the yard – Bam! The rain and wind hit the house. I flew to my car – since I realized I had left both windows open, and had to drive home, drenched and barely able to see anything! Very scary!
Afterwards, Matt, our most fantastic computer guy, delivered my daughter, Sara’s, new mini-Dell computer and took my Melissa’s computer to have a look since it’ s been over heating. Then, I unfortunately had to deliver bad news to clients that the offer they submitted on a foreclosure was not happening since the bank accepted another offer. That is the part I do not like about my job, being the bearer of bad news.
Dell – Mini
I also spoke with clients that just closed on their house 2 weeks ago. The sellers rented out until the end of the month and my clients are excited about moving in this weekend. I’m happy that they’ll be New Fairfield neighbors of mine.
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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HouseLogic
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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
Consider before you ignore or outright refuse a very low purchase offer for your home. A counteroffer and negotiation could turn that low purchase offer into a sale. Read
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Make Your House FHA-Loan Friendly
Know the basics of FHA loan rules and you stand a better chance of selling your house or condo. Read
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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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5 Tips for Buying a Foreclosure
Get prequalified for a loan and set aside funds, and you’ll be ready to purchase a foreclosed home. Read
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