Susan Hamblen's Blog

Just a few days ago I visited a local MLS board meeting where a panel of top agents were sharing their "Secrets to Success".  After a lovely breakfast and lots of questions for the panel, the meeting concluded. But the pondering was only beginning for me.  Surprisingly, the majority on the panel ...

      A Cowboy never takes unfair advantage! Recently I came across the COWBOY CODE and I was prompted to think of the application we can make as Realtors.  I am not talking horse riding and chewin tobacco but rather a code of honesty, integrity and respect. Look over the code and see if you woul...

Selling a house in Smithtown. Just listed a house last week in Smithtown. The seller is committed to moving. We encouraged him to price it right. I know that 90% of my marketing effectivemenss depends on pricing. So based on the fact that he expressed he really wanted to sell the house (more than...

Moving from Suffolk County? In my Real Estate practice I come across people who are moving. Helping them is what I do. Where are they going and what about finding an agent in their new location?  According to several well known moving companies people are moving away from NY. Atlas Van Lines indi...

 Going green? Want a green home? Going to the seminar in Hauppauge? The phrase "going green" is something we are all probably familiar with, but not necessarily in the practice of applying to our daily lives. Some find it too much of a hassle to completely alter their way of life despite the need...

Irresponsible or to be expected from homeowners?   Only a few years back, homeowners went to great lengths to remedy a mortgage that was in arrears. Some folks took a second job. Many people turned to family for help.  Well the tide is changing. Or is it that the tide has changed and the boat is...

Heart stopping white trucks... It is a people business. Sometimes people do unbelievable things! I just read "Don't take a fake wife to closing" and I am reminded of a few funny things that have happened in my career.  One time my broker was going to meet a buyer in a downtown area. She agreed t...

Maureen's Kitchen In Smithtown, New York A weekend upsate or a cabin by the lake may seem like a distant or unreachable dream in the busy life of the average New Yorker who is pining for some small-town charm to ease the stress of daily life. However, occasionally a piece of this small-town bliss...

    Tami Bonnell will be the guest speaker at Women's Council of Realtors, Friday March 5th at 9AM at Westbury Manor. Westbury, NY Tami is a 30-year veteran in the real estate field, Tami Bonnell continues to lead the way when it comes to her vast knowledge and understanding of the industry.  Fr...

Does Home Buying Make Sense? Should a buyer buy now? We know what is happening now and what is going to happen. The next 60 days are crucial. Buy NOW! Sell NOW! The alarm is ringing. Wake up and smell the coffee. The government is no longer working as diligently to help the housing industry. "Ho...