Archive for January, 2009
Snow
January 29th, 2009 categories: Central Connecticut News & Information
Barn - Old Maids Lane in Glastonbury
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Legacy of Kelo V. New London
January 28th, 2009 categories: Central Connecticut News & Information
Susette Kelo, the famous plaintiff in Kelo v. City of New London, is out promoting a book on her decade-long, losing battle against her city to take her home for economic development purposes. I haven’t read the book yet but I remember the story.
However, until today, I didn’t understand the woman and what drove her to keep fighting for her little pink house in a rundown area in New London. To hear her speak is heartbreaking.
From the Cato Institute,
The irony of Kelo v. City of New London is that the very reason Susette was forced out of her property - to hopefully bring in a developer who would revitalize the Fort Trumbull area and provide more tax revenue and jobs for the City - has never come to fruition. Read the rest of this entry »
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9 Home Features That Sell Real Estate in Central Connecticut
January 26th, 2009 categories: Central Connecticut News & Information, Home Buyers, Home Sellers
Based on Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost Vs. Value Report and my own experience with home buyers and sellers, the following home features are the most attractive and desirable in Central Connecticut.
Fireplace
Although fireplaces are terribly inefficient, winters are cold in New England (so is spring, fall and sometimes summer) and people like the feeling of sitting near or looking at a fire. It also seems that fireplaces are not one of those things buyers think they can easily or inexpensively add themselves, so it’s viewed as a real bonus to have one.
Garage
A garage is almost mandatory in New England for home buyers. Adding a garage can be very costly or difficult to do depending on the lot size. And in towns or markets where not every comparable house has one (or one that’s attached), a garage can really set one house apart from another. Many home buyers will automatically ignore homes without a garage.
Low Maintenance Exterior
Who wants to paint every 5 years? Most people don’t. In Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value Report, replacement siding has among the highest return on investment, with owners expecting to recoup about 80% of the cost to install when they sell. However, in some neighborhoods known for their historic houses, vinyl siding inconsistent with the look of the house can actually reduce the value.
Deck
You wouldn’t think that home buyers would find a deck really desirable, since it can only get used a few months out of the year. But because we are locked inside for 6 months, it seems that people want to spend as much time outside as possible when it’s warm and a nice, large deck is the place to do it.
Energy Efficient Features
More and more buyers are looking for features that will save them on fuel costs, such as windows, newer heating and cooling systems and extra insulation.
Great Curb Appeal
In Connecticut, there are some really easy things you can do to make your house stand out that fit with the local style, for example flower boxes, paint door and shutters a different color that coordinate with the house’s color, or add new house numbers and or a new exterior light. I often say, “cute sells.”
Photo from Country Living (John Peden) by way of The Inspired Room
Light
A sunny, bright home will always sell much faster than one that is dark and dreary. Natural light is best but even a home under the shade of trees can appear to be light and bright with decorating. Trimming back trees or shrubs too close to the house will go a long way in attracting buyers.
Room for Storage
Home buyers expect storage. Even in older homes where closet space can be minimal, having storage (in basement, attic, garage, shelving) is a big plus.
Room to Play/Work/Exercise
Perhaps it’s the economy or maybe it’s just cocooning, but people are spending more time at home. An extra room, finished basement or room over the garage is something many home buyers are looking for.
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When Should You Replace Common Household Items
January 23rd, 2009 categories: Home Owners
I found this article on the Get Rich Slowly blog, orginally posted by SmartMoney.com:
Air Filters
Replace after: Six months
Why: Filters become clogged with dirt and other particles, reducing the energy efficiency of your heating and cooling systems, says Rozanne Weissman, a spokeswoman for the Alliance to Save Energy.
Fire Extinguishers
Replace after: 10 to 12 years
Why: The pressurized contents of a fire extinguisher de-pressurize over time. “Eventually, it just becomes a block of ’stuff’ inside the cylinder,” says Tom Olshanski, director of external affairs for the U.S. Fire Administration — rendering it useless in fighting fires. Extinguishers can deteriorate faster if left in a high-humidity environment. Check your extinguisher on a monthly basis for corrosion, a sure sign air is leaking out, he suggests.
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CT Real Estate Unleashed Now on Twitter and Facebook
January 21st, 2009 categories: Random
CTRealEstateUnleashed is now on Facebook and Twitter.
CTRealEstateUnleashed is About You
Facebook is About Me
CTRealEstateUnleashed.com is more about you, the home buyer and seller in Central Connecticut, than it is about me. Sure, there’s the profile, my mug, and a little me sprinkled in my blog posts. But mostly it’s information I think you want to read about and resources to help you.
On the other hand, Facebook shows you much more of my interests, my friends and my personal life. While you’ll get to read some of my blog posts on Facebook, you’re more likely to see me comment on a movie, talk about my day, connect with a friend or post a link to a video I like. The only condition is “friendship.” You friend me and I accept - much easier than high school. Read the rest of this entry »
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