tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61342612011-07-08T07:22:40.144-05:00Connecticut Real Estate BlogReal Estate Happenings in all of Connecticut, with Particular Attention to Cheshire, Southington, Wallingford, Hamden, Berlin, Newington, Wethersfield, and All of Central CT! Written and Edited by Chris K. Canfield, Realtor, e-PRO, ABR, AHS, CRS, GREEN, SRES, Calcagni Associates Real Estate.Chris K. Canfield, Realtor, ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GREEN, SREShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13116690983776237234noreply@blogger.comBlogger351100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134261.post-22857400367605095052010-09-27T13:03:00.001-05:002010-09-27T21:08:39.488-05:00The Wallingford Public Library
As I continue to get the word out about wonderful libraries in the area, I wanted to share one of my family's favorites! The Wallingford Library has 67,000 square feet of space in its main location on North Main Street plus one of the best library websites I have ever seen. They also have a second, much smaller, location in Yalesville - at 400 Church Street - with Chris K. Canfield, Realtor, ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GREEN, SREShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13116690983776237234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134261.post-6097432705667873942010-09-23T16:00:00.001-05:002010-09-24T13:23:28.133-05:00Where have All the Corn Mazes Gone?
My family's favorite Corn Maze wasn't grown this year! Every time I drove by the field, I wondered where we would go. Now the time comes, and I am finding it just as much of a dilema.
Photo Courtesy of Matt Foley
I was able to save the day (or season) by finding a maze in Middlefield at Lyman Orchards (where we pick our blueberries every July and August--oh Chris K. Canfield, Realtor, ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GREEN, SREShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13116690983776237234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134261.post-315632826146459562010-09-22T20:51:00.001-05:002010-09-25T11:11:52.918-05:00Homes I Love to Show - and Why
Ask my buyer clients - I love to tell them all about homes that they are viewing - from the old 60 amp electrical box that may still be in place to the interesting structural details and everything in between. This is especially true with first time homebuyers. They have lots of questions, and I love to try to answer them! Of course, the in depth evaluation occurs Chris K. Canfield, Realtor, ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GREEN, SREShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13116690983776237234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134261.post-32677994940479349422010-09-17T09:18:00.001-05:002010-09-17T09:19:05.612-05:00Southington Household Hazardous Waste Collection Saturday September 18
Don't forget that this Saturday from 9 A.M. to 1 P.M. is the Household Hazardous Waste Collection at the Highway Garage on Mulberry Street --
If you don't know the way, Click here for area map
ITEMS ACCEPTED
Pesticides and poisons, herbicides and weedkiller, oil-based paint, paint thinners, varnish, rechargeable batteriesChris K. Canfield, Realtor, ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GREEN, SREShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13116690983776237234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134261.post-19664687437147174782010-09-15T13:30:00.000-05:002010-09-15T13:30:56.343-05:00Drive Like Your Kids Live Here!
The sign below has started popping up all over the place, so I went to see how to get my own. The company that makes them is here in Connecticut in Wethersfield, so I imagine the word hasn't spread too far yet. I'm trying to change that! Here is the website for all of you who feel the same as I do, no matter where you live!
Chris K. Canfield, Realtor, ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GREEN, SREShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13116690983776237234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134261.post-33187771303067065532010-09-14T20:09:00.000-05:002010-09-14T20:09:18.836-05:00Tips for Going Green in Wallingford
Some of my Wallingford clients asked me if I could find some good local tips for them when it comes to going green, so here you go folks!
Unbroken Compact Fluorescent Bulbs can be dropped off at the Home Depot, and then travel just a little further up North Colony to the Staples Plaza where you can recycle your ink cartridges (and get paid for doing so) at Chris K. Canfield, Realtor, ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GREEN, SREShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13116690983776237234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134261.post-36588017636157122392010-09-07T17:54:00.000-05:002010-09-07T17:54:20.505-05:00
More Ways to Save Green . . .
I thought you might enjoy some more ways to save money by going green:
15 Green Projects for Under $500 - I have already insullated my hot water pipes (years ago); now I had better run down and clean my refrigerator coils!
10 Ways to Shrink Your Energy Bills - Although I have done most of these items personally, I would have to say that #5 on this list was Chris K. Canfield, Realtor, ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GREEN, SREShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13116690983776237234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134261.post-24138342103200821222010-09-06T17:38:00.004-05:002010-09-06T17:46:05.356-05:00Looking to Save a Little Green by Going "Green"?
Most of us are aware of the Federal tax credit that allows us to save 30% (up to $1,500) on eligible energy-saving improvements (more information available at irs.gov). But were you aware that there are many more programs available at the state and local level? To save you time and effort, I have gathered a few of them together along with links Chris K. Canfield, Realtor, ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GREEN, SREShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13116690983776237234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134261.post-90751244452588022492010-09-05T10:33:00.003-05:002010-09-05T10:51:22.426-05:00A Realtor's Journey into Preparing My Own Home for Sale
My Journey Begins . . .
With our children off at college, it is time to thing about downsizing. Do we really need 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, 2 family rooms, etc., in a great neighborhood with wonderful schools? (Really can't shake the REALTOR® side here, can I?)
We purchased our 1961 home in 2002 and started remodeling immediately (oh, Chris K. Canfield, Realtor, ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GREEN, SREShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13116690983776237234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134261.post-50929293652761756102010-09-04T13:47:00.001-05:002010-09-04T14:19:47.755-05:00Don't Miss This Year's Cheshire Fall Festival and Marketplace!
Saturday, September 11 from 10:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. at Bartlem Park (Route 10 across from Cheshire High School)
Admission is FREE
Business Vendors, Craft Show, Food Court, Car Show, and FIREWORKS!
A Birds of Prey Exhibit sponsored by the Cheshire Land Trust will feature a hawk, falcon, owl and more.
Scooples will hold a "Chris K. Canfield, Realtor, ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GREEN, SREShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13116690983776237234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134261.post-48171499748323876692010-09-03T09:13:00.004-05:002010-09-03T09:41:25.620-05:00Sellers and Buyers Should Be AwareOne of the first things that I do after listing a property is to send links of the listing information to my sellers for them to look them over. I also send them links to their listing on Realtor.com, AnyHomes.com, their virtual tour, and the myriad of other websites where the listing shows up--I want them to see how others will see it. It would be a good Chris K. Canfield, Realtor, ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GREEN, SREShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13116690983776237234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134261.post-83641805049574491882010-09-01T18:04:00.003-05:002010-09-01T18:14:34.831-05:00Buying a Home? Don’t Buy Anything Else Until After Closing!With many buyers being close to the maximum debt-to-income ratio with their financing, it has become critically important that once a buyer has begun the process of securing a mortgage they must exercise absolute restraint when it comes to making purchases of any kind outside the typical and essential living expenses.Due to new Chris K. Canfield, Realtor, ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GREEN, SREShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13116690983776237234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134261.post-12077281599352807082010-08-30T18:06:00.008-05:002010-09-01T18:37:10.142-05:00Parents of Chapman Elementary Students - You may need to Reroute to Pick up the Kids!Driving along Route 10 in Cheshire lately, you may have noticed that some signs have gone up that are covered in black plastic. Of course the curious have begun to tear off the plastic to see what is coming! Here is the lowdown:Country Club Road Bridge will be closed for repair beginning on Tuesday, September 7, Chris K. Canfield, Realtor, ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GREEN, SREShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13116690983776237234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134261.post-30591029766488259532010-08-30T13:45:00.001-05:002010-08-30T13:47:01.613-05:00Found a Great Realtor - Now Any Bank and Attorney will Do! Right?Equally important as the Realtor you choose is your choice of mortgage person and attorney (in Connecticut most closings are done by attorneys). Some of the proven attributes you should be looking for are extensive and current knowledge of each professional's specific field, attention to detail, an emphasis on the importance of Chris K. Canfield, Realtor, ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GREEN, SREShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13116690983776237234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134261.post-45559474506873137002010-08-29T13:53:00.006-05:002010-08-29T13:59:50.119-05:00Do You Dare to Repair?While looking for information about FHA education, I happened across mention of a "pamphlet" that they recommend - Dare to Repair by Julie Sussman and Stephanie Glakas-Tenet.Sounded interesting, so I went to Amazon.com to check it out. It is actually a paperback titled Dare to Repair: A Do-it-Herself Guide to Fixing (Almost) Anything in the Home. I think it could be useful Chris K. Canfield, Realtor, ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GREEN, SREShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13116690983776237234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134261.post-55950424366984083952010-08-28T10:43:00.006-05:002010-08-28T11:31:47.550-05:00Dealing with Underground CrittersOne of the things I enjoy greatly about living in Central Connecticut is the wildlife that you see at any time of day as you drive around town. In open fields along Route 10 one often spots groundhogs, black squirrels, and even an occassional pheasant! Always puts a smile on my face.However, when groundhogs show up in my own yard, I can't say the smile lasts tooChris K. Canfield, Realtor, ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GREEN, SREShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13116690983776237234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134261.post-30427160080396809812010-08-27T18:25:00.007-05:002010-08-27T18:38:29.707-05:00Why Should I Care if My Condominium Complex is Not FHA Approved?With so many loans going FHA or CHFA, it is more important than ever to be sure your condominium complex has the necessary approval to facilitate this type of financing. Prior to January, 2010, if a condo complex was not on the approved list, a spot check could be performed; and as long as the basic criteria was met, the process for Chris K. Canfield, Realtor, ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GREEN, SREShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13116690983776237234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134261.post-53584331721209696542010-08-26T19:15:00.001-05:002010-08-26T19:17:32.872-05:00Connecticut Buyers Be Aware!Many first time home buyers in the state of Connecticut are using CHFA financing. Today I got a copy of a commitment letter on the CHFA loan on a two-family where I represent the seller. The buyer was to supply proof that he had attended the 3 hour landlord counseling. This was the first time the buyer or mortgage person had heard about this requirement-so closing willChris K. Canfield, Realtor, ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GREEN, SREShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13116690983776237234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134261.post-61382624134574270682009-11-11T13:12:00.002-05:002009-11-11T13:17:47.218-05:00Extension and Expansion of the Home Buyer Tax CreditOn Friday, November 6, President Obama signed legislation to extend the $8,000 home buyer tax credit for first-time buyers and add a $6,500 tax credit for repeat buyers who have lived in their home for five of the previous eight years. Income limits are expanded to $125,000 for individuals and $225,000 for joint filers. Households who have Chris K. Canfield, Realtor, ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GREEN, SREShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13116690983776237234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134261.post-5775252580776570252009-11-04T09:37:00.003-05:002009-11-04T09:42:06.992-05:00What is Happening with the First Time Homebuyer’s Credit?As of November 4, 2009, the Senate and House are working on a compromise measure to extend and expand the $8,000 tax credit for homebuyers.The homebuyers’ credit — scheduled to expire November 30 — is proposed to be extended to cover homes under contract by April 30 that close by June 30, 2010. Additionally, homebuyers who have lived in Chris K. Canfield, Realtor, ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GREEN, SREShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13116690983776237234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134261.post-84214057324563261882009-06-04T07:49:00.002-05:002009-06-04T08:00:52.782-05:00RECOVERY ACT'S HOMEBUYER TAX CREDIT CAN IMMEDIATELY HELP THOUSANDS OF FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS TO BUY A HOMEFHA plan will stimulate new home sales and help stabilize housing marketPRESS RELEASE:WASHINGTON, Friday, May 29, 2009 - Speaking to the National Association of Home Builders Spring Board of Directors Meeting, U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan today announced that the Chris K. Canfield, Realtor, ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GREEN, SREShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13116690983776237234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134261.post-33894009020453753572009-05-15T12:59:00.008-05:002009-05-15T13:37:06.950-05:00$8,000 Tax Credit for First Time Home Buyers can soon to be use for down payment on FHA loansPRESS RELEASE:HUD Secretary Announces Monetization of Tax Credit at NAR Real Estate SummitWASHINGTON, May 12, 2009Shaun Donovan, secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, said that theFederal Housing Administration is going to permit its lenders to allow homeowners to use the Chris K. Canfield, Realtor, ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GREEN, SREShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13116690983776237234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134261.post-12835568894269629352009-03-31T18:03:00.003-05:002009-03-31T18:26:53.084-05:00Connecticut Real Estate Market Snapshot Gives you the Real-Time Information You Need - for Buyers and SellersOther services may provide a generalized, estimated market evaluation of an average home that has the same basic characteristics as your home. However, such an estimate is only one of many pieces of information you’ll need to make the most informed decisions you can when selling your homeChris K. Canfield, Realtor, ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GREEN, SREShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13116690983776237234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134261.post-82881415761238046342009-02-25T11:29:00.006-05:002009-02-25T11:59:02.930-05:00$8,000 Tax Credit for First Time Homebuyers and Those Who Have not Owned for Three Years Preceeding Purchase Most importantly, the IRS defines a First Time Homebuyer as “Taxpayers who have not owned another home at any time during the three years prior to the date of purchase.” Below is a summary of the credit as revised to 2009. All of this information was gleaned from IRS First-Time Homebuyer Chris K. Canfield, Realtor, ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GREEN, SREShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13116690983776237234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134261.post-50649640185383119642009-02-25T11:27:00.000-05:002009-02-25T11:28:13.387-05:00Even Easier Access to Connecticut Homes for Sale! Would you like to have immediate access to listings in Central Connecticut? Check out my Search For Homes feature. This allows you to look at basic information on homes in Central Connecticut immediately without even telling me your e-mail address. Search as much as you want as long as you want. If you really want to know the address of a propertyChris K. Canfield, Realtor, ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GREEN, SREShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13116690983776237234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134261.post-1150772355278917342006-06-19T21:59:00.000-05:002006-06-19T22:02:02.670-05:00Easy Access to Connecticut Homes for Sale!Looking to be the first person to know about a new listing in that neighborhood you have always wanted to live in? Sign up for a new FREE service I am offering through my website called MLSpulse! This service will let you know within 10 minutes of when a new listing comes on the market that fits the criteria of any of the searches you set up. Once you Chris K. Canfield, Realtor, ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GREEN, SREShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13116690983776237234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134261.post-1070383687973191152006-03-21T17:40:00.000-05:002006-03-22T17:47:24.003-05:00Looking for Connecticut Town-Related Websites?You need to call the Town Clerk's office, but you've misplaced your phone book. Calling 411 these days costs money . . . there must be a quick link on the internet with the telephone number or even an e-mail address! There is. Visit my link to town websites at Connecticut Town Webpage Links. Need your local library's website? Visit my Connecticut Chris K. Canfield, Realtor, ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GREEN, SREShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13116690983776237234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134261.post-1071585391453555172005-05-10T08:28:00.000-05:002007-03-06T20:54:33.190-05:00County Government in ConnecticutWhen working with buyers from out-of-state, I find many of them concerned about county government, especially as it will influence their real estate taxes. There are no county taxes in Connecticut. Although there are eight counties in Connecticut, Connecticut has no county government. Below the state level, governing units are either cities or towns. Information onChris K. Canfield, Realtor, ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GREEN, SREShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13116690983776237234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134261.post-1070547105401023852004-12-04T09:11:00.000-05:002005-05-17T17:08:39.140-05:00Connecticut Skiing and MoreAs I indicated in my last post, if anyone had an idea for more helpful information on my Connecticut Real Estate Website, all they need to do is e-mail me. As the temperatures drop and the weather reports mention “snow,” some minds turn to skiing. Connecticut has at least five ski areas (please tell me if I have missed any!): Mount Southington in Southington, Powder Chris K. Canfield, Realtor, ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GREEN, SREShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13116690983776237234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134261.post-1099518933776172612004-11-03T16:50:00.000-05:002004-11-03T16:55:33.776-05:00Condominium Sales UpdateThe condominium market continues to be strong in New Haven County. The first three quarters of 2004 have seen 2,204 units sell at an average price of $153,683, a 10% increase over the average sale price for all of 2003 ($139,520). 2,638 units sold in all of 2003.
Nationally, sales of existing condominiums and cooperatives held at the second highest pace on record Chris K. Canfield, Realtor, ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GREEN, SREShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13116690983776237234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134261.post-1098624513556818902004-10-24T08:27:00.000-05:002004-10-24T08:31:33.286-05:00Connecticut Mill Rates
I have just updated my quick link to current Connecticut Mill Rates. You will find this link through my “helpful info links” button at www.AnyHomes.com, or click here for quick access.
Chris K. Canfield, Realtor, ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GREEN, SREShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13116690983776237234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134261.post-1074176363231446722004-01-15T09:19:00.000-05:002004-01-15T09:27:54.826-05:00Condominium Sales in Connecticut
Condominium sales have been setting records all over the country, and Connecticut condominium sales are right there with the rest of the country. Many new condos are being built to attract the "luxury" buyer and the downsizing "over-55" crowd. In addition, there are many condo and townhouse developments that attract younger, single buyers scrimping and saving Chris K. Canfield, Realtor, ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GREEN, SREShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13116690983776237234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134261.post-1070940115418872152003-12-08T22:21:00.000-05:002003-12-08T22:32:38.670-05:00Weather and Website UpdatesI have been neglecting my Real Estate Blog for the last couple of days while digging out from the winter storm that dumped a good 15 inches on our area. Great for skiing; if you can get to the ski slopes!I have also been spending time revamping my website under the guidance of Harold Baughan of www.RockSolidSite.com. The website now has a simpler look, and the balloonChris K. Canfield, Realtor, ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GREEN, SREShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13116690983776237234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134261.post-1069936697212453132003-11-27T07:38:00.000-05:002003-11-27T07:38:25.960-05:00Cost Vs. Value Report
The 2003 Cost vs. Value report has been issued by Remodeling Magazine. This report has been published for years, and we have been telling our clients about it to help them make a decision on whether to remodel or move (or what to do now knowing they will be selling in a year or two).
The report examines the cost of popular home improvement projects and then shows the Chris K. Canfield, Realtor, ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GREEN, SREShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13116690983776237234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134261.post-1069936385437428532003-11-27T07:33:00.000-05:002003-11-27T07:49:33.890-05:00Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! I want to say how thankful I am for all my loyal clients who have made this year so special! I also want to thank my fellow Realtors who have helped me transition so many homes from one family to another as smoothly as possible!
Of course, I cannot begin this Blog without giving thanks to all my fellow "web-savvy" Realtors! It is Chris K. Canfield, Realtor, ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GREEN, SREShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13116690983776237234noreply@blogger.com