Where You Want To Be In CT

ITS TIME TO GIVE YOUR HOME A HEALTH CHECK UP–

Did you know that the environment where you spend most of your time is your HOME.  The quality of the air and water can affect your health in a very negative way.  Many air/water contaminants can cause sneezing, allergies, wheezing, head aches ,digestive issues to the far end of severity to cancer.  Many of these illness and symptoms may be caused by your environment.

INTRODUCING YOUR HOUSE DOCTORS-

For Water, Radon and VOC Testing call Wayne DeFino at All Points Inspections 203 496-0700
For Mold Testing and Mitigation call David Warren of Green Home Solutions 203 617-9067
For Water Infiltration call Dennis Sandberg of 914 954-7132

Consider first the water in your home.Continue Reading

Yes, it is the time of year where everyone is wondering what the real estate market will bring for 2018. We have a lot going on in this spring market. We have the new tax laws. We have the rising interest rates. We have the influence of the economic climate in Connecticut. So where does that put us.

I have been reading and listening to every economist that I can to try to get a handle on the market. Of course, before I go forward, I will tell you that my crystal ball broke in about 2000. Up until then I could tell clients that real estate prices NEVER go down. Oh well…

I recently also attended banking panel with top people from Flagstar Bank, Savings Bank of Danbury, Total Mortgage and Wells Fargo. They made some very good points.

ON THE TAX CHANGE
SALT- The limit of $10,000 deduction on State And Local Taxes
Yes it is bad for CT but it is even worse for our neighboring states of
NY and MA, so expect to see a wave of buyers coming over to CT where
the property tax are MUCH less.
Standard Deduction- Since this and also the child deduction are being raised it will
put more money in most peoples pockets.
Corporate Tax Changes- Since their tax bracket is lower they have more capital for
expansion, bonuses and will encourage some to bring jobs back to the US.

Continue Reading

Thursday June 15th,

It has been one month since I started this new, exciting, diplomatic, inspiring job as an INTERN for Linda McCaffrey of McCaffrey Professionals. Sure, I’m just an assistant right now, but we all have to start somewhere, right?  I’m starting just about where I always have wanted to begin; with a top producing team of full time Realtors.  I could not be more blessed with this opportunity. Who knew that
actually engaging with experienced individuals at your parents fundraising event could lead to the beginning of my trail to be an entrepreneur.

As of a couple months ago, I would not consider myself to be … 

Tuesday July 18th,

It’s been 2+ months since I started. Clearly this blog got away from me and I even stopped my last thought mid-sentence. That is actually a great example of the way this business can be. It’s not always dependable, or in simpler terms, easy. You rely on other individuals in every aspect of the real estate business. When they need you, you’re there. Or at least, if you’re a good agent, you’re there. And when  you’re me, you need to be there. (intern problems-time management)Continue Reading

At a recent morning meeting of great minds and brilliant business people at the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce’s Business Before Breakfast,  the ‘Challenge Question” that was  discussed was,  “How do you get or ask for referrals?”.  All participants agreed that unlike a career in the back office or working retail, business entrepreneurs depend on word of mouth referrals.  Many coming from those previous professions, and mostly everyone regardless of background, found is intimidating to ASK and so it is an area of business development that is avoided or at least underexploited by all. We all need to do better and develop strategies to solicit those elusive but valuable personal referrals.Continue Reading

Located at 51 Austin Street in Danbury CT, the proceeds of this Thrift Store benefits Habitat for Humanity.  Several of the Realtors from McCaffrey Realty Professionals recently visited this large warehouse to see how it could benefit their Buyers and Seller.  The organization provides new houses, built through the efforts of volunteers for moderate income families who have an income of between $50,000-$75,000 annually.  The organization is currently taking applications for a New Milford residence that is nearing completion.  The home will be “sold” to the accepted candidate for about 70% of market value..about $220,000 with no money down and zero percent financing.Continue Reading

MYTH: Working harder will get you to the next level in your business. 

It is NOT about the number of hours you work but what you accomplish during that time. The expression work smart not harder indicates that more time should be spent on developing strategies and being introspective regarding goals and priorities. More time needs to be spent on strategic thinking and planning.

 At a recent meeting of local business people of various professionals, the questions was asked, “What one thing will you do to move that needle of success for your business..” This is an extensive list but it will give you some ideas how to identify your one focus that will help you “move the needle” to improve your business.   

BE MORE VISIBLE:

• On Line: The importance of being able to be found online was discussedwith an emphasis on more effective websites, keywords and the importance of a strong social media platform for your business
• Thought Leadership: Highlight you expertise through seminars, blogs and handouts.
• Events and Tradeshows: Several upcoming opportunities were highlighted including sponsoring Chamber Events, nonprofit festivals and fund raising efforts of different organizations.

BE MORE ORGANIZED:

• Manage Your Datebases: Keeping track of and “touching” past and present clients through an up to date database is key to a successful business. A regular email enewsletter, drip campaign or mailings help keep clients. As much time should be spent on keeping current and past clients as on developing new businessStaff Up: Hiring and training needs to be done before an increase in business volume to insure continual top service.
• Create Job Descriptions: Multiple people in the same organization duplicating responsibilities causes confusion and potentially conflict. Clearly defined roles and expectations helps relieve stress and realizes efficiencies.
• Improve Processes: Every task needs a process: from answering the phone to how to “onboard” a new client. The process should be in writing so everyone in the organization is clear. Processes should be reviewed periodically for efficiency.

LEVERAGING CONNECTIONS:

• Co-marketing: Finding those symbiotic industries with whom you do not compete but who you have the same client base and then referring back and forth or doing events together will increase the results of your individual efforts
• Testimonials: Getting testimonials to use in brochures or to put on line from satisfied clients adds credibility which will help build trust with potential clients.
• Find Resources: Spend time searching for people that will help you in your business or will be of value for your clients.
• Build Your Team: Developing people in your organization through training and mentoring takes time away from “selling or prospecting” but will grow your bottom line through their increased competence. The more proficient your team becomes, the fewer problems will occur and the less time you will need to spend answering questions and overseeing work.

ADD CLIENTS:

• Add Equipment:   Adding a new piece of equipment might help you to be able to service a new type of client.
• Define a Niche: Identify and pursue a new type of client.
• Identify Your Key Clients: By understanding who your best clients are, continually providing value to them, being continually visible will result in more orders and referrals from them.
• Stay Relevant: You need to provide value to your clients. You need to be continually aware that the industry, market conditions and client expectations change.

GROW PERSONALLY:

• Learn: Spend time every day reading, listening to webinars, going to seminars or interviewing and meeting with business owners who you admire
• Say NO: Whenever you say YES to something, you are saying NO to something else. Stay focused on your priorities and which activities feed your success.
• Let Go: The ultimate goal is to delegate or to outsource anything that keeps you from being with your clients. Also reflect periodically about efforts, activities and marketing and decide if they are worth the expense or time.
• Take Time Off: Working too hard “in the weeds” causes burnout, loss of productivity and leaves no time to plan or to think strategically.
• Practice Self Discipline: Define and establish new habits. Managing time means managing yourself and your habits based on your goals and priorities.

 

The definition of insanity is expecting different results but continuing to do the same activities. What habits do you need to focus on to change so that you can move the needle of your business??

The market is not what it was in 2005-2006 but in 2016 we had a pretty “normal’’ market. It is a statistical fact that 25% of homes listed in our area sell within 30 days. It is also true that about as many homes fail to sell during the listing period. Why is that? Here are some possibilities which may, or may not, apply to you and your property.Continue Reading

I know that you go to many networking events, hand out business cards and collect dozens  The question comes to mind- WHY and WHAT do you do with them when you get back to the office?  This question was raised as the “Table Topic” at the most recent meeting of the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce, Business Before Breakfast.  According to Michael Goldstein of Unlimited Signs and Designs, he makes bricks out of them and has enough to build a house.  Michael, it turns out, is one of the few people at the table who has a process to deal with these cards.

We always start with THE END IN MIND, to quote Steven Covey.  Why do we collect business cards?  Here are some of the reasons that I heard…Continue Reading

With the seasonal rush of business that is typical to most businesses in the Spring, Summer and early Fall most of us are looking at a little more “free” time coming into the colder months. The question was raised at a meeting of the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce Business Before Breakfast, “How are you preparing your business for the winter?” What seemed like a simple question raised some very helpful and insightful answers.

• RELAX- Some use this time just to recharge, take vacations and spend time with neglected family members. Others noted eating differently, taking more vitamins and using different products for skin and hair. It is time to use that gym membership to overcome seasonal blues. It might also be a good time to get some of those PERSONAL projects completed like renewing a passport, revising your will, or painting a room.

 

• LEARN- Taking classes to improve knowledge and skills was discussed. Reading those important trade journals and the latest business book are a great use of a little extra time. Getting a new designation or learning a new computer program, contact management system or IPhone app were suggested 

 

• EDUCATE- An informed customer is the best customer. Developing materials to explain your industry with statistics or helpful tips was mentioned. Other ideas included writing a series of blogs or designing a class or seminar to be pulled out when needed. A good use of this time might include becoming a Though Leader and developing a resource library to use later when opportunities present themselves but when your time might be tight to prepare. Some industries had seasonal products or services that they needed to communicate to their target markets….gym memberships, heat tape for roofs, snow plow offers. 

 

• ORGANIZE- Updating data bases, ordering depleted supplies, redoing marketing materials, updating websites, cleaning out files were thought to be good use of the slower time of year.

 

• CONNECT- From contacting past clients to client appreciation, thank you gifts and holiday cards, the consensus was that it is not the best time to hibernate. It is the time to cement and foster existing relationships with clients and referral partners as well as with staff and co-workers. 

 

• PRIORITIZE- Most people think of this time of business planning and that this is a crucial but laborious activity. Think of it instead as a time to decide which activities, organizations, products, and habits you are going to STOP doing so that you can concentrate on what is IMPORTANT to you and the growth of your company. 

 

• PLAN FOR GROWTH- The slow part of the year is the time to hire and train staff. This is the time to prepare for expansion to investigate a new business model or try out a new computer system or product. During the rest of the year you will not have the time or energy.

In summary, don’t waste this time of year by lamenting how slow your business is. Be prepared to work remotely when roads are treacherous but how you use these next 4 months…November, December, January and February will set the foundation for your business for the rest of the year. Think of this as your opportunity to work ON yourself and your business while the rest of the year is working predominantly IN your business. It is only through growing yourself, your ideas and your skills that you will you grow your business and this time of year provides you the space you need to do just that. 

 

“Those we can, Do…Those who can do MORE, Volunteer”

Those Members of the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce who have donated their time and talent were honored at an Awards Breakfast generously provided by the Village at Brookfield Commons. Giving support to enable the Chamber to pursue its vision of providing Education, Visibility, Connection and Service over 40 Members were noted for their contributions.   From Venue Hosts to Board of Directors, Speakers, Newsletter Contributors, Committee Members, it truly takes a core of dedicated Members to provide the Brookfield Chamber Experience.

Mistress of Ceremonies, Linda McCaffrey, noted that last year over 62.6 million people in the United States volunteered which accounted for 27% of the total population. This accounted for 7.7 Billon hours of service with a value to the economy of $173 Billion. She noted that volunteerism among Church and Educational group are increasing while involvement in civic, political and professional organization are declining thus making the Chamber Volunteers especially appreciated.

Benefits of Volunteering were noted and include personal benefits such as improved health, stress reduction, learning opportunities, increased self esteem, development of empathy, discovering hidden talents, and finding resources. In the community, volunteering saves resources, improves schools, supports families, beautifies the community and supports local initiatives and causes. Volunteering encourages civic responsibility and is an investment in our community and in the people who live in it.

 

Our 2015 Volunteers represent business professionals as well as school administrators, and government officials. Thank you to Lisa Allaby, Scott Benjamin, Judy Brackenrig, Candee Caldwell, Chase Caldwell, Ellen Cavallo, Helen Curtin, Jon Duree, Marie Dupree, David Fernandez, Mark Gerber, Dipak Ghosh, Sharon Giallo, Matthew Gioglio, Michale Goldstein, Susan Hallmann, Mark Jewett, Patty Kane, Hal Kurfehs, Marty Landgrebe, Carlos Lara, Joan Locke, Rebecca Lollie, Kevin McCaffrey, Linda McCaffrey, Susa Merlo, Kurt Miller, Marie Miszewski, Jon Monro, Karl Noivadhana, Patty Passarelllu, Judith Pennington, Jacqueline Salame,, Devon Scanlon, Leigh Schltz, Richard Starkins, Chris Taylor, Lauren Texiera, Melanie Turnner, Marcie Tweedy, Linda Wagner, Drew Wagner, Lori Zezza.