Wondering where that CRS REFERRAL NETWORK is that you've heard about?  All the CRS referrals from around the country and around the state?  Well, we want the system to work for you!  Here's part one of our NETWORKING ABC's SERIES - From How to Work a Room by Susan RoAne:

HOW TO WORK A ROOM  

   "Today's definition of "working" a room is: the ability to circulate comfortably and graciously through a gathering of people:  meeting, greeting, and talking with as many of them as you wish; creating communication that is warm and sincere; establishing an honest rapport on which you can build a professional or personal relationship; and knowing how to start, how to continue, and how to end lively and interesting conversations."

   "Networking is a different, though interrelated, activity.  It is a reciprocal process that is mutually beneficial, where we share leads, ideas, and information, and it enhances our personal and professional lives and involves follow-up behaviors that create ongoing connections."

   "You first have to "work" rooms and then you "network" - that ongoing process of life that is follow-up.  Some people confuse the two.  There are some people who are excellent minglers and lousy networkers.  Others are fabulous networkers for whom the thought of walking into a room full of people and mingling is daunting."

   ... Susan RoAne's book is about understanding what keeps us from approaching these events with ease and enthusiasm, and what we can do to make them comfortable, pleasant, profitable, and even fun.  Join us next month for part two of our NETWORKING ABC's SERIES...  

EMERITUS CRS DESIGNATION STATUS     

Emeritus CRS Designee Status recognizes length of Council membership and experience in the real estate industry.  To qualify, CRS Designees must have reached the age of 65, been a member of the Council for twenty consecutive years OR have been a Medallion Award recipient with at least 15 years of continuous Council Membership, and hold active REALTOR® or REALTOR ASSOCIATE® membership in a local board or state association of REALTORS®.  Need an application form?  Click here. 

Have you seen this article at www.crs.com?  As a Certified Residential Specialist, are you making use of the magazine articles readily available for you to share with your clients?  Each month, there's a new two page newsletter full of timely information, waiting for you, one more way CRS is providing value to you, and you can provide value to your clients.

Money Talks 

Working through financial jargon with a mortgage lender can be confusing, but you can make the process easier if you clarify queries up front. Real Estate ABC and About.com offer a few tips for talking to your lender and finding what home loan best fits your needs.

     Don't be afraid to ask about the pros and cons of each type of loan - fixed-rate loans are good if you are likely to have a lower interest rate and can pay it off quickly, while an adjustable rate mortgage will fluctuate during the term of the loan. And keep in mind that the total cost of a loan includes many fees, such as the appraisal, request for credit report, inspection reports and recording fees. Sometimes these fees are negotiable, so be sure to ask your lender if there's room for more savings.

     Ask about the lender's relationship with the financial institution they represent. The closing process moves quickly, and it's important to have a lender who feels comfortable getting in touch with the financial institution and making changes for his or her client as often as needed. When determining a closing date on the property, it's best to work with a lender who can guarantee funding and turnaround of the loan within 48 hours of signing the necessary paperwork to avoid delays.

     The most important tip? Trust your gut when choosing a lender. If at any time you're not comfortable with the answers given, or if the lender is vague or defensive, consider looking elsewhere.

KEEP YOUR COOL THIS SUMMER  

Summer is time for fun in hot weather - but it's also important to stay cool when the temperatures rise. Both indoors and out, keeping cool will help you and your family feel more comfortable and avoid heat-related health problems as well.

Outdoors, limit activity during the middle of the day as much as possible. Save mowing the lawn for later in the day or early in the morning. Plan your exercise routines such as walking or running for morning, before the sun's heat make things uncomfortable. You'll feel better, and it's better for your health, too. Keep an eye on children, who tend not to notice the heat as they focus on their activities. Make sure they take breaks in the shade, and have plenty of water available at all times. Fruit that contains a high percentage of water, such as strawberries, apples, cantaloupe, and watermelon, are welcome treats on a hot day.

Indoors, keep south- and west-facing windows covered during the day to minimize heat buildup as the day progresses. Open the windows in the evening when it cools down to let the fresh air in. Ceiling fans and portable fans do a good job of circulating air; even though the air itself isn't being cooled, the air movement will make it feel several degrees cooler and make things much more comfortable. Hot air rises, so it's likely that heat will build up quickly on second-story levels. Try cooling these areas before bedtime for better sleep. Electronics, especially large flat-screen televisions, generate quite a bit of heat when in use, so consider limiting viewing time. You'll save energy, too.

When cooking, stick to grilling outdoors or using the microwave whenever possible. Be sure to set the dishwasher on its unheated drying cycle, and take advantage of the delayed-start feature if your unit has one. Setting it to start later in the evening can help keep things cooler. In the laundry, use full loads and dry clothes early in the day to avoid heating up the house. Think of the dryer as a heater that will run for an hour or so - not a pleasant thought on a hot day!

You can use these practical ideas right now in your home. Enjoy the summer - and stay cool.

Article courtesy of Pillar To Post Home Inspection - www.pillartopost.com