Peggy Chirico ~ Hartford & Tolland County Real Estate Blog: Connecticut

East Hartford CT Market Report for December 2011

East Hartford CT finished out the year strong, with 26 closed sales and a median price of $143,500. Many people mistakenly think that real estate comes to a halt in December because of the holidays, but that was not the case in East Hartford.

Compared with December 2010, this December had a higher number of closed sales (26 this December vs. 22 last December), but the median price was down ($143,500 this December vs. $150,000 last December).

Here is the breakdown by price range:

The median price was up and down throughout the year, but December's median price came very close to the median price for the entire year, which was $144,000.  

Here is a recap by month for 2011:

There are also 20 homes under contract and 37 under deposit. Given that there are 205 active listings in East Hartford, CT, the absorption rate is currently 10 months, which is lower than it has been in recent months.

If you are looking for a home in East Hartford, there is plenty to choose from.  From a low of $9999 for a two-bedroom, one-bath, 719 sq. ft. mobile home to a high of $299,900 for a new construction colonial with three bedrooms, 2.1 baths and 1800 sq. ft., the median price is $149,900. There are many fine neighborhoods in East Hartford, with plenty of opportunities to find a great home at a great price.

To see all the homes for sale in your price range, contact me and I will be glad to help you find your next home. 

South Windsor CT Market Report for December 2011

The number of closed sales in South Windsor CT was up in December over the previous month (17 closed sales in December compared to 13 closed sales in November).  The median price was also up from $240,000 in November to $249,900 in December.

However, compared to last December, both number of closed sales and median price were down.  Last December showed 26 closed sales and a median price of $256,000.  The only bright spot there was that the number of homes sold over $400,000 remained the same.  Here is the breakdown by price range:

Like many other towns, South Windsor's median price and number of closed sales have had their ups and downs this year as shown in the table below:

But the really interesting aspect of the South Windsor real estate market is that there are currently just 75 homes on the market.  Given that there are 17 homes under contract and 13 houses under deposit, the absorption rate in South Windsor CT is just 6.2 months, which is one of the lowest absorption rates around.

If you are interested in finding a home in South Windsor CT, the homes range from $16,500 for a two-bedroom, 1.1-bath, 520 sq. ft. mobile home to a $1.3 million for a six-bedroom, two-bath, 3054 sq. ft. colonial on 75 acres. The median price is $269,900, with 30 homes for sale between $200,000 and $300,000, so if that's your price range, you have some options.  However, with the limited inventory, buyers will need to be competitive in their offers, especially if the property is in a good location and in good condition.

If you are thinking about putting your home on the market, there will be less competition so you can expect that your home won't be on the market long, especially if you price it well.

Whether you are thinking about buying or selling in South Windsor CT, please give me a call. I would be glad to help you achieve your goals. 

The Home Show Is This Weekend at the XL Center, Hartford CT ~ FREE Admission

This weekend, January 13, 14, and 15, is the Home Show at the XL Center, One Civic Center Plaza, Hartford CT.

What a perfect weekend to break up the dreariness of winter and start planning some great home improvement projects for the spring!  Admission is FREE!

The Home Show has exhibitors in every home improvement category including:

• Doors and Windows
• Kitchens and Baths
• Lighting
• Gardens and Landscaping
• Roofing and Siding
• Flooring
• Hot Tubs and Pools
• Decks and Fences
• Sunrooms
• And much more!

Here is a chance to see demonstrations, ask questions about your home improvement projects, and collect the information for making decisions about your projects.  There are also food and drink vendors so you can stay all day if you want to.

The hours of the Home Show are:

• Friday - 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Saturday - 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Sunday - 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Manchester CT Market Report for December 2011

During December 2011, there were 22 closed sales with a median price of $155,450 in Manchester CT. Although the median price was up somewhat from the previous two months ($152,500 in November and $147,750 in October), the number of closed sales was the lowest since February 2011.

In comparing the numbers with last December, we can see that the number of closed sales was down (29 last December), but the median price was virtually unchanged ($155,450 in December 2011 vs. $156,000 in December 2010).

Here is the breakdown by price range:

In looking at the recap of the year, there were a total of 320 closed sales and a median price of $169,500.  Here are the numbers by month:

As of today, there are also 19 homes under contract and 30 homes under deposit, so January should show fairly good numbers as we gear up for the spring season.

If you are looking for a home in Manchester CT, there are 214 properties on the market with a median price of $179,900.  Active listings range from a 3-bedroom/1-bath ranch with 1135 sq. ft. for $75,000 to a new construction contemporary home with 4 bedrooms, 3.1 baths, and 4000 sq. ft. for $759,000.  Manchester Ct has many great neighborhoods and there are some beautiful homes on the market right now.  With an absorption rate of almost 12 months, buyers will have plenty of opportunity to find a great home at a great price.  If you would like information about schools, neighborhoods, amenities, or homes on the market, just give me a call. I would be glad to help you get the information. 

Wine Tasting at Adams Mill Restaurant, Manchester CT

Manchester Wine and Liquors' January wine tasting will be held on Monday, January 23, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. at Adams Mill Restaurant in Manchester CT. 

Each month, a wine region is showcased and this month's wine region is Spain.  The wine tasting includes a presentation about the region, the wines, and the winemakers.

The wines to be tasted are:

Gran Gesta Brut Reserva  ........................................... $11.99

Legado Munoz Tempranillo ..........................................$10.99

Vina Alarba Old Vine Grenache   .................................. $ 9.99

Cueto Seleccion   ........................................................$16.99

Orballo Albarino   ....................................................... $17.99

Merum Monastrell   .................................................... $ 9.99

Lealtanza Dominio de Heredia  ................................... $11.99

Felix Callejo Cuatro Meses  ........................................ $19.99

Finca Munoz Old Vines Tempranillo ..............................$34.99

The wine tastings are fun, informative, and open to anyone in the Wine Club.  If you are not a member, you can become a member by calling Manchester Wine and Liquors at 860-649-4750.  Each member can bring one guest.

Seating is limited, so you must register by phone (860-649-4750) or by email at mwl@snet.net.  Only those registered will be allowed in.  The wine tasting costs $6 per person, but if you buy at least six bottles from the tasting, you will be refunded the $6.  In addition, the wines are usually discounted by the case (and you can mix cases).  Information will be on the tasting sheets.

In addition, Manchester Wine and Liquors has a raffle at the end of the wine tasting which adds to the fun. So if you are looking to learn about new wines, try a few (along with some cheese and bread), and spice up the wintry month of January, call to register.

All profits of the evening are donated to a charity and this month's charity is Bandit's Place Animal Shelter of New Hartford CT (501c-3).  A fun evening, a good cause--what more could you want?

Four New Year's Resolutions You Must Keep...from the Manchester Fire Department!

What are your New Year's resolutions?

• To lose weight?
• To get organized?
• To pay off credit cards?
• To appreciate others?
• To get a new job?

While we are all making lofty (or not so lofty) New Year's resolutions, the Manchester Fire Department is asking people to make just four resolutions that will ensure the safety of everyone.  These are simple, but if everyone did them, the results could really make a difference.

1.  Have a working smoke detector in all sleeping areas in the home.

2.  Have a working carbon monoxide detecter in the home.

3.  Have an emergency plan, designate a meeting place, and put together an emergency kit.

4.  Don't drive while distracted, especially by cell phones and texting.

These are all really easy and may just help you be around long enough to keep your other New Year's resolutions!

If you need help with smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, or an emergency plan, the Manchester Fire Department will help you.  They encourage you to call them at 860-647-3267.  They will be more than happy to assist you.

New Year's Eve ~ First Night Hartford 2012

First Night Hartford 2012 is Hartford CT's affordable, family-oriented, alcohol-free, multicultural, and artistically-inspired celebration of the new year. Now in its 23rd year, each year gets better and better.

This year's festivities include activities at Bushnell Park, the Wadsworth Atheneum, Hartford Public Library, State House Square, City Hall, the Old State House, Center Church and many other locations.

First Night activities begin at 2:00 p.m. on New Year's Eve and culminates in the last fireworks display at midnight; however, the free ice skating in Bushnell Park will begin at 11:00 a.m. and continue until 1:00 a.m. The types of performances  include:

• Fireworks
• Carousel rides
• Horse-drawn wagon rides
• Magic shows
• Live music and dancing
• Art installations
• Ice carving
• Dance performances
• Fortune telling
• Tours and so much more

Vernon CT Market Report for November 2011

Real estate sales in Vernon CT during November were typical of most of the year, holding steady at 14 homes sold.  However, this is just 2/3 of what was sold in November 2010 (22).

The median price also took a big hit this November over last November ($146,250 was the median price for November 2011 compared to a median price of $226,000 for November 2010).

 Here is the breakdown by price range:

It's interesting that all the sales this November were under $250,000, whereas last November there were six in the upper price ranges. When we look at how November compared to the rest of 2011, we can see that the number of houses sold are within a fairly tight range, but the median prices are all over the place. One of the problems with looking at median prices is that it is a reflection of who is buying houses in any given month, and during November, buyers were buying lower-priced homes.

There are also 22 homes under contract (with a median list price of $169,555) and 15 homes under deposit(with a median list price of $149,900), so we should expect similar numbers over the next couple of months. Here is a recap of the year so far in Vernon CT:

I think it is interesting to see which houses actually sold during November 2011 in Vernon CT, along with list price, sold price, and days on market (DOM):

If you are looking at a home in Vernon CT, there are currently 116 homes on the market with a median list price of $205,900.  That means that there are 10.9 months of inventory (the absorption rate) in Vernon CT. Generally speaking, sellers are facing a longer time on the market unless their homes are priced right for the condition, and buyers have a greater selection, depending on the price range they are looking in.  If you are thinking about buying or selling in Vernon CT, be sure to contact me.  I would be happy to help you!

December's Season of Celebrations and Sharing ~ Visit Santa at Wickham Park

Visit Santa Clause at Wickham Park in Manchester CT.  From December 15 through December 23, you can visit Santa at the log cabin at the top of Wickham Park (you will also get an amazing view of the Hartford skyline).  Feel free to bring your camera for that special picture with Santa, without the glitz and confusion of Santa at the mall.  The cabin is a cozy place, reminiscent of Santa's real home (minus the toy workshop, of course), with holiday decorations and refreshments.

I used to take my children here when they were young, and we all enjoyed it.  Wickham Park has been hosting Santa for 30 years, and the tradition continues.  The event is free; however, in celebration of their 50th anniversary, Wickham Park will be collecting non-perishable food items for local food pantries, so be sure to help out.  Santa will notice what a good boy or girl you are!

The hours for visiting Santa Claus at Wickham Park are 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. during the week and from 12:00 to 5:00 on the weekends, but only from December 15 through December 23.

December's Season of Celebrations and Sharing ~ Holiday Toy Drive

A few days ago, I dropped off a few toys at the Manchester Police Department for the Blue Angels' Toy Drive. The boxes didn't look very full, so I was glad to read that others were concerned about the lack of donations, too.

To draw attention to the toy drive, a festive holiday production will be put on by C.A.S.T. (Children's Associated Summer Theater), Northstar Dance Academy, and Summit Studios of Manchester.  

The holiday show at East Catholic High School, 115 New State Road, Manchester CT on December 15, 2011 at 7:00.  The price of admission will be one new, unwrapped toy (minimum value of $10) for the Manchester Police Department's Blue Angels Toy Drive.

Enjoy a fun holiday show and donate to a good cause at the same time.  Doors open at 6:15.  For more information, call 860-649-5062.

If you can't make it to the holiday show, but want to donate anyway, you can drop off your donations at the Manchester Police Station (corner of East Middle Turnpike and Princeton Street) in Manchester CT.