Checking Out a Home Inspection Blog - 11/30/09 03:32 PM
I just read that U.S. Inspect relaunched its blog about home inspection issues, and I checked out the site to see how it was set up.  I have used U.S. Inspect in the past and was very satisfied with the service, so I felt I could comment. 
I think an online presence for home inspection services is essential in today's marketplace, as buyers and sellers continue to educate themselves online.  We have seen that in the real estate end of it, but not as frequently in the home inspection part of it, so I think this interactive blog fills a need.
… (2 comments)

There Is Still Time to Donate by Thanksgiving - 11/23/09 07:50 AM
The holiday week is gearing up, but there is still time to donate to those who need our help.  Just Google "where to donate for Thanksgiving in (your area)" and you will find an extensive list of places still collecting.
http://www.thisisct.net/labels/Foodshare.html lists places throughout Connecticut.  Foodshare is continuing its "Turkey and a Twenty" to help provide dinners to area families, and the need has increased 30% over 2008. 
Other civic organizations have been collecting as well. So whether you would prefer to put your donation in a box in the grocery store, in a police cruiser, in a firetruck, or in … (2 comments)

Home for Thanksgiving? - 11/21/09 04:46 PM
As I was making up my shopping list for Thanksgiving, it occurred to me that I probably use more SPICES at Thanksgiving than at any other time of the year.  If you try to buy them at the grocery store, you will probably break the bank.
I have ordered spices from Penzey's and have found their selection, quality, and prices to be outstanding.  They also opened up a shop at 24 LaSalle Road in West Hartford, and I could have driven there today.  But I was short on time today so I decided to see if we had a local option.
What luck!  … (3 comments)

With Sellers Like These..... - 11/21/09 01:05 PM
I know--you think I am going to gripe about sellers! And in previous years, I might have.  But this year, I have had some amazing sellers, and they weren't even my clients.  I had the buyers!
I think we tend to think we are in opposing camps most of the time, and that may be true when we are submitting offers, negotiating, and resolving inspection issues.  But for some reason, I had three sellers recently who just were not going to be put into that opposing camp.
1) The first seller fixed everything before he put his house on the market, … (2 comments)

A 73-Year Old Tradition in Manchester, CT - 11/20/09 04:06 PM
Next Thursday is the 73rd Running of the Manchester Road Race, and there is still time to sign up.  If you are one of the few who have never run in it or cheered others on, you must check out this local extravangaza. 
It began in 1927 and continued until 1934, when it was halted, most likely due to effects of the Great Depression and World War II.  In 1945, dedicated runners, local businesses, and civic leaders reinstituted this annual event and it has continued ever since.
Runners, walkers, and spectators are drawn to the 4.748 mile course that runs through … (2 comments)

Oak Forest Condo for Sale in Manchester, CT - 11/18/09 09:11 PM
OAK FOREST CONDO - $181,000

Looking for a new home for you and your pet? Look no further!
This beautifully updated condo at Oak Forest in Manchester, CT is move-in ready and very pet-friendly.  A small, quiet complex with dog-walk areas, this will be a great place to call home.
Two bedrooms 1-1/2 baths Attached garage Hardwood Floors on main Level New carpeting on upper level New bathroom with granite counter New Central A/C and furnace in 2008 Newer kitchen appliances Tons of closet space Laundry in lower level         
 
        
For more information about this … (0 comments)

Does Anyone Like Carpeting in the Bathroom??? - 11/07/09 06:42 PM
I was prompted by a recent post entitled What "Color Me Beautiful" Taught Me about Staging that talked about how buyers may not be aware of why they don't like a house.  In essence, the colors and decorating scheme may send messages to the buyers that they are not fully aware of.  I agree; sometimes buyers cannot express why a house does not appeal to them.
However, sometimes there are knowable, visible, and specific factors that are obvious turn-offs, and the buyers are fully aware of what they are.
Now, before you give me the "paint is cheap" rationale for looking past obvious flaws, … (19 comments)