South Windsor, CT

Pretty funny, it took me hours to make the widget for my new Business Referral Directory. Once I figured it out, and tested it, it seemed to be a perfect way to get folks to my Business Referral Directory. It could not be approved by the widget folks, because it is an entire website. Oops! They will allow me to use it on my own. I posted it here on the rain, on my Google blogpress and on my Wordpress blog. Charity Lane sent me an email last week, that my widget was popping up and taking over my blog. What to do! I tried to adjust it. I made another new one. No, it still became too powerful for my blogs. Has anyone else had a similar technical glitch? I removed it from my active rain blog. It is still posted on my others. I really would like it to be a click and go visual tool. I just don't know how to have it accessible, without blocking out the blog information and posts. Help! Please let me know if there is a trick to having this type of information on the blogs.

It's a Good Life!

The weather is perfect for your outdoor projects. Time to think about starting a vegetable garden or to start planting some of the hardier annuals. I don't know about yours, but, my shrubs are full of new growth already. They need to be trimmed back. Keeping them clear of your house is wise. They tend to grow into the siding or block sunlight from the windows if they get too overgrown. You will need to get new mulch for the beds and walkways.

If you like to do this yard work, now is the time. If you choose to hire someone, call today. Birch Mountain Earthworks now offers delivery or you may pick it up at their location on Rt 5 in South Windsor. They have great choices of different varieties of mulch or stone. One good tip, if you have a playscape for your little ones, they now carry the newer synthetic mulch for play areas. You can stop by or call to order what you may need. This year, they have started to rent out small machinery, bobcats, etc. Now, if you have those big, ugly bushes, or have a yard project in mind, you can take care of it, yourself! Sure makes life easier!

I love to plant new annuals here and there, around our property. The colors are so lovely to look at from every window. It brings more life to your yard. I like to border our wooded areas with mulch. The different colors offer us a nicer depth, a park like look to the yard. Time to get out the bird bath and fill it up. Though, our new lab, Jack, may object to the birds in his space. For now, he just watches and listens to them. Enjoy your week, more tips to follow!

It's a Good Life!

Oh, By the Way...if you know of someone who could use my good services, please provide me with their contact information. I will be happy to take good care of them for you! I am never too busy for your referrals!

In Connecticut, we have been blessed with another beautiful morning! Sky is clear and blue. I know it won't last, rain is on its way. I will try to get out and deliver some of my popbys early in the day. It's the perfect scenario. Just popping by to say hello and then, to leave my small gift of appreciation for you. If you are not at home, I will leave your small popby gift, with a note from me and I will call you later. This will work out well for my stats with my Coach, Dave McGhee.

Pretty funny, because when I do this exercise, of popping by, I usually end up talking with my clients neighbors. Often, they are out in the yard talking to their neighbors when I drive up. Last week, two more families joined my Perk Club, and will now receive my CAP item monthly. It still amazes me, it is so easy. No open houses, no cold calling or cold door knocking, just stopping by with my popby to say hello.

Hope you enjoy this beautiful day!

It's a Good Life!

Fran

I have seen this now, twice in the last few weeks. Honestly, it has never come up before, in my 22 years as a Realtor. The bank that my client went to for his loan just before Christmas, had not called him or me about his pre-approval. I thought this was odd, so, I called. The mortgage officer was away, so, I would assume someone would call on her behalf, to give us an update on the file. I called and called. Left many messages. Finally, I call and get directed to the processor. She said she was unable to give me any information because I was not listed as an allowable contact on the file. Hmm! This was news to me, I gave them the client.

Next client, same thing, but, much easier. Client asked me to call the processor for him so that they would have an idea of taxes that might be added to his payment. I called. Very lovely and professional woman, informed me of the Privacy of Information Act, and her duty of keeping the consumer's financial information private. Okay, what to do. Easy, she explains to me. Have them sign a form giving permission for them to inform me of its status and details, if I needed them. Clients signed the form, we are all set.

Now I realize that the bankers that I have used for years, are truly paying attention. These forms were always signed by my clients and included in the file, when they signed their application. This gives me a renewed appreciation for the mortgage officers that I have worked with previously.

It's a Good Life!

Fran