Pay It Forward!!! Connecticut Green Alternatives & Asbestos Prevention

Pay It Forward!!!

Connecticut Green Alternatives & Asbestos Prevention

Please Pay It Forward!!

I attended Rain Camp all day yesterday -- WHAT AN INCREDIBLE AMOUNT OF GREAT INFORMATION! Well Done!! I enjoyed every minute! Rain Camp is an event run by the Active Rain (it's a real estate site) group. It's focus yesterday was on the new social media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.) and how to use them to our benefit. I certainly learned a lot, but also know how much I do not know......

I returned home on the shuttle (first time - I'll admit I was nervous...) from Grand Central, and then the Metro-North train (first time for me- we always drive in), getting off in Norwalk, CT - then the drive to Wilton.... to find a request for me to send out a blog.

I received an email from a fellow named Paul James at the Mesothelioma Center for the Connecticut Department of Public Health. He is the National Awareness Coordinator (paul@asbestos.com), and was asking me to please pass on this information about asbestos in our homes in my blogs. He had read my blogs, and said he thought that if I would put this information into my blog, it would be spread to a greater number of the viewing public. That is just what they had been discussing at the event yesterday.

An absolutely wonderful opportunity to pass on some important and relevant information.

As we get further and further away from the era when asbestos was more common, fewer and fewer new home owners are aware of the dangers hidden in asbestos. So many of the homes around us contain asbestos, in popcorn ceilings, insulation, heating systems, siding, roofing, linoleum, and many more areas we never think of. So many people just change the flooring without realizing that they are ripping up asbestos, and then just take it to the dump - another NO-NO! There are ways and places to dispose of asbestos. If you suspect that your home may have asbestos, and you would like to remove it, please take care of you and the environment for our children, and DO IT PROPERLY! Just send an email to Paul (above) and he will guide you.



So, in hopes that you will take the time to read this through, and hopefully even pay it forward to some friends, I am writing this into a blog for all to share.

PAY IT FORWARD!!!



Connecticut Green Alternatives & Asbestos Prevention

Asbestos in your home

Located in the Northeastern part of the United States, Connecticut is one of the top states to call home. The path to purchasing a home is one of the more exciting and rewarding times in one’s life, but it is also one that can bring additional responsibilities into play. Many older homes may need inspections, renovations and additional repairs. With several things on the agenda, having the assistance of a reliable and honest Connecticut real estate agent will make this process easy and stress free.

Unaware to many home buyers, many homes built prior to 1980 may still contain obsolete building materials such as asbestos that can potentially cause severe health risks. Building or remodeling your homes with eco-friendly materials can lower utility and water bills, achieve federal tax credits, higher real estate value, purer air quality, reduced waste sent to landfills and conservation of natural resources.



Asbestos

Asbestos is the name given for a group of fibrous minerals that were mined for their qualities as fire resistant, insulation and high durability. Asbestos may still appear in roof shingles, dry wall, attic insulation, popcorn ceilings, joint compounds and electrical wires. It’s flame resistant and durable qualities made it an ideal choice for many industries. Homes built before 1980 may still contain asbestos materials. There are now many eco-sustainable options that make the use of asbestos obsolete.

Tips & Important Info

If any asbestos is located in your home, the best thing to do is leave it un-disturbed until a home inspector can determine the best course of action. In many situations, the best action is no action. Asbestos that is disturbed or damaged due to age is known as “friable” asbestos. This is a concern because its toxic fibers can easily circulate and become inhaled. The removal of asbestos must be performed by licensed abatement contractors who are trained in handling dangerous materials.

Although asbestos exposure does not always lead a related illness, long term inhalation of its fibers can cause a rare but severe ailment known as malignant mesothelioma. Asbestos-related illnesses may not appear until 20 to 50 years after exposure, which makes mesothelioma diagnosis even more difficult.

The removal of asbestos must be performed by licensed abatement contractors who are trained in handling dangerous materials. They work under state and federal regulations to ensure no health concerns arise from improper removal.

Green Building

The Connecticut Department of Public Health is committed to protecting the public from asbestos-containing materials by educating and assisting with asbestos removal, transport and disposal. The removal of hazardous substances must be performed by professional abatement contractors who are trained in these matters. Eco-friendly options must be considered when the removal is complete.

Green building is the consequence of a design that will increase energy efficiency, water and have a direct impact on your health and the environment. By building green, you will immediately see the multitude of positive health, economic and environmental benefits, such as: conserving natural resources, energy sustainability, increased property value and improve your quality of life.

Environmentally safe alternatives to asbestos include the use of cotton fiber, lycnene and cellulose. Cotton fiber is quickly becoming a favorite for home builders and renovators. Made from recycled batted material, it is also treated to be fireproof. Research has demonstrated that the use of eco-friendly insulation alternatives can reduce annual energy costs by 25 percent. There is no need for any products used in construction to be made from asbestos, yet over 3,000 work and home-based materials still contain this toxin.

Connecticut Green Alternatives & Asbestos Prevention



Please take the time to pay it forward!!!

It actually, really works!

It actually, really works!

I am soo excited about this Active Rain!!!



I have always assumed that it would take years and years of blogging and a beautiful website, etc. I have been semi-active with Active Rain now for three years, and put up a post on my blog occasionally.



I just looked at what would happen if I googled "Wilton CT real estate," and found that Active Rain was near the top of the first page, and I am featured, so it immediately puts me out there! The only competition on the first page was big brokerage houses, which is to be expected. Perhaps I will surpass them also one day. Hmmmm ... wouldn't that be interesting?



This just gave me an enormous amount of inspiration to continue and expand what I am doing! The next thing that I would like to expand into is placing pictures and articles about Wilton on the internet. It is such a fabulous area to live in, and extremely picturesque with all of this snow we have at the moment. Wish me luck! Gosh, I love what I do! Working with people and finding them homes and situations that fit them and make them happy is the best!



I am "singing in the rain!"

It actually, really works!

Do you think there are better approaches to take at this time? Please give me your input on what you think.....

New Inspiration for Blogging after 7 months of Quiet

New Inspiration for Blogging after 7 months of Quiet


New Inspiration for Blogging after 7 months of Quiet

Well, this morning we boarded our flight to Bozeman, Montana to see Wendy and Dave for 8 days, and, of course, everyone was so helpful that I neglected to grab my computer or book out of my carryon bag. It ended up in an overhead three rows behind us, and had to be turned sideways to fit—so now other folk’s things were piled in front. By the time I sat down, I realized I had two and a half hours with no book or computer, and both my seat mates had great books they were already deeply immersed in.

So, as I sat and tried to read “Delta,” I began to think about the direction of all of my efforts in the real estate business, and how I had neglected all of my friends from years past. Then, through the fog, I had a brainstorm! I feel so totally out of touch, not being involved in the school system or with families anymore in my “Dagny’s Kiddie-Care” business (now that it is closed) ----- why not call 1-3 friends every week and pick their brains on all of the fun goings on around town from their perspective? The pickings could be anything from the latest great trip, to a road being paved, to next week’s Pumpkin Festival, etc. This could be local information, someone’s experience, some great tidbit, etc. This way I can still stay in touch, and yet GIVE to everyone, the way I like to, through a blog. It would be anonymous or quoted, whatever each would like. This way, we could all share….. A shop in town might like to be quoted for sure, for example. They might like to spread the word about a special item or sale, ….. It could be a great source of information for all of us in this area of Fairfield County and Wilton. If anyone had any awesome pictures, I could post them on my South Wilton localism blog along with the information/ stories …..

New Inspiration for Blogging after 7 months of Quiet

So, what do you think of my great excuse to catch up with you all, and then get a great chance to ramble, which I am so good at? Please throw your comments and ideas out there for me!

Is There a Good Use for Old Balloons?

Is There a Good Use for Old Balloons?

Whenever I conduct an Open House for a listing, whether the home is large or small, single family or condominium, I always bring loads of balloons to it. I love to use them to attach to signs to grab folks’ attention to come in, but I also love to have the balloons in the house. That way, it looks festive and welcoming. If families come with children, it’s a great gift for the kids, and an ice breaker for the adults, if they are uncomfortable about being approached.

However, there have recently been some open houses that have not had any children come at all. Now, I HATE to pop balloons that have not been enjoyed yet.
Anyone who knows me well, knows that I am HUGE on recycling. An unused balloon for me is the kiss of death. A couple of weeks ago, I finished an open house with 8 balloons, and no kids around. On my way to the car, I passed a father and little boy starting out on a walk. Yea! One balloon given out! But, as I picked up my signs, I was picking up more balloons! Oh, no! I would glance into each car that passed me, hoping desperately to find a child in a car seat. One or two, and I passed the balloons to them…. But, at the end of the day, I still had four balloons, and no one around.

Where could I find some little kids in a friendly environment to give these balloons away? Yureka! The Village Market! In the center of Wilton! So, I drove over, and walked in, carrying my four balloons. There! At the checkout was a family with two kids… I asked the mom if she minded me sharing these balloons with her kids – yes! -- yea! All were totally delighted! Now, perhaps I would have been a little better served if I had remembered to introduce myself, so they might have had a clue that I was a real estate agent, and they might remember me sometime in the future…….

I was just so ecstatic to be able to give those balloons another life after the open house, and watch the absolute delight on those kids’ faces……

What could be better?? Is There a Good Use for Old Balloons?

Houses DO sell in Wilton, CT!

Houses DO sell in Wilton, CT!
How much fun is it when in a quiet market like this, a real estate agent can get a lot of awards!

I just opened a letter from the company announcing that I got Top Selling Agent Award for July from Raveis in Wilton, CT! That's now several for this year.

I think that if you can locate the qualified buyers at this time, there is plenty of business out there. There certainly are sellers with a huge desire to sell their homes, so all we need are QUALIFIED buyers. Last year, we all thought that the mortgage companies had become overly careful about who to lend to. NOW, it is becoming extremely difficult. I just the other day spoke with someone out West who is being turned down for a mortgage because of a late payment on their mortgage three years ago! They were only a week late, and it, get this, was because the bank sent the bill to the wrong address! These folks have huge earnings and a substantial downpayment, so that is not the problem. Crazy buying world. The falling prices are not only because of the short sales and foreclosures, but also due to the mortgage problems. These mortgage issues are not getting a lot of press any longer.

I do run into a lot of confused buyers who have saved for this opportunity, and have "ligit" money, but are being turned down for things like this. They are trying to participate in the "save the economy" plan, but are stopped by the banks, who are now lending rarely. When will this end?

Houses DO sell in Wilton, CT!

Putting the REAL in Real Estate

I've lived in Fairfield County for over 35 years, and am able to bring REAL local knowledge to those looking to move into or out of the area.

One of the things I love about being a realtor is helping families meet their needs: be it selling their house or finding a home that is just right for them. Mostly, that’s what being a realtor is all about: matching people with homes.

But sometimes, as realtors, we get – or create – the opportunity to do something more. To give back. To make Real Estate really REAL.

September 1, 2008 was my day to make real estate REAL. That was the day Nicole Williams moved into the new home I helped her find in Norwalk. A home big enough for her family. A home safe from the bullets that plagued her prior Washington Village house.

One of the compliments I received last year – and one that means a lot to me – was from Nicole. She told the Norwalk Hour, “Looking at homes was quite an experience. I think I must have looked at 50 to 60 homes before I finally found one that was big enough for my family. My realtor was very, very patient with me.”

That’s me, with Nicole and her family; if you’d like, you can read the full article published in The Hour on September 13, 2008.

And now with Nicole happy in her home, I’ve expanded my efforts. In addition to my wonderful Wilton real estate clients, I’m helping 5 new families like Nicole’s find homes in Norwalk.

It just feels so great to put the REAL in Real Estate.

Welcome.

My name is Dagny Eason, and I've lived in Wilton for 35 years.

I'm an active member of the community, having dedicated years to the early education and development of many of Wilton’s youngest children through "Dagny’s Kiddie-Care."

Top-quality service is what I'm all about. My clients benefit from the unique combination of my knowledge, enthusiasm and service orientation supported by my company’s latest technology and marketing skills to drive the sale or purchase of their homes.

Community and real estate are important to me. Landscape planning and design have long been a passion, which blends well with my real estate passion. And speaking of passion, I've volunteered with the CT Association for the Blind, the Minks to Sinks semi-annual fundraising event for Family and Children’s Aid, Breast Cancer Fundraisers for the Survivors, and have been an active member of the Wilton Riding Club, the Silvermine Golf Club, the Wilton Schools PTAs and the Wilton High School Tennis Booster’s Club.

My husband, Kirk, and I have raised our three children in Wilton. Let me help you join our wonderful community. You can reach my cell at (203) 858-4853.