Hi all! I just sent a newsletter/email to my buyers and sellers consisting of common sense tips. So, here they are...what are your common sense tips for your buyers and sellers???? Buyers: 1. First make sure your debt is low and your credit score is high!   2. Get your pre approval before you go out to view properties (we need to know you are looking in the correct price range) 3. Unless you are buying something that needs to be gutted and you are getting it at a really low price, this is not the time to "flip" a house. This is the time to buy and settle down for a few years.   4. Just because you hear the word FORECLOSURE, it does not mean, cheap prices on a fabulous house. Many foreclosures need work (repairs, etc.) 5. Mortgage rates are down, now is the time to get off the fence and ... 01/12/2009

Hello buyers and fellow realtors! I have been working with many first time home buyers recently and decided to write this blog to give all of the buyers out there some tips! This will make our journey together easier (or anyone else you work with). 1. Try to narrow down the area you would like to live in. Drive around, check out schools, use mapquest to see how far that area is from your job.2. Contact a mortgage broker and get your pre-approval. Sellers these days won't work with people who do not have a pre-approval/pre-qualification letter. Even Realtors won't work with people who have not done this.3. Bring a camera, pen and paper along with you when you go out with your agent to view properties. This will help you remember what you have seen, what you liked and disliked about the p... 09/17/2008

Hi everyone, just wondering what other Realtors out there think is the most distressing thing about this market? Do you feel it is the fact that there are more sellers than qualified buyers? Do you think sellers are still stuck in the mindset of what their neighbor sold for in 2005??? How are your buyers? Are you running into more renters? I work with Residential, commercial and rentals in CT and NY. I am finding people that are selling are still stuck in 2005 sales prices, to which I enlighten them as to what is going on in their area. Some stick to their guns and I cannot work with them. The buyers I meet are terrific but slightly confused and not wanting to miss out on the "buyers market" but seem to have missed out on the doing their own homework part. I am very happy to be working ... 09/14/2008

I can't believe it.. the time is upon us for the "Princess of the Lake Pageant" on Lake Pocotopaug, East Hampton, CT on Saturday August 16th with the raindate on Sunday, August 17th.  Rendezvous at the docks of Angelico's Lake House docks at 2pm, in East Hampton, CT.  This is an event where you decorate your boat and to be very original about this.  Join the party!!  There will be Great Prizes.. and you could win a SMART CAR. There will be bands beginning at 3pm and going until 11pm. I hear this is tons of fun.. and you don't even need to have a boat.  How that works I have no idea?  Maybe you can help others? For more information and to register your boat first at West Shore Marine 860.267.1764 or at Angelico's Lake House at 81 North Main Street, in East Hampton. 860.267.1276 I hope ev... 08/15/2008

A breakfast will be held at Fowler-Dix-Park VFW Post 5095 located at 20 North Maple St, East Hampton, CT on Sunday Aug 17 from 8-11am. Breakfast consists of eggs, pancakes, bacon, sausage, home fires, toast, coffee, juice & fruit. Cost is $6 per person and all are welcome to attend. Al;l profits will be used to assist an individual in distress. For more information,  contact the post at 267-8837 after 3pm Mondays through Fridays or after noon on Saturdays and Sundays. 08/13/2008

The East Hampton Soccer Club Store is officially open for business.he club store resides withing the camp store at Nelson's Family Campground on Mott Hill Rd, East Hampton, CT. Store inventory includes sweatshirts, soccer mom T shirts, car magnets and soccer socks. Samples are on display with additional items available on request. Store hours are Sunday-Thursday 9am-7pm and Friday-Saturday until 10pm. Proceeds from Team Store sales support East Hampton Soccer Club programs including: scholarships, field improvements and maintenance, and coaching education. 08/13/2008

BMX riders may join their peers for a free clinic at the Summer Skatepark at Center School, 7 Summit Street, East Hampton, CT, weekdays 8am-noon from Monday Aug 11 through Friday Aug 22. The clinic is sponsored in part by the Middlesex County Substance Abuse Action Council. Kids must bring helmets and have a waiver signed by their parent. Snacks and beverages will be provided daily. For more information, call 860-365-0513. 08/12/2008

The East Hampton Belltown Garden Club has planned a summer trip to Massachusetts for sat Aug 23. The trip will be to Yankee candle and Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory in South Deerfield, MA as well as "The Bridge of Flowers" in Shellburne Falls. A Nichols Bus will leave from the back parking lot of East Hampton Public Library, 105 Main St, East Hampton, CT, at 8:30am sharp. Plan to arrive 15 prior. Arriving back at approximately 5pm. This trip i also open to friends and family of the garden club. Although the bus ride is free to everyone, non members would be responsible for the $12 fee at the Butterfly Conservatory-entry into Yankee Candle. The Bridge of Flowers is free. Everyone should plan to bring their own bag lunch, which will be eaten at the Bridge of Flowers. RSVP to Karen Ga... 08/12/2008

If you missed your chance to purchase an Old Home days tank top, cap or visor at this year's Glorious Celebration, now's your chance. The Old Home Days Committee is selling Old Home Days tank tops, caps & visors with the new logo on them. The tank tops are available in all sizes, in blue, white, gray and periwinkle, for $10 each; caps and visors are $5 each. For more information, call Janet Cook at 267-2108. 08/05/2008

East Hampton Volunteer Fire Department Company No One will hold its 5th annual car show Sun Aug 10 from 9am-3pm at East Hampton Middle School, 19 Childs Rd, East Hampton, off Route 66. There will be vehicles of any make from 1920-2000, including emergency vehicles, military, cars, trucks, rods and mods and imports. 30 trophies will be awarded. Judging by People Choice. 1st 100 entries get dash plaque. Cost is $5 for the show for spectators and $5 per car. Vendors are welcome, cost is $10 for a 10'x20' space. For more information, call Judd at 860-977-9562. 08/04/2008

The East Hampton Junior Women's Club is now offering tote bags featuring the Rapallo Viaduct in support of their fund raising efforts. Bags are $15 for the zippered tote and $10 for the open-top totes bags. Afghans and bread warmers are also still available. All products can be found at The Village Merchant, located on Rt 66 in East Hampton across from Paul and Sandy's and behind Ft Trix. Totes may also be purchased at the East Hampton Public Library, 105 Main St, East Hampton, CT.  Proceeds will go to support the East Hampton community. For more information, call Karen at 267-1394. 07/29/2008

The Friends of lake Pocotopaug will ho its 4th Annual Princess Pocotopaug pageant on Saturday August 16, starting at 2pm. The pageant will begin and end in front of Angelico's Lakehouse Restaurant in East Hampton, CT. This year, there will also be a category for kids. Registration packets may be obtained at Angelico's Lakehouse, West Shore Marina or request via email (jmsimko@comcast.net). 07/29/2008

The Belltown Antique car Club will host its 42nd Annual Vintage Motorcar Meet, Sunday, Aug 3 at the Haddam neck Fairgrounds, off Route 151. Hundreds of automobiles from the early "Brass Era" days through 1969 will be on display from 8am-3pm, with trophies awarded to the finest examples in 39 vehicle classes. There will also be an auto related flea market on the grounds. For more information and directions, visit www.belltownantiquecarclub.org. 07/29/2008

Boy Scout Troop 57 will conduct a bottle drive Sat July 19 from 9am-noon, in the parking lot of American Distilling & Manufacturing Company, Inc., 31 East High St, East Hampton, CT (Rt 66), next door to Island Coffee Traders (the former Donut Depot). The Boy Scouts remind everyone that all bottles should be rinsed and that non-carbonated water and juice (such as Snapple) cans and bottles are not redeemable and should be recycled at home. Call 267-2962 to arrange for bottle pick up or for more information. Troop 57 is charted by the East Hampton Congregational Church and thanks everyone for their support. 07/16/2008

Cindy Baloga, owner of Creative Dance Center, has announced a dance recital fundraiser. The encore charity performance will be held Sunday, July 20 at 3pm at the Saint Patrick Church parish Center located behind the church, 47 West High St, Rt 66, East Hampton. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $5. There will also be a homemade back sale as part of the fundraiser. All funds collected will be donated to the East Hampton Food and Fuel Bank. 07/15/2008

Haddam Neck Congregational Church, 408 Quarry Hill Rd, Haddam Neck, CT, will have a Hymn Sing, Sunday, July 13 at 6pm. A Hymn Sing consist of calling out your favorite hymn's page number and everybody joining in. The sing goes on for an hour and then the group eats. All are welcome. For more info, call 267-4513. 07/15/2008

The 1st Annual Hot Dog eating Contest, to benefit the East Hampton Food and Fuel bank, will be held Sat Aug 2 at Angelico's Lake House Restaurant, 81 North Main St, East Hampton, CT. There will be contests for Heavy Weight category, Democrats vs. Republicans and a kids category. The event will also feature a "Super Auction", conducted by Red McKinny. All proceeds from the auction will be donated to the east Hampton Food and Fuel bank. Auction items include Yankees tickets, 100 gallons of oil, sunset cruises around the Lake, dinner for four and other items. The Dave Mac Reggae Band will provide the entertainment. For more information or to sign up, call Angelico's at 267-1276. 07/15/2008

ANGELICO'S LAKE HOUSE 81 NORTH MAIN STREET EAST HAMPTON, CT  06424                   Last night my sister and I were looking for a unique place for dinner and didn't want the "chain" restaurant.  We came across Angelico's Lakehouse in East Hampton, CT.. and decided to give it a shot. We were NOT disappointed.. if anything this restaurant surpassed our expectations.  I would strongly recommended Angelico's Lakehouse  for lunch and/or dinner if you are anywhere in the area of East Hampton, CT. For example , the view from the outside dining area of Lake Pocotopaug is spectacular...  The menu is extensive, and at the same time VERY reasonable in price. The dinner menu ranges from pasta dishes to seafood. Not in the mood for a full meal.. enjoy cocktails and appetizers at the Tiki Hut. There... 07/11/2008

The Congregational Church of East Hampton is now accepting applications for the Third market on the Green. The market will be sat July 12 from 8am-4pm. Vendors may stay as late as 8pm. This event is being held in conjunction with the East Hampton Old Home day celebration and the Congregational Church Annual Silent Auction, and will take place rain or shine. Vendors who are interested are asked to request an application and return it by July 3. Applications are available by contacting Rick walker, coordinator of the events, at 267-7180 or the Congregational Church at 267-4959. 07/07/2008

Thank the Lake Day will take place Saturday, July 26 from 10am-1pm at Sears Park, 68 North Main St, East Hampton, CT at the Picnic Pavilion. People ca come say "Thank you" to lake Pocotopaug. Cost is $5 to enter the park. At 11am, world renowned Flute Man Joseph FireCrow will perform. There will also be live drumming all day and flowers to offer the lake, or you can bring some from your own yard. The event is sponsored by Positively Clean. For more information, call Priscilla Connors at 860-310-6140. 07/07/2008