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

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.

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.

Manchester CT Market Report for November 2011

Considering that most of central Connecticut was out of commission the first week of November and we had a major holiday as well, the number of closed sales in Manchester CT was remarkable.  There were 30 closed sales compared to 18 closed sales for November 2010.  Quite a difference!

The median price for November 2011 was $152,500 compared to $189,950 for the prior November, so the median price is significantly lower.  I always caution that the median price is the midpoint of all the sales, so if a lot of lower-priced homes sold, the median price is going to be lower.  There are bargains out there, and people are buying them.  The houses sold this month ranged from $63,500 for a two-bedroom, one-bath, 850 sq. ft ranch which was a short sale to $399,900 for a four-bedroom, 2.1-bath, 2800 sq. ft. new construction craftsman style home. 

Here is the breakdown by price range:

It's interesting to note that there were more homes in the upper price ranges that sold this November compared to last November, which is a positive thing.

In comparing November to the previous months in 2011, November's closed sales were the highest since July although the median price was the second lowest of all the prior months.  There are, however, 18 homes under contract and 32 homes under deposit, so the next months' closed sales should remain steady.  Here is a recap of closed sales and median price for 2011 so far:

If you are looking for a home in Manchester CT, there are currently 239 homes on the market, ranging in price from $64,900 for a four-bedroom, one-bath 1610 sq. ft. colonial to $759,000 for a four-bedroom, 3.1-bath, 4000 sq. ft. colonial built in 2010. The median price of all active listings is $179,900.

With the current level of inventory, the absorption rate in Manchester CT is 9.6 months, which is still a buyers' market.  However, homes are still moving quickly if they are priced right for the condition they are in. So whether you are looking for a fixer-upper or a home in pristine condition, Manchester will offer you many choices.  And, sellers, if you are wondering if you should list your home during the holidays, you will find there are plenty of reasons that you should

If you are looking for a home in Manchester CT, please give me a call. I would be glad to help you with your search!

December's Season of Celebrations and Sharing ~ Christmas Dinner at the Manchester Country Club

Once again, there will be a Christmas dinner at the Manchester Country Club for those in area shelters, thanks to Make A Christmas, a non-profit organization that seeks to help those in need during the holidays and throughout the year.

The project was started in 2001 by RJ Gomes, who was then a student at Manchester High School.  As part of a community project, he organized a Christmas dinner for those less fortunate, and he has been doing it ever since.

This year, dinner will be prepared by chef Jeff Thompson of October Kitchen at the Manchester Country Club.  Toys and gifts will also be distributed.

Make A Christmas relies on volunteers and contributions; if you have time and/or money, donations are greatly appreciated.  This year, donating is easy.  You can donate through Paypal on Make A Christmas' website; if you prefer to donate time of something else, you can contact RJ Gomes:

Make A Difference
93 Sycamore Lane, Apt B
Manchester,  CT 06040
(860) 805-7747
MakeAChristmas01@gmail.com

A Good Neighbor Indeed!

During the week of the freak October snowstorm and massive power outages in CT, many people were scrambling to find hotel rooms, myself included.  I tried calling the Hampton Inn and Suites in Manchester CT which was less than a half mile from my house, but phone service all over the area was sketchy.

On the second day after the power went out, I walked to the Hampton Inn and Suites in Manchester CT to see if there would possibly be a room.  I learned that their phone service was out, but they did have a waiting list for the hotel which was booked solid.  I was #56 on the list, so I didn't have much of a chance, especially since we all knew it was going to be a long haul and people wouldn't vacate after a day or two.

As I was leaving, though, I decided to ask if I could charge my cell phone, and was told that I could not only charge my cell phone but I could use the WIFI in the breakfast room/lounge anytime I wanted.  Over the next week, the Hampton Inn and Suites in Manchester CT became my home away from home.

For several days, I just hung out in the breakfast room/lounge. I was able to stay warm, stay in touch, and observe and talk with people in the same situation.  I was also able to overhear conversations at the front desk.  Over and over, people stopped in to see if there were any rooms available because phone service was out for several days.  Without fail, the people at the front desk were courteous, even though they were asked the same questions ad nauseum.  They offered phone numbers for surrounding hotels, acted as a clearinghouse for any available openings, gave directions, and were cheerful, in the face of dismal circumstances.  At one point, I overheard one of the employees at the front desk say that they had turned away 3,000 people in one day (rooms could still be booked over the internet).

On the 4th day of the power outage, I received a call from the front desk saying that they had a room available for one night if I was interested. Of course, I leaped at the chance and checked in immediately.  The opportunity to return to civilization for even a night was extremely gratifying.   The staff was exceptional!  At one point, we had to ask if we could keep my granddaughter's bottle in a refrigerator and they brought up a portable refrigerator to our room.  Although every employee was working hard (and were probably overworked at this point), everyone without exception was very friendly, cheerful, and helpful.

We got our electricity on after eight days of being without it; it was a long haul but the Hampton Inn and Suites in Manchester CT was the one bright spot in our ordeal.  I would recommend Hampton Inn and Suites in Manchester CT without hesitation if you ever need lodging in the greater Hartford area.

Wine Tasting at Adams Mill Restaurant on November 14, 2011

My favorite wine shop, Manchester Wine and Liquors, is hosting its monthly wine-tasting at Adams Mill Restaurant, on Adams Street in Manchester CT on Monday, November 14, 2011 at 6:30.

Members of the wine club can sign up and bring one guest, but anyone can be a wine club member and receive notices of wine events, monthly specials, and news.  Membership is FREE so call Manchester Wine and Liquors at 860-649-4750 to sign up now and get their newsletters. 

Registration is required, and only people in their data base can sign up for the wine tastings. Each wine club member can bring one guest.

The monthly wine tastings are fun, informative, and delicious.  Each month, a different wine region is explored and a wine expert talks about the wines that are tasted.  This month will feature California wines from such areas as Napa Valley, Sonoma, and Central Coast.  Here is a list of what will be tasted on Monday:

• 2010 Avalon Napa Sauvignon Blanc - $10.99
• 2009 Avalon Napa Cabernet Sauvignon - $14.99
• 2009 Mark West Santa Lucia Highland Pinot Noir - $14.99
• 2009 Mark west Russian River Valley Pinot Noir - $16.99
• 2010 Four Vines Naked Chardonnay Paso Robles - $9.99
• 2009 Four Vines Old Vine Zinfandel Paso Robles - $9.99
• 2009 Four Vines The Sophisticate Zinfandel Sonoma - $24.99
• 2009 Four Vines Biker Zinfandel Paso Robles - $24.99

The cost of the wine tasting is $6.00, payable at the door.  However if you purchase at least six bottles from the wine tasting, you will receive your $6.00 back.  There is also a case discount, so why not stock up for the upcoming holiday season!

In addition, all profits from the wine tastings always go to a charitable organization.  Monday's proceeds will benefit Medical Missions for Children (501C-3 #04-3519422).

Call to reserve your seat and enjoy a fun evening of wine tasting!

Manchester CT Market Report for October 2011

October was an interesting month in Manchester CT real estate sales.  While the number of closed sales held steady over the prior few months, the median price dropped significantly.  The same was true when comparing last October with this October.  During October 2011, there were 26 closed sales with a median price of $147,750, while during October 2010, there were 20 closed sales with a median price of $179,900.

Here is the breakdown by price range:

Should we be concerned about the median price drop? We will have to wait and see.  We can speculate about anything, but I do wonder what effect the freak snowstorm of 10/29/11 had on closings.   With people still digging out and getting power restored, I wouldn't be surprised if closings were delayed, well into November.  Most people won't close if there is debris all over the yard; they will wait for the seller to clean it up or make arrangements to do so.

If you look at the recap of closed sales and median prices by month for the year 2011, this low median price does seem a little out of line.  Remember, median price says nothing expect what was purchased during the month.  If everyone was clamoring to buy low-priced homes, then that will be reflected in the median price.  Here is the recap by month for 2011:

With 35 homes under deposit and 22 under contract,  we will have to see how November's numbers play out.  Inventory is also down somewhat from the previous month.  In September, there were 282 homes on the market; as of today, there are 259 homes on the market with a median price of $179,990.  Homes range from $59,200 for a 2-bedroom, 1-bath, 930 sq. ft. colonial to $759,000 for a 4-bedroom, 3.1-bath, 4000 sq. ft. contemporary.

Although inventory has dropped, the absorption rate for Manchester CT is still 12.1 months, meaning that it will take a little longer to sell a home.  If you are interested in selling your home, be sure to price it right, make sure your home shows better than similar properties, and play up its positive features, especially if you are trying to sell it in the winter. I would be glad to discuss this with you.

If you are interested in seeing what is on the market, you can enter your search criteria and see for yourself.  Please give me a call if you see something that fits your needs.