Author: Cindy Penkoff

As a sales person for the past 30 years, I have sold everything from candles to cars. I know that helping people to pick out what best shows their personality is the key to a happy client, whether it is their favorite scent or the overstuffed chair that will have a home in the family room for many years to come. I carry with me the experience and challenge of making sure every client feels at home. I chose Real Estate as a career as it combines my affinity for people, homes and the process of bringing the two of them together. With a natural love of form and function, color and texture and the ability to see things for what they can be, I find it easy to combine my talents to help my clients find the home they’ve been dreaming of or helping those that wish to sell their homes and move on to their next adventure. Although I wouldn't be considered a "seasoned" agent, I feel like I have been doing this my whole life. Add to that the experience of being the assistant to a million dollar producer, my clients get the best of all worlds. Someone who looks at things with a fresh eye as well as someone who has the knowledge to walk them down the road of what can sometimes be a stressful experience My husband and I have been together for 25 years and have a 14 year old son. We live in Trumbull where I sit on the Board of Finance. I believe in giving back. I volunteer as much as possible and have been known to juggle many balls at once. Nothing makes me happier than at the end of a project, seeing the joy it creates. I love my job, my family, my dogs and my country.

Buyer Beware; that goes for renters too.

SCAM ALERT!!!!

This is just another in a long list of reasons to ONLY work with a licensed Real Estate Agent.

I have been getting emails from people about this, articles from other parts of the country and lately a few calls at the office. Tonight it hit home. I listed a lovely home in a beach area of Milford this week. The owner just called me and said that someone drove by after I left the open house and asked the neighbor if the house was for rent. The neighbor said no it’s for sale why? “We saw it for rent on Craigs List”.

Now, I know some agents put their listings on Craigs List; I do not and I don’t see any reason to. We have so many avenues to advertise a listing and quite frankly there are far too many scammers out there. It’s a hit and run type of thing. They list it for a couple days if they get a bite they take it and then delete it. I just looked and it is no longer there. I have a bad feeling someone is out some money. Does it happen on some other sites too? Of course; that’s why I always say, use a licensed real estate agent.

Here is how it works. Ad says “Lovely 3BR home for rent with views of beach; within walking distance. Available weeks _________ and ___________. Call (out of state owner) at 555-555-5555 to reserve.” When you talk to them they tell you to send them a bank check for the week, month, whatever. I mean, they don’t know who you are, how do they know your check will be good. They then tell you, after they receive, they will call you to let you know where to pick up the keys. I bet their brother or other family member lives on the same street; you’re out cash and a place to hang your hat.

This doesn’t just happen with vacation rentals. Long term rentals too and I can understand how you can be rooked into these things. Some people, in this economy especially, are having a hard time getting a landlord to give them a chance, especially if you have lost a home, are unemployed or just building your life back up. It’s very tempting to fall for someone that sounds so understanding over the phone. DON’T DO IT!! Oh, and don’t fall for, “I’m renting it for my mother, my cousin who is serving in Iraq, blah blah blah.” It needs to be done in person, see the place, proof of ownership and/or power of attorney for the owner.

There is a very easy way to check out and see if someone is legit too. Go to the town hall and look up the tax record, see who owns the property. It takes about a minute and could save you a lot of money, time and disappointment. But, the best way to do this……..USE A LICENSED REALTOR. If we have done our job, we already know all this. You can rest assured that the rental you are paying for will be the place you lay your head at night.

Young Professionals – Buy or Rent

This was a topic suggested by a friend who I keep up with on Facebook. The reason I keep up with him on Facebook is he is always traveling. His job has him all over the place and quite honestIy I love living vicariously through him; he seems to be having a great time. My suggestion to him was “I think you need a motor home.”

In all seriousness though, owning a home is not for everyone. We now live in a very small world. Think about it. 50 years ago you found a job and a community, settled down, raised a family and you moved (maybe) when you retired. Today that is not the case for many people. I have recently helped to relocated 4 households to Connecticut. Each of those have lived in no less than 4 places; 3 are between 25 and 40. The other, well we won’t go into age but he has literally lived all over the world.

If you’re on the move every few months, short term rentals are definitely the way to go. I would also hook up with a company that has a presences in your travel areas. This way you can deal with a company you know, they can refer you in network and if possible, share paperwork. Different states have different requirements but hey, any head start on the process helps.

Does this mean you don’t buy? Not necessarily. If you go out for a few weeks at a time or even a couple months at a time and return to a “home base”, owning may not be a bad idea. It gives you the security of knowing you will always have a place to lay your head. A place that is familiar, solid, secure and home. It also is a good investment and in the long run with this kind of life, a money saver. Although I would suggest a condo vs a single family home.

For the young professional that has a “stationary” job my advice would be the same every time; yes. If you qualify for a mortgage and can find a place that you want to live, go for it. It will be a great investment. Make sure you get pre-qualified. This will let you and your agent know what your financial position is and your price range. There is nothing worse than finding a place that you love and then finding out you can’t afford it. At that point the choice becomes about lifestyle; single family, multi-family or condo. It’s all about your comfort level.

Whether you live in something for 5 months or 50 years, the fact of the matter is, it’s home. Like I said, we live in a small world, why not own your little piece of it?

Author: Cindy Penkoff http://www.facebook.com/CindyPenkoffRealtor http://www.linkedin.com/in/cindypenkoffrealtor

Sell Your Home Or List Your Home

One of the most difficult things to come to grips with when selling your home is the selling price. I am not talking about what you think your house is worth or what you owe on your home, but the actual selling price or what someone is willing to pay for a property. For many people this can be a shock to their system.

My favorite thing to tell people is “Anyone can list your home, but, I don’t want to list your home, I want to sell your home which is a completely different concept.”. Does that make sense?

I was just researching properties for a CMA. When doing so I wanted to see what was on the market in their area as well. 3 of the highest priced properties caught my eye. Upon looking further I noted these 3 properties were anywhere from $80,000 to $100,000 over priced. Why would anyone do that? To test the water? Did they buy at the height of the market and they need that to get out? Did they demand that be the price or they would not list the house at all? There are a number of possible reasons for this. But, one of those reasons should NEVER be because the agent didn’t do their homework.

The rumors you have all heard are correct, to a certain extent; the market is coming back. Unfortunately not in every town and not at the same pace. This does NOT mean that you can jack up the price of your house. Comparative values still matter, appraisals still matter and what a bank is willing to expend still matters, so it’s no free for all. The past is still indicative of the future. What has sold and what has not and why.

A Comparative Market Analysis is the foundation for an honest and open conversation about your property. It is facts and figures that no matter how much you would like to ignore them, exist and never lie. They are where every good Realtor/Client relationship begins, because it’s honest and like any good relationship honesty is a must.

Now let’s assume you have decided you want to sell your home. Congratulations! It’s a big step, but only the first of many……remember, honesty.

Now, assuming you have done all the paperwork, yes I know there is a lot but it’s for everyone’s protection I promise, you and your Realtor should do a complete walk through of your home. When I walk through a house I open closets, look under sinks, go in the attic and down into the cellar to look at the mechanicals. There will be things they think you should be prepared to do in order to give your property the best possible chance of selling; remember first impressions are everything and curb appeal can mean the difference of someone walking in your door for an open house and someone that does a “drive-by”.

So if you are looking for that top dollar be prepared to organize and purge. Use this as an opportunity to not only get your house ready to sell, but get you ready to move to a new home. Having your home ready to show within an hour or so of a call is important. Before you leave the house in the morning make sure the beds are made, the sink is empty, the bathrooms are clear and the garbage has been taken out. A funky smell can sour a showing in no time flat.

Moral of the story; listen to your Realtor if you really want to sell your home, especially when it comes to price.

Your Holiday Kitchen

Every holiday centers around 2 things; family and food. The 2 things that make us all equal and we can all relate to. We talk about what we will make for weeks ahead of time, making sure to stick to those traditions and recipes that have been in the family forever while throwing in an occasional new one, probably found on Pinterest.

No matter where you decide to gather for your celebrations, the kitchen is where most of the magic will happen. This is the place we cook, create, communicate and we reconnect. More importantly we remember the ones who can’t be with us but how important they still are.

People crave that kind of interaction, especially in this busy world we now find ourselves. They need that place, that feeling of “real”, that center. The kitchen can be that place in most homes.

Whether you are buying or renting, the kitchen is a deciding factor for most people. If it isn’t what you want does it have the potential to be? An easier question to answer if you are buying vs renting granted. But people will give up other “wish list” items for their kitchen. I have yet to hear from anyone, “If I can boil water in it, I’m fine”. It doesn’t matter if it is the first time home buyer, dreaming about that first Thanksgiving dinner they will prepare or the college students I just found a rental for to finish their last year in. The kitchen is HOME.

As you look for that place to call home, what is your kitchen going to be like? Will it be all that you want and still fit into that budget or will it be a vision of the potential you see in an already existing space? Do you need a double oven and/or sink? Do you prefer stainless or color? What will your counter space look like and do you have enough lighting? Because the reality is, our dream home may not have the kitchen we want or can afford……yet.

Don’t close yourself out to a house that you saw on line that is a great price and looks nice except the kitchen. Take a look, get a feel and see what the potential is. I know the idea of doing work on a house before moving in is a lot for many people but, you could be passing up on your dream home and kitchen all for a lack of a little imagination.

I worked inside my home for 3 months before moving in. Taking down wall paper, painting walls and getting the floors taken care of. This was my house and I knew it. The kitchen was huge but in need of major updating. I did what I could afford at the time. You may have that same kitchen. A nice space that has made a lot of meals, desserts and dog biscuits, with a Pinterest board and Houzz.com scrapbook of wish list items of what you want it to be? I’m ok with that.

Whatever your kitchen turns out to be, I know that what comes out of it will be filled with love, warmth and friendship. It will be as much a part of the holiday and get togethers as the stories you will tell and the memories you will make.

Happy Easter and Happy Passover to all.

I Don’t Need An Agent

It’s amazing how many times you will hear this, especially before people find out you are an agent. I’m not sure how dealing with a Realtor ended up in the same category as going to the dentist. Since when did hiring someone trained and licensed to help you make the biggest purchase of your life become synonymous with someone who wants to put a drill in your mouth? People will hold off getting an agent until they no longer have a choice. No offence, but it’s a really bad strategy.

Explain to me exactly what it is that you are so adverse to. Expert advice, experienced insight, another set of eyes that can see your 3 year old about to grab the cats tail, the chauffeur? Are you adverse to having someone explain to you why getting pre-qualified is the first thing you should do BEFORE looking at that $700,000 house you have your heart set on? Or why buying the house right next door to the school is not a good idea if you have to be on your way to work no later than 7:15? Or, could it be that 3 page document they want you to sign before stepping inside one house? I mean, “why should you have to sign a document just to see houses?”.

First of all in the State of Connecticut it is REQUIRED. Selling a home is not like selling paint. There is a reason that licensing is a requirement, classes and mandatory continuing Ed classes. This IS the biggest purchase most people will ever make in their lives. It requires lawyers, legal town documents, sometimes town board approvals and variances. It’s a big deal. It requires each party to be legally represented by your own people. You do want people on your team to work for you and look out for your best interest right? That 3 page document does that.

If for some crazy reason a realtor chooses to take you to see houses without that document, he/she legally represents the SELLER as soon as they walk in the door. Not you, because you didn’t want them to and you will have to sign a waiver stating such.

Lastly, as a sales person we don’t get paid by the hour. We only get paid after a sale closes. How would you like to spend weeks showing properties to a client only to have that client turn around after finding the house they want and giving the sale to their cousin Fred? Do you think that would be fair? Of course not. We only have your best interest at heart and rely on you being a satisfied customer; satisfied customers make recommendations and remember us when they are ready to move up or down.

All that being said, when you hire someone to help you sell or buy a home, you are inviting them into your lives. Know who they are. Go to LinkedIn, their facebook business page and their website. Read their bio’s check out their recommendations and feel free to interview them. You are going to be spending time with this person, be fair to them, look out for yourself and always use a licensed agent.

http://www.coldwellbankermoves.com/Cynthia.Penkoff

http://www.facebook.com/CindyPenkoffRealtor

http://www.linkedin.com/in/cindypenkoffrealtor

Open House Sunday

If you are in the market for a home, one of the best days of the week is Open House Sunday. Are you a seasoned pro or a newbie? Either way, you need to be prepared as you may just find your next home today.

First you must go to your favorite website and see if the houses on your list are having an Open House, may I suggest www.CindyPenkoff.com? (I know shameless plug.) You make your list for the day, grab your coffee and go. The hardest part of this adventure, strangely enough, is being in the house, especially if you don’t have your agent with you. (You do have an agent right?)

The reason I say it’s the hardest part is you walk a fine line of feeling comfortable and feeling like a snoop. So here is the rule. If you know, when you walk in the door that you are not going to like this house “But let’s look any way since we are here”, walk through and leave. Simple. If nothing else it could add to the list of things you don’t like in a house. But, if you walk into a house that has potential, well then let the snooping begin.

Now, you are not going to really snoop, but you are going to give the house a good once over, you know like walking the car lots on Sunday when they used to be closed. This means, you open closet doors and medicine cabinets. Look under the sink cabinets for any leaks. Go into the basement and look at the electrical box and the sump pump. Is it dry or is there some moisture? Try opening and closing some windows and look up and look down. How does the ceiling look and do the floors look like you can work with them? Make notes; whether it be on your smart phone or a good old fashioned pen and paper. Look in the garage if it has one and walk around the yard.

Things off limits; drawers and anything NOT a part of the house. An old cool looking trunk in the basement or storage bins, any mail left on the counter and do not open that roll top desk. It’s not staying with the house. If it’s a personal item leave it alone and please do not let your children play with the toys of the children living in the home.

As much fun as it can be for a buyer, if you are selling your home, Open House Sunday is almost never your favorite day of the week. It really doesn’t matter how badly you want to sell your home either. You will feel as if you are being pushed out of your house, even if you are never home on Sunday in the first place. You will feel like you are being judged and you will feel like someone has gone through your things. At the same time you will be anxious to hear a report from your realtor at the end of the day. “How many people came and did anyone seem interested?” Validation.

The best advice I can give you, if you really want to sell your home, is read what I said above to potential buyers. Did you throw all your stuff in the walk in closet, the coat closet, under the sink or dirty dishes in the stove? Bad call. This place needs some spit and shine. More than likely you have known about this open house for at least a week. Don’t wait until that morning to get it all done. Has the lawn been groomed; first impressions are everything. How does the house smell? Yes smell. You would be surprised how many houses I go into that smell like teenage boys bedrooms. Choose something fresh and clean like lemon or orange. I hate to break it to you, all those candles you put around the house aren’t helping and nothing replaces a good old fashioned cleaning.

Here is the reality of Open House Sunday. If you really want to sell your house, you have to do it, but if you are going to do it, do it right. If you want to buy a house, open house Sunday is one of the best ways to find out what you like and what you don’t, just understand, somebody still lives there. So be a courteous guest.

Dressing Your Home For Sale

Housing 101

Dressing Your Home For Sale

A story from December, but with an all year moral.

Realtor’s tend to work what seems like all the time. So today was no different for me. It was kind of cool to see the transformation of store fronts and town Main Streets from Wednesday night to Friday morning. The greens, the bows, candy canes and lights, they were everywhere. As I drove through neighborhoods, people were decorating the fronts of their homes and their yards and their cars and, well it seemed like about anything they could.

As I drove down one particular street I had a moment; you know, the one when you say out loud, not realizing it, “What are they thinking?” The client that was in my car looked at me and said, “Do they really think they are going to sell that house looking like that?”

There you had it; an unbiased observation. The home had a For Sale Sign out front. It also had half a dozen blow up figures that included an animated snow globe, lights, that at night might have looked ok but, during the day, looked like black yarn had been thrown everywhere and to “top it all off”, someone on the roof was trying to attached a sled with all the trimmings, including Rudolph.

Now, let me make this clear, I would never tell anyone how to celebrate the holidays. But, if you are selling your home and it is during the holiday season I tell my clients, please keep it simple. I know we all have our traditions; we want to put out all the keepsakes and the memories that remind us of growing up or even more importantly our children growing up; all the more reason not to and I will tell you why.

First, one of the things you want people to be able to do is picture themselves living in your home. The more stuff there is around, the less likely that is. It’s hard enough to do this on normal days. Next, we all feel that pressure to keep the house up all the time when selling, just in case “the” buyer wants to see it that day. The more decorating and display, the more work for you. Lastly, accidents happen. The more things that are out, the more likely something will get knocked over, little hands might pick up and drop or any host of other things. Aunt Tilly’s porcelain dove is 80 years old and can never be replaced so why take the chance?

So rule of thumb is Keep It Simple; inside AND out.

Oh, and if you’re looking to make the house smell like holiday time may I suggest fresh baked cookies, or a candle that smells like it, versus a pine scented one? Pine can be harsh to some people and make them rush through the showing. On the other hand, I’ve never seen anyone run from a warm cookie

Welcome to HOUSING 101

Good Morning!!!!!

Would if I could, make it that easy; a 101 Course. Let’s face it, there is nothing easy about making the largest purchase of your life, or selling something you have put your heart and soul into and now people will be walking through critiquing it. As a Realtor, part of my job is to help you with that. I’m not saying I can take all the anxiety out of it, but I can give you the information you need to make good decisions. As they say, with knowledge comes power.

My name is Cindy Penkoff and I am a Real Estate agent with the Fairfield Coldwell Banker Office. I must admit, not many people can say this, I LOVE my job. It is many of the job things I love all rolled into one; sales, promotion, numbers, staging (decorating), helping people through an exciting and stressful decision and contracts. Yes I like contracts. Contracts are defined, clear, structured and specific. Dot the i’s and cross those t’s. Now if we could work in shoes and music, I would know perfection. J

All of that leads us to the here and now and why I am “talking” to you. It is now one of my jobs to help my readers navigate the world of Real Estate, which is much more than one might think. I want to help with everything from organizing and decorating the house to sell for the holidays to “how much can I afford to spend?”. For the record, I will be handing you off to a mortgage specialist for that one. Understanding why Connecticut State Laws requires “blah” and why a licensed home inspector can save you from the money pit.

But, today is about introductions. Tomorrow we will start to talk about the local markets, what is happening and what we can expect to see because of them.

For now, may I say, it’s been a pleasure and I look forward to this new adventure.