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CEO Message
May’s Top Teammates
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Regency Mortgage
Great East Title
Great East Insurance
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Marketing Corner
News You Can Use
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A Message From the CEO
Hi Folks,
For many years now it has been a TMG/Great East tradition to share the largely forgotten history surrounding our founding fathers and the meaning around the July 4th. Courage is at times not glamorous in the moment and only with hindsight does it get appreciated. We owe much to a small number people who had the leadership and vision to see a different world.
This is a wonderful piece to share with the kids so that they can appreciate what was consecrated on their behalf so many years ago.
Have a safe and fun holiday!
Price of Freedom- 56 Men Who Signed
Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence? They gave us a free and independent America. The history books never told you a lot of what happened in the Revolutionary War. We didn’t just fight the British. We were British subjects at that time and we fought our own government! Some of us take these liberties so much for granted…We shouldn’t!!! So, take a couple of minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots. It’s not much to ask for the price they paid….
Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army, another had two sons captured.
Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.
They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. What kind of men were they?
Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated. But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.
Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.
Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.
Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.
At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.
Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.
John Hart was driven from his wife’s bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later he died from exhaustion and a broken heart. Norris and Livingston suffered similar fates.
Such were the stories and sacrifices of the American Revolution. These were not wild eyed, rabble-rousing ruffians. They were soft-spoken men of means and education. They had security, but they valued liberty more.
Standing tall, straight, and unwavering, they pledged:
“For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.”
“MAY ALL WHO COME BEHIND US FIND US FAITHFUL”
With respect and gratitude,
Christopher J. Masiello
May’s Top Teammates
May Top 25 Realtors by volume
Agent
Office
Volume
Transactions
Tracey Boies
Hampton
$2,618,000
5
Kathy Phair Alexander
Bedford
$2,319,200
4
Frank Destito
Hollis
$2,288,800
7
Charlotte Marrocco-Mohler
Nashua
$2,263,800
8
Les Priest
Augusta
$2,113,700
10
Barbara Brown
Atkinson
$1,815,000
4
Steve Brunette
Sanford
$1,774,590
6
Carol Brighi
Atkinson
$1,672,455
4.5
Beth Rohde Campbell
Durham
$1,651,170
5
Patty Visconte
Hampton
$1,650,000
6
Tacy Ridlon
Ellsworth
$1,620,000
5
Lou Nixon
Bedford
$1,613,750
8
Denise Sassaman
Durham
$1,467,000
5
Carol Slocum
Keene
$1,419,568
7
Holly Taylor
Bangor
$1,410,000
8
Denise Denver
Bedford
$1,369,500
3
Susan Doyle
Keene
$1,358,500
7
Teri Woods
York
$1,320,000
2.6
Peter LaRochelle
Wells
$1,317,673
4
Jane Cyr
Auburn
$1,299,500
7
Julie Thom
Exeter
$1,280,000
3
Gene Corey
York
$1,280,000
2
George Foskett
Keene
$1,139,750
6
Roger Begin
Auburn
$1,137,300
5
Anu Rao
Nashua
$1,126,000
6
Top Teams by volume
Team
Office
Volume
Transactions
The Gina Team
Auburn
$2,849,824
18
Pelletier Team
Bangor
$1,762,700
15
Wiita Team
Concord
$920,500
3
Great East Insurance Customer Service Representatives- Top 3 by policies written
Diana Rideout
20
Sharon Fish
19
Sandy Pratt
16
Great East Title Relationship Managers – Top 3 managers based on closings
Lori Buzderewicz
30
Amie Nickel
20
Holly Gorsuch
17
Catherine Kessler
17
Great East Mortgage – Top Producers
Laura Chapman
7
Cathy Campbell
4
Craig Farrington
3
Scott McCauley
3
Outgoing Referrals
Agent
Office
# of Referrals
Gary Eastman
Bangor
1
Lyn Hammond
Bangor
1
Holly Taylor
Bangor
1
Denise Denver
Bedford
1
Kim Benoit
Concord
1
Ronna Kaufman
Dover
1
Madiha Farag
Durham
1
Marc Perry
Ellsworth
1
Julie Thom
Exeter
2
Elaine Hall
Keene
1
Carol Slocum
Keene
1
Marlene Belmore
Nashua
1
Pauline Hanson
Nashua
1
David Graham
Peterborough
1
Kit Schiele
Peterborough
1
Kasia Butterfield
Quechee
1
Mike Miller
Rockland
1
Kathleen Popovic
Windham, ME
1
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RELOCATION
Cartus News!!
For the second month in a row, BH&G The Masiello Group has achieved 100% excellent Broker to Broker service results for overall service and agent service! Congratulations and a huge THANK YOU to our outstanding team!!
Cartus has launched Service Evaluation Questionnaires for broker to broker referrals to provide feedback and to recognize those companies and agents who provide great service to their other network members’ referrals.This means that when you place an outgoing referral through the relocation department, a questionnaire will go to you asking how you and your referred customer felt about the service that was received. Of course, the service we provide to incoming broker to broker referrals is also subject to the same evaluation. We are happy to report that our agents received 100% excellent service evaluations for April and May we have been recognized by Cartus. Thank you and congratulations to the following agents who closed Cartus Network B2B referrals and provided the service that resulted in this great recognition that is shared throughout the entire network: Louise Rolnick, Bangor; Karin Cannon, Bedford; Bill Hutwelker, Keene; Charlotte Mohler, Nashua; Mary Paino, Quechee; Lynn Hall, Gorham; and Lisa MacDonald, Windham, ME. Way to go!!
Jocelyn Lavoie, CRP
Director of Client Services and Relocation
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GREAT EAST / REGENCY MORTGAGE
Brexit and it’s Impact on Mortgage Interest Rates:
By now you’ve heard Britain voted to leave the European Union (EU) and likely seen what that has done to Wall Street but what about it’s impact on mortgage interest rates? Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate, said rates could sink to record lows in the coming weeks. “If you’re a borrower, don’t wait to lock your rate,” he said, “as this opportunity may not last long.” They’ve already hit rock bottom this year. In the past month alone, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is nearly at a three-year low. Britain’s vote to leave the European Union is expected to drive rates even lower.
This is good news for buyers and sellers. Since the expectation is still that mortgage interest rates will increase by the end of the year, now is a great time to sell your home and trade up or get out of the rapidly increasing rental market and buy the home of your dreams. For current interest rates contact your Regency/Great East Mortgage Planner.
Mark McCauley
Sr. VP Loan Originations
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GREAT EAST TITLE
Survey Basics: A Guide For Agents
By Barbara Pronin for Great East Title Services
Unlike auto or homeowner’s insurance, which charge premiums to cover future hazards, title insurance is a one-time purchase that safeguards a homebuyer against loss from title defects or misinformation that may already exist.
When it comes to property lines, for example, a fence doesn’t always mark the spot. While the sellers may think they know where the boundaries are, they may be relying on what a neighbor or someone else told them. A professional survey will determine whether the house is within property borders, whether there are any encroachments on the property by neighbors and the extent to which any easements affect the property. In effect, a survey can help settle common property description issues before they become problems.
With rare exception, lenders insist on a clear lender’s title policy that includes survey coverage. Unless a survey, or in some instances a plat and inspection report, has been obtained the title coverage will likely show an exception for survey coverage.
As a real estate agent, understanding the survey can help you provide correct information to potential buyers.
Boundary lines – Knowing the legal location of the property lines ensures that any new fence or planned room addition will be fully on the buyer’s property.
Overlaps and gaps – Part of the boundary line certification ensures there is no discrepancy or gap between the boundaries of the property and the neighbor’
Rights-of-way and easements –Previous agreements may give a neighbor or others the right to walk across the yard of the property.
Ponds, rivers, streams, lakes, and wells – The survey notes visible or surface waters on the property.
Joint driveways, walls or projections – The new owner may have an obligation by law to support the neighbor’s driveway, for example, by maintaining his own.
Improvements – Certifies that outbuildings and other improvements are located within the boundary lines of the property.
Utilities, cables, wires and poles – Notes the existence of underground cables or drains – important because a utility company may have the right to use a portion of the property for upkeep of utility lines and may have a say in how tall the property owner lets the trees grow.
Cemeteries – While it’s unlikely there’s an old family burial ground in the back yard, the survey will show the location if there is one.
Access, ingress and egress – Discloses access to the property.
Zoning classification – Reinforces whether the property is zoned for residential or light commercial use, and points out any specific restrictions on how the property may be used.
Barbara Pronin is an award-winning writer based in Orange County, Calif. A former news editor with more than 30 years of experience in journalism and corporate communications, she has specialized in real estate topics for over a decade.
Gary A. Coffin
Director of Client Education, Great East Title
GREAT EAST INSURANCE
You’ve got the sunscreen and the beach ball. But do you have insurance for summer fun?
Woo-hoo! Winter has become a distant memory, and it’s time for backyard pools, boat rides and road trips. But before you take a dip, go out on the open water or take your brand-new motorcycle for a spin, be sure you and your loved ones are covered in the event of a summer mishap.
It’s important to evaluate your insurance needs for the season of sun and fun, says Lynne McChristian, Florida representative for the Insurance Information Institute.
“Safety does not take a summertime break,” she says. “That includes knowing your risks and considering your insurance coverage and liability.”
“I don’t think the vast majority gives (insurance) a thought,” adds Bill Wilson, director of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America’s Virtual University.
But that majority doesn’t have to include you. Here’s what you’ll need.
Pools
It may offer refreshing breaks from scorching summer heat, but a sparkling backyard pool can put you in the financial deep end if you don’t have the right amount of insurance.Regular homeowners insurance may not provide enough coverage for a pool, and some policies may even exclude pools, says Kevin Smith, a spokesman for Allstate.Pools can be dangerous, so they increase your liability risk because you stand a greater chance of being sued or having to pay someone’s medical expenses. Nearly 400 children under 15 drown each year in pools and spas, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.Boost your liability coverage when you put in a new pool, Smith suggests. And consider an umbrella policy, which increases your liability coverage beyond what you have on other policies.”For instance, a few hundred dollars a year may allow you to get up to $1 million in additional liability protection beyond your existing auto and/or property insurance coverages,” Smith says.Before installing a pool, review the standards and codes where you live. Those could include requirements for safety equipment, such as fences and locks.The Classic Car
A classic car waiting in the garage for its chance in the sunlight demands separate and special auto insurance because of its limited use and higher value.Insurers offer agreed-value or stated-value policies:
Agreed-value means you and your insurer agree on what the car is worth. In case of loss, the company will pay you the full amount on the policy, minus your deductible.
Stated-value policies leave your classic car’s value open to interpretation by the insurer, according to the Insurance Information institute, which adds that these policies are rarely sold.
See if your insurer has the resources to help find rare parts and mechanics with the know-how to handle any damage to your baby. Ask if you’d be able to send the car across state lines to the garage of your choice.
Liability coverage is especially important with collector cars, which may have small windows or lack mirrors, making them more difficult to drive, notes Jay Quail, executive director of the Classic Car Club of America.
The Boat
If you buy a watercraft for summer fun off dry land, you’ll find yourself taking on a boatload of risk.
Home insurance or renters insurance may provide all the coverage you need. But the Insurance Information Institute says for larger and faster boats, or personal watercraft — like Jet Skis — you’ll need a separate marine policy.
Your premiums will depend on your boating background, type of boat and where you’ll use it.
What this all means is that sailboats cost less to insure than riskier speed boats.
The National Boat Owners Association says your age, credit history, driving record, boating certifications and whether you own or rent a home can affect your policy cost, too.
Proper boat insurance will pay if your boat is accidentally lost or damaged and will cover damage or injuries to others, as well as your legal costs, if someone takes your boat for a joy ride without permission.
The Motorcycle
Thinking about buying a motorcycle to rev up your summer recreation? Weigh your coverage options first.
All motorcyclists are required to have liability coverage for property damage and bodily injury that they may cause in an accident, Allstate’s Smith says. Check with your agent to see if that coverage also would protect passengers on your bike.
In Northern states, bike owners who ride mostly during the warm-weather months may be able to get what’s called a “lay-up” policy, which suspends all coverage during the winter except for comprehensive. That can help cut the cost of insurance.
But a part-year rider may want to consider full-year coverage anyway, even though comprehensive covers nonaccident damage, such as from fire, vandalism and theft.
“A 12-month policy is priced to reflect the length of the riding season and risks during the nonriding season for each state,” says Smith.
Your accident history, where you ride, your age and how you store the bike all affect your motorcycle insurance premiums. Discounts are available if you’ve taken a safe-riding course, are a member of a motorcycle organization or club, or if you own more than one bike.
Donna Croteau, AAI
President
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PEOPLE AND COMMUNITY
Welcome To The Masiello Group! We are pleased to offer a warm welcome the following Agents, who recently joined the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Masiello Group team:
Jason Clark
York, ME
Katie MacKenzie
Windham, NH
Sally Fegley
York, ME
Amira Marikar
Nashua, NH
David Fountain
York, ME
Nate Mayo
York, ME
Melissa Jarest
Peterborough, NH
Jamie Watson
York, ME
MARKETING CORNER
Marketing Tools You Can Use!
Remember, as we get more in line with marketing trends and build our presence on Social Media, we have the need for more branding materials. We have created a library of Social Media headers for you and will be rolling them out seasonally. The 2016 summer library roll out will includes a patriotic cover image that we encourage you to put up before the 4th of July and through out the month. The all sizes and images will be available June 1st under marketing on Team Masiello.
Please remember that we have decided to incorporate the banner that we used to celebrate 50 years of service into our communications and marketing pieces. Every year we will update the number. The Marketing department has updated this piece and it is available for you to download on TeamMasiello, please update your email signatures and anywhere else you may be using this anniversary market logo.
Direct links are here:
51 Years Banner: http://teammasiello.com/images/anniversary_banner.jpg
51 Years Emblem: http://teammasiello.com/images/anniversary_logo_round.jpg
NEWS YOU CAN USE
BHGRE LIFE
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