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 ... 12/15/2010

Desperate people resort to desperate measures. Unfortunately, there is always someone out there ready to take advantage of another person's tragedy and to make a quick buck doing so. As the economy struggles toward recovery, high unemployment, new layoffs, diminished wages and benefits, tight credit and aggressive foreclosure actions have continued to take a financial toll on American consumers. Too many people have reached or are approaching the end of their financial rope. In desperation they cling to the promises of debt-settlement companies that vow to get them out from under crushing debt quickly. Sadly, many highly advertised debt settlement firms, instead of providing consumers with promised relief, bleed them dry, leaving them further in debt with their financial problems still ... 12/13/2010

Manchester CT Market Report for November 2010 During November 2010, there were 16 closed sales in Manchester CT with a median price of $188,450.  During November 2009, there were 45 closed sales with a median price of $185,000.  Remember, however, that last November, many sales were the result of the first tax credit which was slated to expire on November 30.  It was extended to the following June, but many people had already found their new home, spurred by the tax credit. So although sales were down from last year at the time, the median price actually rose over last November.  Here is the breakdown by price range:   Price Range November 2010 November 2009 Under $100,000 2 1 $100,000-$149,999 - 7 $149,999-$199,999 9 21 $200,000-$249,999 1 8 $250,000-$299,999 3 2 $300,000-$349,999 - 1 ... 12/06/2010

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 sa... 12/05/2010

Illing Middle School Illing Middle School is a secondary school located in Manchester CT.  It prides itself in offering students the latest in state of the art technology to aid them in their academic and social growth.  The principal, Dr. Troy Monroe, has stated that it is his wish to see each and every Illing Middle School student challenged and engaged, as well as making the best of opportunities to demonstrate responsibility, both academic and social. One of the highlights of Illing Middle School is its media center, which features state of the art equipment to help student learn to analyze and process data.  The administration believes that this will be a crucial skill for students to grasp, as knowledge becomes more ubiquitous.  Reading is key to a well rounded, complete education... 11/16/2010

Manchester Road Race The Manchester Road Race is an annual event that is held, in order to benefit Muscular Dystrophy research, along with several other local charities.  The race is held on Thanksgiving Day, and is open to anyone who feels that they wish to participate.  The race usually numbers around 9,000 participants, while it has peaked to over 11,000 some years.  It is a great opportunity for local residents to come out, get in shape and support regional charities. The Manchester Road Race has a rich history indeed.  It was first held in 1927, when 12 runners participated.  The race was conceived by the Manchester High School cross country running team captain, Frank Haraburda.  In 1934, the raced was cancelled due to the depression, and was subsequently ditched for 10 years.  It... 11/16/2010

Bowers School Manchester Bowers School Manchester is an elementary school located on Princeton Street that serves the central Manchester area.  The school is well known for its energetic and engaging approach towards education.  Bowers School Manchester coins itself as "a school in a safe caring community where all children are respected and engaged in a challenging curriculum which motivates them to realize their potential as active, life-long learners".  The school's principal, Mary Lou Ruggiero as promised to promote an equal environment where all students regardless of background or identity, can come to learn from some of the most passionate teachers in the area. Bowers School Manchester is unique in that it practices a behavior protocol called The Bowers Power System.  This system... 11/16/2010

Manchester CT Home Listings The practicality of Manchester CT home listings are one of the qualities that make them so attractive.  Manchester is situated in central Connecticut, and  while most other towns in the region continue to industrialize at excessive rates, Manchester manages to evade the trend, and keep its  blend of tradition and convenience. So what makes this town so convenient?  Several factors do, starting with the fact that it is only 20 minutes from Hartford.  Commute is ideal, especially if you want to live far from the congestion of the downtown area. Manchester CT home listings can provide such a place for you, and we can help you find the home that you are looking for. Luxury, energy efficient and comfortable living in Manchester is within your reach!  Take 56 Steph... 11/16/2010

Manchester CT Market Report:  October 2010   During October 2010, there were 19 closed sales in Manchester CT with a median price of $182,000.  Both number of sales and median price were up from September 2010. Numbers, however, were down from October 2009, which showed 49 closed sales and a median price of $195,000.  Here is the breakdown by price range for October 2010 and October 2009.  It is important to keep in mind the difference between median and average price as I always report the median price in market reports.  Price Range October 2010 October 2009 Under $100,000 - 2 $100,000-$149,999 2 7 $149,999-$199,999 9 19 $200,000-$249,999 4 9 $250,000-$299,999 1 4 $300,000-$349,999 1 4 $350,000-$399,999 1 3 Over $400,000 1 1       Total 19 49 If you are looking to purchase a home in M... 11/05/2010

Manchester CT Condos Look no further than Manchester CT Condos, for your chic, convenient slice of central Connecticut living.  Less than 10 minutes away from downtown Hartford and the Shoppes at Buckland Hills, Manchester offers some of the best real estate opportunities in the region.   High demand for homes in this area will ensure that your investment in Manchester CT condos is a secure one, and your family will love what this town has to offer.                               If you're in the market for a chic place, close to the city but away form the congestion, Manchester CT condos have what you are looking for.  Regardless of size, Manchester is the right place for you.  Currently on the market, is a well appointed 1284 sq ft condo, perfect for you and your significant other, or ... 11/03/2010

  Manchester CT Properties Manchester CT properties will offer your family a perfect mix of luxury, practicality and convenience. These properties offer all of the charm that you would expect from a home in a quaint New England town.  You deserve a gratifying home, and now in Manchester, it is finally within your reach. Call us today, and ask for a tour of beautiful and spacious residences, located in gorgeous neighborhoods around the town.  There's a good chance that your next home is waiting in Manchester!  Manchester CT properties will offer you the finest in beautiful practicality.  Consider this Raised Ranch style home for sale.  With 10 rooms taking up 3000 sq ft of space, this beautiful residence features 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and a in-law area.  This home has a beautiful in ground... 11/03/2010

Manchester CT Rentals Manchester CT rentals are a great way to experience the beauty and convenience of living in Manchester, without the commitment of owning a home.  If you've visited Manchester before, you know that this town is the perfect place to live, work, and raise children.  Manchester CT rentals can offer you pleasant communities, great shopping, and safe streets for you and your family.  As plenty have discovered before, it's a great place to call home. Come and see why your next home should be here!  We've just put several Manchester CT rentals on the market, one of which is a single family colonial.  This home has 3,000 sq ft of space, with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathroom.  It also has central air, which you'll find very comforting in the summer.  The lower level is finished, ad... 11/03/2010

Auction at the Lutz Children's Museum in Manchester CT A goods and services silent auction will be held at the Lutz Children's Museum in Manchester CT on Friday November 5.  At 6:00 p.m., refreshments and the silent auction will begin.  A live auction hosted by Scot Haney will begin at 8:00.  Tickets are available in advance for $20 or at the door for $25.  For more information, visit the Lutz Children's Museum online or call 860-643-0949.   The proceeds of the auction will benefit the educational programs of the Lutz Children's Museum, which has served Manchester and surrounding towns since 1953.  Hazel P. Lutz, then the Chairperson of the Art Department for Manchester schools, approached the PTA Council about starting a community museum.  The PTA Council voted in favor of it and named... 10/30/2010

Foodshare's Empty Bowls Project will be held on Saturday, October 30, 2010 at the Lowe Student Services Center at Manchester Community College from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.    For $15, each person will receive a handmade ceramic bowl to keep and will be able to enjoy unlimited soup and bread made by the Culinary Arts students and area restaurants.  The proceeds will benefit Foodshare which provides food to those in need in Hartford County and Tolland County.  Foodshare estimates that there are 128,000 people in the greater Hartford area who experience "empty bowls" throughout the year. Last year's Empty Bowls Project donated $20,000 to Foodshare. Stop by Manchester Community College tomorrow and enjoy a great lunch while supporting a worthy cause.  Before, during, and after Foodshare's ... 10/29/2010

The Manchester Road Race will be held on Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 2010.  This will be the 74th running of the Manchester Road Race, a nationally-known event.  As in the past, there will be plenty of excitement and registration is already underway.   Here is a picture of Main Street, Manchester, CT now, but it certainly won't look like that on November 25, 2010.  The Manchester Road Race typically draws around 13,000 runners or more.   It is the largest race in Connecticut and the third largest in New England.  It also ranks in the top 25 distance races in the country. With crowds lining the entire 4.748 mile route, the race is a tradition in Manchester that you won't want to miss. Unlike last year, the Manchester Road Race committee will not be mailing registration forms out (savi... 10/24/2010

Halloween Fun in Manchester CT. Main Street is the place to go for some Halloween fun in Manchester, CT.  Right now, there is a scarecrow exhibit along Main Street featuring over 35 scarecrows created by local businesses, schools, and groups.  A stroll down Main Street on a nice day like today will get you in the Halloween spirit.  Here are a few of the entries in the exhibit: Then, next Saturday, there will be more Halloween fun starting at 10:00 a.m. with activities and trick-or-treating. From 10:00 to noon at Center Park next to Mary Cheney Library, children can "Chalk the Walk" and chalk will be provided (weather permitting). At 10:30, Bryan Flint's Spooky Magic Show will be held at Mary Cheney Library. From 11:30 to 1:00, there will be pumpkin decorating at the Manchester Antiques ... 10/23/2010

MANCHESTER CT MARKET REPORT - SEPTEMBER 2010.   During the month of September 2010, there were 14 closed sales in Manchester, CT.  List prices ranged from $102,900 to $284,900, while closed prices ranged from $95,000 to $275,000.  The median price was $163,500.    In September, 2009, there were 40 closed sales in Manchester, CT, with a median price of $196,050.    The breakdown by price range is shown below:   PRICE RANGE SEPTEMBER 2010 SEPTEMBER 2010 Under $100,000 1 1 $100,000-$149,999 3 7 $150,000-$199,999 8 14 $200,000-$249,999 1 10 $250,000-$299,999 1 4 $300,000-$349,999   2 $350,000-$399,999   2 Over $400,000           TOTAL 14 40   If you are looking for a single-family home in Manchester, CT, you will have plenty of choices.  Here is the breakdown by price range for the 254 home... 10/11/2010

CONDO REPORT:  MANCHESTER CT - SEPTEMBER 2010      Manchester CT is home to many condo complexes of all price ranges and levels of amenities.  Opportunities abound for home ownership in affordable complexes to more upscale complexes, from open-age communities to age-restricted communities.   During the month of September 2010, there were seven closed units, ranging from $75,000 to $185,000, with a median closed price of $155,000.  During the month of September 2009, there were 14 closed units with a median price of $139,500.   How did September compare with the three previous months? The median price in June 2010 was $154,500; in July 2010, the median price was $98,500; and in August 2010, the median price was $135,000.  Here is the breakdown by price range for each of those months: PRI... 10/05/2010

Q: Did you hear about the blond who went duck hunting? A: He didn't get any because he couldn't throw the dog high enough. ********************************************************************  Two blond guys went away on their annual hunting expedition, and by accident one was shot by the other. His worried companion got him out of the deep woods, into the car, and off to the nearest hospital. "Well, Doc," he inquired anxiously, "Is he going to make it?" "It's tough," said the doctor, "He'd have a better chance if you hadn't gutted him first."  ******************************************************************** An Irishman, a Mexican and a Blonde Guy were doing construction work on scaffolding on the 20th floor of a building. They were eating lunch and the Irishman said, "Corned beef a... 09/26/2010

The dog days of summer may be over, but not in Manchester CT.  Saturday, Spetember 11, will be a day for the dogs.  The Manchester Dog Festival will be held at Globe Hollow on Spring Street from 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The third annual Manchester Dog Festival is sponsored by the Manchester Dog Owners Group to promote responsible dog ownership, raise funds for dog events and a future dog park, and celebrate dogs. Vendor booths will provide information, dog products, and dog services.  There will also be demonstrations of dog abilities and exhibitions of educational materials.  Special events include: Weenie Retrieval Best Kisser Dunkin' for Dogs Other events and games In addition, the town Parks and Recreation Department will be holding a K9 Kerplunk Dog Swim.  For a $5 donation, dogs will ... 09/10/2010