Super Bowl XLVI is right around the corner, and so is the CENTURY 21® Super Bowl Commercial!
For the first time in the 40-year history of our brand, we will air a commercial during the most watched television event of the year.
The Super Bowl has a unique place in American television: when the commercials air, viewers actually start paying more attention to the broadcast. Did you know that over 111 million people are expected to watch this year’s Super Bowl, and I hope you will be watching and see CENTURY 21 Agents right in the middle of it!
On February 5th, tune in to your local NBC station to watch as CENTURY 21 Real Estate takes a new place in history! We are sponsoring a full half-hour segment in pre-game, and we air 11 pre-game commercials during that day. And of course, as our finale, our special :30 Super Bowl commercial will air in the 3rd quarter of the game itself.
Don’t forget to watch and vote for us! You’ll see exactly how to cast your vote for your favorite commercial on Super Bowl Sunday at century21.com.
Buying a home should be fun, not stressful. As you peek into windows looking for your dream home, keep in mind these tips for making the process as peaceful as possible.1. Find a real estate agent who you connect with.Home buying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It’s critical that the REALTOR® you chose is both highly skilled and a good fit with your personality.2. Remember, there’s no “right” time to buy, just as there’s no perfect time to sell. If you find a home now, don’t try to second-guess interest rates or the housing market by waiting longer – you risk losing out on the home of your dreams. The housing market usually doesn’t change fast enough to make that much difference in price, and a good home won’t stay on the market long.
3. Don’t ask for too many opinions. It’s natural to want reassurance for such a big decision, but too many ideas from too many people will make it much harder to make a decision. Focus on the wants and needs of your immediate family – the people who will be living in the home.
4. Accept that no house is ever perfect. If it’s in the right location, the yard may be a bit smaller than you had hoped. The kitchen may be perfect, but the roof needs repair. Make a list of your top priorities and focus in on things that are most important to you. Let the minor ones go.
5. Don’t try to be a killer negotiator. Negotiation is definitely a part of the real estate process, but trying to “win” by getting an extra-low price or by refusing to budge on your offer may cost you the home you love. Negotiation is give and take.
6. Remember your home doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Don’t get so caught up in the physical aspects of the house itself – room size, kitchen, etc. – that you forget about important issues as noise level, location to amenities, and other aspects that also have a big impact on your quality of life.
7. Plan ahead. Don’t wait until you’ve found a home and made an offer to get approved for a mortgage, investigate home insurance, and consider a schedule for moving. Presenting an offer contingent on a lot of unresolved issues will make your bid much less attractive to sellers.
8. Factor in maintenance and repair costs in your post-home buying budget. Even if you buy a new home, there will be costs. Don’t leave yourself short and let your home deteriorate.
9. Accept that a little buyer’s remorse is inevitable and will probably pass. Buying a home, especially for the first time, is a big financial commitment. But it also yields big benefits. Don’t lose sight of why you wanted to buy a home and what made you fall in love with the property you purchased.
10. Choose a home first because you love it; then think about appreciation. While U.S. homes have appreciated an average of 5.4 percent annually over from 1998 to 2002, a home’s most important role is to serve as a comfortable, safe place to live.
~ courtesy Realtor.org
TOP PRIORITIES FOR FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS
It’s easyfor first-time homebuyers to become overwhelmed as they begin their home search. Often, buyers get distracted by a newly renovated kitchen or finished basement, and lose sight the big picture when choosing a home. See below for three factors that should be a priority as you navigate the home buying process.
1. Pricey proposition – Set a price point BEFORE you start looking for homes. It is important to talk with your REALTOR® about your budget so he/she can focus on homes within your price range. It’s helpful to leave yourself a financial cushion when deciding on what to spend. Factor in closing costs, repairs, down payment and even unexpected expenses to help you find a price you feel comfortable with.
2. Location, location, location – This is one of the few things you absolutely cannot change about your property. If you need to be in close proximity to mass transit or within a specific school district, only view homes that fall within this area. Is it really your dream home if you are out of your desired commuting distance? Also, be aware of the condition of the neighborhood. Is it safe for you to live or desirable should you decide to sell down the line?
3. Room to grow – Remember to ask yourself how long you plan on staying in your new home. Will the one-bedroom loft or two-bedroom cottage work for you in five years?
THE IMPORTANCE OF A CHECKLIST
When looking for a property, the price is far from the only prerequisite. Simplify the home buying process with a checklist of necessary criteria that your new property must fulfill. When you focus on what you absolutely need in your home, you save yourself (and your real estate agent) both time and money. Share your list of priorities with your Realtor, so if needed, she can narrow down the search and eliminate any properties that are out of proximity to your work, public transportation, or desired school district.
When viewing potential properties, bring your checklist, so you can easily compare and rank different homes according to how each meets your needs. Remember there is a difference between your wants and your needs. You may need three bedrooms and although you would prefer hardwood floors, they are not essential. You can always do upgrades later, such as finishing off the basement or attic space or pulling up those carpets…what you can’t change is your property’s location and the size of your lot.
We suggest the following should be included on your list: number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, number of stories, presence/size of a backyard, style of kitchen, presence of a formal dining room, basement, attic and living room, amount of storage and living space, type of heat, presence of central air, and type of siding.
If you plan to enlarge a home, check with your Realtor to make sure construction is a possibility. For added assistance, century21vjf.com has a buyer’s checklist that you can download here.
Restaurant for sale! 1292 Route 22, Brewster $1,150,000
136 Towners Rd, Carmel $310,000
14 Lake Ellis Rd, Wingdale $199,900
16 Phillard Rd, Patterson $449,900
17 Oakwood Dr, Brewster $419,000
224 Cricket Hill Rd, Dover Plains $445,000 ALSO FOR RENT MLS #3124747
2404 Village Dr, Brewster $234,900
459 Barrett Hill Rd, Mahopac $399,999
509 E. Branch Rd, Patterson $569,000
82 Livingston, Carmel $229,900
537 Martling Ave, Tarrytown $499,900
13 Union Rd, Carmel $309,000
1801 Village Drive, Brewster $224,900
What NOT to do Before Buying a Home
A lender will examine your debt-to-income ratio to qualify you for a mortgage. Debt-to-income ratio is the percentage of your gross monthly income, before taxes, that is reserved to pay down debt. If you’re serious about buying a home, avoid these common mistakes that will compromise the amount of your approved loan:No new debt!Delay large purchases. This includes jewelry, vacations, appliances and especially vehicles. Hold off on buying a new vehicle, as a sizable monthly car payment can push the debt-to-income percentage over what lenders feel is a safe limit, and you may be denied the loan or have to settle for a smaller loan.Do not co-sign on a loanfor anyone else. Although you will not be making the payment, the lender still views this as your debt.Don’t move money around. A lender will require you to supply bank statements for all your accounts during recent months. Any large deposits or withdrawals will be red flags to the lender, and may slow or inhibit the escrow. Changing banks is also unadvisable. Remember, the simpler your finances are, the better.
Avoid changing jobs. When you change jobs, it can be difficult for lenders to predict future earnings. Any major career changes, such as corporate employee to self-employed, should also be delayed. Remember, the lender will look two years back and average your income. Anything that will make that process difficult is a bad idea.
DEPART FROM THE ORDINARY. Contemporary colonial in lovely area on private cul-de-sac. 3 bdrms, 2.5 baths, 2,268 square feet. Enjoy 2-story entry, Pergo floors thruout, large gourmet EIK with cherry cabinets, granite counters & island. Large deck is perfect for entertaining. $449,900
What Affects Credit Scores?
7 Misconceptions about what affects your score If you’re trying to raise your credit score to get a good rate for a refinance or HELOC, you might be surprised by what affects–or doesn’t affect–your score.You have to keep your credit score up in case you want to take out a second mortgage or home equity line of credit (HELOC), or get the lowest premiums on your home owners insurance. Here’s the 411 on how various money management tactics goose up or ding your credit score.More money improves your credit scoreFalse. Your level or sources of income don’t affect your credit score, although lenders may look at it when making loan decisions, according to the Fair Isaac Corp., the company that issues the commonly used FICO credit scores.
Ownership of several credit cards can hurt your credit score
Mostly false. Having many credit lines isn’t necessarily a bad thing, says credit expert Liz Weston, author of Your Credit Score. Multiple lines give you a favorable debt-to-available-credit ratio. But use them correctly: It’s best to keep any balances below 10% or 20% of the total credit line, she says. Anything more will affect the ratio of debt-to-available-credit, which can decrease your credit score.
Opening and closing credit lines can hurt your credit score
True. New credit applications can decrease your credit score, so be careful about applying for new credit cards or personal loans before applying for a HELOC, second mortgage, automobile loan, or other large line of credit.
Surprise: Closing existing credit lines may also hurt your credit score, since it’ll damage your debt-to-available-credit ratio. A good rule is not to make any credit changes in the months leading up to a major credit request, such as for a HELOC.
Consolidating credit lines will help your credit score
Mostly false. Although it may seem like a good idea to move all your balances to one card, that can actually hurt your credit score, since your debt-to-available-credit ratio will spike on that card, says Weston.
However, credit expert Harrine Freeman says such a slight decline isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker for a loan, especially if the card has a lower interest rate and will allow you to pay off the balance sooner. Your score will increase as soon as that ratio goes down.
Changing jobs can hurt your credit score
Partly true. Taking a new job or losing your job doesn’t affect your credit score. However, if you have a spotty employment history, lenders may hold that against you in making a loan. Dips in income may signal that it could be difficult to pay bills in a timely manner.
Co-signing for others can hurt your credit score
Partly true. Simply co-signing on a loan for someone else may not affect your score, but if that person is late on paying the loan, it’s likely to show up on your report, says Freeman. And that’s a nasty surprise if you didn’t know the person was late.
Judgments and liens aren’t considered in your credit score
False. If you’ve had a judgment or lien filed against you, it’s considered in your payment history, which represents 35% of your score.
Similarly, while most utility companies don’t report payment history to credit bureaus, your account will likely be reported if it is seriously delinquent and referred to a collection agency.
Additional details on how to manage your FICO score are available on the FICO site.
Article From HouseLogic.com
By: Gwen Moran
***RATE ALERT!***RATE ALERT!***RATE ALERT!***
RATES ARE AT 60-YEAR LOWS!
Debt Ceiling Fears and Economy Fears create UNBELIEVABLE borrowing benefit.
Rates have plummeted to 1950′s levels
(Happy Days are here again?)
30 Year Fixed Rate: 4.375%, No Points, 4.43% APR
30 Year Jumbo Fixed: 4.375%, 1 point, 4.403% APR
I’m often asked: What makes rates go up or down?
Here’s a simplified answer: YOU and the economy.
Are you spending more or saving more? If you are spending more that means companies may do better; hence, rates will probably go up. If you save money, companies may show less profit, and this usually translates to lower rates.
The same is usually true with the state of the economy: When the economy does well, the rates typically go up. When the economy is not doing well the rates typically go down.
If you are looking for a home, there could be a silver lining in the state of the economy for you, and that silver lining is unbelievably low mortgage rates. So don’t wait…call me today to see what you qualify for!
Not available on all programs. Rates are for informational purposes only. Not all applicants will qualify. Certain restrictions apply.
HOW ARE WE DOING?
This is our 3rd year of providing you with real estate news and we want to thank you for reading and being such loyal supporters.
In our continuing effort towards excellence, we want to know what you, Reader, are looking for in real estate news. We would be pleased to hear suggestions about what topics are relevant to you today.
Better yet, if you have a specific question, feel free to email that question to us at info@century21.com and we can highlight that topic in next month’s newsletter.
If you enjoy reading this newsletter each month, please put yourself on our official mailing list by pressing the Join Our Mailing List button below. Thank you!
Need mortgage info? Call Kurt Drexler at Bank of America Home Loans at (845) 765-7072.
Join Our List
Help Us Support Easter Seals
Walk With Me Event 2011 Each year Team Century 21 VJF participates in Easter Seals Hudson Valley Walk With Me Event. This is an opportunity for us to make a difference in the lives of children and adults with disabilities in our community.By walking–or supporting a walker in their fund-raising efforts–funds are raised that allow Easter Seals to provide services that help people learn to walk, talk and perform other skills essential to daily living; find fulfilling jobs; reach individualized goals early in life; age with dignity; and participate in camping and recreation programs.
We’re committed to making a difference. Every dollar we raise benefits Easter Seals clients. Please click here to give what you can!
7 Ways to Build Up Your Credit Score
to be eligible for the best interest rates Credit score requirements for loans are higher than they have been in the past, so a good credit score is more crucial than ever. In today’s economy most lenders are looking for credit scores of 720 or higher to secure the best mortgage rates.Here are seven ways to build up your credit score so you can enjoy the best interest rates available.
Request your credit reports and assess the situation. Credit bureaus (www.experian.com, www.transunion.com, www.equifax.com) are required to provide you with a free credit report every year. Because nationwide consumer reporting companies get their information from different sources, the data in your report from one company may not reflect the same data in your reports from the other two companies. So it is important that you request all three.
Check to verify all of the information is correct. If there are any errors, contact the bureaus immediately.
Your payment history accounts for 35% of your score, so make sure payments are on time every month.
The amount owed is 30% of your score. A good rule is to use less than 10% of your credit available on each individual card.
The length of your credit history accounts for 15%, so maintain your accounts instead of closing them. You are not penalized for available credit.
New credit is 10% of your score and every time you apply for credit an inquiry is added to your report, which drops your score.
Types of credit used accounts for 10%. Installment loans like vehicle and personal loans demonstrate you can manage various long and short-term credits.
When you buy a home, you’re investing in a community. You’ll spend a significant amount of time and moneysupporting the schools, community organizations and commercial centers in the surrounding areas. Before you make the final decision, take a good look at the location and make sure it fits your needs.
· Evaluate the properties proximity to other important locations in your life. How long will your commute time be? Is there a hospital or doctor’s office nearby? What about schools, childcare, shopping, family and friends?
· Consider all of your transportation options. A new home could lend itself to public transportation options or car-pooling. Depending on the type of community, you may be able to find alternative methods of transportation. Take the time to drive from the new home to your commuting destinations to understand the impact it will have on your lifestyle.
· Visit and understand the school district you’ll be moving in to. Even if you don’t have children in the school system now, you may some day. The district reputation could have an impact on the selling price as well.
· Make sure you feel comfortable in the area. Drive around the neighborhood at different times of the day and night on multiple days of the week to observe activity/noise levels. Discovering that barking dog next door or noisy road conditions will eliminate unneeded stress from a hasty decision.
Contact us for a list of schools, shopping centers, parks or other important amenities. Buying a new home is about more than the structure and property. It’s about your new lifestyle as well.
You’re receiving this email because of your relationship with Century 21 V.J.F. Realty Inc.. Please confirm your continued interest in receiving email from us.
You may unsubscribe if you no longer wish to receive our emails.
The first thing most of us think about when the time comes to take out a mortgage on a new home is the interest rate. That’s both perfectly natural and very sensible. The rate of interest we pay can make an immense difference - amounting to tens of thousands of dollars – in what the actual cost of our house ultimately turns out to be.
Still, interest rates are far from the only thing worth thinking about where mortgages are concerned. Other important variables need to be considered too. One is the question of whether to take a fixed interest rate or choose from among the many kinds of variable-rate mortgages that have been created over the years to meet the differing needs of different buyers.
Another – and a very important one – is the rather basic question of how long you want your mortgage to run. Even with fixed-rate mortgages, a broad spectrum of time spans is commonly available. In most cases the extremes are 15 years on the short side, 30 years on the long.
Some years ago, when a famous scientist was asked to name the most powerful force in the universe, he answered “the power of compound interest.” This reply suggests that he was knowledgeable not only about the laws of nature but the principles of finance – about what happens to even a modest sum of money when it continues to accumulate interest year after year after year.
Even at a modest rate of interest, money in a savings account can double within ten years or less. The amount actually paid for a house with a $100,000 mortgage can turn out to be several hundred thousand dollars if the mortgage runs for 30 years.
When you opt for a mortgage of only 15 or 20 years, on the other hand, you chop off much of the growth in your total obligation. But to do that without reducing the initial size of your mortgage, you have to make a bigger payment every month. As in most of life’s major decisions, the stakes are high and the trade-offs require careful consideration. Above all, they require a careful examination of your resources, your aspirations, and your personal priorities.
Someone who’s willing to make near-term lifestyle sacrifices for the sake of long-term gains probably will prefer a shorter mortgage. If your motto is “eat, drink and be merry,” on the other hand, the idea of squeezing extra money out of your budget for the sake of a bigger house payment won’t have much appeal.
If you’re attracted by a shorter, faster mortgage and think you might be able to handle one, ask your real estate agent to show you just how much long-term savings such an approach can make possible. Chances are you’ll be astonished by the size of the number.
Remember, though, that a 15-year or 20-year mortgage, by increasing your monthly obligations now and for years to come, can sharply reduce your flexibility. One good approach is to take a 30-year mortgage but try to discipline yourself to make one extra monthly payment each year. If you can stick to such a regimen, ultimately it will yield the benefits of a 15-year mortgage. Meanwhile, you’ll be less strapped if changing circumstances reduce your ability to make monthly payments.
What’s really important is making yourself aware of how many different options you have and gathering detailed information about the ones that interest you most.
WANT TO KNOW THE LOCAL MARKET?
Want to see what the market’s doing? That’s easy to do with our new Market Snapshot. Sign up to receive market and trend reports for whatever local market you are considering in Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess or even Connecticut. With data directly from the Multiple Listing Service, you can gauge how the market is trending, find nd recent sales & listings, compare areas, and more!
Want to see what the market’s doing? That’s easy to do with our new Market Snapshot. Sign up to receive market and trend reports for whatever local market you are considering in Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess or even Connecticut. With data directly from the Multiple Listing Service, you can gauge how the market is trending, find nd recent sales & listings, compare areas, and more!
TIME Magazine is being overly pessimistic in its recent cover piece that called into question the benefits of homeownership. In fact, now is a great time to buy. And, what’s more, tomorrow will be a great time to own, because the fundamental strength of homeownership hasn’t changed.
Why is now a great time to buy? Here are 10 reasons:
1. You can get a good deal. Prices are down 30 percent on average. They’re at a level that makes sense for people’s income.
2. Mortgages are cheap. At 4.3 percent on average for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, your costs to own are down by a fifth from two years ago.
3. You can save on taxes. When you add up the deductions for mortgage interest and others, the cost of owning can drop below renting for a comparable place.
4. It’ll be yours. The one benefit to owning that never changes is that you can paint your walls orange if you want (generally speaking; there might be some community restrictions). How many landlords will let you do that?
5. You can get a better home. In some markets, it’s simply the case that the nicest places are for-sale homes and condos.
7. It’s risk capital. If the economy picks up, you stand to benefit from that, even if your goal is just to have a nice place to live.
9. There is a lot to choose from. There are some 4 million homes available today, about a year’s supply. Now’s the time to find something you like and get it.
10. Sooner or later the market will clear. The U.S. is expected to grow by another 100 million people in 40 years. They have to live somewhere. Demand will eventually outpace supply.
Source: Realtor.com
8. It’s forced savings. A part of your payment each month goes to equity.
6. It offers some inflation protection. Historically, appreciation over time outpaces inflation.
Rent vs. Buy
From the desk of
Kurt Drexler, Retail Sales Manager
Bank of America Home Loans
Both buying and renting can have their advantages. The better choice for you depends on your circumstances. Here are some of the things to keep in mind when you weigh the benefits of renting against the benefits of buying, both from a financial and a personal perspective.
Would I need to make changes in my budget to buy a home?
Would it mean stretching to my financial limits?
Would buying allow me to maintain my other savings goals and stay prepared for costly home emergencies such as a new roof or heating/cooling system?
Renting may provide you with more leftover cash each month, if your rent is less than a mortgage payment. Renters are often subjected to rent increases over time. And renters call the landlord when the faucet leaks. Homeowners call a plumber-and pay the bill.
Buying a home may provide you with income tax benefits (though it’s important to check with your tax advisor to see how buying would impact your personal situation). Buying a home also offers you the chance to increase your personal wealth as you pay off the principal on your loan over time and build what is known as equity. Equity is the difference between the market value of the home and the outstanding balance of the mortgage loan(s) on the home. Of course, home values can rise or fall over time, so building equity is not guaranteed. And there are significant upfront costs associated with buying, including the down payment. Down payments often range between 5% and 20% of the sales price depending on many factors, including your loan, your lender, your credit history, and closing costs. They may include attorneys’ fees, as well as fees for preparing and filing a mortgage, and for taxes, title search, and insurance. They include the expenses incurred in obtaining the loan and in transferring the ownership of any collateral property from the seller to the buyer. Generally, closing costs range from 2% to 6% of the mortgage amount.
Personal preferences
Buying a home is a financial commitment that requires you to plan ahead, reflecting on where your life is headed and what you want to accomplish along the way. Ask yourself:
What additional financial goals would I like to accomplish as I make payments on a home loan?
What’s more important to me: the opportunity to build equity over time or to perhaps have more cash available now?
Renting usually makes it easier to relocate (to pursue a job opportunity, for example). And if your rent is less than a mortgage payment, renting could allow you to contribute more toward specific savings goals, such as retirement, college, future travel, investments or even putting away money for a down payment for a home in the future.
Buying a home could make sense for you if you want to put your monthly living costs toward something you could eventually pay off and own outright. In addition, it also makes sense if you plan to stay in the area and prefer to feel settled in a home that reflects your personal tastes.
Together we can find out if buying a home makes sense for you financially. Call me at (845) 765-7072 or visit my website.
Financial considerations
Knowing where homeownership fits into your larger financial plan is important. Ask yourself:
UPCOMING EVENTS
HOMEBUYER WORKSHOP
Thursday, October 21
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
973 Route 22, Brewster
(across from Argonne Rd)
Join us for an enlightening and informative “It’s Great To Be Home” Homebuyer Workshop, in cooperation with our trusted lending partner, Bank of America Home Loans. You’ll get insight on the end-to-end home buying process from a dedicated mortgage loan professional.
Century 21 V.J.F. Realty Office
973 Route 22
Brewster, NY 10509 Driving Directions
When:
Thursday, September 23, 2010 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM EDT Add to my calendar
sponsored by our preferred lender, Bank of America Home Loans and hosted by Century 21 V.J.F. Realty. You’ll get insight on the end-to-end home buying process from a dedicated mortgage professional.
Feel free to bring additional guests. Refreshments will be provided.
There is no obligation to speak to a Realtor during your visit.
To register, click on the link below.
“It’s Great to be Home”
Homebuyer Workshop
You’re invited!
Please join us for an enlightening and informative
Come to view this beautifully, updated condo in Blackberry Village in Brewster NY from 1 to 3pm tomorrow – Wednesday, July 7th while enjoying Paninis from Aversanos!
On Sunday, I showed many homes through-out Danbury, CT with 2 wonderful clients.
We started out late morning – meeting at the office in Brewster, NY - Century 21 VJF Realty. It was still chilly – then the day began to warm up with sunny, blue skies…
Here is a Public View list of the homes we visited today…
A total of 10 homes that we viewed – with the exception of one that was only viewed from the exterior due to a lose pup in the house! Price ranges were form $339,900 to $450,000
It’s Friday – after working a bit, cleaning and spending some time with my mom – it was time to get ready for our Holiday office party at Century 21 VJF Realty. When I arrived, I was starving…
and stuffed by the time I left!
Afterwards, back home – to work and then a trip to Shaws.
After finding a Real Estate office your comfortable with, now you can search for a Realtor - one that suits the needs of their clients, being available evenings, weekends and holidays – a full time agent. Maybe you prefer someone who has experience, is full of knowledge, energetic, is up on all that is going on in TODAY’S market - including foreclosures, short sales and the explosion of networking with Facebook, Twitter, Active Rain, has a website and/or a Blog! If not, then at least consider an agent that has a computer at home so they have access to getting info at all times – and – a cell phone!
As a Realtor, I have come across agents that DO NOT HAVE ACELL PHONE – or don’t give out their cell phone number – or turn off their phones at 6pm – ?? Others that leave their laptop in the office, therefore not having access to the Multiple Listing Service until they’re back in the office – Mmmm?? In my book, these agents are part timers – not full time agents. I’m sure they have their reasons, and my guess is it works for them and they’re OK with it. But, if your not, make sure sure you ask questions BEFORE you set up an appointment to meet and go out with a Realtor. Ask why they got into Real Estate – because they love looking at houses and they can make their own hours – or – because they are passionate about selling homes, they eat, sleep and dream of Real Estate! Ask if they would be available when it’s convenient for YOU – what time can you call them until – what areas do they show and sell in. Also, while getting to know them, see if they seem honest, have a sense of humor, patience and are they LISTENING to you and what YOU need - you’ll appreciate all of these qualities in an agent to get you through the process of buying and/or selling your home which can be one of the most complex and significant financial event in your life!
Being a member of NAR – The National Association of Realtors, makes me a better Realtor. After receiving my licenses in the states of Connecticut – where my family and I reside – and New York – where my office, Century 21 V.J.F. Realty, is located – I took an oathto treat and care for ALL my clients, customers, the public and associate Realtors EQUALLY. This is a mandatory class that all Realtors must take – it is where we learn the Code of Ethics – a Pledge of Performance and Service that we must abide by.
The National Association of Realtors adopted the Code of Ethics in 1913, following the professions of medicine, law and engineering. CLICK below to view.
Along with my work ethics, usually always attached to me is my laptop which I take to the office and bring back home to be able to assist at any time…
cell phone- which also enables me to receive and send e-mails from anywhere, take photos and send instantly to clients of potential homes and of course - text…
my ear piece to chat while I’m in the car – since I do spend alot of time in it!
and quite a few other fun items – camera, GPS and Flip video camera and my most favorite – my I-Pod! When I’m driving almost an hour to show just 1 house – I at least have my music!
Guillermo Esteves – Flickr.com
Here is just one of the songs I enjoy listening to…
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!
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
Today is Tuesday – that means I have 2 more days to prepare for Thanksgiving Dinner – Yikes! My guests will be arriving at around 1pm – so it’s actually a late lunch, early dinner by the time we sit down and give “Thanks”.
sth – Flickr.com
My sister has e-mailed a few recipe ideas – wonder why she thinks I need them??
Some are from The Food Network - watch videos and get tons of recipes, hints and ideas for Thanksgiving from Emeril “BAM”, Rachael Ray “EVOO”, Paula Dean“Hi Y’all” – and all the Food Network Stars. Even if it’s to make one dish a little different.
Carl E Lewis – Flickr.com
Can you believe the First Thanksgiving was in 1621?? – read more on History .com
I was very fortunate in getting them ready for school. With having access to many different stores for school supplies and clothes – all within 20 minutes from where I live – New Fairfield, Connecticut – which neighbors Danbury, CT to one side and Brewster, New York to the other side.
Convenience, which is anything that saves time, energy or frustration, is very important – especially with all that is happening around us. Here in New Fairfield, I have convenience.
If I run out of milk – Shaw’s Supermarket is just 4 minutes away – or I go into Brewster to the A & P Supermarket in under 15 minutes – which helps me to take advantage of both stores weekly sales. Need gas? 2 gas stations are also just 4 minutes away from my home. Visiting my daughter in her dorm in Danbury – mostly to pick up her dirty laundry or drop off groceries – is just 15 minutes away, while she pretends to be miles and miles away! My commute to my office – Century 21 V.J.F. Realty in Brewster – is also under 15 minutes away! Convenience, convenience, convenience!
Once again, Century 21 V.J.F. Realty will be holding their FREE HOMEBUYERS SEMINAR! I had written a previous post regarding what this seminar offers.
I highly suggest attending if your interested in purchasing now or in the near future. We will have an Attorney, a Home Inspector, an Environment Specialist and Mortgage Brokers to instantly pre-approve you and/or answer any questions that you may have. Also, you will receive approximately $5,000 in coupons for your home buying process. You will not be disappointed!
It is a pleasure to introduce our Administration Department – our right hand here at Century 21 V.J.F. Realty Inc. – Anne and Diane.
Our Broker, Vincent J. Ficarra, has been in Real Estate since 1973 and our office sits conveniently right off of 684 on Route 22 in Brewster, NY – which is also just minutes from the Connecticut border. We are open for business 7 days a week, and the office is buzzing from the minute Anne and Diane arrive.
Even in this market of change, their responsibilities and work load has not slowed down. Together with our office manager, Linda Ficarra, they work side by side continuously building our web presence and internet exposure for both our buyers and sellers. In an office of over 40 agents, the day never ends, it just pauses for a bit and continues the next morning – full speed ahead!
I am extremely proud to be associated with such a professional and outstanding office who services Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Columbia and parts of Ulster Counties in New York as well as Fairfield and parts of Litchfield Counties in Connecticut.
My very first BLOG post ever thanks to a good and patient friend Diane who has her own BLOGhere.
This is very exciting for me because I am very passionate about my FAMILY, HOME, PETS, NEIGHBORHOOD and my career as a REALTOR with Century 21 V.J.F. Realty - specializing in 2 states and 5 counties:
NEW YORK – Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess Counties ~ and ~
CONNECTICUT – Fairfield and parts of Litchfield Counties
In my BLOG you will find information and events in the neighborhoods I service for both BUYERS and SELLERS – and from time to time posts on anything revolving in and outside a HOME.
Please come back and visit dropping me a comment and a suggestion.
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 wonderfulhusband 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 hardworking – with even stronger ethics on being goodtoeveryone – 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.
"Just don't give up on trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong."
- Ella Fitzgerald
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
Buying a home should be fun, not stressful. As you peek into windows looking for your dream home, keep in mind these tips for making the process as peaceful as possible.1. Find a real estate agent who you connect with.Home buying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It’s critical that the REALTOR® you chose is both highly skilled and a good fit with your personality.2. Remember, there’s no “right” time to buy, just as there’s no perfect time to sell. If you find a home now, don’t try to second-guess interest rates or the housing market by waiting longer – you risk losing out on the home of your dreams. The housing market usually doesn’t change fast enough to make that much difference in price, and a good home won’t stay on the market long.
It’s easyfor first-time homebuyers to become overwhelmed as they begin their home search. Often, buyers get distracted by a newly renovated kitchen or finished basement, and lose sight the big picture when choosing a home. See below for three factors that should be a priority as you navigate the home buying process.
When looking for a property, the price is far from the only prerequisite. Simplify the home buying process with a checklist of necessary criteria that your new property must fulfill. When you focus on what you absolutely need in your home, you save yourself (and your real estate agent) both time and money. Share your list of priorities with your Realtor, so if needed, she can narrow down the search and eliminate any properties that are out of proximity to your work, public transportation, or desired school district.
A lender will examine your debt-to-income ratio to qualify you for a mortgage. Debt-to-income ratio is the percentage of your gross monthly income, before taxes, that is reserved to pay down debt. If you’re serious about buying a home, avoid these common mistakes that will compromise the amount of your approved loan:No new debt!Delay large purchases. This includes jewelry, vacations, appliances and especially vehicles. Hold off on buying a new vehicle, as a sizable monthly car payment can push the debt-to-income percentage over what lenders feel is a safe limit, and you may be denied the loan or have to settle for a smaller loan.Do not co-sign on a loanfor anyone else. Although you will not be making the payment, the lender still views this as your debt.Don’t move money around. A lender will require you to supply bank statements for all your accounts during recent months. Any large deposits or withdrawals will be red flags to the lender, and may slow or inhibit the escrow. Changing banks is also unadvisable. Remember, the simpler your finances are, the better.
UNBELIEVABLE borrowing benefit.
This is our 3rd year of providing you with real estate news and we want to thank you for reading and being such loyal supporters. 
to be eligible for the best interest rates Credit score requirements for loans are higher than they have been in the past, so a good credit score is more crucial than ever. In today’s economy most lenders are looking for credit scores of 720 or higher to secure the best mortgage rates.Here are seven ways to build up your credit score so you can enjoy the best interest rates available.
time and moneysupporting the schools, community organizations and commercial centers in the surrounding areas. Before you make the final decision, take a good look at the location and make sure it fits your needs.
ssue #1 
The first thing most of us think about when the time comes to take out a mortgage on a new home is the interest rate. That’s both perfectly natural and very sensible. The rate of interest we pay can make an immense difference - amounting to tens of thousands of dollars – in what the actual cost of our house ultimately turns out to be.
TIME Magazine is being overly pessimistic in its recent cover piece that called into question the benefits of homeownership. In fact, now is a great time to buy. And, what’s more, tomorrow will be a great time to own, because the fundamental strength of homeownership hasn’t changed.
Guillermo Esteves – Flickr.com
laserguided- Flickr.com
Brewster, NY – Milltown Road
sth – Flickr.com
Carl E Lewis – Flickr.com
Summer is over – and the kids are all back to school! I’ve gotten my 2 oldest off to Western Connecticut State University, 2 into New Fairfield High School and my youngest into New Fairfield Middle School – Whew! 
Once again, Century 21 V.J.F. Realty will be holding their FREE HOMEBUYERS SEMINAR! I had written a previous post regarding what this seminar offers.
WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR?
It is a pleasure to introduce our Administration Department – our right hand here at Century 21 V.J.F. Realty Inc. – Anne and Diane.
My very first BLOG post ever thanks to a good and patient friend Diane who has her own BLOG here. 
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!
