Natural Fences

Good fences make good neighbors is an old adage with which I agree, but, I do not remember whose quote it is, possibly Mark Twain. Knowing just where ones space ends and another's' begins is a good piece of knowledge. As personal space exists in social situations reasonable space should be allotted to ones neighbor as well. To be confident with boundaries, which is a good thing, home owners should have an A-2 survey done on their property. Now one can erect a fence with the piece of mind that it is on their property only. Land is one of those things people take very seriously, and well they should.

Fences like people come in various styles, barbed wire, split rail, stockade, slump block, white picket etcetera, etcetera. I believe the best fences are natural dividers such as bushes or trees. Arborvitaes, white pines, ‘rockets' and all evergreens make excellent year round privacy partitions as well as greatly enhancing not only your properties beauty but curb appeal which translates into greater appreciation. How many times have we read the phrase "mature plantings" in a properties description? It is an attribute to be mature. As well, this style of fence is literally being green, the best for the environment which means the best for us - the ones who reside in the environment as well as providing shelter and food for birds and other small creatures. I prefer evergreens, being in Connecticut, for their all year privacy and no leaves to rake in the fall. Plant fences that live and grow; serenity and nature will come to you.

Regards,
ed Peterson, Broker

eDrakeRealEstate.com

Home OwnerShip

It is good to see the weather turning for the better and for me that means warmer days, nights and more sunlight in Connecticut; my melatonin level is up and I am pumped for the next season of real estate.

I believe that home ownership is the best personal investment one can make. Home provides one the ability to control the condition, improvements, maintenance, amenities and landscape of an investment with the added plus of realizing its appreciation. As time goes by and all of this time and care is accumulating investment stability the homeowner receives the added value of comfort, shelter and a place to grow and to go in good times and in bad and raise a glass with friends and family; a homes' worth goes well beyond its price.

Wall Street gives investors none of these advantages; stock is worth what it is worth with an investors hope that the company will be well run and profitable. Investors cannot control the golden parachutes or Enron type debacles. In my opinion Wall Street will never/can ever beat Main Street as the best investment money can buy. I do believe in Wall Street, but, as secondary investment strategies after a sound real estate foundation is developed. Of course, a homeowner to be or one that is simply moving, should consult with a competent, experienced, career REALTOR to realize their best success. Real estate is too integral part of life and ones financial investment to trust to a part time agent, or no agent at all. 

ed Peterson, Broker
eDrake Real Estate,llc 

eDrakeRealEstate.com

The Other Market - A Buyer's Market

We are a country of consumers. When prices rise as with gasoline and other commodities, we don't like it because we are the buyers not the sellers. When prices begin to fall on occasion we feel better about making a purchase because this is a market we want - lower, descending prices for the same product. Though the price of commodities will fluctuate they will never be as low as they were in the 1970's and everyone pretty much accepts that as fact.

Real estate is no different, prices will never be as they were in the 1970's. We are in a buyer's market, but, what I consistently hear from national and local media and many real estate agents is that the real estate market is terrible. If I were a buyer or consumer of real estate I would wonder why I am the forgotten half in this equation. Are buyers not the other half of the market - sellers do not sell unless buyers buy, in fact that is a fact. For professional real estate agents to be pessimistic about this current real estate market borders on insulting. If I were a buyer I would want to be represented by someone who understands that real estate is local and most cities have many markets within them, as well as, regionally and nationally. I would want an agent that can interpret property values beyond the numbers of a Comparative Market Analysis or CMA; and use their expertise and experience to educate and council me. I would want to work with a professional that enjoys what they do and brings reality to their job not bumper-sticker-one-liner salesmanship or that looks through rose colored glasses either.

I have had agents and news reports telling that this real estate market is worse than the last buyers market of 1989-1996; I disagree. My career in real estate began in 1988 and during those years a buyer had less mortgage options, 28/36 was the standard, and rates offered were 9-12%; todays mortgage market offers many more choices. As well, buyers are now contractually represented by their agent and with advancements in technology today's buyer is better educated in real estate and expect their agents to know their business. A buyer in this market needs an agent with experience that can understand their goals and present them the best options to maximise the results. The seller's market has ebbed, but this buyer's market flows. It is a good for buyers and the professionals that can represent them. Be good, have fun and be productive. 

ed Peterson, Broker
eDrakeRealEstate.com

eDrake Real Estate offers exclusive Concierge Class Real Estate Services for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, Arizona

eDrake Real Estate, based in Connecticut, specializes in luxury properties offering exquisite resort style living in Scottsdale, Arizona, for buyers in the Connecticut and New York regions. This is in addition to the Concierge Class Real Estate Services they provide in Connecticut for buyers and sellers of residential and commercial properties.

Licensed in Arizona and equipped with the knowledge of the area and the buying process in Arizona, allows them to offer a unique service to those who are looking to relocate or purchase a vacation, resort, investment or second-home property in the Scottsdale - Phoenix area. Currently, eDrake is the only CT agency dually licensed in bot CT and AZ.

From the comfort of your home and with the assistance of the internet, eDrake will meet you to counsel and advise on luxury properties that fit your needs. When you are ready to preview these homes, eDrake agents will meet you in Arizona and personally show homes and provide area tours of resorts, spas, golf courses and area attractions throughout the area.

For agents, eDrake will provide a referral fee upon a successful closed transaction.

eDrake Real Estate is the Scottsdale Luxury Home experts in Connecticut.

Please welcome Nydia Felix as an agent with eDrake Real Estate!

Marilee & Ed Peterson are proud to announce the addition of Nydia Felix to the eDrake family!

In 2006, Nydia Felix left her life-long home in New York City to make a new life in Milford, Connecticut.  Her decision to leave New York meant leaving friends, family and her career, which included her dedication and subsequent rise to the position of President of Krona Chemical Inc., a NYC chemical export company.

Nydia's impetus to relocate was her desire for a fresh start and a new career. She began by reviving her past sales experience by working in the hospitality and cosmetics markets.  While networking at a Chamber of Commerce event, she met Ed and Marilee Peterson of eDrake Real Estate.  She quickly realized that real estate was the perfect answer to her desire for a dynamic and challenging career that would match her goals, her entrepreneurial spirit and her talents. 

Nydia holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Hunter College and is fluent in Spanish.  She practices yoga in her leisure time, and happy with her life transition, Nydia has recently become engaged. 

A Slice of Vermont in Connecticut!

Are you looking for a Vermont Chalet but live in CT? This incredible home found in Seymour CT is perfect for you. Original and unique, this home is built with log construction.

Enjoy breath-taking views from inside or from the large deck. Facing west, you'll never miss that perfect sunset! Open-floor plan with cathedral ceilings, floor to ceiling windows and fieldstone fireplace make a dramatic statement. The wood-burning stove adds elegance and warmth.

The Master Bedroom suite includes a loft sitting area overlooking the dining room/living room with views, a master bath w/whirlpool tub, skylight, double sinks. Two more bedrooms and another full bath are found on the first level.

Quiet & serene, the home sits on .6 acre on a lightly wooded lot, with a stonewall in the back. 2 car attached garage, generator, hydro-air heat with new boiler (2/08) and central air are just a few of the many features found in this home.

Offered at $369,000.