Mandy Beckett; e-Pro,SFR

Hot Dog Cool Cat Contest is raising funds for the "Sunshine Kids Foundation", a non-profit organization dedicated to children with cancer. Established in 1982, the SSK Foundation is commited to providing positive group activities and emotional support for young cancer patients. The Sunshine Kids provides a variety of programs and events, free of charge, for kids who are receiving cancer treatment in hospitals across North America!

Prudential Real Estate Affiliates adopted The Sunshine Kids Foundation as their network charity in 1991. Prudential Connecticut Realty adopted the Sunshine Kids Foundation as a company charity in 2002. Since then, we have raised more the $700,000.00 through charity events and donations.

Contest Information: Hot Dog Cool Cat will be judged based upon cuteness factor, cleverness & originality! Judges will narrow down the entries to the top 3 dogs and top 3 cats.

Rules & Dates:

Contest Rules

1. All entries must be submitted by May 25, 2009.
2. Each entry will be $25.00 with checks being made to: Sunshine Kids c/o Mandy Beckett, Prudential Connecticut Realty, 33 Church Hill Road; Newtown, Connecticut 06470.
3. Please include your contact information and your pet's name.
4. You can submit as many dog or cat photos as you wish, but each entry must be accompanied by a $25.00 entry fee.
5. Entries can be submitted as a photo(with your contact information on the back) by mailing to: Prudential Connecticut Realty; 33 Church Hill Road; Newtown, Connecticut 06470, or e-mailed in jpeg format to mandybeckett@prudentialct.com. The $25.00 entry fee can be mailed or dropped off at the same location.

All photos become the property of Prudential Connecticut Realty and can be reprinted without permission. The winning dog or cat will be awarded a 2 panel Warhol style photo, on a 22" x 13" stretched canvas. Value is over $200.00!

The dog or cat finalists will be posted on http://www.hotdogcoolcatcontest.blogspot.com/ by May 29, 2009 for voting through June 29, 2009. All entry fees will go to the Sunshine Kids.

Important Dates

• May 25, 2009 - Deadline for submitting photos.
• May 29, 2009 - thru - June 29, 2009 - Voting on the finalists at http://www.hotdogcoolcatcontest.blogspot.com/
• June 30, 2009 - Winning Dog or Cat will be announced

"DUKE" ARTEMENKO

Winner of our 2007 Hot Dog Cool Cat Contest~~

For additional information, please E-mail me

There are many ways to drive traffic to your open houses. Open houses continue to be the best way to market yourself. They take preparation, care during the open houses and follow up work. If you don't have a listing, adopt one and host an open house

ARE YOU RUNNING OUT OF IDEAS FOR YOUR OPEN HOUSE?

Here are some things to consider for open houses and additional exposure for your listings.

• Mailing announcements to the neighborhood and SOI.

• Call the neighbors to let them know about the open house. Offer holding a "special neighbor preview" for 1/2 hour before the public open house. We have tried this in many offices and the outcome has been an increase in traffic and neighbor participation. It's a great opportunity to show your stuff from a listing perspective.

• Call all of your past open house visitors to let them know. Are you keeping them apprised on an on-going basis of open houses and successes (new listings, reductions and closings)? Contact SOI: calls and/emails promoting it. Coordinate with other agents in your office that are having open houses the same day. Have each others listing information along with a map.
• Over sign with 10 plus signs coming in from every direction.
• Email the "Virtual Tour" to your SOI and other brokers announcing the open house.
• Place the open house on your local Multiply Listing Service.
• Make sure it's placed on your website .
• Advertise on craigslist.org for free.
• Place it on activerain.com, facebook.com, trulia.com, and linkedin.com.
• Drop off open house flyers to the neighborhood that would be a "move up" area, condo complexes, stores, eateries.
• Place it on your voice-mail/cell phone greeting. "Join me at my open house this weekend..."
• Add the open house link to your email signature.
• Include the open house information on the Virtual Tour
• Talk about open houses that weekend with any floor call-ins.
• Have a sign that says "Open on Sunday" that you can place on your for sale sign.

These are all fantastic idea's to bring more buyers to your open house !!! If you would like to discuss these suggustions just e-mail me

On December 7th a local resident of Newtown, Connecticut opened up her home to all family & friends to auction off gift baskets as local business owners display their products to donate a percentage of their profit to Canine Advocate of Newtown, Connecticut! From Mary Kay Representative, Silpada Design Jeweler, Local Photographer! Many generous local merchants donated gift cards; Newtown Nails, Sandy Hook Wine & Liquor, One hour - Personal Trainer, Make-up & Complimentary Application, a New Beginning Salon & Day Spa, Petco and much more! Gift baskets were created by various neighbors and friends including a "Chocolate Deluxe creation" prepared by Mandy Beckett with Prudential Connecticut Realty. They raise over $1,000.00 for our furry friends!

Are you looking to adopt a pet?

If you like to make a contribution just click! Or if you would like additional information to adopt a "furry friend" please visit my web site at www.mandybeckett.prudentialct.com

The 10 Commandments for a Responsible Owner

My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be very painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

Please your trust in me ~ it is crucial for my well-being. Do not be angry with me for long and do not lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment. I have only you!

Talk to me. Even if I do not understand your words, I understand your voice when you are speaking to me.

Beware that however you treat me, I will never forget it!

Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I am not getting the right food, I have been out in the sun too long, or my heart may be getting old and weak. Take care of me when I get old, you too, will grow old!

Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say "I can not bear to watch it" or "Let it happen in my absence." Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember . . . I Love You!

Did you know our Fairfield Hills Campus just opened our newest facility, Newtown Youth Academy in Newtown, Connecticut. What does this mean for you? Whether you have a family or an individual who enjoys a little recreation this facility offers an 86,000 square foot multi-use building which comprises of 2 wings: a Field House and an Indoor Turf, both of which can be used year-round, as well as an 8,000 square foot fully equipped Fitness Center!

The Field House- includes 3 multi-sport courts, surrounded by a 4-lane 1/10 mile track. The regulation-size sport courts can accommodate high school basketball games, yet are easily converted to tennis or volleyball courts.

The Indoor Turf- has a synthetic, state of the art surface that allows it to be used for soccer, lacrosse, football, baseball and more.

The Fitness Center- features Cyb-ex strength equipment, Espresso virtual reality bikes, cardio equipment with personal entertainment monitors and free weights. Training programs are available for sports teams as well as for individual athletes. The Fitness Centers offers a wide array of classes and a variety of membership packages.

The Newtown Youth Academy complex is "GREEN" with a LEED certification.

They also offer a "Kids Sports Academy" program from ages 18 months to 5 years old.

Designed as a destination for families and athletes of all ages, the Newtown Youth Academy complex features babysitter service , meeting rooms, a wireless Internet connection, outdoor patio and a food court. NYA is northern Fairfield County's place to be!

If you are new to the area and are interested in a complimentary tour, just E-mail me to set up an appointment or visit My Web for additional information on the town!

Are you looking to buy or sell in Northern Fairfield County Connecticut? If you are, I am a skilled Realtor that was born and raised in the Danbury/Newtown area who has the "inside scoop" you need to have for a positive real estate experience

By sharing my knowledge with you, you will have all the local entertainment, sporting activities and social events that will help enhance your living experience.

Having been a resident of Newtown for over 12 years and raising my family here, I know the importance of great education and am familiar with the local schools. It is important to work with someone who knows the system and who can go beyond the house finding process.

Do you like to bargain hunt? I can tell you where you to go. Do you like to go antiquing? I know the places to go. Do you like to go boating? I will provide you many locations. Do you have a dog? I know where to go to walk him/her. Do you like Italian food? I know just the place to go.

Are you a first time homebuyer? My nurturing abilities will be a benefit for you because I will gently guide you through the home buying process. My great organizational skills will keep you stay on track and I will communicate with you in every step of the way!

Are you looking for "inside scoop"? Email me.