23RD ANNUAL HOLIDAY ON MAIN STREET CONTINUES...    Saturday, December 13th - KIWANIS CLUB OF MIDDLETOWN DAY! 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.    • 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m BREAKFAST WITH SANTA at Middletown Park & Recreation Office (100  Riverview Center - Suite 140) and Free Pictures with Santa  • 10:30 a.m - 2:30 p.m. - The Kiwanis Club of Middletown will be staffing the POPCORN & HOT stand in front of the Chamber - stop by to learn more about the organization! Also HOLIDAYplayed by Harvest Woods Audio.  • 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. - There will be FREE HAYRIDES, sponsored by Liberty Bank& Downtown, and SANTA! • 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. - THE FUN TRAIN will offer FREE RIDES on the sidewalk around the downtown throughout the day! • 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. - CREATIVE JUICE HOLIDAY SHOPPE at Main Street... 12/13/2008

The Middletown Democratic Town Committee is sponsoring a   Bus Trip to IKEA & the Christmas Tree Shop Saturday December 6, 2008 FROM 8:00AM TO 5:00PM Looking to go shopping but do not prefer not to drive, or hassle trying to find parking spaces as you get all those important holiday gifts this season? Why not spend the day with friends and forget the driving?  For only $20.00 per seat, join family and friends for a fun day of eating and shopping.  A bus trip sponsored by the Middletown Democratic Town Committee will leave City Hall (Melilli Plaza) at 8:00am and return at 5:00pm.  The first stop the bus will make is to the Christmas Tree Shop in Orange, CT where you can shop for bargains from 8:45am until 11:30am.  Safely store your treasures on the bus as it continues for more shopping ... 12/02/2008

HOLIDAY ON MAIN STREET Friday, November 28th from 1:00 to 8:30pm THREE TREE LIGHTINGS!  With Thanksgiving behind us, and most of us are just relaxing from all the food we ate, this might be a good time to see what activities are going on in the community... to wear off all that turkey.  Please join us on Main Street in Middletown CT today.  Beginning at 1:00 p.m. is when the annual "Holiday on Main Street" kicks off. Here are some of the events scheduled for today, Friday, November 28th... with different events going on every Saturday between now and Christmas.    Free Hayrides at 4:00pm The Micky Mouse Train will be running from 1:00 to 5:00pm Holiday Story Time each week-Meet the Characters that are in the book!  Also selling Hot Popcorn & Pretzels and playing Holiday Music...fun for ... 11/28/2008

GOODS AND SERVICE AUCTION THIRD CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 94 MINER STREET MIDDLETOWN, CT  I believe at this point we have all had our fill with fairs and exhibits.. but when was the last time you went to an auction?  This forthcoming Friday, November 7th the Third Congregational Church in Middletown is holding a "Goods and Service" auction.  You remember this church from my previous blogs.  The wonderful Harvest Dinner, The Ice Cream Social.. and so much more. Starting at 6pm on Friday you will be able to walk around, and enjoy 2 hours of previewing.  During this time you will also be able to enjoy hot and cold hors d'oeuvres.  The actual auction starts at 8 pm with a break for intermission and dessert at 9pm.  All proceeds from the auction are to aid the church's building fund.  So, if you... 11/03/2008

Third Congregational Church Middletown, CT I posted a blog last week about an annual Harvest Dinner being held at the Third Church in Middletown, CT.  It sounded really good, and everything fell into place where I was able to make it.  I'm sure glad I did.  The food was outstanding... and I don't think I was the only one that felt that way.. the church was packed.  I have to admit, I was stuffed, but I went back for seconds on the pork.. just for the taste/flavor.. Hmmm it was so good.   The Partnership for Sharing did a wonderful job. This is comprised of members of the church to form this committee. These people put the whole dinner together.. including serving. These members were up at the crack of dawn, and started cooking the pork loins at 8am.  Why so early.. they had 170 pounds t... 10/20/2008

Market Report for Middletown for September and 1st 3 Quarters    Residential SeptemberActive - 152New Listings - 52Deposits - 20Closed - 24Average Sale Price - $211,372SP/Sq.Ft - $145.12DOM - 55 1/1/2008 - 9/30/2008Closed - 199Average Sale Price - $253,137  Median Sale Price - $228,000SP/Sq.Ft. - $155.08DOM - 65 1/1/2007 - 9/30/2007Closed - 309Average Sale Price - $268,082  Median Sale Price - $250,500SP/Sq.Ft. - $156.91DOM -60 Number of sales are down 36% compared to last year.  Average sale prices are down 5.6% and median sale prices are down 9%.  September saw a drop of 16.5%compared to the first 9 months of the year.  Hopefully this is not a trend. Condominiums SeptemberActive - 76New Listings - 27Deposits - 10Closed - 15Average Sale Price - $161,533SP/Sq.Ft - $142.54DOM - 72 1/1/20... 10/20/2008

HARVEST PORK DINNER THIRD CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 94 MINER STREET MIDDLETOWN, CT Don't you find on fall weekends you are out and about with the family.  At this time of the year, you are apple picking, pumpkin picking.. or raking those dreaded fall leaves.  With everything you are doing, do you really have time to cook dinner tonight?  Do you want a break from this activity/chore?  The Third Congregational Church on 94 Miner Street in Middletown, CT is holding its annual Roast Pork Dinner this evening, Saturday, October 18th.  The event starts at 5pm and continues to 7pm.  On the menu is Roast Pork with mash potatoes and gravy Fresh homemade butternut squash and green beans. Then you have a choice of either apple or pumpkin pie (coffee and tea available)... that is if you have room. All o... 10/18/2008

This was the second summer running, that Middletown, CT Community Renewal Team offered free lunches for children in Middletown and Portland. In 2006 the number of children that participated was nearly 3,500. Last year, 2007 the number of children went up to 8,557.  This year it has more than doubled, again.  The initial tabulation indicates that 17,508 meals were served. Some of the volunteers at the beginning of the program this summer were a little leary.. not sure what to expect.  Once the program was underway, they couldn't believe how well behaved the children were and how polite. Free lunches were served at the Community Room at Maplewood Terrace, Cross Street AME Church, Green Street Arts Center, Macdonough School, St. Francis of Assisi Church and Traverse Square. In Portland the... 08/27/2008

If you are looking for something to do today and want to be outside... it is tooooo gorgeous to be inside, you should venture to Middletown, CT.  Today there is an Open Air Market and Festival at the Wadsworth Mansion and should promise a variety of things to do. It has something for everyone, and you can spend the whole today checking out all the vendors.  There will be among 84 venders at the market and festival. Besides home grown fresh fruits and veggies, there will be spices, chips, honey baked goods, kettle corn, ice cream, Italian ice, hand made jewelry, wood crafts, stained glass, products made from Alpaca wool, music and children's activities. The market and festival run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Wadsworth Mansion, 421 Wadsworth StMiddletown, CT 08/24/2008

  THIRD CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 94 MINER STREET MIDDLETOWN, CT The Third Congregational Church on 94 Miner Street in Middletown, CT is holding its annual ice cream social this Thursday, August 14th between 6 and 8pm.  I can't believe a year has gone by since I went to this ice cream social/fundraiser.  It is an event for the whole family.  You make your own sundaes.. and there are LOTS of toppings to choose from.  The price for the adults is $3.50 and children under the age of 10 is only $2.00... and you can go back for seconds.  When have you heard this before?   08/13/2008

Market Report for Middletown for June 2008 & First Half of 2008 to 2007 Residential June 2008Active - 176New in June - 57Deposits - 23Closed - 15Avg.Sale Price - $285,000Sp/SqFt - $173.49DOM - 26 Jan. 1 ,2008 - June 30, 2008 Closed - 112Median Sale Price - $232,500Sp/SqFt - $161.08DOM - 45 Jan. 1, 2007 - June 30, 2007 Closed - 200Median Sale Price - $255,500SP/Sq.Ft - $158.48DOM - 44 Comparing the first half of 2008 to 2007 sales are down 46%, prices are down 9.1% and days on market are relatively unchanged.  As you can see there has been a big drop in sales and prices seem to have dropped. Condominiums June 2008 Active - 83New in June - 14Deposits - 15Closed 12Avg. Sale Price - $190,000SP/SqFt - $142.97DOM - 29 Jan. 1, 2008 - June 30, 2008 Closed - 87Avg. Sale Price - $172,868SP/SqFt -... 07/21/2008

On Wednesday July 16, 2008 the annual Main Street Festival returns to Middletown.  This is one of the more spectator friendly events for a 5k race and offers plenty of activity to keep family and friends occupied during the 20-40 minutes it takes most participants to cross the finish line. Not your typical 5k is a fitting name for this run.  The first time I ran in Middletown was the only time I have ever done a showing in my running gear.  I was working with a young couple that requested a second look at a house in Middletown so I tossed on my running shorts and my Ravies Tee Shirt.  I wound up talking them out of that house because of the extensive work required and their limited budget but the race finish photo turned out pretty good and I have used it ever since. My second running o... 07/09/2008

Middletown Market Report -  First Quarter of 2007 and First Quarter of 2008Residential 1/1/2007 - 3/31/2007Closed Sales - 89Average Sale Price - $264,732Average Price/Sq.Ft - $155.03Average Days on Market - 661/1/2008 - 3/31/2008Closed Sales 51Average Sale Price - $255,733Average Price/Sq.Ft. - $163.02Average Days on Market - 64  Overall the number of sales are down 42.7%, a major drop.  Prices are down 3.4% which isn't too bad and days on the market are about the same.  There are 164 homes on the market.Condominiums  1/1/2007 - 3/31/2007Closed Sales - 48Average Sale Price - $165,977Average Price/Sq.Ft - $142.16Average Days on Market - 511/1/2008 - 3/31/2008Closed Sales - 44Average Sale Price - $181,718Average Price/Sq.Ft - $153.04Average Days on Market - 58  The number of sales are dow... 04/24/2008

If I had to make a living doing real estate at this time I don't know what I would do! I AM SO GLAD I TRULY LOVE LOOKING AT HOUSES AND BEING WITH PEOPLE, MAKING NEW FRIENDS.I have lived in Connecticut all of my life. I grew up in Fairfield County and have lived in every corner of the state currently residing in the "MIDDLE" - Middletown.My style is to give my clients the most up to date information specific to them and then wait for them to contact me when they see a home they want to look at. I think people like their space and if a particular client likes more of the hands on realtor I will adjust accordingly. I am also backed by the finest real estate company I think and I chose William Raveis Real Esate because it is a family value company owned and operated by the Raveis family.I l... 01/17/2008

Middletown Market Report for December and a Comparison Between 2006 and 2007 ResidentialThere are 112 active listings on the market in Middletown which means inventory is down.  There were 19 new listings that came on the market, 14 homes went under deposit and there were 11 closed sales.  Below you will see a comparison between Dec. 2007 and Dec.2006:Closed Sales 12/2007:  11                                   Closed Sales 12/2006:  26Avg. Sale Price:  $240,718                                    Avg. Sale Price:  $286,758$/Sq.Ft:  174                                                       $/Sq.Ft:  163DOM:  47                                                             DOM:  65Closed sales were down 52.7% and prices were down 17.1%, yet the price per sq.ft. was up by 6.7%.  It looks like... 01/03/2008

Market Report for Middletown for Oct. 2007 and Year to DateResidentialThe residential market in Middletown seems to be doing fairly well.  There are 134 active listings, 44 listings came on the market in October, there were 25 homes that went under deposit and there were 27 closed sales.  For the year to date compared to the same time period last year prices are down by 1.6% and sales were down 1.8%.  So overall things are looking good in Middletown.                                             Avg.SalePrice      Closed        Avg.Price/Sq.Ft    Avg Days on Mkt Oct 2007$292,54827$16075Oct 2006$295,21239$162511/1/2007 -10/31/2007$270,048336$157611/1/2006 - 10/31/2006$274,294342$16463  CondominiumsThe condominium market also seems to be holding fairly steady.  There are 99 active lsitings,... 11/18/2007

Stated Income Loan Programs are very popular Loan Program for Self Employed and Commission Income Borrowers.  However, with all the change that have occurred in the Lending Industry, these loans have become more difficult to do.  So you may ask, if these loans are more difficult to do these day, why am I doing a post about them?  The answer is simple, it is to give a warning to anyone who took out one of these loans, and finds themselves in default today.  But main reason for this Post is to advise those who might take out one of these loans in the future.  For those who have one of these loans, you should check to see if one of the disclosures in your loan packet is a 4506 Request For Copy Of Income Tax Return Form.  For those who might do one of these loans in the future, you need to ... 10/23/2007

Market Report for Middletown for July 2007 and Year to DateResidential There are 136 active residential listings in Middletown.  In July 51 new listings came on the market, 30 homes went under deposit and there were 42 closings.  The average sale price was $253,077, the average per sq.ft. price was $159 and the average days on the market were 44.  In July of 2006, there were 37 closed sales with an average sale price of $277,418, an average per sq.ft. price of $166 and an average of 53 days on the market.  Looking at these comparisons, prices were down 7.8% and per sq.ft.prices were down 4.2%. Comparing the first 7 months of 2006 to the same time period in 2007, in 2006 there were 224 closed sales with an average sale price of $275,793, an average per sq.ft. price of $166 and the averag... 08/20/2007

Welcome to 81 Aresco Drive in the heart of Middletown!! Offered at $599,000 There's plenty of room for a large family in this 4-bedroom/3.5-bath Colonial home convenient to Rt 66 & Rt 9 in Middletown, CT. Offers a gracious great room with wood floors, fireplace for winter nights, dining room, master suite with whirlpool tub for tired bones, his-and-her closets for better organization, dual sinks, first-floor laundry, open floor-plan, walk-out basement, contemporary kitchen with double sinks, granite countertops, breakfast bar for serving buffets, home office, large foyer, mud room, large deck, Corinthian columns, 3-car garage, balcony.For more details visit www.CarlGuild.com!For more details visit www.CarlGuild.com!Carl GuildPrudential CT Realty860-539-5373mail@carlguild.com   06/21/2007

Market Report for Middletown for May 2007 Residential There were 144 active listings on the market in May compared to 140 in April.  48 new listings came on the market, 47 went under deposit and there were 33 closed transactions.  The average sale price was $261,035, with a per sq.ft price of $157 and average days on the market of 58.  Last month there were 26 closed transactions with an average sale price of $279,955.  Compared to May of 2006 the closings went down from 46 last year in May to 33 this year and the average sale price went down from $273,232 last year to $261,035 this year.  Prices compared to last year appear to have dropped by about 4.5% and number of sales dropped by 28%.  There is about a 3 month supply of homes on the market.Comparing the first 5 months of 2006 to th... 06/12/2007