Diamond River Currents...Monadnock Region...Keene, NH: March 2010

What have you done for me lately? is hardly the mantra of a professional who is putting their clients' interests first. 

Is it me?  I read a blog post this morning in which the author asks whether or not she should stop referring her clients to a mortgage professional who, by her own account, does a top-notch job for her clients.

He's efficient, thorough, and gets the job done.  So...what's the problem?  Glad you asked.  The problem is that "he doesn't reciprocate."  The author has sent him lots of business, and he hasn't returned the favor.  In fact, she even informed him that he'd better remember that business referrals are a two-way street or else she would cease to refer him.

It's clear that the author knows how to do her job.  She obviously knows a good mortgage pro when she sees one, and she recognizes the value he provides to her clients.  However, I can't help but walk away from her post believing that she feels cheated. He does a good job but...

But what?  He does a good job.  Isn't that enough?  Isn't that what we expect?  Isn't that what we look for in the service providers we recommend?  In today's world, a great mortgage pro is worth his/her weight in gold.  To stop referring an excellent provider simply because they don't return the favor, regardless of how good a job they do for our clients, is just a wee bit self-serving, is it not? 

Want to grow your business?  Give your clients the very best.   Refer them to the very best.

Do that and watch what happens...when someone asks them to refer the real estate agent they believe is the very best, they will undoubtedly think of you. 

That's the two-way street you'll find my business on. 

Most of us are familiar with this common bedtime rhyme:

Good night...sleep tight!  Don't let the bed bugs bite!

Apparently, a bed bug infestation can happen anywhere...in luxury hotels, apartment buildings, college dorms or homes.  Housekeeping, or lack of it, has little to do with a bed bug's chosen place of residence.  They're not picky, as long as there are humans or other warm-blooded animals to provide them with their sustenance. These uninvited guests bite their host, feed on their blood, and leave their hapless victim itchy as all get-out.

According to a recent article in The New York Times, this resurgence (or perhaps it's just renewed awareness?) of the pests has not only brought additional business to exterminators, but has also led to a new business niche for (wo)man's best friend:  Dogs That Detect Bed Bugs.

How long before we start adding companies like New York City's The Bed Bug Inspectors to our list of service providers we recommend to our real estate clients?

Fortunately, I haven't heard of any major infestations here in the Keene, NH area.  But still, just writing this has made me itchy, so I'm hitting the shower...

This is a terrific analogy to explain the importance of staging your home for sale.  And, since I couldn't have said it better myself, I'm delighted that Pangaea has allowed it to be re-blogged so I can share it with my readers.

Let's face it, these days your home is up against a lot of competition, and Buyers can afford to be very choosy.

Staging doesn't mean you have to rip everything in your home down to the studs {no pun intended! :) }...but you do want to make the most of what you've got to offer.

So, read on...and if you're interested in learning more about what you can do to give your Cheshire County home a leg up in today's market, give me a call!  As a staging-consultant-turned-real-estate-agent, I have a few tricks up my sleeve, along with some sound advice, that can help you get your Keene, NH home sold quickly so you can get on with your life!

After months, or even years, of working toward your goal of buying a home in Keene or the surrounding towns of Cheshire County, NH, the time has come!  

You've sacrificed and saved, carefully built and maintained your credit and collected countless recipes for budget-friendly meals built around ramen noodles.

At last, you are ready to begin the process...

Being the financially responsible person that you are, you've already researched and discussed various loan products with a mortgage professional.  You've kept abreast of current interest rates, down payment requirements, etc. and are finally ready to reap the reward of your careful planning and preparation.

While your favorite real estate pro is working on compiling a list of potential properties that meet your needs, you sit down with your favorite mortgage expert to take the plunge and begin the application process.

You've done your homework, and you know that in order to be in a position of strength when you are ready to make an offer on your dream home, you need that pre-approval from your lender.  The document that tells the sellers that you are worthy!  You can and will put your money where your mouth is. 

The Golden Ticket to gain admission into the Wonderful World of Homeownership.

Having submitted the necessary information and documentation to your loan officer, you are confident in your credit-worthiness.  You didn't scrimp and save and forego vacations, dining out and that incredible flat-screen TV for nothing!  Pull that credit report, Mr. Mortgage Pro...and let's get this show on the road....

~~~~<RECORD SCRATCH>~~~~

"I'm sorry, Mr. and Ms. Pennywise...your credit score is considerably below our guidelines.  The maxed-out, past-due credit cards are a real problem.  There are some serious blemishes on the report which need to be cleared up before we can consider offering you a loan..."

"SAY WHAT???"

Turns out that while you were busy living a life of frugality, Joe Slime has gotten ahold of enough of your personal information to have himself a major shopping spree.  He's racked up all kinds of debt, courtesy of your identity, which he has absolutely no intention of paying.

So what's a financially responsible, frugality-embracing, ramen-noodle gourmand to do in order to avoid becoming a victim of Joe Slime?

Proactivity is the name of the game!  Here, courtesy of fellow Active Rainer Nevin Williams, a mortgage broker with First Priority Financial, are some links and suggestions for keeping tabs on what's going on with your credit while you chow down on your 14th variation of Ramen Noodle Cassoulet:

              COMMIT TO CONDUCTING A REGULAR CREDIT REVIEW

You can pull 3 credit reports a year at no cost.  (One from each of the major credit reporting agencies.)

Where:  www.annualcreditreport.com 

Instead of pulling all three at once, consider pulling one from each credit bureau every four months.

Set up a FRAUD ALERT with the credit bureaus. (click on the link for details on how to initiate this and for information regarding any charges for this service.)

YOU MAY WANT TO REQUEST A CREDIT FREEZE

Where: Experian    Transunion    Equifax 

(Click on the individual credit reporting agency links for details pertaining to each agency's requirements and any fees involved.)

These suggestions are for those who prefer the Do-It-Yourself approach to monitoring credit activity.

There are companies who will, for a monthly fee, monitor your credit for you.

However, it's important to remember that the cost of this service can be about $30 per month.

That's $360 a year.  And $360 buys a lot of ramen noodles!  ;-)

Don't bury your head in the sand...Joe Slime counts on the ostriches to maintain his luxurious lifestyle.

Stay alert, stay informed, and stay on track.

While Joe is busy working his way toward the Big House, you can be creating another ramen noodle delight for your in-laws in your Dream House!

Plenty of space for cookouts, outdoor play and gardening surrounds this classic Keene, NH 2-family New Englander, featuring identical 2-bedroom/1-bath units, complete with screen porches, updated systems and separate utilities.  Charming original features include beautiful hardwood flooring, high tin ceilings and large windows to bring the sunshine in!  Build equity, generate income, and perhaps plan for the expansion of the existing building to incorporate a third apartment for even more rental income!

Imagine a comfortable, affordable lifestyle in which you can enjoy all the benefits and culture of Keene city living while generating additional income from a 2-bedroom apartment.  Take in a show at The Colonial Theater, grab a bite to eat at Luca's Mediterranean Cafe, The Stage, Armadillos Burritos or any of the numerous and varied restaurants along Main Street.Priced right at just $189,500! But wait!...There's more: Owner-occupied unit may qualify for the IRS Homebuyer Tax Credit.(Don't delay, it expires soon--home must be under contract before May 1, 2010 and must close before July 1, 2010)  Consult your tax pro to see if you qualify for either the $8,000 or $6,500 credit.

What more could you want?  How about proximity to Cheshire Medical Center/Dartmouth Hitchcock Keene, area schools (this home is in the Fuller School district) and the Keene Rec Center?  Perhaps a little higher education is in order...Keene State College offers a multitude of full-time and part-time educational opportunities.

So...what do you say?  Want to know more?  Additional details and photos of this amazing property are below.  Take a peek, and if you'd like more info, give me a call or shoot me an email or find me on Facebook!  I'd be delighted to introduce you to your future...

Great 2-Family on Large, level .43 Acre In-Town Lot in Keene, NH REDUCED to $189,500

Overview Maps Photos Features Description Neighborhood

$189,500 Multi Family For Sale Main Features 4 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 2 Units Interior: 1881 sqft Lot: 0.43 acre(s) Location 81 Armory Street Keene, NH 03431

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Kim Brown Diamond River Realty LLC (603) 358-3123 kim@diamondriverrealty.com http://www.diamondriverrealty.com Listed by: Kim Brown

Our recent listings First-Time Buyers, Owner-Occupied or Savvy Investors--Great Opportunity under $200k in Keene, NH Classic Ranch in Great West Keene Neighborhood Subscribe to our listing feed

See more Keene, NH real estate for sale

At the end of River Road in Hinsdale, NH you'll find this well-maintained 3BR/1 and 3/4 BA home, sited on high, level ground to take advantage of the gorgeous views of both the Connecticut and Ashuelot Rivers.

3 acres of perennials, fruit trees and natural beauty.  Relax on your wrap-around porch and drink in the calming views or take a hike or a ride along the rails-to-trails path nearby.  Need to pop in to town?  Just a couple of miles down the road.  Brattleboro, VT or Northfield, MA?  Just minutes away...

You work hard, you play hard, you deserve a vacation every day!  Your well-earned retreat awaits...

Asking just $170,000

Kim Brown | Diamond River Realty LLC | 603-358-3123 183 River Road, Hinsdale, NH Year-round vacation living with views of Connecticut and Ashuelot rivers...gorgeous end-of-road location. Make every day a get-away! 3BR/2BA Manufactured offered at $170,000 Year Built 1991 Sq Footage 1,404 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 1 Parking 4 Uncovered spaces Lot Size 3 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Make every day a vacation get-away! This well-maintained double-wide is perfectly sited above both the Connecticut and Ashuelot Rivers...relax on the wrap around porch and drink in the solitude. 3 bedrooms, 1 and 3/4 recently updated baths, updated kitchen with breakfast nook and nature's beauty all around. Convenient to Keene, NH; Brattleboro, VT and Northfield, MA. see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES - Central heat - High/Vaulted ceiling - Living room - Breakfast nook - Dishwasher - Stove/Oven - Laundry area - inside - Balcony, Deck, or Patio - Yard OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES - High above two beautiful rivers - Beautiful lot with perennials, fruit trees - Convenient to rails-to-trails for walking, riding, etc. - Gorgeous wrap-around porch to enjoy the natural beauty all around - Updated baths, kitchen - Secluded end-of-road location, yet close to town ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Welcome Home! Ashuelot River View Updated kitchen/lots of c Coffee and a view! almost home! Connecticut River Contact info: Kim Brown Diamond River Realty LLC 603-358-3123 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Mar 1, 2010, 7:30am PST

Hinsdale School District

Town of Hinsdale