Putting Our Money Where Our Mouth Is: Prospect Greater Worcester On Time Closing Guarantee There is alot of lip service out there, especially in the Mortgage World, and especially with closing dates.  My business partner and I have decided to cut through alot of the red tape and B.S. make a guarantee to our Realtors and our Clients.  There isn't enough skin in the game when it comes to Lenders and closing dates.  We are about to change that! The GuaranteeWe, Keith Pentz and David Bremer, GUARANTEE that your purchase loan will close on time.  If, through any fault of Prospect Greater Worcester, your loan does NOT close on time, we will pay your buyer $300 within 7 days of the closing. The Strings Attached We must be given 30 days to close the loan AFTER the signing of the Purchase and Sa... 01/04/2011

Blogging 101 with Michele Miller and Crystal Pina: Keller Williams Greater Worcester 1/11/11 1:00-3:00 PM Have you been wondering what this BLOGGING thing is all about?  Been afraid to sort through and try and figure it all out by yourself?  Stop by the Worcester Market Center at 324 Grove Street Worcester and find out!  You will learn: What blogging is Who should blog How it can help your business Basics of ActiveRain, WordPress and website naming Where to find content for your blog Lots of tips to make you a better blogger! I have worked with Michele and Crystal for a long time and can tell you they are awesome people, Realtors and teachers!!!  They are KP endorsed so you know they are good! Give Janie a call at 508-754-3020 to reserve your seat or let me know in the comments section ... 01/03/2011

365 things to do in Worcester County - Climb Central Rock in Worcester.   Are you a fair weather sport enthusiast like me?  If so, you're probably not partaking sky trips and sleding outings.  You're probably sitting by the fire wondering what you can do for exercise, preferably in a t-shirt.  Well, to I have an activity for you: Central Rock Climbing Centers provide the highest quality indoor climbing experience for beginner to advanced climbers. The facility is set up so that you can train your hardest and push yourself to the limit, while the community of climbers will provide a great source of fun, and a place to engage with others. Clime Central Rockis located at 299 Barber Avenue in Worcester (508) 852-7625(ROCK) and is comming to HADLEY in March of 2011 and will be located at 165... 01/03/2011

365 things to do in Worcester County - continue education with Worcester Night Life. Twice a year, in the fall and in early spring, you can sign up for a class with Worcester Night Life program.  There are several locations for this activity, some are at the local Worcester schools, at Greendale Mall and the Worcester Public Library.  The courses are at a reasonable rate and even discounted to Worcester residents. The scope of the courses is vast.  You can take a fun class in dancing, excersise, musical instrument, art and cooking or you can take a more professional class like machine shope, home repair, and taxes.  Either way you go, you will enrich your life through education.   I, too partook of this educational opportunity a few years ago.  I took Photo shop and was introduced to a ... 01/02/2011

365 things to do in Worcester County - Organize a Real Estate Seminar in Worcester.  Have you given any thought to what it takes to organize a real estate seminar?  I have a well though out, lengthy and detailed process I would like to share with you.  You don't have to be a real estate professional to implement this model.  But if you are, I have it all ready for you to utilize. The first thing you need to come up with is the topic of the seminar/workshop.  Since I'm in the real estate business, I primarily educate consumers on buying and selling residential real estate.  So I have decided to set up two workshops in January:  One for home buying and one for home selling.  The next item for consideration is the topics of discussion and presenters who will address them. My list for the t... 12/31/2010

Preservation Worcester, 10 Cedar Street, Worcester, is once again accepting nominations of threatened properties from the community as part of its ongoing commitment to maintaining for future generations the sites and structures significant to the culture, history and architecture of Worcester. After a careful screening process, Preservation Worcester will publish a list of Most Endangered Structures. Throughout the year, members of the committee work with property owners, the City and other stakeholders on strategies to restore or protect the selected properties. Nomination forms are available online and are due by January 14, 2011. 12/29/2010

365 Things to Do in Worcester County - adopt a cat at the Worcester Animal Rescue League.  Today, as I sometimes do, I visited the animal rescue league in Worcester.  They have many cats and dogs for adoption and today, I even saw a dog or two that is being given away.  There are plenty of dogs which look like they have pit bull in them.  I'm not a fan, I'm sorry.  But they do have those sad "adopt me" looks that are so hard to walk away from. Today I found a little creature that is absolutely perfect or should I say purrrrrrfect.  Sorry for the punn, I just couldn't help myself.  I found a Himalayan cat approximately 2 years old.  She is very small and very adorable.  I think that she will make an awsome cat.  As soon as I struck my hand into her cage, she started to lick me and purr. ... 12/28/2010

365 things to do in Worcester County - visit the Ecotarium in Worcester.  The EcoTarium is a unique indoor-outdoor museum in Worcester, MA. Set in an urban oasis, the EcoTarium offers a chance to walk through the treetops, take a thrilling multimedia journey through the galaxy at a digital planetarium, meet wildlife, stroll nature trails, ride a narrow-gauge railroad, and get hands-on with family-friendly exhibits. Check out all upcoming events and programs on our calendar. EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester, MA 01604(508) 929-2700 · TDD (508) 929-2702 • Fax: (508) 929-2701 • info@ecotarium.org There is no other otter cuter than this Otter:  ( sorry couldn't help my self).  This is why I have this as one of my 365 things to do in Worcester County - visit the Ecotarium in Worcester.  12/20/2010

FHA Changes Earlier in the year FHA did away with their spot approval process. Then they increased (almost doubled!)  their monthly Mortgage Insurance. Now 45,000 condo associations that were previously FHA approved have expired. What does that mean for the state of Condo Financing in MA? Well, there are alternatives, and one that we rely on day in and day out in Massachussets is using MassHousing. In many cases it is a better program for your clients than FHA, whether it is a condo, Single or Multi Family! What are the basics of MassHousing for Condos? *They do not have a minimum number of units in the complex (FHA must be 4 or more) *FICO Requirements are 640 for 20% down, 660 for 5% down and 680 for 3% down. *Debt to Income ratios are 41% to 45% depending on down payment. *Existing ... 12/16/2010

365 things to do in Worcester County - watch holiday decorations in Worcester.  One of my favorite things to do this time of year is to drive around the neighborhoods and watch all the different ways people decorate their homes for the Holidays.  I think it's absolutely beautiful.  May be it's nostalgic.  I remember when my dad would put me and my brother in the car and take us down decked out streets.  They were so brightly lit that one would almost think that it was day light outside. It doesn't matter what religion you are, I can not imagine anyone who will not get a smile on his or her face seeing three, four or more homes in a row all dressed up for the holidays.  So, in this tradition, I took a ride and brought my handy dandy camcorder to commemorate the occasion.  One thing I lea... 12/13/2010

365 things to do in Worcester County - make a dance costume for a party in Worcester. This one might take more than a day, I know it did for me.  But the results were outstanding.  I really enjoyed the artistic outlet of making my own "South of the Border" interpretation of "Chiquita Banana" girl. The costume consisted of leg and arm bands that went over my red pants and bolero style sweater.  The bands were red, orange and simmery yellow ruffles in rows of color.  The costume would not be complete without the "traditional" head gear - a fruit basket inside a colorful turban.   The costume was a smash hit with all of the chickas and caballeros.  We had a fun time dancing the night away to the Latin beat.  Unfortunately, my head piece did not stay on for too long but I call this one of m... 12/12/2010

Great opportunity to own an investment property in Worcester in the most desirable rental area.  Three units are all occupied.  This is a short sale and the owner said - Sell! 3 Denny St. WORCESTER, MA Great investment opportunity. Fully leased. Walk to WPI campus. Close to ammenities and highway access. 7BR/3BA Multi-Family, 3 units $189,900 Year Built 1880 Sq Footage 2,310 Bedrooms 7 Bathrooms 3 full, 0 partial Floors 3 Parking 4+ Lot Size 4,195 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month Description3 Decker in Worcester, Well maintained, hardwoods and tile, and carpets. Electrical Heat with electrical updates, Gas stoves Property Features Hardwood floorTile floorLiving roomRefrigeratorStove/OvenYard Additional Photos Photo 1Photo 2Photo 3Photo 4Photo 5Photo 6 Contact Info Jane BeckerHome Team Advant... 12/11/2010

365 things to do in Worcester County - become a nerd at Arthur Murray in Worcester.  So far we had a Pajama party, and a Broadway themed party.  Last night it was revenge of the nerds and boy did we come out in full force.  I did not realize that we all had a little nerd inside of us, just waiting to get out. It was great fun seeing all the people with their pocket protectors, broken glasses, pants that are just too short.  Me, I raided my husband's closet, I wore his checkered shirt with my plaid pants, I tucked one corner in and taped up my glasses.  Stuck a barrette in my hair and wore his tie with molecules on it.  I don't want to say I was a vision but I certainly was an image not to forget. So don't miss another party, we still have South of the Border and Toga party coming up thi... 12/04/2010

365 things to do in Worcester County - eat at Moe's in Worcester .  Today, I am taking you to Moe's.  Moe's is a chain Mexican cuisine.  OK, so cuisine might be too high brow of a word, but the food is fantastic and prices are reasonable.  People seem to love Moe's.  I even went to a wedding once where Moe's catered the event.  My favorite meal is called the Home-wrecker.  It contains everything; your choice of meat, rice, beans, cheese, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, lettuce, and I'm sure there are items I'm forgetting.    Talk about comfort food.  I don't think I want to eat for a week.  Nothing is better than a hearty meal all wrapped in a soft, warm tortilla, just perfect to eat with your hands.  So what makes this day special, Mondays are student days, and students get a discounted ... 11/22/2010

365 things to do in Worcester County - See "The Odd Couple" in Worcester Did you know that laughter burns 10 calories a minute??!!!  Well---There’s no better way to work off that big Thanksgiving meal than by coming to see the WCLOC presentation of “The Odd Couple”!  Neil Simon’s hilarious comedy about two divorced men trying to live in the same apartment without killing each other! It features a very talented cast including Mike Lapomardo, Vic Kruczynski, Rob Lynds, Mark Goodney, Denny Metro , Ed Savage, Cathy O’Brien and Lisa Mielnicki. Where: The Grandview Playhouse, 21 Grandview Avenue, Worcester, MA 01603 When : Nov 26, 27, 28, Dec 3, 4, 5,10,11 and 12 Fridays and Saturdays at 8PM and Sunday Matinees at 2PM Tickets are $18.00 and can be purchased online at www.wcloc.org or by calli... 11/20/2010

365 things to do in Worcester County - listen to Handel's Messiah At Mechanics Hall in Worcester -looking to start your holiday season right?  Why not add a little music and culture to your holiday spirit?  Handel's Messiah is coming to Worcester On December 4rth, and I'm inviting you.  Gift Certificates available On-Line, by telephone, or at our office on Main Street. Check out our New Member Special and a Special Dinner Offer for Music Worcester ticket holders. Start Your Holidays with Handel's Messiahon Sat., December 4th Mark your calendar for the first Saturday in December, at 8 PM and give yourself and others the gift of music.  Tickets:  $37, $34, students $20/$15.Group Rates Available. Add Music Worcester to your Gift List and make this one of your 365 things to do in Worcester ... 11/18/2010

365 things to do in Worcester County - dance in Worcester "Broadway Theme".  Last evening I had the pleasure of being the official photographer at Arthur Murray Dance Studio - Dance Party.  Arthur Murray is hosting dance parties on Fridays, each with a special theme.  The Broadway theme is one of my favorites, as you can dress up as any character from Broadway show or anything to do with Broadway.  We can put on the Ritz and come to Arthur Murray Studio at 70 James St., in Worcester. I chose a very "demure" get up, I dressed up as Alfaba from Wicked.  Painted my face green, put on a black evening dress, black velvet opera cape and a witch's hat.  I also wore long black satin gloves.  Very fun. The dance had performances by the instructors as well and I am happy to feature the videos of ... 11/13/2010

Business Planning 2011 11/12/2010

It's official. It's on their website http://therta.com. The Worcester Regional Transit Authority (the city bus) is going on strike tomorrow, Saturday, November 13. From the website: The WRTA's Management Team met with representatives of Local 22 and a Federal Mediator Thursday afternoon, Nov. 11, 2010, and the Union could not offer an acceptable compromise to the Company's Last and Best offer. Therefore, Local 22 plans to go on strike this Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010 when the Company plans on imposing its Last and Best Offer. The WRTA wants to inform all of its riders that there will not be service commencing this Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010. The WRTA will continue to provide paratransit service under the circumstances to the best of its ability. For further updates, call the WRTA (508) 791-978... 11/12/2010

365 things to do in Worcester County - Concert Today at Tuckerman Hall. Nothing to do this evening?  Really?  Well, may I suggest a little culture, music, and relaxation?  How about listening to the legendary Borodin Quartet.  To learn more about the story of this quartet, you can read the article: Music's Appeal Timeless - Kopelman Quartet continues rich Moscow tradition - by Richard Duckett of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette  -  Read an interview with Mikhail Kopelman of the Kopelman Quartet and former first violin with the legendary Borodin Quartet.  This remarkable string quartet will be performing this Friday evening at Tuckerman Hall at 8PM.   Tickets available now at Music Worcester, Inc. web site, or by telephone at 508-754-3231, AND at the door Friday night. Want to enhance yo... 11/12/2010