Jon Sigler, Connecticut FHA Mortgage Expert

Manchester Connecticut Foreclosure and REO Properites 6 Tips For A Successful Offer

Jon Sigler Your FHA Mortgage Loan Expert (Franklin American Mortgage Company) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:48:20 -0600

Buying foreclosure or REO property in Manchester, Connecticut can sometimes provide you with a great bargain. Not all foreclosure or REO properties are great bargains. How can you make sure your offer is great and more likely to be accepted by the bank or owner of the property? Use these six tips for a successful offer:

What did the current owner pay for the property and what kind of loan did they use. This matters so you can see what the bank may need to receive in selling the property. If the original loan was an FHA loan there is insurance that will cover 100% of the shortfall (if there is one). Getting this answer usually requires going to town hall and that can also provide you with information about the status of the property.
The market value of the property. You want to know what that is today and if the property needs work what it will be with that work completed. You care about what the property is worth repaired since you will need to pay for those repairs. You don't want to "over pay" for the property so at minimum the cost of the repairs should be subtracted from the after repaired value in determining your offer. Considering there are great unknowns in renovating properties you should subtract some extra to give yourself room for error.
Scrutinize the REO and foreclosure listings. – Look at the value of other foreclosure or REO homes andnormal "arms length" transactions. What kind of "discount" do foreclosure or REO properties receive in Manchester? This takes a little detective work since know the condition of they were in is difficult.
Cash offer. – The banks usually prefer cash offers. But we know there is little possibility that you will make a true cash offer, nice idea right?. What can you do to make your offer stronger? Ask about an FHA 203k loan, it will allow you to have the money to buy and fix up the property in one loan. A bank will respect that loan option as having more likelihood of closing. Make sure to not only talk with but show your loan officer your pay stubs, bank statements and make sure that your credit has been pulled BEFORE writing your offer. How you calculate your income and how an underwriter do may be two different things, one may not qualify you for the home you want. Make sure your loan officer knows the property is in need of work, or is a foreclosure. This may limit the loan programs that can be used.
Take into account the number of offers. – Your offer should also be dependent upon the number of offers that have been made for the property. If the house has been on the market for many, many months with no takers it might be possible to offer less, but likewise don't expect a low-ball offer to be accepted on a clean ready to move in foreclosure with heavy showing traffic 2 days after going on the market.
Inspection – Banks don't like inspections, so do them BEFORE making your offer, or understand most banks will sell "as-is". An "as-is" contract might allow you to inspect after going to contract it might not allow you to exit the contract for inspection issues. Might as well inspect before making the offer and becoming obligated to purchase the property.

These six tips will help you to successfully make an offer on a foreclosure or REO property in Manchester, CT. Are you looking to purchase a foreclosure or REO property in Manchester, CT or the surrounding towns? Ask about an FHA 203k loan. A 203k loan will allow you the finds to both purchase a home in need of repair, but also the money you need to pay for those repairs. Thanks to http://www.flickr.com/photos/jbhill/ for a great photo.

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If you or someone you know is thinking of buying or selling property in Connecticut or is looking to refinance their home in Connecticut -Please give Jon Sigler, Mortgage Banker with Franklin American Mortgage Company, a call! Call Jon at 860-306-8029 or e-mail at jsigler@franklinamerican.com. Be sure to check out Jon's website www.franklinamerican.com/jonsigler and blog at www.activerain.com/jonsigler.

The New and Improved Home Buyer Tax Credit

Jon Sigler Your FHA Mortgage Loan Expert (Franklin American Mortgage Company) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:40:03 -0600

It is now official, the President has signed the extention of the home buyer tax credit. Yeah. If you had not found a house or were worried about being able to close by the end of the month you have time once again.

Via Claudette Millette - Metrowest Mass Exclusive Buyer Broker (The Buyers' Counsel):

The much-anticipated extension to the home buyer tax credit has finally been approved. The Senate's vote yesterday resulted in a 98-0 win and today it was passed in the house. The bill now moves to the President's desk for a final signature.

First-time home buyers have been eligible for tax credits of up to $8,000 since last January as part of this year's economic stimulus package. The newly backed program will expand the credit to include existing home owners.

Under the revised program, those who have owned a home for at least five years will be able to apply for tax credits of up to $6,500 when they purchase their next home.  To qualify, buyers will have to sign a purchase agreement by April 30, 2010 and close by June 30.

The maximum purchase price on a home will be $800,000 with vacation homes not eligible. Income limitations are $125,000 for single tax payers and $225,000 for joint filers.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) have been lobbying hard for the extension and expansion of the tax credit. NAR claims that so far, about 1.4 million first-time homebuyers have qualified for the program and they estimated that 350,000 of these buyers would not have otherwise purchased.

The tax credit is also set to be extended for another year for military personnel serving outside of the United States until June 30, 2011.

Senator Johnny Isakson, who heavily pushed for the extension, along with his own version that would have increased the credit to $15,000 stated, "This is probably the last extension."

But, is this really true? When April 2010 comes around and the housing market is still not in full recovery mode, will the politicians be able to let this go and actually come to an end, or could it possibly become a more permanent subsidy?

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Copyright 2009 - Claudette Millette, Broker, Owner, TheBuyersCounsel - 800-392-1446  - E-mail

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Connecticut Lowest Interest Rate Mortgage Refinance Loans - 3 Ways to Get a Low Rate Refinance

Jon Sigler Your FHA Mortgage Loan Expert (Franklin American Mortgage Company) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:34:40 -0600

Connecticut Lowest Interest Rate Mortgage Refinance Loans - 3 Ways to Get a Low Rate Refinance

Getting the lowest rate possible when refinancing is very important. If you are looking to refinance to lower your monthly payment the lowest rate will give you the lowest payment. If you are looking to get cash back when refinancing the lower your interest rate the lower your monthly payment. Since not all refinance loans are created equal your should follow these three tips when applying for your loan to get the lowest interest rate mortgage refinance loan here in Connecticut.

1. Refinance It All

If you have a 2nd mortgage or home equity line of credit you may look to refinance both loans together into your new loan. Leaving a 2nd mortgage in place increases the risk of your new loan and can increase the cost of your new loan. Combining the two loans may also reduce your monthly payment compared with the 2 payments. Lets explore both options and find out which is better for you.

2. Don’t Cash Out All Your Equity

Receiving cash back at closing, or "cashing out" can also raise your interest rate. The more equity in your home at closing the lower your interest rate could be, the less equity you have in your home the greater the risk to the lender and in turn the interest rate for your loan. If you plan on "cashing out" we should explore the amount of money you need and if different amount could impact your final cost of your new loan.

3. Lower Your Rate With Points

No one likes points and considering the common thought is that they just pad lenders pockets it is no wonder no one likes them. In reality they will get you a lower interest rate for the life of your loan. Planning in being in your home long enough that they make sense, a doubling or tripling your "investment", we should explore if they make sense. If they will not provide enough return they should be avoided. Before simply saying "No" we need to talk and find out what the options are with and without points and which option is best for you. If your goal is to save money picking the option that saves you the most money is the right option.

Just remember that the lowest interest rate will not always be the cheapest loan. Factor in the cost of closing costs when comparing your options. I look forward to helping you get the lowest interest rate mortgage refinance loan here in Connecticut.

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How To Request Your Credit Report

Jon Sigler Your FHA Mortgage Loan Expert (Franklin American Mortgage Company) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:38:01 -0500

How To Request Your Credit Report Checking your credit report regularly is a good move and can help protect you from identity theft, find and correct errors or unauthorized access. The Fair Credit Reporting Act guarantees you access to a free credit report from each of the three nationwide reporting agencies Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion every year. There are some other times you are entitled to your report for free such as, if you have been denied credit or insurance and your credit was a part of that decision; you are unemployed and plan to look for a job in the next 60 days; you are on welfare, or if you live in certain states (Connecticut is not one of them). You can always obtain your report by paying for it (currently no more than $10.50) from each of the bureaus at any time, but hey if it is free that is much better. Why spend money if you do not have to?

How to request your credit report, select in one of the three ways:

Online. Make sure that you visit AnnualCreditReport.com. It is the only authorized source of your free annual credit report. Do not be fooled by impostor sites, or come-on's like "FREE" this or that. You need to be prepared to confirm your identity, that will include the usual name/address/social security number as well as if you have a bill with this or that company and about what the monthly payment is. You also need to make sure you follow the onscreen prompts to make sure you end up back at the AnnualCreditReport.com site so you can request each of your three reports, it is not a one request get all three at one time set up.

By Phone. The phone number to call is 1-877-322-8228.

By Mail. Use this credit report request formto obtain credit report by mail. The link will open a pdf document in a new window. Print the form, complete and mail to: Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281. The address will also be on the form.

The Federal Trade Commission has a a great website dedicated to obtaining your free annual credit report. Check it out, there is lots of great information there. They remind you anyone Anyone can write a catchy jingle, but only AnnualCreditReport.com provides you with a truly free credit report. AnnualCreditReport.comrequires no hidden fees or trial memberships.

How to request your credit report, there are 3 easy ways to make your request. Pick the option you feel most comfortable with and start protecting your identity, and fixing any errors that you may have on your report. A hint on adding identity theft protection, request one report at a time. Spread your requests out throughout the year (say Experian in February, Equifax in July and TransUnion in September) and be able to check your credit three times a year, not just once.

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Manchester FHA Mortgage Loan - How to Pick a Lender in Manchester, Connecticut

Jon Sigler Your FHA Mortgage Loan Expert (Franklin American Mortgage Company) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:25:06 -0500

Manchester FHA Mortgage Loan - How to Pick a Lender in Manchester, Connecticut

Picking the right lender can have a large impact on the success of your real estate transaction. Selecting the right lender can help you to ensure you have selected the right mortgage loan for your situation as well as made sure you got a smart economic deal. Remember a great price on the wrong loan is often thousands of dollars more expensive than the right loan, and a great price that never closes is not a great price.

Tip #1- It is best to consult a real estate professional in the Manchester when picking a lender. Real estate professionals will recommend only the best local lenders as they constantly appraise lenders’ ability to deliver loans and contract terms. They will never suggest untrustworthy lenders to their client as the failure of the lender will cause them to lose their clients and good reputation. Hence they usually suggest only extremely well known lenders that they would use for their own mortgages. Ask Brian Burke, Manchester Real Estate Professional who he would recommend for an FHA Mortgage Loan in Manchester, CT. 860-798-3272.

Tip #2- It is better to use a local lender company in Connecticut than opt for online lenders. Local lenders are well versed in the local laws of the Connecticut. They can solve your mortgage problems better when they arise. Online lenders may entice you with paltry savings; however they may not have loan officers capable of evaluating your situation and selecting the best loan for your situation. They may provide you with Good Faith Estimates which are not complete or have errors leaving you with a closing surprise where you needed hundreds or thousands of extra dollars at closing. They are likely not trained to help you to select the right time to lock, it might be RIGHT NOW, and it might closer to your closing, but are simply call center order takes. Ask them what drives mortgage rates, if they say T-Bills, close your browser and call Jon Sigler 860-306-8029. (Hint the right answer is mortgage backed securities)

Tip #3- You must have a face to face meeting with the lender to sign the application, not because it is required with an FHA Mortgage Loan in Manchester but because it makes you feel comfortable. Will they meet you at your home or another location where you feel comfortable? Are they available in the evening when you are out of work? In general do you feel comfortable? A mortgage is not a time to be hustled, or have a beginner handle things. We are working with your largest asset and your largest monthly bill.

Tip #4- Choose only a lender who makes complete disclosure of all aspects of the loan and puts everything in writing. The lender should reveal all fees, payments and if you choose a broker the commission calculations of the loan. As the broker to specify exactly how much they will be making, not a range of 0-2%, or even a round number. Yield Spread or “YSP” is rarely if ever a round number. Costs like property taxes, credit report inspection costs, escrow fees and pest examination fees should also be disclosed upfront. Your lender must furnish you his GFE-good faith estimate within three days of applying for the loan. He must also enlighten you on prepayment penalties that he will impose for loss of profits due to refinancing and rate slashing when you pay earlier than expected. Make sure that the good faith estimate has enough money for being set aside escrows. It is an easy way for one lender to look better than another, but in reality at closing all lenders will collect the same amount regardless of what your loan officer or broker said or showed you upfront. Ask for a written rate lock agreement, that simple document can eliminate a great deal of transaction frustrations. Your rate is not locked at what it shows on the application, it is locked to what shows on your rate lock.

Following these simple tips can help you to select a great lender to help you with your mortgage needs.Are you looking to buy a home in Manchester or the surrounding area? Call Jon Sigler Manchester FHA Mortgage Loan expert at 860-306-8029. He will be glad to meet with you at your home and will put everything in writing to eliminate surprises.

Thanks to http://www.flickr.com/photos/nate_kate/ for a great photo!

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Enfield FHA Mortgage Loans - Top 5 Questions About FHA Mortgage Loans

Jon Sigler Your FHA Mortgage Loan Expert (Franklin American Mortgage Company) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:08:20 -0500

Enfield FHA Mortgage Loans - Top 5 Questions About FHA Mortgage Loans

FHA Mortgage Loans are now one of the hottest loans available and considered as one the best ways to fix the housing crisis currently in the US. Started during the Great Depression of the 1930s, the Federal Housing Administration since then secured loans for millions of Americans who want to own a home.

What makes an FHA mortgage loan so great? Here are answers for 5 common questions about Enfield FHA mortgage loans:

1. What are its prime benefits? The ability to purchase a home with less than a 20% down payment along with guidelines which are understanding of first time buyers and those who have had issues in their past. Because the loan is guaranteed by the government lenders are more willing to accept the greater risk presented by a low down payment FHA mortgage loan. Currently the cost of the FHA mortgage insurance is less expensive than PMI or "Private Mortgage Insurance" which has gotten more expensive since the "meltdown". Also PMI requires a down payment of 10% (this could change in the future but was accurate in October 2009 for loans here in Connecticut) where FHA only requires a borrower to put down 3.5%.

2. Who can qualify for this loan? In general terms a borrower can qualify if they have stable employment, good credit (currently a 620 score or greater will indicate good credit), and have the small 3.5% down payment ($3500 per $100,000 of the loan) available. You must also not own another property which has a government guaranteed mortgage on it (FHA, VA or Rural Housing). To confirm you are eligible for an FHA mortgage, please call me. You DO NOT have to be a first time buyer to get an FHA mortgage, and you may get an FHA mortgage again if you have had one in the past.

3. Can someone with blemished credit history qualify? You may have had credit troubles in the past and still qualify for an FHA mortgage. A bankruptcy, a foreclosure, collection accounts, or judgments. You should be able to demonstrate that your troubles are in the past. Each situation is different so if you have blemished credit, please call me. You may be surprised to find out you are able to buy a home right now, if not we can create a plan for you so you can buy a house in the future. It is possible, call me.

4. What information do I need to give you when I apply? We will want to know where you have lived for the past 2 years, your landlords contact information is helpful to have available. We need to know about all the jobs you have had in the past 2 years, including company name, address, phone number, job title and dates of employment. For your current employment we will want a months worth of pay stubs, and your last 2 years W2's. For your down payment we will need your last 2 months bank statements, or last quarters statement. This is a quick overview for a list that applies to you and your situation please call me.

5. Is there a pre-payment penalty? FHA loans do not have pre-payment penalties. You can pay any amount extra from a few extra dollars with each payment or the entire balance in advance.

As you can see an FHA Mortgage Loan is a great way to finance your new home. It could allow you to make a minimum down payment, have just okay credit with troubles in your past and be able to pay the loan off early should the opportunity present itself. A great combination for anyone looking to buy a home. Call me to find out if an Enfield FHA mortgage loan is right for you. 860-306-8029

Thanks to http://www.flickr.com/photos/danielsphotography for a great photograph!

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Bristol FHA Mortgage - The Benefits of Prequalifying for a Home Mortgage in Bristol, Connecticut

Jon Sigler Your FHA Mortgage Loan Expert (Franklin American Mortgage Company) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:37:41 -0500

Bristol FHA Mortgage - The Benefits of Prequalifying for a Home Mortgage in Bristol, Connecticut

Getting prequalified for your mortgage loan is a measurement of your commitment and dedication to making an actual purchase of a property in Bristol. This also gives benefits to all three players in the purchase of a home: the buyer, the seller and the real estate agent. Here are a few benefits of getting prequalified for a mortgage before you actually take the time to look for a Bristol home.

Benefits to the seller

Knowing that you are able to purchase their home will bring credibility to your offer. A prequalification letter is a big step in proving that point to the seller. When that letter comes from a company that is local, or the agents have experience can bring more value to that offer as well. Far too often everyone has been left hanging when the processes started with an internet lender who didn’t properly pre-qualify the borrower, or maybe they don’t offer FHA Mortgage Loans in Bristol.

The Benefits to the Real Estate Agent

Any real estate agent in Bristol will tell you that it takes a lot of time and energy to help his clients find their perfect home. If the bank does not approve their buyers loan that Real Estate Agent has lost those hours and revenue. By taking the time to get pre-qualified before looking at homes shows your Real Estate Agent that you are serious and also able to buy a home.

Your own benefits

You will find that your Bristol real estate agent is much more dedicated to giving you the time and energy necessary to help you find a great home. Also, the seller will take you much more seriously when you place an offer, because he can assume that you are able to purchase their home, because you took the time to get prequalified for your mortgage.

There is a lot of free information available to you about buying, selling or investing in Bristol real estate. For complete information about the Bristol real estate market including current homes for sale, property values and mortgage options including Bristol FHA Mortgage Loans more please call me on my cell at 860-306-8029.

Thanks to: http://www.flickr.com/photos/michiganmoves/ for a great photo.

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10 Commandments Home Buyers Must Follow

Jon Sigler Your FHA Mortgage Loan Expert (Franklin American Mortgage Company) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:11:47 -0500

When buying a home there are things a buyer can do to help the process and things they can do to hinder the process. This excellent post by Dr. Chantal Saucier of Keller Williams Realty Acadiana is an excellent list of do's and don'ts.

For the Mel Brooks fans out there we know that in History of the World Part 1, Moses originally had 15 commandments and he drops one of the tablets, giving us just the 10 commandments. (I like comedies!) So I'd like to add a few additional "Commandments" that I also find valuable and hope that when buying your house you don't drop the 3rd tablet.

1. Keep copies of your pay stubs.
2. Keep copies of your bank statements.
3. If you are going to get a gift, or take money from your 401k talk with me BEFORE taking the money out, or making the deposit.
4. Tell your loan officer what they need to hear, not what you think they want to hear or only what you want to tell them.
5. Find a house you really love, and can afford.

Via Dr. Chantal Saucier (Keller Williams Realty Acadiana):

These 10 Commandments home buyers must follow may seem like common sense to many. Buyers, however, can sometimes forget with all the excitement surrounding the buying of their new home. In the past couple of weeks, I have heard of two separate buyers who saw their home loan turned down, and their dream shattered, a few days before closing because they had bought furniture for their new home before it actually became their home. Both of them now have beautiful furniture with no home to put them in.

These two buyers were not my clients but it always hurts when I hear of transactions falling apart for reasons that could have been avoided. These 10 commandments are part of the buyer packet I give all my clients when we first meet and I always stress that once they get pre-approved and the process is started, they can't do anything that might affect their credit.

1. Thou shalt not change jobs, become self-employed or quit your job.

2. Thou shalt not buy a car, truck or van (or you may be living in it)!

3. Thou shalt not use credit cards excessively or let your accounts fall behind.

4. Thou shalt not spend money you have set aside for closing.

5. Thou shalt not omit debts or liabilities from your loan application.

6. Thou shalt not buy furniture.

7. Thou shalt not originate any inquiries into your credit.

8. Thou shalt not make large deposits without first checking with your loan officer.

9. Thou shalt not change bank accounts.

10. Thou shalt not co-sign a loan for anyone.

If you are in the process of buying a home, remember that your credit must not change or be affected in any way until you actually sign the paperwork and get possession of your new home. Lenders will not only look into your credit when you first get pre-approved, they will check it again (and sometimes again and again) before they let you sign the mortgage. If you want to buy new furniture for your home or change jobs, just be patient. There will always be time to do it after the closing.

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Getting a Fixer Upper in West Hartford - What to Look for in a West Hartford Fixer-Upper

Jon Sigler Your FHA Mortgage Loan Expert (Franklin American Mortgage Company) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 21:08:39 -0500

Getting a Fixer Upper in West Hartford - What to Look for in a West Hartford Fixer-Upper

Have you been thinking about getting a fixer upper in West Hartford as an investment that you can repair and sell later? Maybe you want to buy it to live in it. Either way, finding a good one can be a real money-maker. Here are a few ideas of what to look for when you are searching for a Fixer Upper in West Hartford as your next home.

1. Simple Problems -You need to find a West Hartford house that looks incredibly ugly, yet has very simple problems. Painting, flooring and other superficial problems can be a gold mine in an old house. They can prevent a sale even when the West Hartford home is full of potential. Many buyers are scared by even simple repairs, or they can't see through the "ugly" and see the "beautiful" it can be.

2. No Structural Problems - Structural problems in a home are usually too costly to repair, at least they bring great unknowns to the total costs. Some structural difficulties can be difficult to spot, and you may need to call in a professional for a home assessment in order to find them.

3. A Good Neighborhood - Although it is more difficult to find a fixer-upper in a good West Hartford neighborhood versus a bad one, you can spot some hidden gems that can equate to thousands of dollars in the long run. Are you planning on living in the home after it is fixed up, then you will care about the location of the parks, or proximity to your work, and more. Going to Rent the property after think about access to the bus line, and remember the more bedrooms the greater the rental income.

Financing a West Hartford Fixer Upper can be easy if you plan to live in the property afterward. There is a great program that will provide you with the money to purchase the property as well as the money you need to fix up the property. All with an incredibly low down payment! Let me give you all the details of this awesome loan program.

If you need more free information about selling, buying or investing in West Hartford real estate, feel free to contact me. For complete information about the West Hartford real estate market, including the most recent homes for sale including Fixer Uppers, current property values and more please call me on my cell at 860-306-8029.

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West Hartford Green Home - Is The Hose Eco-Friendly

Jon Sigler Your FHA Mortgage Loan Expert (Franklin American Mortgage Company) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 22:40:47 -0500

West Hartford Green Home - So you want to buy a green home in West Hartford, but don’t know where to start? There are many points to consider when evaluating if a home is environmentally friendly. Being green is more than just using eco-friendly products. Other items to look at include sustainability and efficiency.

Of course using products that were produced with the environment in mind is important. However, sometime it can be green to use an older product. Recycling vintage products such as antique flooring or decorative hardware is eco-friendly because new materials and energy are not being consumed to create the product and the previously used items are not going to the landfill. New homes and newly remodeled homes are using this practice more and more. A great source in the West Hartford area is The ReCONNstruction Center.

When new items are purchased for a West Hartford green home there are several points to consider. Water and energy consumption are big factors. A green home can appear to be the same as a traditional home. Both homes have toilets, water heaters, showers, clothes washers, and garden irrigation systems. The difference between the two houses is the green home chooses environmentally conscious designed appliances to do the job. A tankless water heater uses less energy to heat because the water is heated only when called for. Traditional water heaters use energy to keep the water in the tank hot 24/7. Showerheads in the bathroom and faucets on all of the sinks can be installed with flow restrictors. This will use less water. A front load washing machine uses much less water than a top load machine, in fact the University of Leeds has designed a machine that uses just one cup of water per wash!

The landscape of a home can tell a lot about how efficient and sustainable it is. The orientation of a home on the land should be eco-friendly. When looking at homes in the West Hartford area notice how the home sits on the property. It should make the most out of daylight. This will reduce the need for heating and lighting. Landscaping is important too. Plants that are native to New England have many benefits over other landscaping. Native plants use less water, need less maintenance, and generally are less susceptible to pests. Other green landscaping practices include a system for gathering rain water and grey water to use as irrigation. Well placed trees can make the property look good and also help shield the home from the summer sun thereby reducing your cooling needs and costs.

Green homes help the homeowner’s budget as well as the environment. Looking at a home which needs renovation, consider a “green” renovation and an FHA 203k loan that allows you to finance both the cost to purchase the property but also the renovations. Get the money to install that super efficient furnace, insulation, energy star appliances and more. Ask me for information about how you can finance your “green” renovations.

There is a lot of free information available to you about buying a green home in West Hartford. For complete information about the West Hartford real estate market including current homes for sale, property values and more please call me on my cell at 860-306-8029 or email me.

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South Windsor Homes For Sale - A Checklist for the First Time Home Buyer in South Windsor

Jon Sigler Your FHA Mortgage Loan Expert (Franklin American Mortgage Company) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:26:44 -0500

South Windsor Homes For Sale - A Checklist for the First Time Home Buyer in South Windsor

Buying your first home in South Windsor, may very well be the most important decision you will make in your life. You are in for an exciting journey and adventure. As long as you know what lies ahead you will be well prepared for home ownership and all it entails. Here's a brief checklist of some of the most important things you should keep in mind when looking for your first home in South Windsor.

#1 - How much can you really afford? Before you start looking you at South Windsor Homes for Sale you should have a price in mind that is not flexible and cannot be increased. It is tempting to take a look at South Windsor homes that are more expensive than your budget, but if you fall in love with one of them you may end up buying it and later regretting it. You want to be house happy, not house poor. This maximum price will come from talking about what you can afford and what you feel comfortable paying each month for your house.

#2 - Do you want a home that is in perfect condition or do you mind putting some more work into it after the purchase? You may be able to find a South Windsor home that needs a small amount of work and be able to get it at a decent price because of that. Some people want a home that is perfect and requires no repairs at the time of purchase, while other people want to roll up their sleeves and do their own work. This is a decision you should make before you start looking at houses in South Windsor, because it will narrow down the search for a home significantly. In the end it may be a financial decision, you may need the lower month payment just to afford the home you want, or you may say a certain increase for a perfect home is worth the cost and time of doing so after you purchase the home.

#3 - Although it may seem unimportant at first or even silly, buying a house with two floors or more will mean a lot of stair climbing. Some people really don't mind the stairs, while others prefer all the rooms to be situated on one floor. If you are buying this South Windsor home as a potential place of retirement in the near or distant future, you may want to consider getting a bungalow or ranch style home. Some people really don't mind the stairs, while others prefer all the rooms to be situated on one floor. Think about the life events that could happen for you while you own the home. Make sure it works for you today, but also for you "tomorrow".

There is a lot of free information available to you about buying, selling or investing in South Windsor Homes for Sale. For complete information about the South Windsor real estate market including current homes for sale, property values and more please visit the most complete website online dedicated to everything South Windsor real estate SouthWindsorRealEstate.com. Please feel free to contact me with any of your real estate or mortgage related questions and I will be more than glad to answer your questions. Call me on my cell at 860-306-8029 or email me.

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The Longest Dinner Table in South Windsor, CT September 26, 2009

Jon Sigler Your FHA Mortgage Loan Expert (Franklin American Mortgage Company) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 22:22:31 -0500

The Longest Dinner Table will be held in South Windsor, CT on September 26, 2009. This is the 3rd annual, and is the signature fundraising event for the South Windsor Public Education Fund Committee.

It will be help from 5:00pm until 10:00pm at The Promenade Shops at Evergreen Walk in Rockville Park (over near L.L. Bean) If there is rain then festivities will move to Nomad's Adventure Quest on Route 5 in South Windsor, on the same date and time.

Back again this year to provide live entertainment is Locomotion. As always groups should decorate their table and awards will be given for the table which is Best Overall, Most Creative, Most Community Spirit, and Most Elegant. Table decorating is encourage! Teacher of the year Janet McEleney and Jeanne Budarz, Support Staff Employee of the Year will be honored at the event.

Check out the silent auction, 50/50 raffel, and fun "Heads or Tails" game.

The purpose of The Longest Dinner Table is to provide funds to support projects and programs for the South Windsor Public Schools, to enhance the learning experience and encourage creativity and innovation both for students and teachers at all levels and grades. The South Windsor Public Education Fund solicits gifts and grants and engages in fundraising to provide resources dedicated to benefit South Windsor public education.

Tickets for The Longest Dinner Table are $25 each, or $200 for a table of 8 and are tax deductible. For more information contact Liza Love at (860) 289-8502, or print out this invitation.

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South Windsor Homes For Sale - Guide to Buying a Home in South Windsor for the First Time Buyer

Jon Sigler Your FHA Mortgage Loan Expert (Franklin American Mortgage Company) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 06:35:55 -0500

South Windsor Homes For Sale - Guide to Buying a Home in South Windsor for the First Time Buyer

Buying a home for the first time can seem like an overwhelming task. You're making the biggest financial decision of your life, and there are many things to consider. It helpful to understand the process from start to finish. In this article, I'll walk you through the entire process of buying a house in South Windsor so that your entire home buying experience will go more smoothly.

Step #1 - Getting Your Mortgage Pre-Approved

As we both know, lenders aren't nearly as permitting as they used to be. It's important to understand your mortgage options before you go looking at properties. You want to make sure your eyes fit your wallet.

I will want to find out about your income, money you have available to put down, what your credit is like. We will talk about what you feel comfortable spending each month on your home. Based on all of the information I collect I'll let you know what options are available to you and what the best option is to finance your first home.

Step #2 - Finding a Home You Like

There are lots of South Windsor homes for sale so the next step in the process is to find a home that appeals to you. Make sure you see several houses before you make your decision, so that you know what the options are. You may find you need just a little more house to get what you want and you may find a little less will do just find as well and save you money.

Step #3 - The Offer and Negotiation Process

Crafting a good offer is vitally important. It's important to work with a real estate agent who understands how to choose contingencies, clauses, the right amount to offer and good negotiation strategies. I'll be glad to refer you to a great real estate agent in South Windsor to help you finding South Windsor homes for sale.

Once you've made your offer, the seller will usually make a counter offer. It's rare that the seller will accept your offer up front. Once you both come to an agreement on the price and terms, the contract becomes binding.

Step #4 - Completing the Home Purchase

Once the contract has been agreed on, then you must complete the home inspection and the seller will make any necessary repairs.

Then your loan will be finalized with your loan officer. Finally, the closing is where all the documents are signed, the deed and title are signed over, the seller is paid and the keys are handed over. You are now a happy home owner!

In brief, that is what the home buying process looks like in South Windsor. Please feel free to contact me with any of your real estate or mortgage related questions and I will be more than glad to answer your questions. Call me on my cell at 860-306-8029 or email me.

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South Windsor FSBO - Real Estate Agent vs. FSBO - Should You Use an Agent to Sell Your South Windsor Property?

Jon Sigler Your FHA Mortgage Loan Expert (Franklin American Mortgage Company) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 22:03:46 -0500

South Windsor FSBO - Real Estate Agent vs. FSBO - Should You Use an Agent to Sell Your South Windsor Property? By Jon Sigler, Real Estate Expert

Let's face it. Selling your home is probably one of the biggest financial transactions you'll ever make. Of course you want to do it right. On the other hand, you also want to walk away at the end of the day with the most money possible. Should you hire a real estate agent or should you go with a South Windsor FSBO? Let's look at both sides of coin.

On one hand, by not working with an agent you save yourself the 6% in commissions that real estate agents collect. You have complete control over the process. You get to meet all the buyers and negotiate for yourself. You decide everything for yourself.

The two most common reasons people opt for a FSBO are that they want to be in control and they don't want to pay commissions. That sounds great; but let's look at the other side of the coin.

Real estate agents have spent hundreds of hours learning how to negotiate, how to market and how to sell homes. If you're working with a good agent, chances are they have a lot of experience selling homes just like yours.

When it comes down to it, the statistics tell the real story. The statistics are quite drastic and shocking. The reality is, 88% of FSBOs will not sell and end up listed with a real estate agent anyway and South Windsor FSBO's are no different. Furthermore, sellers that work with real estate agents generally get at least 6% more on their bottom line, which includes paying out commissions.

The reality is, for most sellers working with a real estate agent will result in a faster, more profitable sell. That said, working with an agent may not be for everyone. If you truly believe you can sell the home faster and more profitably or if you must be in control of the process yourself, then perhaps a FSBO really is for you.

On the other hand, if you want to get the most money for your house in the fastest possible timeline, your best bet is probably to work with an experienced real estate agent.

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South Windsor Homes For Sale - 3 Things South Windsor Buyers Must Do BEFORE Buying a First Home in South Windsor

Jon Sigler Your FHA Mortgage Loan Expert (Franklin American Mortgage Company) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 20:21:41 -0500

South Windsor Homes For Sale - 3 Things South Windsor Buyers Must Do BEFORE Buying a First Home in South Windsor, by Jon Sigler, South Windsor Real Estate Expert

Buying a home in South Windsor for the first time can be very exciting. It can be very tempting to want to jump right into looking at homes, dreaming about your future and making offers. However, it's important that you cover your bases before you jump into the pool, so to speak. When you're buying your first South Windsor home, there are several steps you should take before making an offer.

Step One - Improve Your Credit Rating

If you're thinking about buying a house in South Windsor, now is the time to start working on your credit. There's very little you can do a few weeks before closing. However, if you get started six months before you make an offer, you can improve your credit more and possibly reduce your interest rate when it comes time to qualify for your loan.

Step Two - Finding a Great Real Estate Agent

Working with a real estate agent generally doesn't cost you a buyer anything, because the seller pays all the commissions.

Working with a real estate agent in South Windsor gives you a huge advantage in finding South Windsor homes for sale. You get access to years of real estate knowledge and experience. You have a trained negotiator to negotiate on your behalf. You have someone with a wide variety of contacts, from lawyers to property inspectors you can call on.

Step Three - Make Sure to Get Pre-Approval for a Loan

Not only should you get pre-approval, but you should also do your homework on how much of a home in South Windsor you can really afford. Although you might get approved for a loan it doesn't mean that you should spend that much on your first home.

It's important to figure out how much you can really afford and work from there. Once you have a pre-approval letter, sellers are much more likely to consider your offer seriously. Let's discuss what you can afford and what you feel comfortable spending each month on your home. You may learn that you can actually afford more than you thought because of things like the deduction of mortgage interest.

A buyer who's worked on his credit, is working with a great agent and has a pre-approval letter has a far better start on buying a house than a buyer who doesn't. Follow these three steps and you're well on your way to purchasing a great new home in South Windsor!

There is a lot of free information available to you about buying, selling or investing in South Windsor homes for sale. For complete information about the South Windsor real estate market including current homes for sale, property values and mortgage options available for you please call me on my cell at 860-306-8029 or email me using the "email me" link.

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Enfield CT Condo in Carriage House For Sale $194900

Jon Sigler Your FHA Mortgage Loan Expert (Franklin American Mortgage Company) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 21:00:03 -0500

73 Carriage House
Enfield, CT 06082
Carriage House Condo For Sale

Herb Carlon, CBR

Office:	(860) 644-2461
Mobile:	(860) 716-5347
Website:	Visit Website

Price	:	$194,900
Bedrooms	:	2
Bathrooms	:	2
Square Foot	:	1,340
County	:	Hartford
Property Type	:	Condo or Townhouse
Year Built	:	1989
MLS Number	:	G530634

click for more information and pictures

Property Description

TOWNHOUSE WITH ATTACHED GARAGE IN QUIET LOCATION. HARDWOOD FLOORS IN LIVING/DINING ROOM. PRIVATE VIEWS FROM DECK. ADDITIONAL 550 SQ FT IN LOWER LEVEL.

Features List

Central Air

Attached Garage

Equal Housing Opportunity.

Coldwell Banker Res. Brokerage : 481 Buckland Rd - South Windsor CT 06074 : (860) 644-2461

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Somers Home Completely Renovated From Head to Toe! $347500

Jon Sigler Your FHA Mortgage Loan Expert (Franklin American Mortgage Company) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:24:45 -0500

112 Field Rd
Somers, CT 06071
Completely Renovated From Head to Toe!

Herb Carlon, CBR

Office:	(860) 644-2461
Mobile:	(860) 716-5347
Website:	Visit Website

Price	:	$347,500
Bedrooms	:	6
Bathrooms	:	3
Square Foot	:	3,576
Lot Size	:	87,555
County	:	Tolland
Property Type	:	Detached
Year Built	:	1947
MLS Number	:	G532495

click for more information and pictures

Property Description

GREAT RENTAL INVESTMENT. COMPLETELY RENOVATED. BRAND NEW APPLIANCES. 2 ACRES NEXT TO TOWN PARK. WALK TO SCHOOLS. LARGE KITCHEN. OPEN FLOOR PLAN. NEW HARDWOOD FLOORING AND NEW CARPETING. NEW WINDOWS, ROOF AND SIDING.
TWO HOUSES IN ONE ON 2 ACRES! LARGE HOUSE OF 3576 TOTAL SQ.FT. FRONT HOUSE IS 1788 SQ.FT. INLAW IS 1788 SQFT... MAIN HOUSE OFFERS 3 BED 2 BATH, SUN RM, 2 CAR GARAGE... IN-LAW OFFERS 3 BED 1.1 BATH, SUN ROOM.

Features List

2 Car Garage	New Hardwood Floors	Sun room
New Windows	New Roof	New Siding
Open Floor Plan	New Carpeting	Brand New Appliances
2 Acres	Walk to Schools	Next To Park
Large Kitchen

Equal Housing Opportunity.

Coldwell Banker Res. Brokerage : 481 Buckland Rd - South Windsor CT 06074 : (860) 644-2461

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Pristine Dibble Hollow Condo For Sale $219900

Jon Sigler Your FHA Mortgage Loan Expert (Franklin American Mortgage Company) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:43:58 -0500

102 Dibble Hollow Lane
Windsor Locks, CT 06096
Pristine Condo In Sought After Development

Herb Carlon, CBR

Office:	(860) 644-2461
Mobile:	(860) 716-5347
Website:	Visit Website

Price	:	$219,900
Bedrooms	:	2
Bathrooms	:	2
Square Foot	:	1,400
Community	:	Dibble Hollow
County	:	Hartford
Property Type	:	Condo or Townhouse
Year Built	:	2001
MLS Number	:	G532197

click for more information and pictures

Property Description

PRISTINE CONDO IN THE NEWEST PHASE (2001) IN SOUGHT AFTER DEVELOPMENT. OPEN KITCHEN W/LOTS OF COUNTER SPACE. PRIVATE SETTING. LARGE COVERED FRONT PORCH, DECK OFF DINING RM AND WALKOUT LL. ATTACHED GARAGE. ADDL 350SQFT LL. UPSTAIRS LAUNDRY. CHARMING PLACE

Features List

2 1/2 Baths	2 Bedrooms	6 Rooms
Upstairs Laundry	Covered Porch	Built 2001
Central Air	Gas Heat	Attached Garage

Equal Housing Opportunity.

Coldwell Banker Res. Brokerage : 481 Buckland Rd - South Windsor CT 06074 : (860) 644-2461

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South Windsor Parkview South Townhouse Available $184900

Jon Sigler Your FHA Mortgage Loan Expert (Franklin American Mortgage Company) — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 16:34:56 -0500

1507 Summer Hill Drive
South Windsor, CT 06074
Parkview South Townhouse Available In So Windsor

FHA Mortgage Information

Request Showing

Contact Me

Brian Burke

ABR, Realtor

Mobile:	860-798-3272
Website:	Visit Website

Price	:	$184,900
Bedrooms	:	2
Bathrooms	:	2.1
Square Foot	:	1,507
County	:	Hartford
Property Type	:	Condo or Townhouse
Year Built	:	1982
MLS Number	:	g532352

click for more information and pictures

Property Description

Immaculate and spacious Parkview South Townhouse now available in South Windsor with 1 YEAR HOME WARRANTY. Home offers open floor plan, central air, new carpet, fireplace, updated bathrooms and screened porch. Great location and ALL appliances included. Truly a pleasure to show!

Equal Housing Opportunity.

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage : 481 Buckland Rd. - South Windsor CT 06074 : 860-798-3272

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Glastonbury Immaculate Cape Cod with all the Updates $239900

Jon Sigler Your FHA Mortgage Loan Expert (Franklin American Mortgage Company) — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 15:35:19 -0500

5 Checkerberry Lane
Glastonbury, CT 06033
Immaculate Cape Cod with all the Updates

Brian Burke

ABR, Realtor

Mobile:	860-798-3272
Website:	Visit Website

Price	:	$239,900
Bedrooms	:	3
Bathrooms	:	2
Square Foot	:	1,306
Lot Size	:	0
County	:	Hartford
Property Type	:	Detached
Year Built	:	1972
MLS Number	:	g532779

click for more information and pictures

Property Description

COMPLETELY UPDATED Glastonbury 3 bedroom Cape finally affordable w/ 1 Year Home Warranty. NEW roof, windows, maple kitchen w/ granite appliances, 2 full baths water heater. C/A, hardwood throughout, finished LL & private yard too. TRULY A PERFECT HOME!

Equal Housing Opportunity.

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage : 481 Buckland Rd. - South Windsor CT 06074 : 860-798-3272

Learn about your mortgage options on this house...

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Immaculate Historical Victorian Cape Vernon $179900

Jon Sigler Your FHA Mortgage Loan Expert (Franklin American Mortgage Company) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 20:53:07 -0500

87 Orchard Street
Vernon, CT 06066
Immaculate Historical Victorian Cape

Brian Burke

ABR, Realtor

Mobile:	860-798-3272
Website:	Visit Website

Price	:	$179,900
Bedrooms	:	4
Bathrooms	:	1
Square Foot	:	1,143
Lot Size	:	7,405
County	:	Hartford
Property Type	:	Detached
Year Built	:	1900
MLS Number	:	g526603

click for more information and pictures

Property Description

MOTIVATED SELLER!! Home boasts impeccable landscaping and gardens, newer kitchen, windows, roof, paint and water heater. Home also offers wood floors, built-in cabinets, custom trim work and plenty of storage. 1 Year Home Warranty included.

Equal Housing Opportunity.

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage : 481 Buckland Rd. - South Windsor CT 06074 : 860-798-3272

Are you looking for your first home? Your First Time Buyer Mortgage Expert Is Ready To Help You

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The Nine Most Common Mistakes to Avoid When Obtaining a Home Mortgage in South Windsor!

Jon Sigler Your FHA Mortgage Loan Expert (Franklin American Mortgage Company) — Tue, 26 May 2009 21:09:41 -0500

You are about to make what will most likely be the largest transaction of your life: your home mortgage.

Unfortunately, many home-buyers when shopping in South Windsor do not take the time to research some of the little but weighty intricacies of mortgages. Researching the mortgage process takes little time and can save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. Doesn’t it make sense to become as completely informed as possible before you buy your next home? This special report is designed to help you avoid the nine most common mistakes to avoid when obtaining a home mortgage in South Windsor!

Remember that the right lender can help you make good, sound business decisions based on your personal financial situation.

1. Find a Reputable Lender-This is the most important choice you can make when starting the mortgage process. If you don’t trust your lender, you are in for a long and stressful home-buying experience.

2. Pricing-Don’t be lured into a mortgage company strictly by promises of low rates. Find out how long the advertised rate is guaranteed for. Make sure there is enough time to close on your loan. Some companies may make these ";promises"; but will try changing the rate prior to closing. They may claim that your ";lock-in"; rate has expired so make sure you have the expiration date in writing. I give you a written rate lock agreement. In some cases, the lender may even try to delay your closing to break the ";lock-in"; rate. In other cases, the delay may be beyond the lender’s control. Make sure to allow yourself plenty of time for closing. Delays in the process are common, and everyone (builders, lawyers, even yourself) can be responsible. Trusting your mortgage to a ";low cost provider"; is no way to handle the most important decision you will make.

3. Programs-You will see several programs that offer special low-interest rates. Keep in mind that they may not be the best program for your situation. Make your lender explain what programs they feel best serve your needs and more importantly, why.

4. Fixed or Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM)-Conventional thinking is that fixed is always better. While this is sometimes true, it is not always the case. The key here is to ask, ";How long am I going to live at this property?";; An ARM can actually be a better choice if you are going to be in the home for a short time. The average for how long a first time home-buyer in South Windsor keeps their mortgage is less than five years. In general, the longer you plan on staying in your home, the better a fixed rate mortgage will suit your needs.

5. Don’t try to bottom out the market-Deciding when to lock in to a mortgage rate can be difficult. Many people will float, trying to guess when rates have hit bottom. Unfortunately, a lot of times they will wait too long and end up with a much higher interest rate. I subscribe to a service which helps us to make an informed decision on when to lock your loan for the best pricing possible for you, saving you money.

6. Negotiate problems prior to closing and get them in writing–It's common for a problem to arise before closing. Waiting until closing will rarely be in your best interest. For instance, if you accept $400 at closing in lieu of the seller making a repair and after closing you find that the repair will actually cost $600, you’ve obviously made a poor decision. Whether the builder agreed to add an item and has not or the seller has made a repair that is not acceptable to you, discussing a solution prior to closing will give both parties time to analyze and determine options. Your closing should be a time of excitement and happiness.

7. Be prepared for closing costs–In addition to the down payment, you will be required to pay fees and other closing costs at the time of the final transaction. Closing costs typically range from 2 percent to 6 percent but will be dependent upon your situation. Lenders must provide you with a ";;Good Faith Estimate.";; The ";;Good Faith Estimate";; will breakdown all costs so that you may know what to expect at closing. We will talk about these costs and ways to keep them as low as possible, and if you need help paying them make sure we ask for the seller to pay them as a part of your offer.

8. Close at the end of the month–When making a mortgage payment in South Windsor, you will be paying interest that has accrued from the previous month. Upon closing however, your lender will charge you prepaid interest for the date the loan is recorded through the end of that month. Therefore, one way to lower your closing costs is to close in the latter part of the month. This will lower the amount of prepaid interest that you must pay.

9. Asking questions and talking with everyone on your team. We are all here to make the purchase of your new home a joy. Ask us all questions, talk with us about your hopes, dreams and needs. The more we know the more we can help make your dream a reality. I want you happy at your closing, happy borrowers tell their friends how great the who process was and to come see me about a loan to buy their new house.

There is a lot of free information available to you about buying, selling or investing in South Windsor real estate. For complete information about the South Windsor real estate market including current homes for sale, property values and more please visit the most complete website on-line dedicated to everything South Windsor real estate. So please feel free to contact me with any of your mortgage questions and I will me more than glad to answer your questions. Call me on my cell at 860-306-8029 or email me at jsigler@franklinamerican.com.

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South Windsor Leaf Collection

Jon Sigler Your FHA Mortgage Loan Expert (Franklin American Mortgage Company) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 09:51:19 -0500

Updated with 2009 collection information.

This fall as usual South Windsor leaf collection will be offered curbside to residents. Starting November 2, 2009 crews will start the first of two passes thorough town to collect leaves. The second pass is scheduled to start on November 18th. All the dates are weather permitting. Want to know when your street is scheduled for visit the town will be releasing a schedule later. When it is available I'll post a link to it here.

My little assistants will be out helping rake up my leaves with me this year, well okay I'm sure that they will be doing much more running and jumping in the leaves than raking. We have lots of big trees all around the house so there are plenty of leaves for them to jump around in. Both say they are very excited to be helping!

Remember to rake the leaves to the street, not into the street.

If you would rather bag your leaves and drop them off for composting you may bring them to the leaf composting site on Burgess Road which will be open to accept leaves starting October 19, 2009 until December 31, 2009. Appointments are not necessary.

Want more information? We will update this posting as information about South Windsor Leaf Collection becomes available, or call the Leaf Hotline 24 hours a day 860-648-6371, or visit the towns website www.southwindsor.org.

If you are going to rake your leaves into bags to place at the curb check out this cool gadget which finally is a way to keep leaf bags open! My friends Avi and Tahl at We Care Computers introduced me to the Magic Ring. You place it in the top of the bag and it keeps it open to fill with leaves. Great idea. It is available at Pfau's Hardware in West Hartford Center.

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Halloween Happenings Manchester CT Safe Trick-or-Treating

Jon Sigler Your FHA Mortgage Loan Expert (Franklin American Mortgage Company) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 08:49:21 -0500

Halloween Happenings is a Safe Trick-or-Treating event for children from Manchester and surrounding towns. It is scheduled for October 25th and will happen rain or shine (except for the chalk drawing and parade). Dress up in your favorite costume and check out all the fun activities planned for the day.

So what fun events are planned for the day?

10:30 to 11:30am - A "Spook-tacular" Magic show featuring magician Dan Bowen. The show will be held in the Howroyd Room of the Mary Cheney Library.

11:30 to 1:30pm - Chalk The Walk at Center Park. The Manchester Arts Commission is inviting everyone, children and adults alike to draw fall themed chalk drawings on the sidewalks of Center Park. If you attended the Magic Show, the park is right next door. They will be providing chalk, live music, and refreshments

Noon to 1:30pm - Downtown Trick-or-Treating. Children may "trick-or-treat" at downtown businesses displaying "Welcome Trick-or-Treaters" sign.

Noon to 1:30pm - Children's Pumpkin Decorating at 811 Main St. Children can decorate small pumpkins and take them home. Remember this is first come first served, and quantities of pumpkins are limited. The pumpkins are sponsored by Manchester Antiques Marketplace and Botticello Farms.

1:30pm - Costume Parade - Children and parents can march down Main St in costume. The parade will start at Center Park and end in front of Bennet Academy.

For more information, call the Downtown Manchester Special Services District at (860) 645-2101.

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Benefit Auction and Dinner November 2nd

Jon Sigler Your FHA Mortgage Loan Expert (Franklin American Mortgage Company) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 08:25:08 -0500

The Melissa Makes Bears Charity Organization will be holding a pasta dinner and auction on November 2, 2008 at South Windsor Fire Station Headquarters, 1175 Ellington Road.

Enjoy a pasta dinner from 4 to 5:30 p.m. that costs just $5 for adults and $3 for children (12 and under). Following dinner at 5:30 p.m. is the comedy of the "Stand-Up Pediatrician" Dr. Jay Sutay. To complete the evening at 6 p.m. there will be a live auction hosted by radio personality Damon Scott.

Proceeds from the pasta dinner and auction will go to The Melissa Makes Bears Charity Organization who donates customized Build-a-Bears to state safe homes, which are temporary shelters to care for children recently removed from their homes for their protection.

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