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:   Price Range October 2011 October 2010 Under $100,000 2 - $100,000-$149,999 11 3 $149,999-$199,999 7 9 $200,000-$249,999 1 4 $250,000-$299,999 2 1 $300,000-$349,999 2 - $350,000-$399,999 3 1 Over $400,000 1 1 Total 26 20 Should we be concerned about the median price drop? We will have to w... 11/09/2011

Update to Tree and Brush Removal in Manchester CT The other day I wrote a post about what to do with all the branches and twigs from our freak October snow storm.   Today I was out cleaning up the yard when a town truck came by to check on our street (which is still without power) and to let people know that it would be really helpful if the branches were piled up with the cut side to the street.  This way, the work crews can grab hold of the branches and throw them in the truck more easily.  Anything that helps with clean-up will help us all.   A few other changes were announced since I wrote the last post.  Here are the highlights: Because there is so much debris, the town of Manchester has suspended leaf vacuuming for this year. DO NOT RAKE YOUR LEAVES TO THE CURB.  They can be bagge... 11/05/2011

What To Do with Trees and Branches from the October Storm in Manchester CT   If you live in Manchester CT, there are three things you can do with the trees and branches that resulted from the freak storm on October 29, 2011.  Bundle tree branches and brush in no more than 4-foot lengths, less than 3 inches in diameter, and weighing no more than 40 pounds each for collection with your regularly scheduled garbage pickup. Bring trees, branches, and brush to the town landfill in your own truck.  The town of Manchester CT is waiving the fee for dumping for residents, but commercial vehicles will still have to have a permit or pay the fees. You can leave the debris at the edge of your property (not on the sidewalk or the street) and the town will pick it up as the schedule allows.  The debris... 11/03/2011

Electrical Generator Installation in Manchester, CT – Connecticut Electrician It is dangerous to be in your home without power for many reasons. If you’re without power, you need an electrical generator installed by a licensed electrician in Manchester, CT. When having an electrical generator installed in your home, it is important to find and hire the best qualified electrician. A qualified electrician will be able to assess the size of your electrical service and recommend the type of generator that is best for your needs. With the various electrical generators sold, it is important that you buy the right one for your home in Manchester, CT. The first step in picking an electrical generator is to determine if you want to power your whole house. essential circuits or somewhere in betwe... 10/29/2011

Leaf Collection Schedule in Manchester CT   Although we had our first snowfall yesterday, it's not time to think about winter yet!  We still have leaves to rake up!  Many of mine are still on the tree, so I am glad that leaf collection won't begin for a few more days.  Manchester divides its leaf collection into two areas: AREA 1:  Leaf collection begins November 7 AREA 2:  Leaf collection begins November 16   Area 1 is most of Manchester between 384 and 84 and between Parker/Woodbridge and the East Hartford town line.  Leaf collection will begin north of Middle Turnpike followed by leaf collection south of Middle Turnpike. Area 2 is all of the outlying areas.    Residents are reminded to rake leaves (and only leaves) to the curb, keeping sidewalks and storm drains free of leaves.  Work... 10/28/2011

Spice Is Nice!   It's that time of year again when our spice usage goes way up!    It seems to start with chili season.  The cooler weather inspires us to create a little heat in our food, such as steamy, spicy, full-flavored chili, complete with chili powder, cayenne pepper, cumin, and garlic powder, among other spices.   Then it continues with the pumpkin and squash recipes; after all, what is a pumpkin soup, pie, or bread without cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, or allspice?    And, of course, we start looking forward to Thanksgiving, with all the above-named pumpkin spices, plus parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme.   My spice shelf used to be relatively small, but each year, I seem to need more spices. I have become very fond of Moroccan and Middle Eastern dishes, so now I must have coriand... 10/27/2011

Manchester CT 2011 Revaluation Process   The Town of Manchester CT is in the process of conducting a "full, measure and list" revaluation of property for its 2012 assessment.  The town's assessor's office has been conducting revaluation workshops to educate the public about what is involved and welcomes questions at 860-647-3011.  They are also willing to schedule additional workshops for any local or civic organization that requests one.   The 2011 revaluation process consists of five steps: Data Collection Market Analysis Valuation Field Review Informal Hearings Currently, properties are being visited and remeasured to provide new data on all properties. The 2006 revaluation was not a full one, so this year's will provide more consistent data.  That information will be used, along wit... 10/27/2011

Do we feel compelled to engage in technology in order to keep up with the way our business is going? Does tech tools truly boost our business? To answer my own question, I put two of the top and most successful real estate persons under the microscope. My first specimen is recognized nationally and internationally for his outstanding and phenomenal sales performance almost annually by a prestigious real estate company. He has been in the business for almost three decades. However, he is not into social networking. His tool is basically old school. The only technology he wants to adapt to and use is the fax machine and computer to access e-mails and MLS. My second specimen is a dynamic realtor with less than 10 years of experience. His sales  started skyrocketing two years ago. Since the... 10/23/2011

Downtown Manchester is a classic, turn-of-the century center which boasts almost 195 unique retail shops, professional services and restaurants. This part of Main Street- stretching from the corner of East Center Street up to the Charter Oak and Main street junction- dresses up for the Halloween.  Passers-by and sidewalk promenaders could not miss the eye-catching decors put together by different organizations and business owners along MAIN street. Here is a peek to the Festive Downtown Manchester at its spookiest, funniest and liveliest time of the year.   10/18/2011

Manchester CT Market Report for September 2011   The housing market in Manchester CT during September showed very positive results over the same month last year.  During September 2011, there were 25 closed sales with a median price of $179,000.  Last September, there were 14 closed sales with a median price of $163,250.  That shows significant gains in both number of sales and median price.   It is also interesting to note that the closed price is creeping into the higher price ranges as well, something we haven't seen for a while.  Here is the breakdown by price range: Price Range September 2011 September 2010 Under $100,000 1 1 $100,000-$149,999 7 3 $149,999-$199,999 5 8 $200,000-$249,999 7 1 $250,000-$299,999 1 1 $300,000-$349,999 1 - $350,000-$399,999 3 - Over $400,000 - - Total 25... 10/09/2011

With every day that passes, we are rushing around to get things done.  So little time, in a day.  Yet, when you loose someone you love, that you thought would be here, forever, you do realize that time is so much more precious than you could have ever imagined.  Keep on making those good memories and have an impact on those around you.  Love with all your heart.  Don't put off your happiness.  Do not wait to enjoy life.  This poem will enlighten you and change your thinking on your life. One of the Irish proverbs that is our favorite is, "Two Shorten the Road."   So, very true.                                                                  http://youtu.be/zsY6UrFIsNs 10/01/2011

Free Workshope at Woodland Gardens in Manchester CT   Manchester's own Woodland Gardens, in business since 1939, will be offering free Saturday morning workshops this fall. No registration is required; just show up, take notes, and learn from the experts.  Each workshop starts at 9:30.  Here are the workshops:   September 24, 2011:  Design Your Landscape for Winter Interest with Jarrod Sansoucy.  This workshop shows you how to make your garden come alive even in the snow! October 1, 2011: Landscaping with Natives with Sarah Bailey.  In this session, you will learn why using native plants (or the closest substitutes) will benefit your garden. October 8, 2011: Practical Pruning of Trees and Shrubs with Clint Covell.  You can't just lop off branches; this workshop will show you how to prun... 09/25/2011

Manchester Ct Short Sale Agent– Just Sold Closed Just Sold – 19 Ann St Manchester CT Short Sale.  It takes an experienced short sale agent to get a deal done these days. We just closed this home last week and have one very happy and relieved seller.  He is thrilled that it’s over and he can now move on with his life.  People don’t ask for these things to happen sometimes they just happen. This was a difficult short sale to close but we were determined.  After getting the home priced right it still took some time to find a buyer and we went to contract.  Now when we go to contract on a short sale we make sure that the buyer is committed to being patient so we can do our jobs and close.  Well some people say they are committed but after a month they are looking to get out.  This is what h... 09/25/2011

Great Things to Know About Manchester CT ~ Manchester Neighborhood Academy Manchester CT is a small city about ten miles east of Hartford.  Manchester CT is home to Manchester Community College, Manchester Memorial Hospital, Buckland Hills Mall, and many local and national businesses. With a population of over 58,000, there are virtually all types of housing from apartment buildings to condo complexes, and neighborhood housing in all price ranges.  Manchester's 6,800 students attend ten elementary schools, one sixth grade academy, one middle school, one high school, one alternate education program and one regional academy. All cities and towns face challenges and opportunities, and Manchester is no exception.  With a full range of businesses, neighborhoods, activities, schools, needs, a... 09/22/2011

What is a short sale is a question that Manchester CT Short Sale agents are getting a lot these days.  Short Sales are defined as the sale of real estate where the proceeds from selling the property will fall short of the amount owed for the mortgage and the owner cannot afford to repay the difference, so the mortgage company agrees to accept less than the amount owed. A simple example of this would be a homeowner has a mortgage of $250,000 and the current market value is only $200,000. In order for the seller to move on and sell the home the bank would have to o.k. the loss. So why in the world would the bank do this? It’s simply a good alternative to foreclosure for the bank. The foreclosure process can be very time consuming and expensive for banks and they are not in the business of... 09/21/2011

WalkCT Family Ramble On Saturday, September 24, 2011, WalkCT will lead a Family Ramble along the historic railroad that connected the Cheney silk mills to the North End of Manchester.   The walk will begin at 1:00 p.m. behind Farr's Sporting Goods on Main Street, Manchester CT and will go for one mile before returning to Farr's.  The walk is estimated to take about 1-3/4 hours and is led in partnership with the Manchester Historical Society.  There are no restrooms along the way, so plan accordingly.  In the event of nasty weather, the event will be canceled.   For information, call the Family Guide at 860-643-9776.  Registration is not required but would be appreciated.   Family Rambles are led on the last Saturday of the month at various locations in Connecticut. Information changes f... 09/20/2011

As I approached the store, this morning, I didn't realize that a Tag Sale was going on.  A young man greeted  me, as I entered the store, but, I thought he was just welcoming me to the store.  After I made my purchases, I discovered the Tag Sale, when I walked outdoors.  There are several entrances to this store, so, if you were not looking, you would not have noticed this area filled with merchandise that had been marked down.  I always advise my clients to shop at Lowe's for their appliances.  They offer good prices and discounts, year round. I was able to find a stand for my patio table umbrella, an outdoor chair and a toy wheel barrel for my Grandson.  All of it, came to about $25.00.  The toy wheel barrel was originally, $39.99.  So, yes, bargains! They, also, had several appliance... 09/18/2011

On this beautiful, autumn like day, Mass this morning was well attended.  The Mass was at 7:30am and most parisheners were on time.  However, due to the Manchester Oldies Car Show on Main Street, in Manchester, parking was a bit of a challenge.  Yes, at 7:00 am, they were already taking spaces, on the street,  for the show.  My Church, is St. James Church on 896 Main Street in Manchester, Ct. It is a Roman Catholic Church.  Our community, also, includes a school, which my children, attended and graduated from.  When they were young, I taught CCD class for our parish. The priest, this morning, was a retired priest who was delightful.  You could feel his positive energy and hear his good words, without the aid of a microphone. to  After the gospel, he came down off the altar and talked of... 09/18/2011

Make It and Take It Fall Basket at Woodland Gardens in Manchester CT   Do you have an empty basket or container that you have been wanting to fill?  Are you looking for festive fall decorations for your front porch or walkway? Come to Woodland Gardens at 164 Woodland Street in Manchester and create one there in their Make It and Take It Fall Basket workshop!   On Tuesday, September 20, 2011, Woodland Gardens will be holding a workshop on creating a fall basket or container.  You can bring one you already have or buy one at the shop.  At 6:00 p.m., the fun begins.  You can select any perrenials, grasses, annuals, and accessories to make a beautiful fall display for your front porch.  Professionals will help you as much as you want, offer suggestions, or just let you do it yourself.   The... 09/18/2011

Cruisin' on Main Street ~ Sunday, September 18, 2011 in Manchester CT   Don't forget!  Cruisin' on Main Street was postponed two times because of weather, but tomorrow looks like it's going to be a perfect day.  Third time's a charm!    This fantastic display of classic and vintage cars is one of Manchester CT's premier events and benefits MARC, MACC, and Downtown Manchester Special Services District.  The event will be held from 11:00 to 4:00 p.m. and promises to be tons of fun.   Here are some of the highlights of this year's event:   Show-Car Check-In:  If you are planning to participate, here is all the information you need to know. T-Shirt:  There will be t-shirt booths selling this year's t-shirt, which features a 1970 Mustang. Food:  With all the food and beverage vendors, be sur... 09/17/2011