Patricia "Pattie " Romano Your HomeTown Realtor 609 312-9043

With the massive numbers of New Jersey military personnel being deployed, American Recreational Military Services (ARMS) would like to make their "Little Soldiers" who are left behind smile for the holidays. It is hard enough for them to understand that their parents are away, let alone the thought of spending the holidays without them. Each deployed unit, or battalion, has supplied a wish list for each child. Right now Project Little Soldier has over 8,000 request.

Some of the Wish List items include:
Gift Cards (Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Toys R Us, Sports Stores)
Footballs, Soccer balls
Cars, trucks, trains
Baby dolls, Barbie dolls
Arts & Crafts Sets
Children's DVD's
Electronic toys
Bikes, Scooters
Children's hats. Gloves, clothes

If you or your group can help please contact American Recreational Military Services (ARMS) at 732-890-4914. All checks can be made out to A.R.M.S., and sent to their office ARMS 64 Harding Road, Red Bank, New Jersey 07701.

Ocean's Harbor House, the charity dedicated to helping homeless and abused children in Ocean and Monmouth counties, is looking to the community to help make a child smile this holiday season. Every year the charity helps over 8,000 children in our area, providing them with food, shelter, and counseling services. Harbor House needs your help this season to give them an enjoyable holiday with gift donations for both the children (new clothing, holiday presents, gift cards, etc.) and the shelters (toiletries, kitchen items, appliances, etc.). For more detailed list of gifts, call (732) 929-9096 or click oceansharborhouse.org.

Learn firsthand about another culture without leaving the United States and establish a friendship that will last a lifetime. Many local high schools are still open to enrollment and encourage families to get involved. Pacific Intercultural Exchange has international students from more than 40 countries arriving into the area for homestay programs. If you think you may be interested in hosting a foreign teen -- or would like more information about the program -- please call P.I.E. at 1-800-828-9001 or click pieusa.org

Adopt-A-Unit - The American Red Cross' Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) program supports activities of the military that affect the health, welfare and morale of service members and their families. Through one of these services, the Central New Jersey Red Cross Chapter sends "Comforts of Home" packages to military units serving overseas. These packages include basic comfort items such as pocket-sized hand sanitizers, puzzle books, wet wipes and telephone calling cards. Red Cross volunteers also include letters and cards of encouragement written by local groups, Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, and schoolchildren. In June, more than 3,000 military members from New Jersey were deployed overseas, joining hundreds from New Jersey already serving. The American Red Cross of Central New Jersey hopes to continue and expand sending these packages and is asking the community to help support the effort by joining the Adopt A Unit campaign. To get involved, contact the American Red Cross of Central New Jersey at 609-951-8550 to register your group and find out what specific items are needed for collection and additional details about how your group can help. Visit njredcross.org for more detail on the Adopt A Unit campaign.

The American Red Cross Jersey Coast Chapter has issued a blood supply alert for New Jersey putting them at risk of not being able to provide enough blood of certain types needed to support patient needs. All blood types are needed but there there is a critical need for Type O. Call 1(800)GIVE-LIFE or click pleasegiveblood.org to schedule a blood donation.

Ocean County Links Ocean County Office of Senior Services NJ Official Site Municipalities Directory New Jersey Facts and Symbol NJ Homeland Security NJ Department Of Education NJ Dept Of Labor NJ Dept. Of Human Services NJ Dept. Of Transportation NJ Div. Of Highway Traffic Safety NJ Div. Of Taxation NJ Dept. Of Parks and Forestry NJ Governor's Office NJ Lottery

Patricia " PATTIE" Romano
REALTOR® Associate
RE/MAX At Barnegat Bay
31 North Main Street ( RT 9 )
Manahawkin,NJ 08050
www.soldbypattie.com
609-978-4046
Direct cell-609-312-9043
eve: 609-978-5985 - till midnight
Toll free-(888) 860-9177

From My family to yours. I want to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving-

No matter what the future holds in our Lives.. We all do have something to be Thankful for.

Good Health... Good Friends.... Love & Family

But there are so many out there out there that do need our help- Please be sure to remember the ones that do not have food on the table or warm shelter. Lets not just give once a year. There are so many families out there that need us. Please make sure you find your local food bank and drop a small bag of food. I always add in a coloring book and crayons. to Bring a little light into a childs heart, mind & soul.

lets do our part for those who are not able to.

The ocean County Food Drive is not just once a year. It's 365 Days a year..-

http://www.uwocnj.org/

People we help can receive help once a month (up to 12 times a year). Target population includes homeless individuals and families ineligible for Ocean County emergency assistance, and those who are ineligible to receive TANF, GA, and SSI. We feed over 2,000 people each month and 50% of them are children.

People who help us include community groups like the Boy Scouts, other youth groups, Postal Services and senior citizen groups in conducting food drives for Ocean County. Our pantries and other churches also donate food from food drives to our network.

Hunger Awareness in the community is important in that many people are unaware of poverty and hunger in our county and how it is manifested throughout our community. We also work with the schools in Ocean County to help raise kids' awareness about hunger while also maintaining an active volunteer youth group that works with us in addressing hunger.

Partnership in Fighting Hunger. In 2002 the American Culinary Federation Jersey Shore Chefs Association and Ocean County Hunger Relief began working together to address the long term consequences of hunger through a program OCEAN KIDS FIRST. The ACF/JSCA is a member of the largest organization for professional culinarians in the United States. It is one of 206 chapters nationwide which make up the American Culinary Federation, headquartered in St. Augustine, Florida.

The 501(c)3 organization was chartered in 1991 to service professional cilinarians living or working in Monmouth and Ocean Counties in New Jersey. The chapter is currently 92 strong, featuring active, junior, allied and associate members included in that number.

OCEAN KIDS FIRST is a project that teaches children and their caretakers nutritional education to address the impact and long-term consequences of hunger in our region. Through collaborative efforts between local professional chefs, educators, nutritionists, and community based organizations; children and their caregivers will be provided with nutritional education, food preparation and life skills. By focusing on the family as a unit, children and their caregivers will form an interdependent bond by mutually improving food choices to promote their health.

Some sellers uneasy with fluctuating home values and buyers facing financing issues are looking to a solution more frequently reserved for the automotive industry: rent-to-own agreements. While not a perfect option for every buyer or seller, a lease-purchase or lease-option agreement can be a viable real estate solution for many individuals.

It's important to not that while potentially advantageous for some buyers and sellers, these types of arrangements are very complicated. Anyone considering a heading down the rent-to-own path should enlist the aid of an experienced and trusted real estate attorney.

How does a rent -to-own agreement work?

Essentially, these arrangements allow the buyer to act as renter for a set period of time, with the owner serving as landlord the buyer pays the seller option money for the right to later purchase the property. The option money generally does not apply towards the down payment on the home's purchase. The occupant typically makes total monthly rent payments that are above market rate for comparable rentals in the area, and a predetermined portion of that monthly payment is applied as a credit towards the purchase price of the home. During the lease period, the home may not be sold to any other buyer.

Lease-purchase vs. lease-option

Rent-to-own transactions are separated into two very distinct categories: lease-purchase agreements and lease-option agreements.

Lease-purchase agreement - In a lease-purchase agreement, the buyer and seller agree on a purchase price. This is typically at market value, if not slightly above. The option money may be a substantial amount, and is nonrefundable. During the lease period, the occupant is often responsible for maintaining the property. At the end of the lease period, the buyer secures bank financing in order to pay the seller the full purchase price. Again, in lease-purchase agreements the buyer is obligated to purchase the home.

Lease-option agreement - The buyer and seller may agree upon a purchase price at the time of the agreement, although in some cases the buyer may agree to pay market value at the end of the lease term (most buyers prefer to lock in the purchase price at the onset of the agreement). Lease-option agreements often require a lower option money amount, although this typically is still non-refundable and usually does not apply to the purchase price. At the end of the lease period, the buyer can choose to exercise their option to purchase the property. If they choose not to do so, the option expires

Documents

Often overlooked in a lease-purchase or lease-option agreement are the details of the lease period. It's important for buyer and seller alike to recognize that prior to the end of the lease period, one party will be the tenant and the other landlord. As such, the seller should provide a standard rental agreement detailing all of the rules and obligations that would be expected of a renter. Likewise, the buyer should carefully review the rules

Responsibilities

• During the lease period, the owner must obey all applicable landlord-tenant laws (lease provisions out of step with these laws are unenforceable, even if signed by the tenant).
• The buyer and seller must work out who will be responsible for expenses related to the home's upkeep, including repairs, taxes and insurance.
• In many cases (typically lease-purchase) the seller will require that the buyer approve a home inspection prior to the lease period. The buyer must sign off on the results of the inspection as a condition of the agreement. Once inspected, the condition of the home is accepted "as is". This is to prevent the occupant from causing damage during the lease period and requiring the owner to make repairs prior to purchase.
• In a lease-option, any money paid by the buyer towards the purchase of the home should be held by a third party and not disbursed until the purchase option is exercised and the deal closes.
• The buyer should always review the status of the property's title and insurance prior to signing the lease-to-own agreement.

Who Benefits from a Lease-to-Own Agreement?

While not for everyone, these types of purchase arrangements can be beneficial to range of buyers and sellers. Purchase prices in lease-to-own agreements tend rarely reflect deep discounts, making them an option for sellers who want to ensure market value for their home. For motivated sellers (especially those who have purchased another home and cannot afford to leave the property vacant), a lease-to-own provides monthly income with either a guarantee or a strong chance of future sale.

Buyers without cash for a large down payment can use a lease-purchase/lease-option agreement to secure a home and build a payment over the course of the lease. Relocated buyers new to the area can use a lease-option agreement to check out the neighborhood and the home before making the ultimate decision to buy.

Whether buying or selling, lease-purchase and lease-option agreements are far from the norm, and are best handled with close consultation from a real estate attorney familiar who can review all documentation and provide expert advice at all stages.

Patricia " PATTIE" Romano
REALTOR® Associate
RE/MAX At Barnegat Bay
31 North Main Street ( RT 9 )
Manahawkin,NJ 08050
www.soldbypattie.com
609-978-4046
Direct cell-609-312-9043
eve: 609-978-5985 - till midnight
Toll free-(888) 860-9177

The secret of clients for life is under promising and over delivering.

Most every selling encounter we come in contact with in our daily lives delivers hype. We see it on TV, hear it on the radio, read it in newspapers, click on it via the Internet...its everywhere. Everyone has found the secret...the magic bullet to solve the problem/need.

When actually the Solution is UNDER Promise and OVER deliver

How many of us went on these interviews where we try to show the home owner, That We are The best choice for the position. We go on and on and on,

How wonderful our service is. What benefits we bring to the table to get your home sold.

Then we go on about How OUR agency is the # 1 agency who sells the most-

Then we contiune to show stats on How & why we are # 1 BUT, wait a minute. How many #1's can there be ? In today's market you have homeowners interviewing numerous agents/agencies . So when each agent /agency claims to be Numero Uno, isn't that misleading? Isn't that a lie? Is'nt that just another way we show the public that we can't be trusted?

There are approx 4 major Real Estate Companies and a few mom & pop agencies in the area I service all claiming to be that Numero uno? But what are we really showing the public? Selling homes has become untrustworthy to many real estate clients. Since so much of it is filled with empty promises.

The American consumer has begun to accept it as a way of doing business. they end up being more skeptical and unsure of any salesperson/sales presentation they encounter. When I first became a realtor and starting out ,I can't tell you how many times I was told, Realtors are 2nd in line to a car salesman?? ( what the heck did that mean? )

We as Realtors have the distinct opportunity to be and become a highly credible source for consumers to turn to for advice and expertise, especially in the down market- It's More important than ever providing we are ...

1) knowledgeable

2) customer/client centric

3) ability to successfully manage the expectations of customers/clients

4) deliver outstanding personalized service.

But the most important trait we must have is Honesty& Integrity

Do not be afraid to let your faults show- We are not perfect. WE should not claim we are Numero Uno

I think by Showing we are human and we make mistakes, The Client relates.

Instead of talking about me and Why RE/MAX is the Numero Uno # 1

The only real Estate agency to choose ,That We sell more real estate than any National Franchise out there.

I had decided to turn the table around.

I became the interviewer, if you think about it, I have to want to work with them as well.

The conversation was actually one of the most enjoyable one I have ever had. We connected in a different light- The trust factor became REAL-

WOW FACTOR-

When dealing with clients, go the extra step .Provide something you know the client will like, But don't tell them -SURPRISE them. .WOW IDEA #1 instead of the basic this is what I will do for you. SHOW THEM.it can be as simple as being there for the cable guy while they are at work.get your imagination going dig deep into your mind and find the way to make them your client for life- make them spread the word That you are the only agent to go to,

WOW# 2- with the technology of today- videos cameras, flip cameras, are affordable, get your imagination going-Since I still want to remain Above the Crowd, I decided NOT to give my entire WOW factor out I have a list of 12, and add more each week- I am sure with all the brilliant minds here on Activerain you can come up with your own.

The point here is that the client is not expecting you to do it...So that's when you do.That's the surprise, which creates the WOW.

Whenever a customer or client makes a request, get back to them within an hour, the same day or within 24 hours, depending upon the request. If you can beat their personal expectation, you can create a discernible difference for yourself.

The Internet has been the single, most compelling marketing tool for companies offering personalized and customized products for their customers. consumers have the ability to have it their way. Savvy consumers today demand services to fit their individual needs.- GIVE IT TO THEM

An experience full time Realtor that has the knowledge controls the largest opportunity and the ability to connect on a one to one relationship with their customers/clients

WOW IDEA #3...Offer an array of different options and offers based on the profile of your customers/clients.

Customized the communication to your customers/clients in a personalized manner. It's not just sending out a copy to your new listing to your database of Realtors or past clients or calling them to get the listings reduced.

More importantly, your customer/client will appreciate the perceived extra effort you devoted on their behalf, as well as, a stronger loyalty to you because of what you know about them.

I have learned that most important business asset is my database. Why just use it when you are searching for new leads. You know the saying- OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF MIND. Equals- "Out of Business".

The client/customers behavior is erratic they go from one agent to the next- I have in the past went to homes for a potential listing and at least 30% of the clients say they can't remember who sold them the house? Huh?? what impact did that agent have?,Did he /she say that their company is #1 -in what? - Getting you to forget their name.

WOW IDEA # 4...Consistent communications The goal should be a monthly contact of some type.... phone, email, in person, card/note, etc

Stop blogging for two hours per week, Sit at home in creative thinking mode, planning and working on sales opportunities. Come up with the most outragesous plan that suits your clients- You won't ever have to ask your customers/clients for sales leads or referrals. If you are delivering WOW,,

They will be calling you.

Too often, I hear from my clients that there previous agent disappeared after the sale is made. The money is in the bank already so they didn't need to go the extra mile. Don't let that be YOU

The goal is customers/clients for life...the sales job is never done.

So in order to be the great # 1 Realtor- Don't just say it- Show It.

Like Sarah Palin said- "Don't just Talk the Walk- "Walk The Walk"

I am dedicating this to my Broker Bill Donnelly who past away suddenly & very unexpected-

September 14,2008

He was by far one of the most kindest ,brightest, most giving man I have ever worked for.

He will never be forgotten, and his training with always be remembered.

Patricia " PATTIE" Romano
REALTOR® Associate
RE/MAX At Barnegat Bay
31 North Main Street ( RT 9 )
Manahawkin,NJ 08050
www.soldbypattie.com
609-978-4046
Direct cell-609-312-9043
eve: 609-978-5985 - till midnight
Toll free-(888) 860-9177