Archive for March, 2008
Staying Safe in Your Home-Tips on Preventing a Home Invasion
March 31st, 2008 categories: Central Connecticut News & Information, Home Owners
This morning I heard the awful news that Mary Ellen Walsh was found dead in Bristol, the victim of another home invasion but this time in New Britain. Although not in her own home but in that of a friend, Mary Ellen reminded us all that crime can impact us even in places we should feel safe. I am truly sorry for her, her family and her friend Carol Larese who is recovering in the hospital.
I am not going to get into how angry it makes me that this home invasion ever occurred, why or how it happened or how disgusted I am that I can’t leave my doors unlocked because some low-life may get this idea in my area. Long gone are the days where you enter your home and leave the doors unlocked. Maybe those days never even existed but I like to think they did.
Normally, I don’t comment on issues like this but this event touches a basic need we all have and that is security - more specifically security in your own home.
Other than buying a gun and getting a big, mean dog, (which I have no problem with, by the way) how do we stay safe in the one place where we should never have to feel unsafe - our home? Read the rest of this entry »
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Cheers to the Worst in Real Estate Photos
March 28th, 2008 categories: Home Buyers, Home Sellers
Fellow Connecticut Realtor, blogger and photographer/photo enhancer Athol Kay has dedicated his blog, ReAgentinCT, to revealing the worst that Realtors have to offer in his “Bad MLS Photo of the Day” posts. Nearly 365 posts later - a full year for the Realtors out there - the bad photos keep on coming.
In honor of a full year of blurriness, clutter and weird things on the wall, I’m paying a little homage to Athol. He’s made me laugh and links to my blog now and then. I owe him a little on-line love.
Here are my favorites, categorized by mistake the Realtor made (sometimes it’s Athol’s comments that kill me more than the actual picture):
Going Crazy with Photo Editing Software and Not in a Good Way
People for Sale?
No cameras please, I’m trying to poop.
I don’t dislike you…just your weird stuff.
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Want a Real BFF? Pet Adoption Day on March 29, 2008
March 27th, 2008 categories: Central Connecticut News & Information, Pets & People
Like pets more than people? Want to hear the pitter patter of four paws? Want a real best friend - one who isn’t going to talk behind your back?
Our Companions is hosting a pet adoption event on March 29, 2008 at the PETCOs in Avon and Manchester from 10 AM -2 PM. Dogs, cats and even bunnies are up for adoption.
Manchester PETCO at 432a Buckland Hills Drive
Avon PETCO 9 West Avon Road
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There’s Gold in That Thar Deck - Adding a Deck Means Money In Your Pockets
March 26th, 2008 categories: Home Owners, Home Sellers
One of the easiest, least expensive exterior projects for your home is the addition of a wood deck. Even in Connecticut where you can enjoy your deck only half of the year, decks are an additional room for your house during those warm months.
A deck is economical to put in. And out of other exterior projects, a wood deck is more likely to pay off when you sell than most other projects such as the addition of a garage or sunroom.
According to the National Association of Realtor’s 2007 Cost Vs Value Remodeling Report, the average deck in New England costs $10,634 and home sellers can expect to recoup around 84.4% of the value on resale.
I was actually surprised to read that the average garage addition only recouped about 67% of its cost.
If you’re contemplating a sale soon or just want to enjoy the outdoors, adding a new deck may be the way to go.
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“I’ll Sell If…” Listings Are Clogging Up The Real Estate Market
March 25th, 2008 categories: Real Estate Market
Like a clump of hair trapped in the bathroom sink, “I’ll sell if…” listings are clogging the drain of the real estate market, slowing down the free flow of real estate transactions.
“I’ll sell if…” listings are homes for sale - sort of. For various reasons, the owners do not have to sell. Like some buyers, these sellers are just browsing except they are browsing for buyers. The sellers don’t have a need to sell other than getting the best price - they are what Realtors call “unmotivated.”
“I’ll sell if…” listings likely come with a whole list of to-dos for the buyer. The buyer has to offer a certain dollar amount, has to be available to see the property on the fifth day of the month between 12:15 and 1:15 AM when the moon is full, has to be willing to take the home “as is” or otherwise meet the terms of the seller. Often, these listings are over-priced, not in move-in condition or a combination of the two.
“I’ll sell if…” listings are a black-hole - offers go in but they rarely come out signed.
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