Every Cloud has a Silver Lining . . . - 01/31/11 08:53 AM
Every Cloud has a Silver Lining . . .
It is getting harder for anyone but a child to find a silver lining in the relentless snow Connecticut has had this winter!  With daily shoveling, roof raking, and icicle removal, almost any homeowner will say enough is enough! 
But while out shoveling I noticed that my birdfeeders now have a mountain of white behind them (once known as a large shrub), so this gave me the opportunity to take some fun photos of my feathered friends. 
I thought I would share my silver lining . . .

… (30 comments)

Where Can I Give Blood During this Urgent Need for Blood Donations near Cheshire CT? - 01/30/11 12:02 AM
Where Can I Give Blood During this Urgent Need for Blood Donations near Cheshire CT?
With all the wild weather the country has been experiencing, especially in the Northeast, the Red Cross has announced that it has an urgent need for blood donations.  But where can you give blood?  In the Cheshire CT area there are the following opportunities coming up:
February 3 from 8:30 A.M. – 1:30 P.M.Cheshire Academy – 10 Main Street – Cheshire, ConnecticutFebruary 3 from 1:00 – 6:00 P.M.Villa Capris Restaurant – 906 North Colony Road – Wallingford, ConnecticutFebruary 4 from 7:45 A.M. – 12:45 P.M.Vinal Regional … (7 comments)

We Dig Dig Dig Dig Dig Dig in Connecticut the Whole Day Through . . . - 01/29/11 07:46 PM
We Dig Dig Dig Dig Dig Dig in Connecticut the Whole Day Through . . .
While heading to an appointment today I ran across a sight that made me think of the Seven Dwarfs Digging in their Mine the Whole Day Through.  With the weight of all the snow on rooftops, it is imperative to get it off, especially if there is little or no slope to the roof.  These five workers were using shovels, wheelbarrows, and snow blowers to get as much as they could off of this shopping center in Wallingford.  I wanted to set my video … (11 comments)

Winter Wonderland OR Winter Wonder [why am I still living here] Land? - 01/28/11 07:50 AM
Winter Wonderland OR Winter Wonder [why am I still living here] Land?
This winter is longer than any winter in my memory, and we have only experienced five weeks of it so far!  As I rake off my roof and dig a path to my bird feeders (to make sure my birds have plenty to eat), I often think about the other places in the country that are not having to put up with this snow mountain (even though they may be experiencing "cold" weather).

Are you wondering why you are still living in the Winter Land?  Looking to move … (20 comments)

Realtor.com Has Changed its Look Again! - 01/27/11 09:40 PM
Realtor.com Has Changed its Look Again!
I went in this evening to lower the price on one of my listings (not the one pictured below), and put in a few updated photos.  I checked to see how it would look on the first page (where it shows the four photos with "See All 25 Photos" in the center).  Looked good.  Then I went to do some other things, and when I checked on how my listings all looked again, I was quite surprised to see a new look!

 
Now I have to decide if the order in which I … (7 comments)

Green Light Driving School is Moving to its New Location within Cheshire CT - 01/26/11 03:24 PM
Green Light Driving School is Moving to its New Location within Cheshire CT
For many years Green Light Driving School has been The Place for teens to get their driving lessons in Cheshire CT.  Drop off and pick up has been a bit tricky in the past (especially with this winter's drifts of snow) as classes were given in a home on a residential street. 
Hopefully beginning with their classes on February 1, 2011, the Green Light Driving School will be at its new location at 1059 South Main Street (between Everybody's Plaza and The Cheshire Herald on Route 10).  Congratulations to … (4 comments)

I Really Didn't Mean to Ruffle Your Feathers! - 01/25/11 04:38 PM
I Really Didn't Mean to Ruffle Your Feathers!
One of the disadvantages of feeding my backyard birds so well is that they become fair game for the predator birds--like this lovely hawk that showed up in my yard today (looks a little cold, doesn't he?).  I have to admit that I love to see the hawks and merlin when they venture into my yard, but the doves that live here are not fans. 
If you are enjoying a little bird-watching, and suddenly all the doves freeze--literally don't move at all--you know that there is a bird of prey waiting close-by.  Then … (29 comments)

Not All Bunnies Are Cute! - 01/24/11 09:09 PM
Not All Bunnies Are Cute!
Now I hope this handsome fellow to the right does not take offense, but not all bunnies are cute.  Most bunnies of the four legged type are quite adorable, while a few are on the scary side, but the bunnies that I want to discuss are of the dusty variety--dust bunnies.
One would think that it is common sense to "put your best foot forward" when you are trying to sell your house, and I am very understanding of the busy lifestyles that we all lead which don't necessarily allow for daily scrub-downs of our homes.  … (35 comments)

3 Bedroom 2 Bath Antique Home in Middletown, CT - 01/23/11 08:13 PM
3 Bedroom 2 Bath Antique Home in Middletown, CT
Are you looking for an exceptional 3 bedroom 2 bath antique home?  This farmhouse colonial with many period details and tasteful updates could be the answer. With spacious living room and family room (each with a wood burning fireplace) and 9 foot ceilings, this home is a delightful surprise.
A large eat-in country kitchen with stainless appliances and good sized pantry adjoins the formal dining room with a corner cabinet.  Both rooms feature exposed beam ceilings which can be seen in the virtual tour of this 3 bedroom 2 bath antique home. … (9 comments)

My Little Chickadee - Whoops, I mean Wren! - 01/23/11 07:33 PM
My Little Chickadee - Whoops, I mean Wren!
With the snow mounting up in my backyard (especially after I "raked" the roof) our wildlife is having a bit more trouble fending for themselves.  We put out some bacon grease and beef drippings yesterday, and you can see what became of the container.  This little wren decided to enjoy himself while everyone else fought for the main birdfeeders.

… (14 comments)

Want New Insight into A Young Buyer's Mind? - 01/22/11 08:35 PM
Want New Insight into A Young Buyer's Mind?
This morning, while eating breakfast, I watched A&E's Sell this House.  Nothing highly unusual about this on a Saturday morning before heading out to showings later in the morning, but what was unusual is that one of my children watched it with my wife and me for the first time.  It was amusing to hear the perspective of a 23-year old who is hoping to be in the market for a house in the next year or two:
1.  It doesn't look any better than it did before they staged!!
2.  What is … (14 comments)

How Much Are the Real Estate Taxes on West Hartford, CT, Homes for Sale? - 01/20/11 07:33 PM
How Much are the Real Estate Taxes on West Hartford, CT, Homes for Sale?
Many times when I send listings "automatically" to my clients, and they include homes for sale in West Hartford, Connecticut, my clients question the amount of the taxes.  A few years ago, West Hartford, Connecticut, had a revaluation on the assessed values for homes and decided to do a phase-in of the taxes.  As happened in many towns, the phase-in was not well received, and the phase-in was discontinued.
 
However, the Taxes tab in our multiple listing service still links to the tax records for the full "end … (1 comments)

How to Rake a Roof and Why - 01/18/11 08:15 PM
How to Rake a Roof and Why
This winter has been very tough on Connecticut!  We have already far surpassed the normal amount of snow that we receive in any given season, and it is only the middle of January.  Last week I wrote a post titled Where is the Snow that Should Be on that Roof?, and felt quite proud of the fact that my roof was still covered in snow.
Today's forecast was for more snow and ice.  Not what I wanted to hear, because my roof is so well insulated and the temperatures have been so low, I … (12 comments)

This Gives New Meaning to a Covered Porch - 01/18/11 07:17 PM
This Gives New Meaning to a Covered Porch
Believe it or not, it was another snow day here in Cheshire, Connecticut!  Really school was called this time because of ice that was scheduled to accumulate after 3-4 inches of snow that fell overnight.  With two feet of snow still hanging around from the last storm and an ice storm on the way, it was time to bring out the roof rake (maybe having great attic insulation isn't that good an idea) and also shoveling off the back porch. 
As you can see from my "pet portrait" below, their was already a … (8 comments)

Cheshire CT Snowstorm Made it to CNN . . . - 01/17/11 09:33 AM
Cheshire CT Snowstorm Made it to CNN . . .
You never know what you will find on YouTube!  This morning my Google Alerts let me know that the following video was available for Cheshire CT.  I imagine the rest of the country is either thinking "Glad I'm not there" or "Get Over it Already--30 inches is nothing!"
I like the one guy who comments "Just jump in anytime you want!" as he shovels for the camera!
 

… (8 comments)

A Spot of Red on a Dreary Landscape Always Stands Out! - 01/16/11 10:10 PM
A Spot of Red on a Dreary Landscape Always Stands Out!
Just in case any of you haven't figured this out yet, I am an avid birdwatcher.  I love the little "sooty" juncos that frequent our yard, and I am quite partial to chickadees.  But my favorite (during the winter) is "Mr. Cardinal" as he is always visible even when he is only a speck because of his brilliant red!  Okay, "Mrs. Cardinal" is kinda cool, too . . .
Here he is adding a little brilliance to my day!

… (24 comments)

Sometimes Even the Sun Needs A Little Attention! - 01/16/11 09:49 PM
Sometimes even the Sun needs a little attention!
For too many days this week, the only sunshine I was able to experience was on my back porch; and one day even Mr. Sunshine was hard to find through the drifting snow!  He is starting to make more of an appearance now, but he is looking a little worse for wear.  One of his rays is chipped (how did that happen?) and he could certainly use a scrubbing!
Enjoy a little Sunshine!

… (6 comments)

Connecticut's Storms of the Century - 01/16/11 10:58 AM
Connecticut's Storms of the Century
The New Haven Register was mentioned on the Weather Channel this morning!  As the Weather Channel reported, this morning's New Haven Register's headline read:  "Storm of the Century:  Which was the Nastiest Snowstorm:  1888, 1978, or 2011?"
I have no memory of the storm of 1888 (no matter how old my kids think I am), and in 1978 I was away at college.  I will have memories for a long time of the storm of 2011, even though my wife reports that "There may have been more snow in this one, but it was not nearly … (14 comments)

Where is the Snow that Should Be on that Roof? - 01/15/11 01:06 PM
Where is the Snow that Should Be on that Roof?
While looking at properties since the major snowstorm that Connecticut experienced this past week, a number of my buyer clients have asked me why a few roofs don't have the amount of snow coverage that others do.  As you can see from the photo below, this house had much less than expected the day after 22 inches of snow blanketed the area.
So why does the snow on some roof tops melt away before it does on others?  Sure, it could be because of the exposure to sun, but in many … (10 comments)

Grandmother Winter, What BIG Teeth You Have!! - 01/14/11 04:00 PM
Grandmother Winter, What BIG Teeth You Have!!
As the snow slowly melts off the roof, the temperatures are so low that the drops freeze up again and form amazing icicles--showing once again that this winter has some pretty big teeth!  The scary part is that those teeth are continuing to grow ever so slowly . . .

 
… (12 comments)

Do You Want to Get Your Mail Today? - 01/13/11 12:11 PM
Do You Want to Get Your Mail Today?
I talked to my mailman yesterday as I was shoveling the end of my driveway after the plow went by.  He was stopping at every mailbox that he could see, getting out of his truck, and climbing to the mailbox. 
Today I noticed a difference--I guess yesterday's delivery took too long.  The mailman was only stopping at mailboxes that he could reach from his truck.  Fortunately I had done a little extra digging, but others on my street had not . . .
Here are some examples of the challenges awaiting the mailman … (15 comments)

Maybe it is Time to Rethink Today's Schedule . . . - 01/12/11 11:42 AM
Maybe it is Time to Rethink Today's Schedule . . .

Sometimes even All Wheel Drive is not going to get you where you want to go, and it is best to just stay home.  I guess I have plenty to do to prepare for the rest of the week and the weekend that can be done from the home office!  Stay Safe!
 
… (19 comments)

This Snow is For the Birds - Please Feed Them! - 01/12/11 06:04 AM
This Snow is For the Birds - Please Feed Them!
Here we go again--yet another winter storm plowing through Connecticut! Schools are already being called off (for more on this, check my recent post Is it Yet Another Snow Holiday?)   All of this snow and wind is making it difficult for birds to get their food and for the humans who feed them to refill the feeders.  So if you are able to get out your door, please try to remember that our backyard beauties need some energy right about now.  My five feeders are being emptied almost as fast as … (9 comments)

A Free Staging Tip that Really Works! - 01/11/11 08:41 AM
A Free Staging Tip that Really Works!
Many of us love to watch the staging shows on HGTV and A&E, and some of the tips they give are not the least bit expensive--just a bit time consuming (like painting a room a more neutral color).  But I am about to give you a tip that will cost you nothing, and won't take more than a few minutes!  Open the Blinds and Draw Back the Curtains!
Have you ever noticed how light pouring into a room makes it feel much more inviting and warm?  This goes miles with buyers.  Especially in locations where … (13 comments)

As a Seller, What do I Really Need to Do to "Stage" my Home? - 01/10/11 09:06 AM
As a Seller, What do I Really Need to Do to "Stage" my Home?
This past week I did a Comparative Market Analysis on a very nice Cheshire home, and after all was said and done, the sellers asked me what they really should do in order to prepare their home to put it on the market this Spring (thank goodness we have a little time here to get these done).  Here were my tips to these particular home owners (every house is different, after all!):
Remove the Wallpaper - Yes only one bathroom still has wallpaper and it is not at all … (4 comments)

Wintertime Gems Glistening in the Sun - 01/09/11 03:22 PM
Friday’s snowstorm made for some very unsafe driving conditions that evening, but fortunately the snow was fluffy and it wasn’t too windy, so it was pretty easy to clean up; and it didn’t blow back onto the streets as soon as it was plowed.
Now two days later, the snow is slowly melting off my roof and forming gems. Pretty to look at—dangerous to walk beneath!

… (11 comments)

Strange Prints in the Snow – Could it Be that Big Foot Stopped By? - 01/09/11 03:11 PM
Strange Prints in the Snow – Could it Be that Big Foot Stopped By?
Last night, while looking out my back door at the recent snowfall, I noticed some very interesting “prints.”  Could Big Foot (aka The Snow Monster) have been visiting? No, it was much less interesting, but still they were fascinating prints.  Any ideas?  Hint:  They were NOT made by humans!

… (10 comments)

National Park Service offers 17 Fee-Free Days in 2011! - 01/08/11 09:58 AM
National Park Service offers 17 Fee-Free Days in 2011!
It was announced recently that the National Park Service will be waiving entrance fees on 17 different dates during 2011 to encouraged everyone to visit a national park this year.  Can you think of a better way to spend some great time with your friends and family than in the open air in locations where your cell phone probably won't work!?  (Well, at least that was my experience while traveling the Skyline Drive in Virginia--it was wonderful.)  And to be able to do it for free--what an added bonus!
Start making plans … (5 comments)

Is it Yet Another Snow Holiday? - 01/07/11 12:03 AM
Is it Yet Another Snow Holiday? 
With another snowstorm looming, I know that many children are anxiously awaiting the "no school" call.  I think even the teens who sleep until the last possible second on a normal school day wake up early to check for cancellations!  After all, school has been back in session for almost a whole week after the holidays, so isn't it time for a break?
My kids always rejoiced when they received the gift of a snow day, even when they knew they would have to make it up at the end of the year.  Their favorite way to check for school … (9 comments)

This Winter has been Murder on Real Estate Signs! - 01/06/11 08:31 PM
This Winter has been Murder on Real Estate Signs!
Don't you just hate it when you are driving down the street and see a real estate sign that is hanging on by just one hook?  Well, maybe it doesn't affect everyone that way, but it certainly gets on my nerves--especially when they are my signs!  This winter, with all the snow and wind, has done a number on my signs!
Yesterday I went to check one of my listings only to find that the post was there, but no signs at all (they are all set up like the one to the … (11 comments)

A Little Paint Can go a Long Way! - 01/05/11 07:56 PM
A Little Paint Can go a Long Way!
We pretty much all know that buyers take one look at wallpaper and turn around.  When I went out to talk to some potential clients about listing their home after it had been on the market for 18 months with another agent, I had to tell them that the wallpaper really needed to go.  Of course their reply was "It is just wallpaper--they can take it down and paint."  I explained that a buyer sees it as "too much work."  They agreed to get the wallpaper removed, and when I checked in with … (16 comments)

What are the Classes Required for Connecticut Housing Finance Authority Financing? - 01/01/11 09:18 PM
I am often asked about the classes that are required when one of my clients is using CHFA (Connecticut Housing Finance Authority) financing.  It is important that you get these classes done as soon as possible during the mortgage commitment period as they are a condition of your being able to qualify for the loan.  Here is a quick summary of the require education, depending on the loan type for which you are applying:
3 Hour - Homebuyer Education Class
CHFA's three-hour class provides an overview of the financial and practical steps involved in buying and maintaining a home for CHFA loan applicants … (1 comments)

 
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Chris Canfield and Mary-kay Canfield Homes for Sale Central Connecticut

Cheshire, CT

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Coldwell Banker - Central Connecticut Homes for Sale

Address: Cheshire, Southington, Wallingford, Newington, Hamden, Bristol, Middletown, Avon, Farmington, Berlin, West Hartford, 680 South Main Street, Cheshire, CT, 06410

Office Phone: (203) 605-6679

Cell Phone: (203) 605-0676

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Real Estate Happenings in all of Central Connecticut, with Particular Attention to Cheshire, Southington, Wallingford, Middletown, Bristol, Avon, Farmington, and all of Central CT. Written and Edited by Chris K. Canfield, REALTOR, e-PRO, ABR, CRS, GREEN, SRES


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