My Life as a Realtor – Day 139
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 139:
How wonderful it was to enjoy coffee with my Ma this morning. This is the great part about her arrival – knowing that we will enjoy time together for a few months. The sad part is when her departure date starts to approach – but I’m not going there now! Today, Joe was also home from work – things are slow and I pray it won’t be for long. But we had a nice lunch and great dinner together.
With work, I had a webinar regarding the Extended and Expanded Tax Credit. It’s a great time to buy! I also spoke with a past client about putting her dad’s home on the market after the Holidays. A quiet day, but still managed to make it to bed well after midnight!
Ok – we are what?? 16 days away from Christmas Day!! – and I have only put a dent in my holiday shopping. My plan for the next few days, is to get our tree and decorate it and to get some shopping done. I still haven’t made my way to the Danbury Fair Mall to view all their decorations. Here are 2 photos from last year…
My Life as a Realtor – Day 111
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 111:
Happy Veteran’s Day! and Happy Birthday Jonathan – my youngest turns 14 today!!
All the kids are home today – left them enjoying Jonathan’s gift – a new X-Box 360 - while I flew to the office – Century 21 VJF Realty – did some needed paperwork – then headed out to meet with my clients – First Time Home Buyers purchasing a home in Brewster, NY. Today was their inspection day!
All went well – Dennis with Mr. Inside Out – thoroughly inspected the home, even getting up on the roof – which some inspectors will not do – and discussing helpful tips on living with a home that has a well and septic system.
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Then I was off to the races! Picked up Melissa at the Danbury Fair Mall – she worked until 2pm and her car is still being repaired! Then stopped at the A & P in Danbury, CT .
Then home to make dinner – since it’s Jonathan’s Birthday, he got to choose – it was Meatballs and spaghetti. Afterwards, we had Ice Cream Cake and wished Jonathan a wonderful year!
My Life as a Realtor – Day 45
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 45:
Interesting day today. Things are thankfully moving along with my clients offer on a Foreclosure. Met with my other client to get his signature for a price reduction. A beautiful home – with water views of Ball Pond in New Fairfield – the listing price is now…. CLICK here to find out!
Then off to Brewster to the office – and a trip to A & P , the HSBC Bank and Rite Aid and to gas up.
While I was in A & P - a client – who I assisted in purchasing her home in Patterson – called to have me send her a listing for a friend. It was very nice to hear from her again. I always like when clients call or e-mail from time to time with an update on how things are going in their new home – always a pleasure.
A peek of my clients home before their purchase
When I arrived home, that’s when all the fun began…. Asthma kicked in full force and since it’s been acting up alot lately, I called my Doctor – too late, her office was closed – so off to Danbury Hospital – Melissa drove and I thought it would be to get a simple injection of steroids. Well, the joke was on me – when hearing that my chest felt as though someone was sitting on it – they whisked me off into a room in the ER – gave me a gown - a gown I thought! I just want an injection – but that wasn’t happening – an EKG, Blood Work and a Chest X-Ray later – I was finally given my shot and discharged – Whew! Although, I must admit that it was better to be safe, and now I have peace of mind knowing my heart and lungs are fine – no issues. Also, Melissa and I had a few laughs when one of the nurses came in with a tray a food. I really thought I wasn’t going home any time soon!
My Turkey Sandwich, Crackers an Apple Juice
After being well taken care by ALL of the Danbury Hospital Staff – Melissa drove me home. Poor thing still had to go into work at around 9:30 til after midnight to help straighten up and get the store ready for tomorrow - Hollister at the Danbury Fair Mall. I ate some dinner, then went to my clients home to change the listing price on the sheets that are placed in a brochure box near the For Sale sign outside for any interested pass-byers. I couldn’t wait until tomorrow – so off Amanda and I went at 10:15 in the evening – it would have bothered me that I did’nt go.
My Life as a Realtor – Day 40
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 40:
Today – Melissa, David and Jonathan – came with me to the Danbury Fair Mall in Danbury. We needed to pick up Amanda’s contacts and order Melissa’s contacts from Cohen Optical…
Then we went to the Sprint store to purchase David a new cell phone – the Blackberry Curve. Then we grabbed a bite to eat – Chinese Buffet…
and then off to my sister’s home in New Fairfield. We went to see her new master bath – which is coming out BEAUTIFUL!! The white tile, nickel brushed faucets and accents, deep rich colored cabinetry and painted red walls – striking! Now I really want to renovate my master bath – but I can’t seem to get started on painting my kitchen cabinets.
Back home – and back to work.
My Life as a Realtor – Day 3
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 3:
Yeah, it’s Friday! Even though I’m a Realtor, and do not have a 9 to 5, Monday thru Friday job, I still love my Friday’s. It’s an easy dinner/movie night – and when school is in session – no lunches to be made and no homework!
We’re babysitting my in-laws dog, Fo-Fo – who LOVES waking us all up VERY EARLY EVERY MORNING (I am talking through my teeth) And when I say wakes us ALL up – I mean – me, the kids, our 2 dogs and even the birds start half sleepily tweeting – Ugh! So, today was not such a happy Friday morning.
Cohen Fashion Optical – Danbury Fair Mall – Danbury, CT
3 of my kids had an appointment for eye exams over at Cohen Fashion Optical in the Danbury Fair Mall in Danbury, CT.
Cleda – Cohen Fashion Optical
Cleda took very good care of us – even though we were very, VERY late!
Melissa & Sara – Choosing Frames
My youngest, Jonathan, is the only one in the family – of all 7 of us – to not have to wear contacts and/or glasses… for now. He went in first, then sat patiently with me while I worked. I always bring something for me to do – I never, ever waste time!
Leslie – Cohen Fashion Optical
Leslie took care of me during the most difficult part… paying! She did this with a smile while graciouly greeting customers. I look forward to going again for my other 2 kids and my eye exam.
Cohen Fashion Optical ~ Danbury Fair Mall ~ 7 Backus Ave ~ Danbury, CT 06810 ~ P. 203-790-1341 Monday thru Saturday: 10am to 9:30 pm ~ Sunday: 11am to 7pm
Some of my groceries
Afterwards, I dropped off the kids – went to the office for a few hours – went to Shaw’s for some groceries and came home to dinner…. made…. by my son… David… he is the best!
OK, it’s still an early night – only 11:40pm – so, back to work – Bedtime will be sometime after 1am – where I will get some much needed Zzzzz’s - until Fo-Fo wakes me again.
Buying a Home in New Fairfield, CT
If your looking to buy a home in New Fairfield, CT – WONDERFUL! My family and I moved here from Harrison, NY about 4-1/2 years ago and we LOVE it!
Ball Pond – Scenery during my daily commute
New Fairfield borders Brewster, NY - making an easy commute to work for both myself to Century 21 V.J.F. Realty which is located right in Brewster – and my husband who commutes via I-684 to NYC.
Candlewood Lake
Why New Fairfield, CT?
- Accessibility to I-84 and I-684 – since we do have to work!
- Great Schools – moved here with 5 kids and schools were very important to me. Don’t have school age kids? Please keep in mind that purchasing a home which a good school system is great for resale purposes!
- Low Taxes – we have a comfortably spacious home on 2.1 acres – and pay less taxes than some homes that are 1/4 the size in my neighboring towns of NY.
- Lot’s of choices for shopping in neighboring Danbury, CT including the Danbury Fair Mall - With a large family, I spend lots of $$ in groceries, clothing and other necessities – having choices and paying low taxes on items that are taxable is great!
- Candlewood Lake – BEAUTIFUL!!! 60 + miles of shoreline – motorboats are allowed and if you don’t own one, no problem since you can always rent one!
- Fresh air and scenic views – You can go hiking in Pootatuck State Forest or visit the state park of Squantz Pond - or just open your window and BREATHE!
- Great for a first time home buyer and/or luxury buyer – There are 2 bedroom homes in the $200,000 price range, perfect for a first time home buyer – or large homes, some in private Candlewood Lake communities, for up to a few mil for the luxury buyer.
- Lots of Wildlife - all I have to do is sit on my deck which faces the woods in my back yard. There we will see families of deer, foxes, wild turkeys, coyotes – and many have seen bobcat and bear - these last 2, I honestly hope to NEVER see!
Birds in my side yard
In the center of town you’ll find everything from Shaw’s Supermarket or for fresh meats and an awesome Deli, there is the New Fairfield Food Market. For a bite to eat there is Bruno’s Pizza, Biscotti’s, Portofino’s the local diner, Chinese take out and other eateries. There is also Gas stations and repair shops, Physicians and Dentists, Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts, Hair and Nail salons, our local Hardware store, Banks, Dry Cleaners, Video store – and of course our New Fairfield Post Office, Town Hall and Library. A small town life with all life’s necessities!
I plan on living here until I’m old and gray… sadly, both have already started!
Stream after a rain storm in my Backyard
Squantz Pond – State Park in New Fairfield, CT
WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR?
The Economy, Unemployment, Car Industry, Housing Market … We Need Some Inspiration!
In one way or another, it seems we are all in a struggle these days. The economy and inflation of pricing for gas and oil that we paid – and some are still paying if these expenses were put on credit. With the increased cost of groceries, airline tickets, fresh flowers, dinner out, getting your lawn cut, a carwash, a haircut, … - it seemed that just about everything was increased!
During these past Holidays, many stores were offering discounted prices and incentives to bring people out to shop. But as I was out and about, the stores and malls seems like any normal weekend – I could find a parking space without having to circle the lot 7 times! I didn’t have to wait on a line for 45 minutes to pay for 1 gift! This should have made me happy, but it saddened me because of the reason why it wasn’t crazy and crowded. People just didn’t have the money or were afraid to spend.
To keep sane, healthy and to remember that this too shall pass, I found a great site with some inspiration. To read some ideas - “Looking for Inspiration” by: Cheryl Richardson <CLICK>.
Some of my favorite from this list are :
- I pray. When struggling with anger, frustration, uncertainty, etc., “giving it to God” gets me through those feelings and inspires me to know that He is there with me and will guide and get me through.
- Watching “The Pursuit of Happyness”. This movie reminded me of the determination factor in the pursuit of a goal or dream. You have to keep working toward that goal, even when it’s difficult.
- I love to read books that keep me in the mind set of doing my best to be a better person.
- I find inspiration in gratitude. Every day I find at least 5 new things to be grateful for. Things as simple as running water, the cement on my garage floor, the paint on the walls of my house, the way light shines on a tree, today the frost on a picnic table like a million sparkling diamonds. When you think of how little others have in the world, we live in paradise. It energizes me to a happiness that gives me the power to do more, give more happiness, and make a difference in this world.
- Watching a sunset.
Hamed Masoumi – Flickr.com
Cheryl has been on Oprah <CLICK> - Good Morning America <CLICK> - Recent Good Morning America <CLICK>
So, eat well, exercises, listen to music, watch a sad movie and have a good cry if needed, think of and be grateful for all you have, know that you are fortunate and things WILL get better with a positive attitude and determination, and… don’t forget to BREATHE!
Danbury Fair Mall enhanced through PicNik.com
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>.
Fieldstone Pond – Brewster, NY
Fieldstone Pond, in Brewster - NY, is a 396 unit development. There are single and multi-level townhomes in this beautifully landscaped and private complex – conveniently located to I-684, I-84, the train and shopping in and around Brewster or at The Danbury Fair Mall in Connecticut.
Jogging, or just strolling around the pond is peaceful. Or take a swim in the pool, have a game of tennis or basketball or watch the kids enjoy themselves in the playground. Having a party? – You can rent out the Club House!
A great place to call home!
Currently, there are many available units. Please feel free to contact me for more information.
Diana Cell: 203-648-2619 ~ E-Mail: Diana.Santos@Century21.com
WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR?
Reed Farm – Brewster, NY
In the past few days, I have been showing town homes in the Reed Farm complex in Brewster, NY. Spring is always very scenic and peaceful here – and always a pleasure to show.
Reed Farm is a 258 unit complex with a clubhouse, pool, tennis courts and basketball courts – and lots of open space for walking! It is located within minutes to the Croton Falls and Brewster train stations, I-684 and I-84 and the Danbury Fair Mall in Connecticut.
Currently, there are 5 units available for sale – ranging from a 1 bedroom for $339,900 – or – a 2 bedroom in the low to high $300,000 price range – or – a 2 bedroom. 3 bath, 3 level end unit with a garage for $425,000.
Please feel free to contact me for more info! Diana Cell: 203-648-2619 ~ E-Mail: Diana.Santos@Century21.com
WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR?
Debbie’s LUMINESS Hair Salon in Patterson, NY
This past Saturday, I attended my cousin’s wedding - Yikes! As the days approached, I began to worry about how to do my hair? – did I pick out the right dress? – are my shoes going to kill me by the end of the night?!
Living in New Fairfield, CT makes shopping a breeze! I found my dress at the Danbury Fair Mall in Macy’s. There also is Lord and Taylors, JC Penney, Sears and 2 levels of shops galore – and now with the completion of the malls renovation, there’s a place to relax in between shopping.
My shoes, purse and accessories were purchased in different stores through out Newtown Road and Federal Road in Danbury which has every shop for everyone. To name a few – there’s Marshall’s, Best Buy, Walmart, Target, HomeGoods, Staples, TJ Maxx, Kohl’s, Stew Leonards, Pet Co, Bob’s Furniture, Home Depot, Lowes and much, much more – all with Connecticut’s low sales tax!!
Although, for our hair - my mother, sister and I – chose to go to Debbie’s LUMINESS Hair Salon in Patterson, NY – just 5 minutes from home. Debbie and her assistant dolled us up without feeling rushed and we enjoyed good conversation and some quality time between mom and daughters.
For appointments call: 845-279-4500
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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Keep Your Home Sale from Falling Apart
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