Author name: Steve Schappert, REALTOR®

Steve Schappert has been in the real estate and or construction business for over 40 years. His combined knowledge, attention to detail, and negotiating skills make him an excellent choice to help buy or sell a Connecticut luxury home. Schappert sharpened his negotiating skills by working with the Secret Service. Schappert was able to convince international bank fraud criminals to come to the US to be arrested for their crimes. Schappert has been interviewed by ABC, NBC, CNN, BBC, The New York Times and many more. Connecticut Real Estate provides discriminating home-buyers and sellers with professional, responsive and attentive real estate services. Want an agent who'll really listen to what you want in a home? Need an agent who knows how to effectively market your home so it sells? Give me a call! I'm eager to help and would love to talk to you. 1-203-994-3950

Making a One-Time Payment

  Making a One-Time Payment Making a One-Time Payment Making a one-time payment should be quick, simple, and stress-free—whether you’re paying a bill, setting up a service, or managing a financial obligation without committing to recurring charges. Our system is designed to give you complete control, transparency, and peace of mind every step of the […]

Making a One-Time Payment Read More »

How to Sign Up for AutoPay Setting up AutoPay is one of the easiest ways to simplify your monthly billing and ensure you never miss a payment again. Whether you’re managing a mortgage, insurance policy, utilities, or subscription services, AutoPay helps you stay organized, avoid late fees, and maintain consistent account standing without the hassle of logging in every month. The process takes just a few minutes, and once completed, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your payments will always be handled automatically and on time. To get started, the first step is to log in to your online account. Most service providers—whether a financial institution, utility company, or insurance carrier—offer an online portal or mobile app where you can manage your billing preferences. If you’ve never accessed your account online before, you may need to create a username and password using your policy number, customer ID, or other identifying information. Once logged in, look for a tab labeled Billing, Payments, Account Settings, Manage AutoPay, or something similar. The AutoPay option is usually located within this section. When you select the AutoPay feature, you’ll be prompted to choose your payment method. Most companies allow several options, such as a checking account, savings account, debit card, or credit card. If you choose a bank account, you’ll need your routing and account numbers. If you prefer a credit or debit card, simply enter the card number, expiration date, and security code. Some providers may ask you to verify the account through a small test deposit or confirmation code sent to your email or phone. This step ensures your payment information is accurate and prevents any processing issues later. After you’ve added your payment method, you’ll need to select your payment schedule. Many AutoPay systems allow you to set the date on which you want the payment to occur—such as your due date, a few days before, or another date that works best for your cash flow. This flexibility is especially helpful if you’re trying to align bills with your payday or budget cycle. Once you choose the timing that works best for you, review any additional settings. Some companies allow you to enable reminders, notifications, or confirmation emails so you always stay aware of upcoming or processed payments. Before finalizing the setup, you’ll be shown a summary of your AutoPay selections. This is your opportunity to double-check the payment method, date, and billing amount. Confirm everything is correct to avoid surprises on your next bill. Once you click Confirm, Activate, or Enroll, your AutoPay will be officially set up. You may receive an email or on-screen confirmation letting you know that your enrollment is complete and that your next payment will be drafted automatically. Another benefit of enrolling in AutoPay is consistency. Many lenders and insurance companies incentivize AutoPay by offering small discounts—such as reduced service fees, lower interest rates, or loyalty rewards—because customers who use AutoPay tend to stay current on their accounts. Even if no discount is offered, the convenience alone saves time and reduces stress. You never have to search for a bill, worry about mailing a check, or remember another due date. If your financial situation changes or you need to update your payment method, you can modify your AutoPay settings at any time. Simply visit your online account, navigate to the AutoPay section, and make the necessary changes. Most companies allow you to switch payment methods, adjust your draft date, update an expired card, or temporarily pause AutoPay with a single click. This flexibility ensures your billing stays aligned with your current needs. Finally, it’s a good habit to monitor your account for the first month or two after enrolling. Check your statements or email notifications to verify that payments are processing correctly. Once you confirm everything is running smoothly, you can sit back and enjoy the benefits of a hands-off, stress-free billing experience. By taking just a few minutes to set up AutoPay, you’re setting yourself up for long-term financial organization, fewer missed payments, and a more streamlined monthly routine. Whether you’re managing one bill or several, AutoPay is a smart, dependable, and convenient solution that supports better financial management year-round.

    How to Sign Up for AutoPay Setting up AutoPay is one of the easiest ways to simplify your monthly billing and ensure you never miss a payment again. Whether you’re managing a mortgage, insurance policy, utilities, or subscription services, AutoPay helps you stay organized, avoid late fees, and maintain consistent account standing without

How to Sign Up for AutoPay Setting up AutoPay is one of the easiest ways to simplify your monthly billing and ensure you never miss a payment again. Whether you’re managing a mortgage, insurance policy, utilities, or subscription services, AutoPay helps you stay organized, avoid late fees, and maintain consistent account standing without the hassle of logging in every month. The process takes just a few minutes, and once completed, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your payments will always be handled automatically and on time. To get started, the first step is to log in to your online account. Most service providers—whether a financial institution, utility company, or insurance carrier—offer an online portal or mobile app where you can manage your billing preferences. If you’ve never accessed your account online before, you may need to create a username and password using your policy number, customer ID, or other identifying information. Once logged in, look for a tab labeled Billing, Payments, Account Settings, Manage AutoPay, or something similar. The AutoPay option is usually located within this section. When you select the AutoPay feature, you’ll be prompted to choose your payment method. Most companies allow several options, such as a checking account, savings account, debit card, or credit card. If you choose a bank account, you’ll need your routing and account numbers. If you prefer a credit or debit card, simply enter the card number, expiration date, and security code. Some providers may ask you to verify the account through a small test deposit or confirmation code sent to your email or phone. This step ensures your payment information is accurate and prevents any processing issues later. After you’ve added your payment method, you’ll need to select your payment schedule. Many AutoPay systems allow you to set the date on which you want the payment to occur—such as your due date, a few days before, or another date that works best for your cash flow. This flexibility is especially helpful if you’re trying to align bills with your payday or budget cycle. Once you choose the timing that works best for you, review any additional settings. Some companies allow you to enable reminders, notifications, or confirmation emails so you always stay aware of upcoming or processed payments. Before finalizing the setup, you’ll be shown a summary of your AutoPay selections. This is your opportunity to double-check the payment method, date, and billing amount. Confirm everything is correct to avoid surprises on your next bill. Once you click Confirm, Activate, or Enroll, your AutoPay will be officially set up. You may receive an email or on-screen confirmation letting you know that your enrollment is complete and that your next payment will be drafted automatically. Another benefit of enrolling in AutoPay is consistency. Many lenders and insurance companies incentivize AutoPay by offering small discounts—such as reduced service fees, lower interest rates, or loyalty rewards—because customers who use AutoPay tend to stay current on their accounts. Even if no discount is offered, the convenience alone saves time and reduces stress. You never have to search for a bill, worry about mailing a check, or remember another due date. If your financial situation changes or you need to update your payment method, you can modify your AutoPay settings at any time. Simply visit your online account, navigate to the AutoPay section, and make the necessary changes. Most companies allow you to switch payment methods, adjust your draft date, update an expired card, or temporarily pause AutoPay with a single click. This flexibility ensures your billing stays aligned with your current needs. Finally, it’s a good habit to monitor your account for the first month or two after enrolling. Check your statements or email notifications to verify that payments are processing correctly. Once you confirm everything is running smoothly, you can sit back and enjoy the benefits of a hands-off, stress-free billing experience. By taking just a few minutes to set up AutoPay, you’re setting yourself up for long-term financial organization, fewer missed payments, and a more streamlined monthly routine. Whether you’re managing one bill or several, AutoPay is a smart, dependable, and convenient solution that supports better financial management year-round. Read More »

Introduction to SmartMLS for New Connecticut Real Estate Agents

Introduction to SmartMLS for New Connecticut Real Estate Agents Introduction to SmartMLS for New Agents from SmartMLS on Vimeo. Welcome to the world of real estate in Connecticut, where opportunities abound, and the market is dynamic. As a new real estate agent in the state, one of the most valuable tools you’ll need in your

Introduction to SmartMLS for New Connecticut Real Estate Agents Read More »

Navigating the SmartMLS Membership Center

Navigating the SmartMLS Membership Center Navigating the New SmartMLS Membership Center from SmartMLS on Vimeo. Navigating the SmartMLS Membership Center is essential for real estate professionals in Connecticut who want to access and utilize the tools and resources offered by the multiple listing service (MLS). The Membership Center is a central hub where you can

Navigating the SmartMLS Membership Center Read More »

First Time Login As A Connecticut Real Estate Agent

  First Time Login from SmartMLS on Vimeo. As a first-time user, logging in to SmartMLS as a Connecticut real estate agent is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started: Step 1: Registration Contact SmartMLS: Begin by reaching out to SmartMLS to express your interest in becoming a member. You

First Time Login As A Connecticut Real Estate Agent Read More »

How long it will take to drive to and from work

How Long Will It Take to Drive To and From Work? Why Commute Time Matters More Than You Think When choosing a job or a place to live, one of the most overlooked—but most impactful—factors is how long it will take to drive to and from work. Commute time affects far more than your daily

How long it will take to drive to and from work Read More »

Copying Photos from Your Connecticut Real Estate Listing

Copying Photos from Your Connecticut Real Estate Listing Copying Photos from Your Listings from SmartMLS on Vimeo. Copying photos from your Connecticut Real Estate listing on SmartMLS can be helpful if you need to use these images for other marketing materials or share them with clients. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Copying Photos from Your Connecticut Real Estate Listing Read More »

Copying Connecticut Real Estate Listings in Matrix

    Copying Connecticut Real Estate Listings in Matrix: A Step-by-Step Guide for Agents For Connecticut real estate agents, Matrix MLS is the backbone of daily business. Whether you’re marketing a new listing, sharing properties with clients, or creating content for email campaigns and websites, knowing how to properly copy and reuse listing information in

Copying Connecticut Real Estate Listings in Matrix Read More »

Connecticut Real Estate Tax Search

Connecticut Real Estate Tax Search Tax Search from SmartMLS on Vimeo. Searching for Connecticut real estate tax information using Smart Tax or similar platforms can provide valuable insights for both real estate professionals and property owners. Here’s how you can perform a Connecticut real estate tax search using Smart Tax or a similar tool: 1.

Connecticut Real Estate Tax Search Read More »

Comparative Market Analysis of Connecticut Real Estate in Matrix

Comparative Market Analysis of Connecticut Real Estate in Matrix Do a CMA in Matrix from SmartMLS on Vimeo. A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) is a valuable tool used by real estate professionals, including Connecticut Real Estate agents, to determine the current market value of a property. A CMA involves analyzing recent sales of similar properties

Comparative Market Analysis of Connecticut Real Estate in Matrix Read More »

Scroll to Top