Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Back to Real Estate - A few Testimonials

I think it is important that you get to know me as a Realtor as well which is why I decided to share a few of my clients comments with you.

Re/Max Group Four Realty received this note from my client, Joan Gaunce:
"I would like to mention we had a very pleasant experience working with Kathy even though at times it was 1000 miles over the air waves. We met Kathy on the Saturday morning and purchased the home in Charter's Settlement. She virtually tied up most of her long weekend with us once we drove down from Toronto to view the property. We found her to be a very special person. Highly motivated, honest, punctual, very people orientated and non-aggressive. You are very fortunate to have Kathy on your Team. Regards, Joan"


I received this note in a Thank You card from Sonya, Jeremy and Miles Burrill:
"We are slowly getting settled and falling in love with our new home. We never would have found it without you. We deeply appreciate your daily proactiveness, finding us houses we wouldn't have noticed on our own. Through failed inspections, disaster negotiations and pre-closing disappointments, we always felt supported and encouraged but never pressured. And yes, believe it or not, the roof has been fixed all because you picked up the phone for us yet again. We have been telling everyone who will listen how wonderful you were to us. Even our parents are passing your name along. We won't soon forget the outstanding work you did for us, no matter that we were looking for a starter home. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Sincerely, Sonya, Jeremy & Miles"


I have received a couple of emails from Dina. I sold their home in Burton and referred them to a Re/Max Realtor in Toronto for their new home purchase:

"Hi Kathy sorry we missed you last week, it's been a little crazy, just wanted to say thanks for all your help, Joan was wonderful on the other end and had the patience of a saint. we love the new home and can't wait to move into it."

"Thanks for staying in touch it was good hearing from you. Things are going well with us, we are pretty much settled in here and we love the area. The kids are doing great, the summer months and the first month of school was a little rough as they did not know anyone, but with joining cadets they now have friends and are adjusting well. Thanks again for keeping in touch and if we ever head back that way we will definitely be contacting you... How is your new grandbaby doing?
Wishing you and your family a wonderful New Year...Cheers Dina"

"Thank you so much for all your help in finding me my new home. Please drop by anytime you are in the area. Best Wishes, Mary DeLavalette"

"You've been so kind and helpful to us from day 1 - we're so glad you were our Realtor! Thank you for making our first home buying experience such a positive event! Thanks again so much! Cindy & Doug Farrell"

"Because of All You've Done for Us , We simply can't thank you enough. Rob, Sabrina & Girls, Thank you!"

As I mentioned, I think it is important that any potential client also know me as a Realtor. I have always gone the extra mile for my clients and will continue to do so. The client's needs are always a top priority. If a problem arises, I will do my utmost to find a solution. I will always be up front and honest and give you full disclosure on my thoughts and or recommendations on any property. I will find every answer to every question you have. I have never had a problem saying "I'm not sure" or "I don't know" BUT I will do all I can to find that answer. If it's out there - I will find it.

Finally, a testimonial from my eldest sister Elaine, when I was working on her behalf:
"Only you, my dear sister, only you!! You are like a dog with a bone. I still say you need to get your investigators license. you would be an ace at it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks , for all you have done. Love you. Elaine

Christmas Santa Claus Hat Ornaments


I am originally from Saint John, New Brunswick. We are a very tight family, I have 2 sisters and 1 brother. When we all lived in Saint John, we spent every Christmas Eve with my parents and each other. Santa Claus delivered 1 gift to all the small children at my parents on Christmas Eve. The get together started with just immediate family and exploded to neighbors and relatives, each bringing a gift for their child for "Santa" to drop off under the outside tree my Mom always put up. It was wonderful for the adults and exciting for the children.

In 1993, my brother and I both moved from Saint John. My brother moved to Miramichi and my daughters and I moved to Fredericton. My little family grew to include my husband and his 2 sons. Our children were 5,7, 9 and 15 when Michael and I blended our families. Because of the distant, snow storms, etc., my brother and I unfortunately were unable to travel to Saint John for our annual Christmas Eve get together.

My youngest sister really missed our being there and in 1999 she sent everyone in the family a small box that was not to be opened until 10:00 pm Christmas Eve. In the box were Santa hats made out of wood and painted red and white of course, and our name was on each one. With the Santa hats was a very sappy letter explaining to us that we were dearly missed and to enable us to have a tradition we could share on Christmas Eve, we were to put the hats on the tree each year at 10:00 pm. Needless to say - it brought tears to everyone's eyes and the tradition was started.

Our family grew over the years and a number of people did not have hats - husband, wives, children that has joined our family after 1999 so in 2008 my husband and I counted them up and we did 15 more hats, 13 for new members and a couple extra just in case.

I would like to pass this on to all families that are separated at Christmas time. It is a wonderful tradition and the hats are very easy to make. The best thing of all - when we are hanging our Santa hat ornaments on the tree - we are thinking of each other and for a few minutes we are together in our heads and our hearts if not physically.

I included the pictures above, please feel free to copy them!

Just had to share this photo and pay forward something this special.



These animals were photographed in Wentworth Nova Scotia.


Once in awhile there is an opportunity to take in a piece of nature that you may never see. In these days of unrest and turmoil it is great to see that nature still produces some wondrous beauty.


The odds of seeing an albino moose are astronomical and to see this near Truro is even greater than astronomical. To see two of them together is nearly impossible.


I wanted to share these photos with as many people as possible because you will probably never have a chance to see this rare sight again.

This is a really special treat, so enjoy the shots of a lifetime.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Have you ever seen an iceberg from top to bottom.

I felt this scene was one I had to "Pay Forward"!
This is awesome! This came from a Rig Manager for Global Marine Drilling in St. Johns, Newfoundland. They actually have to divert the path of these things away from the rig by towing them with ships! In this particular case the water was calm, &the sun was almost directly overhead so that the diver was able to get into the water and click this pic. Clear water huh? They estimated the weight at 300,000,000 tons. And now we know why they say one picture is worth 1000 words... . And now we also know why the Titanic sank!
One of God's Great Wonders !!!!!

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Pay forward those already used books

As I mentioned in my profile - I love to read. As do my daughters and we pass them amongst each other. They normally make there way back to me whether I have purchased them or my daughters purchased them. I belong to the Owl's Nest in Fredericton where you can exchange books and I do so on a fairly regular basis. BUT if they are overstocked what do we do with all the books once your bookshelf is full? While I was employed with Revenue Canada, I started an inhouse library with those extra books (not that I am encouraging anyone to read at work). I decided to do the same thing at Re/Max Group Four at our office in Fredericton. In the past couple of months I have delivered 4 full bags of books to our office - and requested that we do the same, start an inhouse library. Recycling the books is keeping them out of the landfill and giving other people some enjoyment. Everyone spends money on reading material at some point and it is a wonderful past time but sharing those books using the inhouse library may cut down a bit on everyone's reading budget and allow them to have some quality time with a good book.

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Paying It Forward - Realtor Kathy Pineo Barrett

Hi there. I am a Sales Associate with Re/Max Group Four Realty in Fredericton, New Brunswick and initiated a "Pay It Forward" program last spring. In lieu of closing gifts for my clients that purchase homes, I now give a grocery gift certificate to all buyer and seller clients that work with me as their Sales Associate.

On closing, I give my clients a grocery gift certificate for their personal use OR they can "Pay It Forward" to the local food banks, SPCA's or their favourite charity. I also provide them with the mailings addresses for these organizations! One of my clients used the gift certificate and donated it to her daughters school (they were putting on a supper for their parents) so the options of usage are endless.

2011 - I am changing my "Pay It Forward" program a bit. I was not aware that some charities cannot give income tax receipts for grocery gifts certificate and I wanted this to be a win/win for everyone. At the end of each month, I will be making the donation by cheque myself in accordance of how many sales I have. I have broken down areas to support both the Fredericton Food Bank and SPCA - and the Oromocto Food Bank and SPCA. I will alternate donations to each charity. Presently for March closings I am glad to say all 4 of the above will be receiving a cheque. And I am well on the way to have cheques to write for the end of April as well. Thanks so much to all of my clients for making my "Pay It Forward" program work!!!

I would like to start a "Pay It Forward" referral circuit for Realtors nationally and internationally to start their own "Pay It Forward" initiative in their cities.