Recent Blog Posts http://www.pwpre.com/index.php?action=show_rss&rss_feed=blog_posts 6 Things That Turn Home Buyers Off http://www.pwpre.com/index.php?action=blog_view_article&ArticleID=26 MjYtMTI5ODY0NzA0Mg== Fri, 25 Feb 2011 10:17:22 -0500 Another article for potential sellers.

6 Things That Turn Home Buyers Off

]]> Buying Your First Home Article http://www.pwpre.com/index.php?action=blog_view_article&ArticleID=25 MjUtMTI5ODAzMzMyNA== Fri, 18 Feb 2011 07:48:44 -0500 Just happened to see this article this morning and thought it might be of interest to anyone thinking of buying their first home. Have a great weekend all!

Surprising Insider Secrets for the 5 Stages of Buying Your First Home

]]> Online Scanning for Malware http://www.pwpre.com/index.php?action=blog_view_article&ArticleID=24 MjQtMTI5Njc0NDQzMA== Thu, 03 Feb 2011 09:47:10 -0500 Recently I have had a few people mention to me that they "pay" to have their computer scanned online.  The first thought that crosses my mind is, why?  In my opinion, all those TV commercials advertising the miracles their online scanner can do are crap.  They're doing this for one reason only, profit.  If you insist on having your computer scanned online at least go with the pros. Not the ones claiming miracles, because there are no miracle cures for an infected computer.  Your best defense is preventive maintenance. Here is a FREE online scanner that has the benefit of being offered by one of the oldest and most respected companies in the business of virus and malware removal and protection.

F-Secure has been around for many years and in my opinion has one of the few software solutions I would recommend. They have a FREE online scanner that does a great job.  Check it out at the following link:

F-Secure Online Scanner

Keep in mind that no online scanner is a substitute for installed software. To avoid becoming a victim of the ever-growing threat from virus, malware, spyware and drive-by infections, invest in a good internet security software such as F-Secure or Norton.  There are other major brands available as well. I just prefer these two.

Also install the following add-on to your browser for really good protection from infected websites (I've suggested this add-on in the past):

WoT

Just be sure to "LISTEN" to whatever security software you use! If you don't take the warnings seriously you will become a victim.

Good luck. :)

]]> Money Saving Energy Tips http://www.pwpre.com/index.php?action=blog_view_article&ArticleID=23 MjMtMTI5MTk4NzY0NQ== Fri, 10 Dec 2010 08:27:25 -0500 Houselogic has posted a number of articles on saving energy costs. With winter upon us it might be a good time to see if you're doing all you can to save on bills.  Check out the following:

They have a wealth of resources for homeowners, so have a look around.

]]> Tired of Paying Out the Nose for Software? http://www.pwpre.com/index.php?action=blog_view_article&ArticleID=21 MjEtMTI5MTIyODkxNw== Wed, 01 Dec 2010 13:41:57 -0500 Try these FREE alternatives to costly commercial software.  I'm only suggesting two specific software packages in this post, but I will offer more suggestions later.

1.  OpenOffice.org:  The most impressive software (in my opinion even better than the financial giants), is OpenOffice.org.  This office suite not only has everything the big boys have, but it's also able to read, write, edit and save those very same files.  I use OpenOffice.org almost exclusively at home, and one day hope to replace our office suites as well.  So if you're looking for a fantastic, FREE alternative to the other costly office suites, check out OpenOffice.org. The following links will give you all the info and download links.

OpenOffice.org Home Page

Why OpenOffice.org?

OpenOffice.org Downloads

2.  GIMP:  This is a very nice, full featured photo editing and enhancement software that offers more features than most people will ever need.  I've used this software for years and have yet to find a task it won't handle.  If you're looking for another FREE software that can replace the expense of commercially available software, then this could be just what you're looking for.

GIMP Home Page

GIMP Features

GIMP Downloads

As a final note; you might want to download the latest release candidate for OpenOffice.org, 3.3.0 RC 7, instead of the current version.  I've been using it and I'm very impressed.

]]> Keep it Clean: CCleaner http://www.pwpre.com/index.php?action=blog_view_article&ArticleID=20 MjAtMTI5MDUzOTI0MQ== Tue, 23 Nov 2010 14:07:21 -0500 Here's a little gem I've used for a long time that can help prevent system problems before they happen.

"CCleaner is a freeware system optimization, privacy and cleaning tool. It removes unused files from your system - allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space. It also cleans traces of your online activities such as your Internet history. Additionally it contains a fully featured registry cleaner."

I would highly recommend this utility to anyone wanting to keep their system clear of junk.

They also offer a very nice defragmentation utility, Defraggler.

]]> IMPORTANT: Social Network Malware Attacks on the Rise http://www.pwpre.com/index.php?action=blog_view_article&ArticleID=19 MTktMTI5MDQ0ODM1OA== Mon, 22 Nov 2010 12:52:38 -0500 Don't be one of the many people becoming victim to these malware attacks. F-Secure has a post with some very alarming statistics.

"...found more than 140 thousand clicks within the first day and the applications page indicated almost 59 thousand active users. This means that more than 40% of the users exposed to this lure were falling for it."

 

If you think Facebook and Twitter are immune from these attacks, you're sadly mistaken. Check out these latest news items posted at F-Secure's website. Information is your defense!

Social Network Malware Attacks on the Rise

]]> Foreclosure Myths http://www.pwpre.com/index.php?action=blog_view_article&ArticleID=18 MTgtMTI4OTkyMDA0OA== Tue, 16 Nov 2010 10:07:28 -0500 There's an article on Ask Tara @ Trulia that might help to answer some nagging questions buyers and sellers have regarding foreclosures. Some of the answers to these questions may surprise you.

5 MORE Foreclosure Myths - BUSTED!

]]> 10 Things You Shouldn’t do Before Buying a Home http://www.pwpre.com/index.php?action=blog_view_article&ArticleID=17 MTctMTI4OTQ5NTI2Mg== Thu, 11 Nov 2010 12:07:42 -0500 There's a short and sweet article on Realtor.com for buyers at

http://www.realtor.com/home-finance/mortgages/10-things-you-shouldnt-do-before-buying-a-home.aspx

]]> REALTOR.com Launches Real Estate Search Android Application http://www.pwpre.com/index.php?action=blog_view_article&ArticleID=16 MTYtMTI4OTMzNTEyMw== Tue, 09 Nov 2010 15:38:43 -0500 Check out the following link for more info:

http://www.realtor.com/home-finance/real-estate/general/android-app.aspx

]]> IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: http://www.pwpre.com/index.php?action=blog_view_article&ArticleID=14 MTQtMTI4ODg5MzcwOQ== Thu, 04 Nov 2010 14:01:49 -0400 Email Bounces or Delays:  On Friday, the 5th of November, we will be transitioning our email from our current host to one with vastly more space. This process will begin at 4:00pm and could take up to 48 hours to complete. In the meantime you may receive bounced emails from our email addresses. If this happens please resend again later or call the office.

]]> Zillow's Top 10 Haunted Homes in the U.S. http://www.pwpre.com/index.php?action=blog_view_article&ArticleID=13 MTMtMTI4Nzc3MDI3MA== Fri, 22 Oct 2010 13:57:50 -0400 It's that time of year again and we all enjoy those stories of haunted homes. Right?  Well Zillow has a neat article on the top 10 haunted homes through the U.S. Check it out!

http://www.zillow.com/blog/top-10-haunted-homes-in-the-u-s/2010/10/04/?scid=emm-102110_OctBuzz-visit

]]> Safe Browsing Tips http://www.pwpre.com/index.php?action=blog_view_article&ArticleID=11 MTEtMTI4NzQyMzY0OA== Mon, 18 Oct 2010 13:40:48 -0400 Browsing the internet is becoming more and more risky from trojans, phishing, and now the notorious drive-by attacks.  Sounds weird but that's basically what they are.  Even the most reputable websites could potentially propagate these through ad banners and other remote content.  There are several ways to avoid these attacks and it doesn't have to break the bank in doing so.  Here are just a few things I've done to help avoid problems:

  1. WOT (my personal favorite)
  2. Ad Block Plus browser add-on
  3. Sandboxie

These are 3 of the ways in which I avoid web attacks.  There are other programs available, but these are my personal favorites and best of all they are free.

Note: use your own common sense and best judgement when going to any site.  If you frequent warez or porn sites you are basically asking for trouble.  ALL these sites rely heavily on advertising and not always from reputable sources. So all the protection software in the world isn't going to save you unless you use good judgement. Good luck.

]]> Tips to Save Money on Heating Costs this Winter http://www.pwpre.com/index.php?action=blog_view_article&ArticleID=10 MTAtMTI4NzQyMjQ2MA== Mon, 18 Oct 2010 13:21:00 -0400 I'm pretty sure every homeowner in New England dreads receiving their winter heating bills.  The following articles may offer some helpful tips to lower those bills.

These are just a couple articles that may help.  There are 100's of helpful articles throughout the web.  Just be careful where you browse as many sites are infectious and you may end up with more than you've bargained for.

]]> Real Estate Search iPhone Application http://www.pwpre.com/index.php?action=blog_view_article&ArticleID=9 OS0xMjg3NDIxMzI3 Mon, 18 Oct 2010 13:02:07 -0400 If you're one of the many people with an iPhone and you'd like to have the ability to search real estate on the go, Realtor.com has a recently released application which might be just what you need.  I can't vouch for this software personally, I don't have an iPhone, but from all reports it is quite a handy application.

To read more about this "FREE" application, head over to http://www.realtor.com/iphone and see what you think.

]]> The Big Ones ARE Out There! http://www.pwpre.com/index.php?action=blog_view_article&ArticleID=7 Ny0xMjg1MjYwMTcz Thu, 23 Sep 2010 12:42:53 -0400 Just a brief note to all the fishermen out there that think there's nothing worth fishing for in the Connecticut River in the North Country. Check this out courtesy of the Coos County Democrat:

http://www.pwpre.com//images/blog_uploads/7/northernpike.jpg

]]> New Agents http://www.pwpre.com/index.php?action=blog_view_article&ArticleID=6 Ni0xMjg0NTY0MTky Wed, 15 Sep 2010 11:23:12 -0400 Just a quick note to let everyone know we have two new agents that recently joined the team, David Stickney and Richard McGinnis.  I'm sure a great many of you already know these gentlemen. All of us here at the office are looking forward to working with them.

]]> Nearly There! http://www.pwpre.com/index.php?action=blog_view_article&ArticleID=5 NS0xMjg0NTYzODU1 Wed, 15 Sep 2010 11:17:35 -0400 The website is nearly complete. There are a few more things that need to be done, but the bulk of the site along with inventory are now in place and functional. If you encounter anything that isn't working properly send me an email and I'll look into it. Thanks for your patience.

]]> Website Construction Underway http://www.pwpre.com/index.php?action=blog_view_article&ArticleID=1 MS0xMjgyNjU2OTU4 Tue, 24 Aug 2010 09:35:58 -0400 Hi all!  Sorry for the downtime, but rather than just spend endless hours trying to repair and bring the old site back to life, we've decided to start fresh right from the ground up.  This is going to take a while, but in the end we hope it will be a far more reliable and functional site for everyone.

Two of the newly added features are the Blog and Twitter updates (both of these features will be underway shortly). Now agents will be able to keep readers informed of more than just listings. They'll have the opportunity to offer all sorts of information and if you enjoy following Twitter we'll have updates there as well.

Anyway... please bear with us while we work to complete the site. We'll have all our listings back online shortly. Thanks for your continued support and patience.

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