Barbara Pearce Receives “Women of FIRE” Award

North Haven (August 2011) – H. Pearce Real Estate Company is pleased to announce that President and CEO Barbara L. Pearce will be receiving the "Women of FIRE” award from The Commercial Record. "I am both pleased and humbled to be receiving this award,” said Barbara Pearce. “Not only is it great to be recognized for my work, but it is also inspiring to be honored alongside the other ‘Women of FIRE.’ I’m in excellent company."

With the Women of FIRE awards, The Commercial Record recognizes incredibly successful women in the finance, real estate, and insurance sectors of Connecticut. More than 100 women were nominated this year and only 10 winners were chosen. Barbara Pearce was commended for her dedication to community service, diligent pursuit of professional and personal growth, and her remarkable achievements.

Pearce and her fellow award recipients will have their stories published in a special section of The Commercial Record magazine in September. On Wednesday, September 28, she will receive her award at a Women of FIRE awards luncheon at the Hartford Club. Dr. Pamela Trotman Reid, President of St. Joseph’s College, will be giving the keynote speech.

Barbara Pearce can be contacted at 203.281.3400, ext. 304 or by email: blp@hpearce.com. To learn more about H. Pearce Company, Realtors, go to www.hpearce.com.

H. Pearce Regional Offices Hold a Book Drive for New Haven Reads in Memory of Christine Alexander

New Haven (August 2011) – Barbara L. Pearce, President and CEO of H. Pearce Company REALTORS®, is pleased to announce that H. Pearce’s regional offices recently held a book drive in memory of Christine Alexander, the late founder and Co-Executive Director of New Haven Reads. “What was remarkable about Christine was her ability to transform her zeal for helping others into a multitude of valuable programs that truly served the New Haven community,” says Barbara Pearce. “We are grateful to be able to contribute to her cause in any way we can.”

During the month of July, books were collected from the Branford, New Haven and Wallingford regional offices, as well as from the Whitney Grove mailroom. In total, close to 30 boxes and bags brimming with books were collected at the sites. People also signed up to volunteer at New Haven Reads. Anita Kamalanathan (New Haven regional office) shares a touching story of a donation: “One of the calls we received was from a teacher, Ms. Liz Lazar, who dropped off at least 7 bags full of children’s books at the Branford office. Ms. Lazar mentioned that her late husband had also worked with Herb Pearce [H. Pearce’s late founder] at the A. C. Gilbert Co.”

In 2003, Christine Alexander founded New Haven Reads as a book bank with the mission “to share the joy and power of reading.” The community resource and literacy center has since expanded to four locations and a variety of programs, including tutoring, a book distribution program, ESL courses, literacy camp, and more. Alexander recently passed away after battling breast cancer.

“We were so enthused when we saw the numbers of books brought in! [H. Pearce] held a wonderfully successful book drive,” says Kirsten Levinsohn, Co-Executive Director of New Haven Reads. “It is extraordinary how the community has come together to pay tribute to Chris. She has clearly touched a lot of peoples’ lives.”

Levinsohn says that New Haven Reads is delighted to accept all kinds of books. She adds that children’s books are especially welcome because hundreds of teachers pick up books for the upcoming school year. She stresses that the center is always looking for volunteers, especially for one-on-one tutoring as there are always students seeking after-school tutoring.

To make a donation to New Haven Reads or to volunteer, go to their website, www.newhavenreads.org, or contact them at 203.752.1923.

Congressman Barney Frank Speaks at H. Pearce Quarterly Meeting

North Haven (August 2011) – President and CEO of the H. Pearce Real Estate Company, Barbara L. Pearce, would like to thank Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro for inviting Congressman Barney Frank to speak to Realtors and financial professionals at the University of New Haven on Thursday, June 30th. The U.S. Representative for Massachusetts’ Fourth District, and co-author of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, addressed a packed room.

The meeting began with a speech from Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, U.S. Representative for Connecticut’s Third District. DeLauro had previously been the keynote speaker at H. Pearce Company’s annual meeting in April. She explained how a conversation between herself and Barbara Pearce led to the invitation of Barney Frank to the meeting, as employees of the company were unsure of what the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act entailed. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act was a 2,000 page law, signed into effect July 2010, aiming to regulate financial agencies nationwide.

Congressman Joe Courtney, U.S. Representative for Connecticut’s Second District, also spoke. Courtney spoke in favor of the bill, citing the need for economic transparency in order for the market to stay stable.

Frank described the economic climate that led to his proposal of the bill in 2009, mentioning how American society’s innovation got too far ahead of the framework of rules initially implemented by the public sector. According to Frank, the rules never adapted over the past 30 years as the private sector vastly grew. This was specifically highlighted by the banking industry’s newfound competition with non-regulated entities that allowed greater loan requests.
From January 2007 to January 2011, Frank chaired the House Financial Services Committee and his high ranking enabled him to gain support for the bill. Frank said the legislation could have actually used $2 billion in federal funding to help those in danger of foreclosing. However, he feels partisan politics prevented the bill from reaching its full potential, so the proposal was cut in half to $1 billion.

After Frank completed his assessment of the bill, he led a question and answer session with the conference’s attendees. Concerns ranged from the S.A.F.E. Mortgaging License Act of 2008 to the possibility of subsidization for Realtors. Frank said the House has defeated all efforts to provide subsidies, but added that it is an issue he will continue to push in Congress, along with housing consolidation concerns.

To close the meeting, Pearce thanked all three officials for coming to clarify many questions the Realtors and bankers had involving the future of their industries.

Please Welcome Dallas Davis

New Haven – H. Pearce Real Estate Co. President and CEO Barbara L. Pearce is pleased to announce that Dallas Davis has joined the company’s New Haven regional office as an agent.

Davis attended The University of Texas at San Antonio and subsequently completed his degree in Business Administration at Northwest Vista College in 2009. Dallas joined Omni Hotels in 2004, where he earned several awards, including #1 J.D. Power and Associate Service Awards and the Top City Concierge Award. After four years of record-breaking work with Omni, Davis ventured into the restaurant business at the Union League Café, one of Connecticut's finest restaurants and noted by the Zagat Restaurant Guide as Best in State. Davis diligently employs his business education, hospitality experience and vast knowledge of the Greater New Haven area to provide a first-rate home buying, selling or renting experience.

The New Haven resident is a member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church and volunteers at the Connecticut Food Bank. He belongs to the New Haven Karaoke Group and enjoys singing, acting, traveling, exercise and outdoor activities. The Eagle Scout is also a wine and food enthusiast.

Dallas Davis can be reached at the H. Pearce Company New Haven regional Office at 203.776.1899 extension 721 and at ddavis@hpearce.com.

A Message From Our President

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, Keynote Speaker at the H. Pearce Company Annual Meeting

North Haven (June 2011) – Pearce Real Estate President and CEO Barbara L. Pearce is pleased to announce that Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, US. Representative for Connecticut’s 3rd district was H. Pearce Company’s keynote speaker at its annual meeting. “We were honored to welcome Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro to our annual meeting,” said Barbara Pearce. “She has accomplished so much on both the state and national level and contributed so much to our community. She exemplifies true citizenship.” The annual meeting took place on April 28th at the New Haven Lawn Club.

The annual meeting opened with a slideshow that celebrated Herb Pearce’s accomplishments throughout his life. Herb Pearce, the company’s founder, sadly passed away on April 18th. Barbara Pearce thanked everyone for their thoughtfulness and encouraged H. Pearce agents to go forward and succeed, to make Herb proud.

She then presented the company awards. Linda Teixeira-Ohr, Wallingford Regional office, and Virginia Vinci, Rocky Hill Commercial office, received awards celebrating their 20 years of service. The 20 members of The 2010 Chairman’s Circle also received their awards and Joyce Ellen of the Wallingford Regional office received her Rookie of the Year award.

The Honorable Rosa DeLauro gave a special thanks to Barbara Pearce for her invitation to speak at the meeting and shared kind words about Herb Pearce. She described the H. Pearce Company as being a “fixture” in Greater New Haven since 1958, saying, “Pearce has consistently given back and supported the community on every level.”

DeLauro shared critical issues surrounding the real estate recovery and solicited feedback from the audience, who shared their experiences and concerns. DeLauro discussed Congress’ interest in capping or removing the mortgage interest deduction, which would be detrimental to the financial survival of homeowners. According to DeLauro, it has been predicted that a decline of at least 17% in home values would result if the mortgage interest deduction is removed. She stressed that foreclosures drive the house prices down, affecting everyone, and that there are more foreclosures now than ever before. She shared that, on average, Americans borrowed 97% of their home value and that lenders are being incredibly difficult. DeLauro noted that the market and lending have to get back in line, but in a way that will not unduly undermine the biggest nest egg that most Americans have –their homes.

However, she also discussed the benefits of homeownership in spite of the difficult real estate market. She said that though rising home values have not made up for the deficit and there is still much work to be done, “[we should not] give up on the American Dream!” DeLauro urged everyone to get involved and speak to their representatives. “It is necessary to reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac,” said DeLauro, “…It’s time to help American families get back on their feet.”

Agents had many questions for the Congresswoman. She spent time answering each one and provided suggestions. Questions were asked about the double tax on sellers’ conveyance tax, the 1% tax on buyers, reintroducing tax credit, making one’s voice heard, short sales, loan modification program (HAMP) issues, and the Dodd-Frank legislation.

Top 10 United Way Blog

A Message From Our President: Rate Rise Alert

Glenn Wittig joins H. Pearce New Haven Regional Office

New Haven (January 2011) – H. Pearce Real Estate Co. President and CEO Barbara L. Pearce is pleased to announce that Glenn Wittig has joined the company’s New Haven regional office as an agent.

Wittig graduated from the New York Restaurant School with his certificate in Culinary Arts and also attended the Connecticut Police Academy. Prior to joining H. Pearce, he spent four years in food services and worked at Eli’s on Whitney in Hamden, Quinnipiac University and Evergreen Woods Assisted Living Community as a cook. He also spent five years in the Connecticut Department of Correction and has been working at the Yale University Police Department as an officer for four years. As a member of the Yale P.D. he is certified in Crisis Negotiation and is DUI-certified and CPR-certified.

The North Haven resident enjoys exercising and playing the guitar, which he has played for about thirteen years. He also enjoys spending time with his family; he has two daughters who are 10 years old and 7 years old. He is just starting his career in real estate and shares why he chose H. Pearce Real Estate Co: “I believe it’s a good place for a new real estate agent to work because of the training and continuing education they provide.”

Glenn Wittig can be reached at the H. Pearce Company New Haven regional Office at 203.776.1899 extension 735 and at gwittig@hpearce.com.

Wallingford Regional Office Gifts Personal Care Boxes to Shelter

Wallingford (December 2010) – Pearce Real Estate President and CEO Barbara L. Pearce is pleased to announce that the Wallingford Regional Office generously donated personal care boxes to the Wallingford Emergency Shelter. The items collected included toothpaste, long-sleeved shirts, tote bags, pens, gloves, hats, scarves, deodorant, hand sanitizer, lotion, tooth brushes, shampoo, conditioner, soap, combs, decks of cards, etc. They were wrapped up as holiday gifts for the homeless. “The H. Pearce Company is grateful that we have employees who are so ready and eager to serve the community,” says Pearce.

“There is a wonderful group of people in that Wallingford office and they are always willing to step out and reach out to the community when the community is in need,” says Diana Reilly, Associate Director of the United Way of Meriden & Wallingford. Reilly says that in United Way’s eight years of working with H. Pearce’s Wallingford office they have always been great at stepping up and coming up with creative ways to serve the community year-round, and especially during the holiday season.

The Wallingford Emergency Shelter provides clients with three meals a day, cots, showers, and bed clothing. John Bruce, case manager at the shelter, shares that the extra frills and goodies that come generously from different organizations make the clients feel good because they know that someone is thinking of them. “We’re full to capacity with fifteen clients who will be here till Christmas and they will receive [the personal care] boxes Christmas or Christmas Eve, says Bruce. “They will be appreciative because they will be receiving items they probably wouldn’t have gotten otherwise. Thanks to the Wallingford office for reaching out and getting involved.”

For more information about the United Way, go to their website: www.liveunited.org.

Shoreline Regional Offices Coat Drive Benefits Harbor Health and Town of Clinton

Guilford (December 2010) – Pearce Real Estate President and CEO Barbara L. Pearce is pleased to announce a fruitful conclusion to the H. Pearce Real Estate Company Shoreline Regional offices’ 21st annual coat drive. “The H. Pearce Company is thrilled that we were able to provide a necessity to the community in this chilly holiday season,” says Pearce.

The coat drive was conducted from November 1 to 30, with drop offs in both Clinton and Guilford. The offices collected just under 200 coats for all ages. These coats were donated to Harbor Health Clothing Bank in Branford, which supports the Guilford and Branford communities for individuals and families in need, and to the Town of Clinton - Social Services, where they will be given to Clinton residents in need of winter clothing. Nanette Pastore, manager of the Guilford regional office, says, “It was a great effort that yielded an incredible result!”

“Working with these offices is a good experience because it’s beautiful when people donate to those in need. The stuff we usually get is not up to par, sometimes dirty and we have to throw it out. But the coats we received from the drive were great!” said Joan McFarlane, coordinator for the Harbor Health Clothing Bank. Over 8,000 people, not including children, utilize the clothing bank which offers everything from adult and children’s apparel to household appliances.

H. Pearce Company Realtors Cocoa Café Benefits the Guilford Food Bank

Wallingford (December 2010) – H. Pearce Company President and CEO Barbara L. Pearce is pleased to announce that the Guilford and Clinton offices held their Annual Cocoa Café on Friday, December 3rd in conjunction with the Guilford Tree Lighting and town festivities. Hot chocolate and peppermint sticks were served to the large crowd that gathered on the Town Green. “Though the weather was chilly, it felt great to gather together to celebrate and serve the town of Guilford. The hot chocolate didn’t hurt, either!” said Pearce.

Donations totaled over $200. The recipient of the donations was the Guilford Food Bank.

“We personally want to thank all of those individuals who so generously donated. It was a continuation of a wonderful tradition,” said Nanette Pastore, manager of the Wallingford Regional office.

21st Annual Shoreline Regional Offices Coat Drive

Wallingford (November 2010) – This year will mark the 21st year the H. Pearce Real Estate Company Shoreline Regional Offices will host their annual coat drive.

Donations can be dropped off at the Guilford and Clinton offices throughout November, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The drive is an incredible opportunity to help those in need within our own communities. Please donate jackets and coats that are in good condition.

Drop off Locations:
Guilford
88 Broad St
203.453.2737
guilford@hpearce.com

Clinton
16 West Main St., Suite D
860.669.4617
clinton@hpearce.com

Dave DeBlasi joins H. Pearce Wallingford Regional Office

Wallingford (November 2010) – H. Pearce Real Estate Co. President and CEO Barbara L. Pearce is pleased to announce that Dave DeBlasi has joined the company’s Wallingford Regional office as an agent.

Prior to joining H. Pearce, DeBlasi worked for several years in the auto industry, in new and used car sales, receiving many sales and customer satisfaction awards.

DeBlasi has lived in Wallingford for most of his life and has a soft spot for animals. He belongs to the Doberman Rescue Unlimited (DRU) and the Internet Miniature Pinscher Service, Inc (IMPS). He loves to cook and in his free time races his car at Lime Rock Park on track days. He also enjoys working on fixing and fabricating cars and home repair. In the past, he has worked with Habitat for Humanity in south Florida and is currently in training for the Miami Marathon coming up in January 2011.

Dave DeBlasi can be reached at the H. Pearce Company Wallingford Regional Office at 203.265.4866 extension 501 and at ddeblasi@hpearce.com.

Gary Corso, DiDi Strode, Olivia Martson Complete CAR’s Appraisal-1 Program

New Haven (November 2010) – H. Pearce Co. President and CEO Barbara L. Pearce is pleased to announce that Gary Corso and Urban Specialists Olivia Martson and DiDi Strode, of the New Haven office, recently completed the Connecticut Association of REALTORS® (CARS) Appraisal-1 program.

The program is centered on residential appraisal and provides training in appraiser techniques to determine values for loans, sales, and insurance; and teaches residential appraisal formulas and how to evaluate competitive properties. The Connecticut Association of REALTORS® represents over 17,000 real estate professionals. The association is dedicated to enhancing the ability of its members to conduct their business successfully while maintaining the preservation of private property rights.

Gary Corso can be contacted at 203-776-1899, ext. 702, or email: gcorso@hpearce.com. DiDi Strode can be contacted at 203-776-1899, ext. 728, or email: dstrode@hpearce.com. Olivia Martson can be contacted at 203-776-1899, ext. 705, or email: omartson@hpearce.com.

Wallingford Regional Office Cereal Food Drive for Master’s Manna Was a Success

Wallingford (November 2010) – Pearce Real Estate President and CEO Barbara L. Pearce is pleased to announce that the Wallingford Regional Office’s October Cereal food drive for Master’s Manna was a success. Over 60 boxes of cereal were collected from the office. “The H. Pearce Company feels honored that we were able to provide much-needed aid to an organization that does such admirable work,” says Pearce.

“They [Wallingford office] did a fabulous job,” says Cheryl Bedore, President of Master’s Manna. “Everybody was so upbeat and so excited. They were bubbling over and they should have been because they did a phenomenal job. All of that cereal will be used tomorrow when we have our food pantry open.”

Master’s Manna offers a variety of services to individuals and families that have fallen on hard times. The non-profit organization has become an imperative and integral part of the Greater Meriden/Wallingford area. Currently, their food pantry serves 300 families per week. “To date, we have served over 3,200 individuals- from the beginning of the year through the last day of October,” says Bedore.

For more information about Master’s Manna, go to their website: www.mastersmanna.org.

Maureen Campbell attends Relocation Directors Council® Conference

North Haven (November 2010) – Barbara L. Pearce, President of H. Pearce Real Estate Company (parent company of Pearce Plus Relocation) is pleased to announce that Maureen Campbell recently attended the fall conference of the Relocation Directors Council® (RDC) in Seattle, Washington.

This year’s conference theme was “Robust Vision = Compelling Results.” Over 100 relocation professionals from across the country gathered in Seattle to address concerns facing today’s mobile work force. Speakers examined the need for creative solutions to the declining real estate values, the prolonged recession, high unemployment numbers, and reluctance to relocate. Representatives from the corporate, relocation management, and real estate sectors addressed policy trends and shared creative solutions.

In addition, an afternoon of Learning Zones focused on compelling issues for relocation and real estate professionals in today’s challenging economic times.

Attendees interacted with corporate and relocation management representatives at the organization’s celebration of RDC’s 30th Anniversary.

Campbell currently serves on the board of RDC®. The Relocation Directors Council® sets the standard of excellence for real estate relocation professionals. Its Corporate and Relocation Management Company Advisory Councils work in conjunction with the Board of Directors to promote the highest ethical and performance standards in the industry. Its membership is comprised of 250 relocation professionals, representing over 5,000 real estate offices and 215,000 sales associates nationwide. RDC® affiliates have become the trusted source for up-to-date market information, best practices, industry specific education, and extraordinary relocation service. As members of Worldwide ERC®, RDC® member services span the globe.

To learn more about RDC or to locate an RDC member, visit their website at www.relocationdirectorscouncil.com.

Maureen Campbell can be contacted at 203-281-9315, or email: mcampbell@hpearce.com.

Lori Ann Trovato joins H. Pearce Wallingford Regional Office

Wallingford (October 2010) – H. Pearce Real Estate Co. President and CEO Barbara L. Pearce is pleased to announce that Lori Ann Trovato has joined the company’s Wallingford Regional office as a sales associate.

Trovato is a master specialist in floral design and uses her eighteen years of experience to create custom interior floral designs to stage residential properties. She is also a home sales specialist for the elderly. A graduate of Lyman Hall High School, Trovato currently attends both Gateway and Middlesex Community Colleges and is focusing on elder real estate. Prior to joining H. Pearce, Trovato worked at William Raveis Real Estate and at Mezzanotte Law Firm in Wallingford as a paralegal.

The fifth-generation Meriden native is a member of the PTA and volunteers with the Hartford Children’s Theatre and the theater program at her church. She loves hiking, gardening, fishing and acting.

Lori Ann Trovato can be reached at the H. Pearce Company Wallingford Regional Office at extension 504 and at ltrovato@hpearce.com.

H. Pearce Musical Instrument Drive Provides the Saint Martin de Porres Academy with Much-Needed Instruments

North Haven (October 2010) – From May 17th to May 28th, H. Pearce Company ran a musical instrument drive for the Saint Martin de Porres Academy in New Haven. The drive called for people to donate unwanted instruments and unused supplies (reeds, corks, swabs, etc.). The drive certainly helped the Academy’s Instrumental Music Program as some of the instruments donated included a drum set, clarinets and flutes. H. Pearce Company President and CEO Barbara L. Pearce says, “In this day and age, every child deserves a musical education and H. Pearce was thrilled to be able to help those students in need.”

The Saint Martin de Porres Academy is an independent tuition-free school in the Hill neighborhood of New Haven for children of low-income families. The Academy’s Instrumental Music Program provides students with the opportunity to learn wind or percussion instruments; they must practice each day in school for a half hour. The students put on an annual Christmas concert and an end of the school year concert. They also play at various donor events and other special events throughout the school year. The Academy has the largest contingent of students participating in the All-State Regional Band concert in March. Students are also currently playing in a regional band.

“Music is an integral part of our curriculum,” says Allison Rivera, President of the Academy. “Every student in the building plays an instrument, [and] there are sixty-one students total. All of [the] instruments that we use are [from] donations. We are constantly seeking donations. H. Pearce was wonderful to do a drive for us. The instruments we received will enable our students to play.”

Rivera says that, ideally, Saint Martin de Porres Academy would be able to provide graduating students with instruments. She stresses that the need for instruments (and money for their routine repair and refurbishment) is ongoing.

To make a donation: Allison Rivera, President of Saint Martin de Porres Academy, can be contacted at 203-772-2424, ext. 11, or email: president@saintmartinacademy.org.

Diane Briganti Earns e-PRO® Certification

North Haven (October 2010) – H. Pearce Co. President and CEO Barbara L. Pearce is pleased to announce that Diane Briganti, a Realtor® with H. Pearce Real Estate’s Branford Regional Office, recently earned her e-PRO® Technology Certification from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). She also completed the Web 2.0 and Social Media course. With more than 80% of consumers beginning their real estate research online, e-PRO®-certified agents have the experience and the expertise to meet today’s consumers’ demands.

NAR created the e-PRO® Technology Certification Program in 2000. The comprehensive and interactive e-PRO® certification course is presented entirely online; it is designed to provide real estate professionals with the technology tools needed to assist consumers in the purchase or sale of a home. The course was recently revised to include segments on Social Networking and Web 2.0 marketing that will continue to transform the real estate business.

Upon completion of the course, graduates join a distinguished community of highly skilled and continuously trained professionals that represent only four percent of REALTORS® in the country. Consumers can identify the e-PRO® through the exclusive e-PRO® Internet Professional logo. The skills graduates gain from the course enable them to provide clients with information on properties for sale, local communities, and the local real estate market.

“The real estate industry has undergone a fundamental change over the past several years,” Briganti said. “A majority of consumers are taking the time to conduct their own research prior to contacting an agent. In turn, real estate professionals must be knowledgeable of how technology can assist them in serving the needs of the buying and selling public. It only makes sense to work with a REALTOR® who is up to speed on today’s technology.”

Diane Briganti can be contacted at 203-481-5343, ext. 409, or email: dbriganti@hpearce.com.