Thanks to fellow rainmaker, Christine Pappas of Keller Williams in Ohio, I started the 40-day challenge last Wednesday! Here's the first week of activities for the challenge. WEDNESDAY: attended staff meeting, lunch and learn with a loan officer, place ad for open house, Facebook, blogging, emails, gymTHURSDAY: E-Edge, set up new voicemail, Evernote, showing, Facebook, blogging, emailsFRIDAY: Met with new loan officer, picked up book for office bookclub, Facebook, blogging, emails, met with new agentSATURDAY: showings, Facebook, blogging, emails, more EvernoteSUNDAY: Open house, Facebook, blogging, emailsMONDAY: Walk through, meeting with agents in office, book club, Facebook, blogging, emailsTUESDAY: Technology workshop, CLOSING, Facebook, blogging, emailsWEDNESDAY: Appreciation breakf... 03/17/2011

365 Things to do in Worcester County - See the Harlem Globetrotters.  Anyone who knows me well, knows that sports are just not my thing.  I am really into the arts; music, singing, dancing, theaters.  But there is something very different about the Harlem Globetrotters.  These guys really perform.  The players are not just talented athletes they really put on a show.  On Friday, March 18, 2011  @ 7:00 PM  at the DCU Center, right here in Worcester, we can enjoy a basket ball game.  This game is not just a sports exhibition, it is a show of skill, an enjoyment for the whole family.   address:50 Foster Boulevard  Worcester, MA 01601   cost:$22.00-$126.00 If you haven't seen these guys play, I recommend that you make this one of your 365 Things to do in Worcester County - See the Harlem G... 03/16/2011

    I have been on ActiveRain for about 2 months and I have enjoyed my time so much. It's given me an opportunity to build new referral relationships and learn about what is working for people in the industry and what it isn't. It has also taught me about the importance of web presence and social media and with so many great bloggers on this network, its like taking an educational seminar every time I log on.   Another valuable tool that ActiveRain has provided me is accountability. I think I'm like most people that are affiliated with this network I'm a competitive person. I check scores and rankings almost daily, not just to see who is getting points for posts, but to see what the top ranked people are writing. Then I really look at the post and examine the comments because there is r... 03/16/2011

Starting next month the government is supposed to start regulating the pay of loan officers. This is in reaction to the credit crisis and another government example of trying to find a good platform to run for re-election on. The majority of the mortgage bozos have left the industry over the past three years and the exotic mortgage products are a thing of the past so really this is just political posturing if you ask me. I say supposed to start regulating pay because there are many lobbying groups with deep pockets and powerful attorneys that are doing their best to prevent this change. The main reason is lenders can't figure out the best way to pay their originators and to keep their top people. The top mortgage professionals are going to go to the company they can make the most money... 03/15/2011

365 things to do - listen to Ryan Montbleau Band in Worcester.  If you are looking to listen to a "grass roots" New England Band, you're in for a treat with Ryan Montbleau Band.  They  have a unique string sound that is folky.  The lead singer, Ryan has a twang to his voice and you can listen to the band below.  Ryan Montbleau Band will be performing Thursday, March 17, 2011  at 9:00 PM .  Come see them perform at Tammany Hall address:43 Pleasant Street  Worcester, MA 01601  If you fall in love with this band.  You can follow their concerts all over New England, and make this one of your, 365 things to do - listen to Ryan Montbleau Band in Worcester.  03/15/2011

365 Things to do in Worcester County - go on a nature walk with your child in Worcester. Did you know that there is something fun and educational to do with your young child?  That's right, starting Wednesday, March 16, 2011 @ 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center and Wildlife Sanctuary @ 414 Massasoit Road  Worcester, MA 01604 is hosting activities for your child age 3 to 5.  Your child and you will enjoy an hour of strory time, an activity and a naturalist led walk.  This activity is not a one time deal, you can repeat this activity on every third week of each month.  Dress for the weather as you will take a walk outside.  For more information and to register, call 508.753.6087.   Sponsored by Mass Audubon at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary.   Fee: $7 Mass ... 03/14/2011

These women are so talented and beautiful to boot! This is one of my favorite songs by Josh Groban, "You Raise Me Up". ENJOY! 03/14/2011

Someone just sent me this video on the explanation for the credit crisis that we have been a part of the last few years. In a nutshell, it explains how we got into this mess in the first place. Hopefully we will all see an end to this in the next few years. What do you think? I welcome a discussion here among my fellow Rainmakers. THANK YOU! 03/13/2011

My husband has been training to run since last summer and had mentioned that one of his goals would be to try running a 5K race. On Sunday, March 13th, at 11:00 a.m., he may have his chance! The Celtic 5K will start and finish at Elm Park on Park Avenue in Worcester. Runners can go today to Fiddler's Green Irish Cultural Center to register. Registration is from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Fiddler's Green is located on 19 Temple Street, Worcester. The entry fee on Saturday is $30. If you register on Sunday, it is $35.                                                             All runners will get a Celtic 5K race t-shirt!For more information, go to http://www.celtic5k.com/.Let the race begin!Looking to buy or sell a home in Worcester? Give me a call direct at 508-365-3580! 03/12/2011

The annual St. Patrick's Day parade is this Sunday, March 13th and starts at 12:00 noon on Mill Street, Worcester and ends on Highland Street, Worcester.There will be floats, bands and various groups marching in the parade celebrating the Irish heritage. For more information, visit http://www.stpatsparade.com/ Looking to buy or sell a home in Worcester County? Call me direct at 508-365-3580.   03/11/2011

03/10/2011

The ARM- Adjustable Rate Mortgage This was the forbidden fruit of the 2003 to 2007 that home owner's couldn't get enough of. Let's buy too much house or roll in our debt and just assume the values will continue to go up. Well we know how that turned out. Although ARMs have a Scarlet Letter about them they do have advantages for the right client and with the right fiscal discipline. The low initial cost of adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) can be very tempting to home buyers, yet they carry a great deal of uncertainty. Fixed-rate mortgages (FRM) offer rate and payment security, but they can be more expensive. Here are some pros and cons of the ARM ARM advantages * Feature lower rates and payments early on in the loan term. Because lenders can use the lower payment when qualifying borrower... 03/10/2011

    The Fannie HomePath loan is a great opportunity to get into a new home at a low price, less underwriting and no appraisal. I have outlined some program highlights and underwriting guidlines. - No Mortgage Insurance - No Appraisal - Available to owners and investors - Less than perfect credit - 3% down sometimes less  This program is aimed at lightening up the inventory of homes that Fannie Mae owns. This particular program can only be used for Fannie Mae owned homes. Below is a guidline over view to help you understand what can be done with the Fannie HomePath Loan FNMA HomePath Mortgage * Property must be listed on the HomePath website (www.homepath.com ) to be eligible * Purchase only * 97 % LTV/CLTV for 1-unit primary residences * 90 % LTV/CLTV for i-unit 2nd homes and investmen... 03/10/2011

I'm seeing gas prices go higher and higher at the gas pumps and I don't like it! I use to be in the office every morning but now I am working from my home office more to save gas. We budget our gas week to week and $40 is filling up my gas tank less and less as the weeks progress. Today I am doing all my errands in the same area and rethinking all of my trips out now. Do you also think this is affecting brokers luncheons or open houses? What about showings? Are you changing your driving habits?  03/10/2011

I recently read a blog post this morning from my fellow Rainmaker, Christine Pappas. Wanted to repost her challenge. The challenge is not a weight loss challenge but a wellness challenge and she outlined several tips each day to focus on. Hope more of us can hop on the train of good mental, physical and spiritual health. THANK YOU CHRISTINE!TAKE 5-10 MINUTES EACH DAY AND MEDITATE SET YOUR INTENTION FOR THE DAY AND STICK TO IT ENERGIZE YOUR BODY WITH HEALTHY FOODS AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY JOURNAL YOUR SUCCESS 03/10/2011

Since last year, I have been a part of a wonderful book discussion group started up by fellow agent, Danielle Dustman. Danielle is a member of the ALC in our Keller Williams office and began this group on Monday morning at 11:30 a.m. Each month we begin reading a new book and brainstorm our "Aha" moments from week to week. Once each book is completed, we celebrate by having a pot luck lunch. This month, we are reading "The 4-hour work week" by Timothy Ferriss.                                                                        Here are just some of the "Aha" moments I have learned from reading this book.                           RETIREMENT planning is like life insurance.                          Do less meaningless work                          Money alone IS NOT the solution.     ... 03/10/2011

A robust, vibrant city in the heart of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Worcester combines the warmth of a small town with the convenience of a thriving city. A mere hour's distance from Boston, MA, Springfield, MA, Providence, RI and Hartford, CT, Worcester is at the crossroads of several major routes, including the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90), Interstates 190, 290 and 395, and Routes 9 and 146. For more information on Worcester view the link: www.worcesterma.gov Worcester, Ma. Real Estate Market Report Single Family Homes Only Last 6 Months Hillview Realty/Dennis Duvernay All Stats Pulled From Local MLS    Total Active Listings ... 485      Average Days on Market ... 178 Lowest Price ... $54,900            Highest Price ... $599,000 Total Pending Listings ... 90     Average Days o... 03/09/2011

365 Things to do in Worcester County - Dance the night away at Club Red 1888 in Worcester.    Looking for a fun place to go dancing or just grab a drink? Club Red 1888 can be seen as more of a club than a bar. Having a layed back attitude, and friendly bar staff, makes this club a great choice for an evening out. The bar is well stocked and there are always plenty of bartenders to take your order. Having clean bathrooms is a plus as well as choices of couches and chairs around the dance floor. Loud music is a distraction when having a conversation, but we don't go to a club to have a meaningful repetoir, do we?   General Information: 41 Pleasant Street Worcester, MA 01608 Google Maps - MapQuest 508-795-7775, 508-792-0263 Fax: 508-795-7705 Official Website Hours: Closed Sunday - Tuesday ... 03/09/2011

  Advantages of USDA -Up to 102% LTV based on the lower of the sales price or the appraised value -First time home buyers are eligible -No monthly mortgage insurance -Up to 10 acres (100 acres at 80%LTV) -Unrestricted Gifts Eligible Applicants -Have the ability to personally occupy the dwelling -Must not have financing on any other property, even as a co-signer -Be a citizen of the United States or be admitted for permanent residency -Non-occupant co-borrowers are not permitted -Borrowers must sell their existing home   Eligibility Requirements Geographic: Rural areas are defined as open country and communities with populations of 10,000 or less. Towns and cities with populations between 10,000 and 25,000 may also be considered rural, under certain conditions. Income: Up to 115% of AMI... 03/09/2011

A Worcester MA home buyer should receive a brochure, Home Inspectors Facts for Consumers Sheet, at the time of the signing of the first written contract to purchase.A standard home inspection in Massachusetts is a visual examination of the physical structure and major interior systems of a residential building consisting of one to four dwelling units. It should be understood that there are certain risks inherent in the purchase of property and a home inspection is inherently limited in its scope and depth. The information gained from home inspection conforming to the Massachusetts Home Inspector Standards of Practice may reduce some of those risks, but the home inspection is not intended to provide the client with protection from all of the risks involved. Visit the Worcester MA Home In... 03/09/2011