Mansfield's Home Selling Team In The News

HOMESELLING TEAM ANNOUNCES “AUDREY’S AWARD” WINNER

MANSFIELD-Home Selling Team is pleased to announce the winner of their annual “Audrey’s Award” drawing.   The winner was recently drawn at the Home Selling Team’s monthly office meeting in January.

New home owners Andy & Rebecca Sokolski of Tolland, represented by their Realtor, Sue Esposito received a check for $500 from Home Selling Team Broker/Owner Brian McCarthy. “Coincidentally, Andy, a physical therapist with Mansfield Physical Therapy,  is also a member of the Windham BNI (Business Network International) Chapter with Sue Esposito so it was nice to be able to introduce Andy as the HST award winner to BNI members as well at their recent meeting,” stated McCarthy.

Home Selling Team’s “Audrey’s Award” is given annually to a new home buyer in honor of the late Audrey Hilton, who was a Realtor and Buyer’s Agent with Home Selling Team until 2007. The names  of all  buyers who buy a home through Home Selling Team the previous year are entered into the drawing.

 Audrey’s passion and commitment to educating new home buyers and guiding them through the intricacies of their first transaction was well known by her clients and colleagues alike.

 __________________________________________________________________

Home Selling Team Welcomes Realtor Hao Du

Hao is a Mansfield native and current resident and attended E.O. Smith High School and the University of Connecticut.

Hao recently obtained his real estate license and is uniquely qualified to assist home buyers and sellers with his technological savvy and knowledge of the local area. You can reach Hao by telephone at 860-456-SOLD ext. 107 or by email.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Barbara Cornell Returns to Mansfield's Home Selling Team Office

Brian McCarthy, Broker/Owner of Home Selling Team is pleased to announce that Barbara Cornell recently returned to Home Selling Team.  “Barbara moved out of the area for about a year and worked in Southeastern Connecticut real estate market.  I am happy to report that she is residing once again in the Mansfield area and has returned to HST.  Everyone at HST is happy to have her back as she was always a valuable member of the team and an experienced Realtor,” McCarthy added.

You can welcome Barbara back and/or contact her if you are buying or selling a property by telephone at 860-456-SOLD ext. 112 or by email at barbara@homesellingteam.com.

Home Selling Team is located at 452 Storrs Road in Mansfield Center and is the local leader in local real estate sales and exclusive and innovative programs such as the Guaranteed Sale Program, the Free Moving Truck, Audrey’s Award and more.  For more information on our real estate services go to http://www.homesellingteam.com/ telephone us at 860-456-SOLD, email us at:  info@homesellingteam.com or find us on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/homesellingteam

___________________________________________________________________ 

Rick Loranger Completes Real Estate Broker Education

MANSFIELD- Rick Loranger of Home Selling Team recently completed the requirements to obtain his Real Estate Broker’s license.  Rick has been a Realtor /Associate with Home Selling Team since 2003 and once he receives his license he will become a Broker/Associate.

“I am impressed with Rick’s drive and commitment to succeed as a professional in the local real estate industry,” stated Brian McCarthy, Broker/Owner of Home Selling Team. “We have seen a recent trend of office closings, mergers, & consolidations in our market area which can be disconcerting for agents when they are full -time professional realtors and not relying on other employment.  I am pleased that Rick is moving forward with his career development in a challenging time and continues to provide the excellent service and expertise his clients have grown to expect,” McCarthy further stated.

Rick Loranger can be reached by telephone at 860-456-SOLD ext. 119 or by email at rick@homesellingteam.com.

______________________________________________________________________

 Progressive Builder Brings Geothermal to Windham County

With temperatures heading down and oil prices going up many cash-strapped consumers are looking for more energy efficient ways to heat their homes.  If you are interested in building a new home for a growing family or downsizing from a larger home, geothermal building has arrived in Eastern Connecticut. 

Windham County now has a new energy efficient option thanks to custom home builder Corey Krohn owner of Green Building Solutions, Inc. in Windham.  Krohn, President of Green Building Solutions, Inc. has been specializing in energy efficient home building and geothermal heating & cooling since 2000.

Krohn, a fan of the widely known “Not So Big House” architect Sarah Susanka, has built homes in Colorado, California & Nevada and shares Susanka’s building philosophy of “Build better-not bigger.”  A typical “Not So Big” floor plan optimizes square footage by:  utilizing open floor plans, well placed windows, cabinets, counters, storage spaces, window seats, screened porches, changing ceiling heights and walk out basements. 

Ideally, a consumer would reduce the cost of building their new home by building on a smaller footprint and using quality materials and architectural details that make the home more functional, efficient and interesting.

Builders of these homes are also eligible for a $10,000 energy efficiency tax credit.  These new geothermal homes are currently under way on Jerusalem Road in Windham. One home is sold and nearing completion and three more are planned. 

Realtor Rick Loranger of Home Selling Team is marketing these homes for Green Building Solutions, Inc. You can contact Rick for more information at: mailto:rick@homesellingteam.com or by telephone at 860-450-8119.    If you are considering building a new home but need to sell first sign up for a free market analysis of your current property.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Mansfield Emergency Shelter Open at MCC Today, August 30, 2011

The Town of Mansfield has opened an emergency shelter at the Mansfield Community Center (this replaces the shelter previously advertised to be at E.O. Smith High School).  It will be opening at 10AM on Tuesday, August 30th. 

The shelter will provide sleeping accommodations, meals, hot showers and access to electricity to charge cell phones and other electronic equipment.  Residents can also log on to the Town's free wireless Internet Wi-Fi system (you can bring your own laptop or use one
of our public access computers). 

If residents have specific questions they can contact the Mansfield Department of Human Services at 429-3315.
Individuals in need of other support services may also contact the American Red Cross or call 211.

For those who need transportation to WRTD and Dial-A-Ride buses are operating on their regular schedules.

       ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________                                

Local HST Agent, Paul Tamsin, Demonstrates the True Benefits of Short Sale Over Foreclosure

Online report outlines the advantages of short sale over foreclosure—and provides solutions for homeowners struggling to make mortgage payments in Eastern Connecticut.

Mansfield, CT- July 2011 – Local CDPE-designated agent, Paul Tamsin of Home Selling Team, has released a new report weighing in on the debate of whether there is a real benefit to short selling your home rather than let it be foreclosed on. The report titled Short Sale vs. Foreclosure provides information comparing the effects each has on a distressed homeowner’s future.

 A short sale occurs when a lender allows a homeowner to sell a property for less than the current mortgage amount owed.

“Lately there’s been a lot of talk surrounding whether there is a difference in how a short sale or foreclosure affects a person’s credit,” Tamsin said.  “This report will help distressed homeowners discover the advantages of short sales over foreclosure beyond the initial impact on their credit rating.”

This community resource is available at PaulTamsin.com. In addition to providing more information about the advantages of short sales, the report explains the potential effects foreclosure can have on employment, security clearance, and the ability to secure financing for a home once an individual’s financial situation is restored.

“The benefits of short sales make it a better option over foreclosure any day of the week.” Tamsin said. “When you compare the two you see that short sales can secure a more stable future for homeowners, and I feel fortunate to be able to guide them through the process.”

The CDPE Designation Tamsin has acquired provides a specific understanding of the complex issues confronting distressed homeowners.  Through comprehensive training and experience, CDPE-designated agents are able to provide solutions for homeowners facing financial hardship in today’s real estate market.

To learn more, visit PaulTamsin.com. or call directly at 860-450-8144 or email me at: paul@homesellingteam.com.

Federal Trade Commission Disclosures

1.        You may stop doing business with us at any time. You may accept or reject the offer of mortgage assistance we obtain from your lender (or servicer). If you reject the offer, you will not have to pay us for our services.

2.        The above brokerage is not associated with the government, and our service is not approved by the government, and our service is not approved by the government or your lender.

3.        Even if you accept this offer and use our service, your lender may not agree to change your loan.

____________________________________________________________________

HOME SELLING TEAM WELCOMES SONDRA MONTESI

MANSFIELD-Home Selling Team is pleased to announce the addition of Sondra Montesi to their team of real estate professionals.  Sondra, a Columbia native, received her BS degree in law enforcement and recently retired from her post as a Deputy Warden for over 20 years with the Department of Corrections .

“I am so pleased that Sondra is joining us at HST”,  stated Brian McCarthy, Broker Owner of Home Selling Team.  “I think Sondra’s knowledge of the local area, her energy, professionalism, and attention to detail will serve her well in this continually evolving real estate industry.”

Sondra resides in Columbia and has a daughter attending WPI in fall.  You can reach Sondra at Home Selling Team by telephone at 860-456-SOLD ext. 142 or by email at sondra@homesellingteam.com. 

______________________________________________________

HOME SELLING TEAM ATTENDS NEW LOAN PROGRAM

CROMWELL- Realtors from Home Selling Team recently attended a seminar featuring the “New CHFA/USDA  Loans and the CHFA 203 K & Hero Loans” hosted by Mike House, Senior Loan Officer for  Norcom Mortgage.  Also in attendance was Vice President of Underwriting for Norcom Mortgage, Susan Bizarro and Rose Holbrook,  a representative of  CHFA .
Brian McCarthy, Broker/Owner of Home Selling Team, also in attendance, described the program as a great opportunity for home buyers with plenty of financing available until September 30, 2011. “This is a hybrid not an exotic loan that allows buyer to finance 100% using a combination of CHFA and USDA funds. The buyer can also combine CHFA with a 203k streamline program to buy properties requiring rehabilitation with a 30-yr mortgage and an interest rate as low as 3.875%.” For more information on these programs and to find out if you can qualify to buy a home click here.

 Find us on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/homesellingteam.

 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Tina Bilanceri Announced 2011 Connecticut Five Star Real Estate Agent

Mansfield, CT- Tina Bilanceri of Home Selling Team, Mansfield, CT has been honored with a recognition by Connecticut Magazine in its selection of "Connecticut 2011 Five Star Real Estate Agents."
"This is quite an honor for me. Since Connecticut Magazine chose only a select number of professionals for their Connecticut 2011 Five Star Real Estate Agents list, I am especially proud to have made the grade. Being here included signals that my constant effort to deliver excellent service has paid off. It is gratifying and exciting to be recognized in this way."
Five Star Professional has named the Connecticut recipients of the 2011 Five Star Real Estate Agent award. The award winners appear in a special section in the March issue of CONNECTICUT Magazine.
“I was so pleased for Tina to be recognized in this way and so proud of her accomplishments thus far, stated Brian McCarthy, Broker/Owner of Home Selling Team. “I agree that this recognition confirms that she has been putting her skills and efforts to work in providing excellent customer service, which, in the real estate industry, to paramount to continued success.”
Five Star Professional partnered with CONNECTICUT Magazine to conduct research to identify a select group of real estate agents who are exceptional in both their ability and their commitment to overall satisfaction. Fewer than six percent of the 17,500 Connecticut area residents holding real estate licenses were selected.
A survey was provided to all Connecticut area residents who purchased a home over $150,000 within a 36-month period (October 2007 to October 2010), 25,000 subscribers of CONNECTICUT Magazine and 250 mortgage and title companies. Respondents were asked to evaluate real estate agents they knew through personal experience and to evaluate them based on nine criteria. Both negative and positive evaluations were included in the scoring.
Following the publication of Tina Bilanceri's selection for Connecticut Magazine's 2011  Five Star Real Estate Agents list, American Registry seconded the honor and added Tina Bilanceri to its "Registry of Business Excellence™".
For more information or to contact Tina Bilanceri at Home Selling Team, please call 860-450-8124 or email her at: tina@homesellingteam.com.

 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Home Selling Team and Local Sponsors Host Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA) Program

MANSFIELD-Home Selling Team recently hosted a Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA) Program at the Nathan Hale Inn & Conference Center in Storrs on  April 19, 2011.  This day-long event was made possible through the sponsorship provided by the following individuals and businesses:
• Michael Gergler, Wilcox & Reynolds Insurance 
• Dan Hartman, Province Mortgage Associates
• Charlie Halbert, Eastern Connecticut Home Inspection Services
• Attorney James Mark,  Lavigne, Mark & Rogers.

This event  featured a trainer from Dynamic Directions Educational & Sales Training Consultants, Rhonda Lentini, who instructed the newly developed course from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Each Realtor attending and completing the course receives  six continuing education credits.  This newly developed course from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) provides in-depth coverage of the U.S. Treasury, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac programs.  In 2009, the U.S. government introduced the “Making Home Affordable” in an attempt to alleviate foreclosures and allow people to retain their homes.  However, neither of the programs the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) or the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) was designed specifically for short sales.  Thus, the creation of the HAFA program to assist homeowners who had to sell their homes short.
“This program is excellent in contrasting the similarities and differences in the HAFA programs in detail;  giving us the tools to provide competent and efficient assistance to a client in processing a short sale,” stated

Brian McCarthy, Broker/Owner of Home Selling Team.  “I was so pleased that were able to hold this class locally thanks to our sponsors and to have such a diverse group in attendance, including Realtors, attorneys, paralegals and mortgage originators, ” McCarthy further stated.  
If you will be selling your home and are facing a possible short sale transaction, Home Selling Team can help.  All HST Realtors have at least one short sale /foreclosure professional designation and are involved in on-going continuing education in an effort to better serve homeowners facing this complex challenge.

Home Selling Team, LLC is located at 452 Storrs Road in Mansfield Center and is home to many exclusive and innovative programs for real estate buyers and sellers such as the 120-day Guaranteed Home Sale, Hot New Listings, Audrey’s Award, and the Free Moving Truck.  Please find us on  facebook and  read our blog or contact us by telephone at:  860-456-SOLD.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Home Selling Team Realtors Attend Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA) Program

MANSFIELD, CT-Home Selling Team Realtors, Brian McCarthy, Paul Tamsin and Sue Esposito attended the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA) Program in North Haven CT on March 16th.  This newly developed course from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) provides in-depth coverage of the U.S. Treasury, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac programs.  In 2009, the U.S. government introduced the “Making Home Affordable” in attempt to alleviate foreclosures and allow people to retain their homes.  However, neither of the programs the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) or the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) was designed specifically for short sales.  Thus, the creation of the HAFA program to assist homeowners who had to sell their homes short.
“This program was excellent in contrasting the similarities and differences in the HAFA programs in detail;  giving us the tools to provide competent and efficient assistance to a client in processing a short sale,” stated Brian McCarthy, Broker/Owner of Home Selling Team, Mansfield, CT and an attendee of the HAFA program.  “We have found that short sale transactions are becoming more prevalent in the market and we want to be prepared to provide the most knowledgeable and comprehensive assistance possible,” McCarthy further stated.  
If you will be selling your home in the Windham, Tolland or New London county area and are facing a possible short sale transaction, Home Selling Team can help.  All HST Realtors have at least one short sale /foreclosure professional designation and are involved in on-going continuing education in an effort to better serve homeowners facing this complex challenge.
Home Selling Team will be hosting a HAFA conference in the near future. If you are a Realtor who would like to learn more about HAFA and attend this conference, please contact Kathy McCarthy at 860-456-SOLD ext. 120 or email:  info@homesellingteam.com  for details.
Home Selling Team, LLC is located at 452 Storrs Road in Mansfield Center, CT and is home to many exclusive and innovative programs for real estate buyers and sellers such as the 120-day Guaranteed Home Sale,  Hot New Listings, Audrey’s Award, and the Free Moving Truck.   

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Darrin Havanec Earns Accredited Buyer Representation (ABR) Professional Designation

MANSFIELD, CT - Darrin Havanec, a Realtor with Home Selling Team, recently received the Accredited Buyer Representation (ABR) professional designation.  The ABR is a designation of Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council (REBAC) and is awarded to those who complete the requirements of the application and have demonstrated the ability to work effectively with buyer clients. 

“Darrin has been incredibly successful as the newest member of Home Selling Team,”stated Brian McCarthy, Broker/owner of Home Selling Team in Mansfield, CT. “ Darrin has demonstrated a commitment to education, that along with his background in sales and customer service, make him a likely top producer in the local real estate market.” Havanec also holds the Short Sale FSFR designation.  
 
Home Selling Team is located at 452 Storrs Road, Mansfield. If you would like Darrin  to represent you in the purchase or sale of a property, call please call him at 450-SOLD ext. 119 or contact him via email at mailto:darrin@homesellingteam.com.

  __________________________________________________________________________________________________

CLARENCE RUSS ACHIEVES STATE OF CONNECTICUT RECOGNITION

MANSFIELD, CT- Clarence Russ, a Realtor with Home Selling Team, has been awarded the Five Star Real Estate Agents award by the Connecticut Magazine.  The Five Star Award recognizes local Real Estate Agents for Overall Satisfaction to their clientele. 

“This special recognition in Connecticut Magazine along with Clarence’s best year ever in real estate in 2010 is an incredible achievement,” stated Brian McCarthy, Broker/Owner of Home Selling Team. “I think Clarence can look forward to a prosperous 2011with these accolades to his credit.”

Crescendo Business Services was employed to conduct a survey for the Connecticut Magazine of all home owners who purchased single family homes for over $150,000 from October 2007 to October 2010.  The recipients of the survey were asked to evaluate agents based on nine criteria: customer service, communication, finding the right home, integrity, negotiation, marketing the home, market knowledge, closing preparation and overall satisfaction.

Crescendo scored and screened each qualified agent with the Connecticut State Real Estate Commission’s database to verify that licenses were current and that no disciplinary actions were pending.  Finally a panel of real estate professional’s trade association executives reviewed the agents and the surveys.

The resulting list of Five Star Real Estate Agents is an elite group, representing less that 6 percent of the 17,500 licensed agents in the State of Connecticut.  It should also be noted that during the period the survey was conducted there were in excess of 320 transactions completed in the Town of Windham, and Clarence was the only agent to be recognized for his service in Windham.  Home buyers rely on the real estate agents for advice and guidance along with the knowledge the agent brings them.

If you are in the Mansfield, CT real estate market to buy or sell property you can experience the  award winning service yourself by contacting Clarence Russ  at Home Selling Team by telephone at  860-450-SOLD, ext. 140 or by email at:  clarence@homesellingteam.com.
  
You can receive more information about  the Five Star Award and the research/selection methodology by going to http://www.fivestarprofessional.com/2011/. 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Home Selling Team Honors Top Producers

MANSFIELD-Home Selling Team LLC, recently honored it's Realtors at their annual awards luncheon held February 11 at Willington Pizza in Willington, CT.  
The awards were given based on real estate sales production and overall service and performance in 2010 .  Recipients included:  

• Jack Fulton, Jeanne Crum, Clarence Russ, and Carol Webb, the HST “ Sterling Award”
• Rick Loranger, the HST “Platinum Award”
• Sue Esposito the HST  “Titanium Award, the top HST award for 2010.
  Additional awards this year included: 
• HST “Rookie of the Year” awarded to Darrin Havanec  for excellent performance in his first year in real estate
• “Best Training Video” went to Paul Tamsin for his xtranormal HST training video 
• Tina Bilanceri received the “Bounce Back” Award for exceeding last year’s sales production by the largest percentage. 
• Rick Loranger & Clarence Russ were also recognized with “Best Year Ever” awards for their most successful year in real estate to date.   
  “I am truly amazed with the success, commitment, and dedication to hard work that this Mansfield real estate group demonstrated over the last year.  2010 was one of the most challenging years ever in the real estate industry and for us to have achieved these kind of results in a challenging market is incredible,” stated Brian McCarthy, Broker/Owner of Home Selling Team. “ “The fact that two of our agents had their best year ever in 2010 is very encouraging as we look for continued  growth in 2011. The  excellent performance of our team combined with renewed  recruiting efforts  should maintain our position of market dominance.”
  Home Selling Team is located at 452 Storrs Road in Mansfield Center and is the local leader in local real estate sales and exclusive and innovative programs such as the Guaranteed Sale Program, the Free Moving Truck and more.  For more information you can reach us by telephone us at 860-456-SOLD, or email us at:  info@homesellingteam.com or find us on facebook at: www.facebook.com/homesellingteam.

 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Mansfield Home Selling Team Broker, Brian McCarthy, Attends  Connecticut Association of Realtors Special Meeting for Designated Brokers

MANSFIELD- Brian McCarthy, Broker/Owner of Home Selling Team LLC, recently attended the Connecticut Association of Realtors (CAR) Special Meeting for Designated Brokers at the Holiday Inn in North Haven, CT on March 14, 2011.  Featured topics and presentations included:  a Legislative Update by CAR Lobbyist Pete Smith, an update from the Department of Consumer Protection and legal updates from CAR General Legal Counsel, Eugene Marconi and CAR President, Gene Fercodini.  The presentations were followed by an open discussion and Q& A for attendees.

“These CAR- sponsored meetings are timely, comprehensive and highly informative. These sessions are exclusively designed for Designated Brokers so that we are able to cover a great amount of important material within a reasonable amount of time and the least amount of distractions,”stated Brian McCarthy, Designated Broker for Home Selling Team LLC. “It is an intensive effort put on by CAR to keep real estate Brokers up to speed in this rapidly changing climate and be able to share these changes with their Associates.”

Home Selling Team is located at 452 Storrs Road in Mansfield Center and is home to many exclusive and innovative programs such as the Guaranteed Sale Program, the Free Moving Truck and more.  For more information on any of our services call 860-456-SOLD.  Click here to connect with us on facebook.  

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Home Selling Team Realtors Interviewed for Study

MANSFIELD, CT- Brian McCarthy, Jeanne Crum and Jack Fulton of Home Selling Team, LLC were recently interviewed by staff at AKRF, INC., Environmental, Planning and Engineering Consultants.  AKRF is working in conjunction with WINCOG to analyze housing in the Windham/Willimantic area.  The firms were interested in interviewing active real estate agents in the local Connecticut housing market, specifically Willimantic, to gain their insights and experience in housing availability, conditions and opportunity in the Windham area. 

“Home Selling Team was pleased to be asked to participate in this interesting study about the housing opportunities and the future of our local real estate market.   It is always exciting to share our own expertise and insights and share in the insights of other local experts in banking, engineering and planning,” stated Brian McCarthy, Broker/Owner of Home Selling Team, LLC.

Home Selling Team, LLC is located at 452 Storrs Road in Mansfield Center.  HST offers many exclusive and innovation programs for buyers and sellers including the Free Moving Truck, 800-Property Hotline and the 120 Day Guaranteed Sale Program.  You can reach HST by phone at 860-456-SOLD.