Peggy Chirico ~ Hartford & Tolland County Real Estate Blog: December 2010

First Night in Hartford CT

Celebrate New Year's Eve at Hartford's First Night!  First Night is an alcohol-free celebration of the New Year, with many venues and locations in Hartford.  Some of the events include carousel rides, ice-skating, fireworks, art exhibits, horse-drawn wagon rides, music, and many interactive activities for people of all ages.  Here is a complete list of the events.

Today's Groupon is 40% off tickets to First Night.  The tickets are usually $10 per person ($2 for ages 15 and under), but if you sign up for Groupon, you can get two adult tickets for $12.  If you decide to just purchase tickets, here is list of locations that sell the wristbands for First Night.

In its 22nd year, First Night in Hartford CT is the place to ring in the New Year! 

Happy New Year!

Natori Sushi in Manchester CT

All that last-minute shopping worked up quite an appetite in me, so I decided to break for lunch.  Not one to frequent fast food places, I decided that sushi would be a healthier choice so we stopped in at Natori Sushi.  Located in the plaza at Buckland Hills (almost in the center of the row of stores), I have eaten at Natori Sushi many times and have never been disappointed. 

I don't usually order anything for anything fancy--just the rolls and I have tried almost all of the meatless ones.  Today I ordered Peanut Avocado, Spicy Tuna, and Vegetable Tempura.  It was just delicious!

Once inside, you will forget that you are in the middle of a busy strip mall.  Comfortable booths, quiet atmosphere, courteous waitstaff, and delicious fresh sushi will make you glad you stopped in.  Of course, you can also order take-out.

For more information, visit Natori Sushi online or call the restaurant at 860-648-2288.

South Windsor CT Market Report for November 2010

During November 2010, there were 14 closed sales in South Windsor, CT with a median price of $281,950.  During November of the prior year, there were 32 closed sales with a median price of $306,200.  Currently, however, there are 13 properties under contract and 22 properties under deposit, so there is still quite a bit of activity in South Windsor's housing market.  Here is the breakdown of closed sales by price range:

If you are looking for a home in South Windsor, there are only 88 currently on the market.  Those on the market range in price from $25,900 for a mobile home to $1,475,000 for a 6 bedroom/2 bath colonial on 76 acres zoned industrial.  The median price range of available homes is $259,900.  To see what is available in South Windsor, you can enter your criteria in the search box below:

Manchester CT's Community Development Block Grant Program - Incentives for First-Time Homebuyers

CHFA (Connecticut Housing Finance Authority) and the town of Manchester are again offering the Pilot Downpayment Assistance and/or Closing Cost Program for first-time homebuyers who purchase a home within the designated areas in Manchester. 

The purpose of the program is to encourage homeownership of properties in the central areas of Manchester and to enable low to moderate income families to purchase homes by offering low interest rates, down payment assistance, and/or closing costs up to $4,000.

There are eligibility requirements and program guidelines, but the program offers a tremendous opportunity for first-time homebuyers who qualify.  The loans are offered through McCue Mortgage and New Alliance Bank.  For more information, contact either the lenders or CHFA at 877-571-2432.

If you would like a list of properties currently on the market that are located within the eligible area, please call me at 860-748-8900.

East Hartford CT Market Report for November 2010

During November 2010, there were 16 closed sales in East Hartford, CT with a median price of $127,500.  This is dramatically different from November 2009 when there were 55 closed sales and a median price of $162,000. 

Here is the breakdown by price range for November 2010:

Compared to the market reports for October 2010 (24 closed sales with a median price of $144,750) and September 2010 (25 closed sales with a median price of $140,000), November's numbers were down as well.   However, there are currently 55 properties under contract (27) or under deposit (28), so it is important to look beyond each inidividual month's statistics.

Next month, I will report on December's statistics and the median price by month for the year so we will have a better picture of the housing market in East Hartford CT.

If you are looking for a home in East Hartford, there are currently 228 homes on the market ranging in price from $8,000 for a mobile home to $320,000 for a 2100 sq. ft. colonial on over two acres.  The median price is $169,900, which represents tremendous opportunity for anyone looking to own their own home.  To see for yourself what is available, use the search form below to change your criteria to fit your needs. Please let me know if you have any questions about the East Hartford housing market.

Get Your Home Ready to Sell with Low-Cost Home Improvements

When I am listing a home, I am usually asked by the sellers what they can do to improve their homes to get the best price and a quick sale.  Of course, pricing the home correctly for the market and the conditions is the most important factor.  However, almost everyone can do something to make their homes more attractive to buyers. 

Here are the five most frequently recommended low-cost home improvements for the interior of the home (although each may not apply to everyone):

• Low-Cost Home Improvement #1:  If you have hardwood floors, show them off.  Many older homes have hardwood floors under the carpet, especially on the first floor.  Buyers today love hardwood floors because they are easy to clean and because they are very fashionable right now. Whether you do it yourself or you hire someone to do it, ripping up the carpet will be well worth the effort.  And speaking of carpeting, NEVER put it in the bathroom.  It is a major turnoff to buyers; bathroom floors should always look like they have just been sanitized.

• Low-Cost Home Improvement #2:  If you have old, out-dated lighting fixtures, change them.  Home improvement stores have plenty of low-cost, attractive lighting fixtures that will make a big statement.  So whether it's the 1970s glass chandelier in the hallway or the strip of round light bulbs in the bathroom, trade them in for a more modern look.

• Low-Cost Home Improvement #3:  If the groutlines in the bathrooms and kitchen are not sparkling clean, either clean them off or replace the grout and caulk.  No one wants to see grunge in either of those rooms especially, so look over all the surfaces to make sure they are gleaming.

• Low-Cost Home Improvement #4:  Check all the walls to see if they need to be repainted.  Nothing freshens up a house faster than repainting.  Trade out any wild and crazy colors (or old dated wallpaper) for softer neutrals.  You can't go wrong with shades of tan, taupe, grey, or light sage, which are warmer and preferable to white.  Also, look over the woodwork and ceilings, and refinish those if necessary.

• Low-Cost Home Improvement #5:  Clear out clutter and excess furniture.  Each room should look as spacious as possible with just enough furniture so that buyers can visualize where their own furniture might go.  If the walls are cluttered with too many pictures, consider replacing a lot of small ones with larger pictures or a large mirror.  You will be moving anyway, so consider packing the excess up and putting it in storage now.

Of course, there are many other improvements that can be made, but these are low-cost home improvements that can make a big impact.

Vernon CT Market Report for November 2010

During November 2010, there were 22 closed sales in Vernon CT with a median price of $226,000. During November 2009, there were also 22 closed sales with a median price of $200,000.

Considering that last November had the impetus of the first-time homebuyers' tax credit (which only later had been extended into 2010), this year's November sales seem quite robust.  So number of sales stayed the same, and median price increased this year as well.  Comparing November statistics to October 2010 and September 2010, the housing market in Vernon shows significant improvement.

Here is the breakdown by price range:

If you are looking for a home in Vernon, there are currently 106 homes on the market ranging in price from $8,000 for a mobile home to a raised ranch directly on Bolton Lake for $549,000. The median price is $219,900, so there are many great values to be had in Vernon, CT.

You can use the search function below to change your criteria and see what is currently on the market that might fit your needs. 

On a recent trip to Utah, I went to Bryce Canyon and saw these magnificent structures that I later found out were called hoodoos.

Hoodoos are pillars of rock caused by erosion over thousands of years.    Bryce Canyon has the largest system of hoodoos in the world.  They resemble totem poles and have much folklore attached to them.   I had never heard of them and I found it fascinating.

But this isn't really a geology lesson. It's about the holiday season.  Many of us are at a point in our lives where we don't really need much for ourselves this holiday season, but there plenty of people who do. 

Whether it is money, time, or a little kindness, we all have a little extra to give, and someone will appreciate it.

The hoodoo reminds me to ask myself "Who do I know who could use a little extra help?"  There are so many opportunities for holiday giving: toys for tots, food donations, extra mittens or socks, etc.  While out shopping for  food or gifts, pick up a few extras and drop them off in the collection bins. 

With the visual of a hoodoo, this will be easy to remember.

Happy Holidays!

Mullberry Street Pizza in Manchester CT

I went to Mulberry Street Pizza today based on a recommendation I had received, and I was not disappointed.  Located at 981 Main Street in Manchester CT, the restaurant has a charming exterior that makes you glad you decided to go there.  The interior is just as welcoming, with a handsome bar area (complete with a large-screen TV for the sports enthusiasts) that is separate from the dining room, which is great for noise control.

The dining room has tables and booths, stylish pub decor with plenty of wood accents, and nice lighting fixtures that create a very warm atmosphere.  The pizza kitchen is visible to the room, and it was interesting to watch them make the pizza.

I ordered an eggplant sandwich, while my husband ordered the Buffalo chicken sandwich.  If I had known that pizza was available by the slice, I would have ordered that, but it wasn't stated anywhere on the menu and I only realized it when I walked by the pizza station.

My sandwich was delicious, and it was mainly because of the bread.  I am a bread critic, and if the bread isn't great, I am merciless.  This bread looked like focaccia but it was unlike any focaccia that I had ever eaten.  Very light, doughy (in the best way), and just delicious. 

Mulberry Street Pizza is a fantastic addition to Main Street, and I will return soon to try the pizza.  For more information about Mulberry Street Pizza and to see the menu, visit the website.   You can also call 860-645-8646 (togo) for information or to place an order to go! 

I have always loved baby feet.  What is it about baby feet? Of course, they are cute and soft.  Of course, we are so thankful for all ten toes.

But isn't it really the symbolic meaning of baby feet that captures everyone's heart?  At this moment, before the baby has  taken her first steps, suffered through a pair of shoes, or stubbed her toe, we think of all the possibilities for this baby.  These baby feet represent all the hopes and dreams that we have for this child.

Where will these feet take her, literally and figuratively? Will they take her to far corners of the world or far in life? Will she always find her way back to us? Will she be able to stand on her own two feet? Will her feet be strong enough to carry her through the ups and downs of life? 

We cherish the moment, when her world is full of love, dreams, and possibilities, and hope that it continues for a lifetime.

This photograph of my daughter, Stephanie, and her newborn daughter and my first grandchild, Sophia, captures all that baby feet represent.

 
This post is written as a submission to the ActiveRain 'Kodak Moments' contest. I have the chance to win the KODAK EASYSHARE M580 Digital Camera

To participate in the ActiveRain contest, visit the blog post announcing the contest from Kodak and ActiveRain.