brent bell: Negotiating Inspection Issues: Less is truly more... - 03/19/09 12:00 AM
Preparation is everything. I counsel first-time buyers that their home inspection is primarily an opportunity for them to learn about their new home. The inspection will result in an owner's manual (the written inspection report) which they should save and review once each year that they own the property. This will help them keep up with the necessary maintenance of their home.
I remind them that their inspection contingency does protect them, in the unlikely event that the home has serious problems which we did not discover prior to making a purchase offer. If that is the case, the buyer can … (0 comments)

brent bell: Daylight Savings Time begins now! - 03/08/09 12:36 AM
Good morning and welcome to spring! Our clocks springing forward (and temperatures in the 50s) are welcome changes in Connecticut, where we have experienced an unusually cold and snow-covered winter.
The West Hartford market continues to be strong despite the news reports which can be both depressing and addictive. These times are a real test of your outlook on life - is your glass half-full or half-empty?
For students of history, times of turmoil are also times of tremendous opportunity. Many first-time buyers are taking advantage of low interest rates, more reasonable housing prices, fewer multiple-offer situations and the new $8,000 … (0 comments)

brent bell: Buyers & Sellers: Consider a Home Warranty for your peace of mind! - 03/06/09 12:06 PM
Most buyers are especially anxious about financial surprises during the first months of homeownership. What if the pipes leak, the refrigerator dies or the boiler self-destructs? None of these events are happy moments for any homeowners; for new homeowners on a tight budget, any of these mishaps could create extra financial pressure...
The home warranty is an insurance policy which protects the new owner of the home for the first year of ownership. If a covered appliance or home system breaks, the owner calls a 1-800 number, pays a deductible ($75 to $100), and has the satisfaction of having the problem … (1 comments)

brent bell: Homeowner Tip: It is never too late to save energy-- Schedule an audit today - 03/05/09 03:34 AM
As I wait for this last batch of snow to melt and listen to my gas boiler fire up, I am reminded that it is never too late to request a home energy audit. This is a positive audit which requires a small investment on the homeowner's part ($75 if you heat with gas or electricity, $300 if you heat with oil) and pays you back in several ways. First, you receive a report on making your home more energy efficient. Second, a contractor makes minor improvements on site as part of the inspection which will help you save $$$ immediately … (1 comments)

brent bell: Buyer tip: How to save on real estate taxes when choosing your home - 03/01/09 10:45 PM
To the average homebuyer in central Connecticut, local real estate taxes are an important variable. The higher the taxes, the less monthly remains in the budget to pay the mortgage. The mill rate (or cost per thousand dollars of assessed home value) is set by each individual town and is recalculated each year.
For instance, the current West Hartford mill rate is 36.97. As an example, 572 South Main Street http://brentbellcrs.point2agent.com/Listing/VirtualTour.ashx?ListingID=2104829 has an assessed value (after applying the tax phase-in) of $132,979. This yields an annual tax of $4,916.23.
To double check the taxes in West Hartford for a property you like, … (0 comments)

 

Brent Bell

CRS, e-PRO, GRI, Hartford County

West Hartford, CT

More about me…

RE/MAX Premier, Realtors

Address: 75 Brace Road, West Hartford, CT, 06107

Office: (860) 882-0414

Mobile: (860) 614-8927



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