As deadly serious as the real estate business can be, especially today, situations can become interesting, even humorous, where so important a matter as money is concerned.  The feature event about money, of course, is the dance around the price at which a house should be listed and sold, and the three principal performers are the realtor, whose job it is to convince the seller that a house should be priced at fair market value, the seller who sometimes wants the house to sell at a price he/she "has to have, and not a penny less," and the buyer who wants to pay a price that he/she considers favorable "and not a cent more." We all have our scripts on these matters. The realtor is prepared to respond in a certain way when the seller learns that the fair market value of his/her house is mu... 12/19/2009

Fire has always held an irresistible fascination for mankind, starting with the very survival of our distant ancestors for warmth, light and for cooking. More recently in the evolutionary cycle, fire has been harnessed, controlled within fireplaces, again for heat, but later for prestige and atmosphere.  Would it surprise you to know that three-quarters of those seeking a new home list a fireplace as a "must-have?" It would seem that a fireplace represents more than what it is. The gold and red hot flickering of light and the crackling of burning wood can transport us to a distant time and place, to the roasting of marshmallows at family picnics, or making baked potatoes in the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts, or maybe in our fantasy lives if not reality, to a sensual interlude on a bear rug ... 12/05/2009

Everyone still loves a beautiful kitchen, even if we're spending less money in upgrading what we have.  For a recent story in my local newspaper, I interviewed the owner of our most successful independent appliance store who gave me the lowdown on how things have changed on the kitchen scene. The switch to less expensive appliances and fixtures, while still achieving an upscale look can be found through the following link.   The Recessionary Kitchen   12/02/2009

When it was first published, "Use What You've Got," written by that uber real estate guru Barbara Corcoran, was recommended to me by a fellow agent (well, actually a woman agent, and I always listen to what smart women tell me).  It took me a while to connect the dots between what Barbara was saying and how I should apply it to my own real estate practice.  But, recently, I was reminded of its principles by going to a seminar held by that wonderful marketing firm, Hobbs Herder, which is in the business of personal marketing, specializing in real estate. I also realized that much of their creative program involves work that I've done in public relations for many years.  So, I took a gander at developing my own "story" as the first step in branding myself and would you believe that those ... 12/01/2009

I'm one of those guys who loves to know the history of everything involved in real estate and the home.  Actually, I had planned to be an art historian by education, but somehow ended up in public relations, then this wonderful real estate industry.  In concert with this, I write a "Home Guru" column in my local ewspaper and will be sharing with you some of the historical pieces, and others, that I do. My favorite part of the house is the kitchen, so that was my first focus for my historic series. Have you ever wondered about the evolution of this essential room, the "heart of the house?"  Read my story here: The Evolution of the Kitchen         11/30/2009

Self Marketing the way to go----Marketing Tip #3 7. E-mails, we all like to use them. They are fast and convenient, but they require constant monituring. Put your e-mail address on everything you do and give people and check your mailbox 2-3 times a day. 8. You should market yourself as the expert in your area. This requires constant direct mail contact with the information take keeps your potential clients up to date on what is going on in their neighborhood. 9. All your marketing should have a point you want to get across. Kept this in mind when sellecting something to mail or E-mail. Westchester County Real Estate Don't Miss The Opportunity to buy or list Your Home With The Company That Gets The Job Done!!!!!   Thomas SantoreAssociate BrokerColdwell Banker845-590-5488  Westchester Co... 10/31/2009

Coldwell Banker Continues To Lead The Way in the 10598 Zip Code Of The Town Of Yorktown, New York Coldwell Banker of Yorktown Heights is only one of the 22 offices in the Town of Yorktown. This represents only a 4.5% market share based on number of offices in the Town of Yorktown. From 08/25/09to 10/28/09 of the single family homes that went into contract for this period Coldwell Banker listed 21% of them. Of the single family homes that became Pendingfor that period Coldwell Banker listed 20% of them. From that same period we were the listing agents on 22.5% of the single family listings that closed during that time period in Yorktown Heights, New York 10598. For that same period we were the listing agent on 8.5% of the homes that came on the market. These stats Mean the next 30-45 day... 10/28/2009

Some More Self Marketing Tips   4. Think of your large postcards as oversized business card with ten times the impact if done right. 5. Always find your target market and make sure you get the right message across. 6. Market yourself as who you are. You will appeal to people who want to work with someone like you. It will make for a better match with the subject. Thomas SantoreAssociate BrokerColdwell Banker845-590-5488  Westchester County Real Estate Visit My Web Sites at;  http://www.realestatesallhere.com/   http://www.tomshouseofforeclosures.com/     http://www.icansellyourland1.com/ Westchester County Real Estate Past Post! Marketing tips, These work any where!!!!!         10/27/2009

These tips are a good idea for any Real Estate Agent!!! 1. You should have your picture on everything you do. I have people walk up to me all the time who know me from my blogs and ads that have my picture in them.Also you should update it at least every 24 months if not more frequently. 2. Have your advertising materials done professionally. This will illustrate your success and if you are a new agent this will give you instant credibility. 3. Most successful businesses have some kind of brochure depicting their business. You should have one also describing yourself and your company. I WILL HAVE MORE TIPS TO FOLLOW! Thomas SantoreAssociate BrokerColdwell Banker845-590-5488  Westchester County Real Estate Visit My Web Sites at;  http://www.realestatesallhere.com/   http://www.tomshouseo... 10/26/2009

Please watch our new add.  We would love to help you find your dream home and our experience in the business will help you get the best house for the best price!!   http://client.bhgrealestate.imprev.net/97/1197/3852/3852.swf 10/06/2009

JUST REDUCED - This Bi-Level has too many recent updates to list here. Baths & kitchen are just a few. Kitchen/dining area with island is open and bright for family entertaining, including a wine built-in storage. House features large deck wth above ground pool overlooking green space that cannot be developed. Another nice feature is the spacious lower level with a full bath - easily converted for mom and/or extended family!!! Call today for a private showing at (914) 275-5987/88 or email us at nyhometeam@aol.com. 09/23/2009

Wrap up on the last six months in Yorktown Heights, New York 10598 for the single family market. Coldwell banker presently has 10.5% of the single family homes listed in Yorktown Heights.We presently have listed 44% of the single family homes in contract.Also we are the listing agent on 22% of the homes that are presently pending.But best of all we have been the listing agents on 22.5% of the homes that have actually sold in the last six months. Past Blogs Coldwell Banker of Yorktown, Success seems to be a way of life!!! Coldwell Banker of Yorktown, continues to serve you better than the rest!!! Coldwell Banker of Yorktown, now in control more than ever in Yorktown Heights!! Coldwell Banker of Yorktown, still in control of it's leadership role in Yorktown Heights!! We have turned the co... 08/28/2009

Follow up on our charity event; Coldwell Banker/Friends of Karen 3rd Annual Golf Outing. We seem to be getting better with this each year; In 2007 we grossed $22,000 and netted $11,000.In 2008                       $40,000                      $17,000. In 2009                       $41,000                      $25,000.This year we got the exspeses down substansually grossed $1,000 more but netted $8,000 more. Thank you for your support in this endever, we are very proud to support the "Freinds of Karen" Don't Miss The Opportunity to buy or list Your Home With The Company That Gets The Job Done!!!!!   Thomas SantoreAssociate BrokerColdwell Banker845-590-5488  Westchester County Real Estate Visit My Web Sites at;  http://www.realestatesallhere.com/   http://www.tomshouseofforeclosures.com... 08/26/2009

Coldwell Banker of Yorktown, Success seems to be a way of life!!! Coldwell Banker of Yorktown Heights is only one of the 22 offices in the Town of Yorktown. This represents only a 4.5% market share based on number of offices in the Town of Yorktown. From 08/08/09to 08/25/09 of the single family homes that went into contract for this period Coldwell Banker listed 16% of them. From that same period we were the listing agents on 14% of the single family listings that closed during that time period in Yorktown Heights, New York 10598. For that same period we were the listing agent on 33% of the homes that went from just being in contract to pending. Meaning the next 30 days will be very big for our office as far as solds are concerned.  Leading the competition by leaps and bounds!!!  Don't ... 08/25/2009

Coldwell Banker of Yorktown, continues to serve you better than the rest!!! Coldwell Banker of Yorktown Heights is only one of the 22 offices in the Town of Yorktown. This represents only a 4.5% market share based on number of offices in the Town of Yorktown. From 07/25/09 to 08/08/09 of the new single family homes that went into contract for this period Coldwell Banker listed 40% of them. An increase of 19% from my last report on 07/25/09. From that same period we were the listing agents on 30% of the single family listings that closed during that time period in Yorktown Heights, New York 10598. An increase of 7% from my last report on 07/25/09. Presently overall we have been going into contract on better than a deal a day since mid-May. WOW!!!!  Leading the competition by leaps and bo... 08/08/2009

We are Selling More Than A House A Day Since May!!!!!   Don't Miss The Opportunity to buy or list Your Property or Home With The Company That Gets The Job Done!!!!!   Thomas SantoreAssociate BrokerColdwell Banker845-590-5488  Westchester County Real Estate Visit My Web Sites at;  http://www.realestatesallhere.com/   http://www.tomshouseofforeclosures.com/     http://www.icansellyourland1.com/ http://www.westchestercountyrealestate.info "2009 YEAR-TO-DATE UNIT SHARE OF OFFICE LISTINGS SOLD" Yorktown Heights, New York 10598 Things have been very good the last 2 months!!!! Coldwell Banker of Yorktown, still in control of it's leadership role in Yorktown Heights!! We have turned the corner and the prognosis is great!!!! Yorktown Heights, New York 10598 Coldwell Banker still continues it lea... 07/31/2009

Coldwell Banker is all over the INTERNET-Check this out!!!!COLDWELL BANKER HAS SO MANY NEW TOOLS IT IS AMAZING!!!THE NEWEST IS A CONNECTION TO THE BILLBOARD IN TIMES SQUARE Consumers Can search for homes while they are in Times Square and See the Listings they are searching for.   Wherever one looks, there are exciting things to see and do in New York City's Times Square. But it is not every day that consumers can actually interact with a company through a billboard. From July 6th through August 2nd, Coldwell Banker will be hosting an interactive billboard in Times Square that displays requested home listings in real time. The Coldwell Banker® billboard is featured above the West Hotel in Times Square and encourages people to use their mobile phone to text the word "homes" and any zip c... 07/29/2009

Coldwell Banker of Yorktown, now in control more than ever in Yorktown Heights!! Yorktown Heights, Westchester County New York 10598 I probably don't have to remind you of this but I will. Coldwell Banker of Yorktown Heights is only one of the 22 offices in the Town of Yorktown. This represents only a 4.5% market share based on number of offices in the Town of Yorktown. From 05/31/09 to 07/25/09 of the new single family homes that went into contract for this period Coldwell Banker listed 21% of them. An increase of From that same period we were the listing agents on 23% of the single family listings that closed during that time period in Yorktown Heights, New York 10598. We listed 21% of the homes that came on the market between 05/31/09 to 07/25/09 an increase of 12%. I guess seller ar... 07/25/2009

   COLDWELL BANKER LAUNCHES INTERACTIVE BILLBOARD IN TIMES SQUARE A Real Estate Industry First; Consumers Can Send Text Messages and See Home Listings'  Information Displayed Live on NYC Billboard RIDGEFIELD, Conn. (July 14, 2009) - Wherever one looks, there are exciting things to see and do in New York City's Times Square. But it is not every day that consumers can actually interact with a company through a billboard. From July 6th through August 2nd, Coldwell Banker will be hosting an interactive billboard in Times Square that displays requested home listings in real time. The Coldwell Banker® billboard featured above the W Hotel in Times Square encourages people to use their mobile phone to text the word "homes" and any zip code to the number, 30241. Within moments, the billboard wil... 07/23/2009

Don't Sell Your Short Sales Short! In these recent tough economic times, every Realtor I know has a Short Sale property in their portfolio of listings. But only the savviest of those Realtors have been Staging their short sales! I admit, at first, the suggestion to Stage a Short Sale seems a bit counterintuitive...the homeowner is in financial distress and possibly headed towards foreclosure- How can I responsibly suggest that they Stage this property? But in truth, these are exactly the properties that need to be Staged! A homeowner who is in a Short Sale position is facing selling their home for less than what they owe on the mortgage so every dollar counts! That is why it is always in the best interest of every seller that you suggest that they have their home Staged! It has been pro... 07/16/2009