Don't Ruin Your Furnace - 12/31/10 08:40 AM
Winter is here and we all want to stay warm.  But how many of us take our furnaces for granted? Reuben Saltzman, a home inspector from Minneapolis, MN, has written a great post on WHY you should change the filter on your furnace, and it's not just about cleaner air.
Via Minneapolis Home Inspections - Reuben Saltzman (Structure Tech Home Inspections):
When I think of homeowner maintenance, the first thing I think of is changing the furnace filter. Most homeowners know about this regular chore, and at least one out of five homeowners is diligent about doing this.  As for the rest … (5 comments)

First Night in Hartford CT - 12/24/10 10:44 AM
First Night in Hartford CT
Celebrate New Year's Eve at Hartford's First Night!  First Night is an alcohol-free celebration of the New Year, with many venues and locations in Hartford.  Some of the events include carousel rides, ice-skating, fireworks, art exhibits, horse-drawn wagon rides, music, and many interactive activities for people of all ages.  Here is a complete list of the events.
Today's Groupon is 40% off tickets to First Night.  The tickets are usually $10 per person ($2 for ages 15 and under), but if you sign up for Groupon, you can get two adult tickets for $12.  If you decide to … (4 comments)

Natori Sushi in Manchester CT - 12/22/10 04:59 PM
Natori Sushi in Manchester CT
All that last-minute shopping worked up quite an appetite in me, so I decided to break for lunch.  Not one to frequent fast food places, I decided that sushi would be a healthier choice so we stopped in at Natori Sushi.  Located in the plaza at Buckland Hills (almost in the center of the row of stores), I have eaten at Natori Sushi many times and have never been disappointed. 
I don't usually order anything for anything fancy--just the rolls and I have tried almost all of the meatless ones.  Today I ordered Peanut Avocado, Spicy … (3 comments)

South Windsor CT Market Report for November 2010 - 12/18/10 12:00 PM
South Windsor CT Market Report for November 2010

 
During November 2010, there were 14 closed sales in South Windsor, CT with a median price of $281,950.  During November of the prior year, there were 32 closed sales with a median price of $306,200.  Currently, however, there are 13 properties under contract and 22 properties under deposit, so there is still quite a bit of activity in South Windsor's housing market.  Here is the breakdown of closed sales by price range:
 
 
If you are looking for a home in South Windsor, there are only 88 currently on the market.  Those … (0 comments)

Manchester CT's Community Development Block Grant Program - Incentives for First-Time Homebuyers - 12/15/10 07:03 PM
Manchester CT's Community Development Block Grant Program - Incentives for First-Time Homebuyers
CHFA (Connecticut Housing Finance Authority) and the town of Manchester are again offering the Pilot Downpayment Assistance and/or Closing Cost Program for first-time homebuyers who purchase a home within the designated areas in Manchester. 
The purpose of the program is to encourage homeownership of properties in the central areas of Manchester and to enable low to moderate income families to purchase homes by offering low interest rates, down payment assistance, and/or closing costs up to $4,000.
There are eligibility requirements and program guidelines, but the program offers a tremendous opportunity … (0 comments)

East Hartford CT Market Report for November 2010 - 12/14/10 09:00 PM
East Hartford CT Market Report for November 2010

 
During November 2010, there were 16 closed sales in East Hartford, CT with a median price of $127,500.  This is dramatically different from November 2009 when there were 55 closed sales and a median price of $162,000. 
Here is the breakdown by price range for November 2010:
Compared to the market reports for October 2010 (24 closed sales with a median price of $144,750) and September 2010 (25 closed sales with a median price of $140,000), November's numbers were down as well.   However, there are currently 55 properties under contract (27) … (0 comments)

Get Your Home Ready to Sell with Low-Cost Home Improvements - 12/13/10 10:08 AM
Get Your Home Ready to Sell with Low-Cost Home Improvements
When I am listing a home, I am usually asked by the sellers what they can do to improve their homes to get the best price and a quick sale.  Of course, pricing the home correctly for the market and the conditions is the most important factor.  However, almost everyone can do something to make their homes more attractive to buyers. 
Here are the five most frequently recommended low-cost home improvements for the interior of the home (although each may not apply to everyone):
Low-Cost Home Improvement #1:  If you have hardwood floors, show … (6 comments)

Vernon CT Market Report for November 2010 - 12/11/10 01:22 PM
Vernon CT Market Report for November 2010
During November 2010, there were 22 closed sales in Vernon CT with a median price of $226,000. During November 2009, there were also 22 closed sales with a median price of $200,000.
Considering that last November had the impetus of the first-time homebuyers' tax credit (which only later had been extended into 2010), this year's November sales seem quite robust.  So number of sales stayed the same, and median price increased this year as well.  Comparing November statistics to October 2010 and September 2010, the housing market in Vernon shows significant improvement.
 
Here is the breakdown … (0 comments)

Hoodoo - Who Do You Know.... - 12/10/10 09:01 AM
On a recent trip to Utah, I went to Bryce Canyon and saw these magnificent structures that I later found out were called hoodoos.

 
Hoodoos are pillars of rock caused by erosion over thousands of years.    Bryce Canyon has the largest system of hoodoos in the world.  They resemble totem poles and have much folklore attached to them.   I had never heard of them and I found it fascinating.
But this isn't really a geology lesson. It's about the holiday season.  Many of us are at a point in our lives where we don't really need much for ourselves … (14 comments)

Manchester CT Market Report for November 2010 - 12/06/10 12:12 PM
Manchester CT Market Report for November 2010
During November 2010, there were 16 closed sales in Manchester CT with a median price of $188,450.  During November 2009, there were 45 closed sales with a median price of $185,000. 
Remember, however, that last November, many sales were the result of the first tax credit which was slated to expire on November 30.  It was extended to the following June, but many people had already found their new home, spurred by the tax credit.
So although sales were down from last year at the time, the median price actually rose over last November.  Here … (2 comments)

Mulberry Street Pizza in Manchester CT - 12/05/10 07:25 PM
Mullberry Street Pizza in Manchester CT
I went to Mulberry Street Pizza today based on a recommendation I had received, and I was not disappointed.  Located at 981 Main Street in Manchester CT, the restaurant has a charming exterior that makes you glad you decided to go there.  The interior is just as welcoming, with a handsome bar area (complete with a large-screen TV for the sports enthusiasts) that is separate from the dining room, which is great for noise control.
The dining room has tables and booths, stylish pub decor with plenty of wood accents, and nice lighting fixtures that … (8 comments)

Kodak Moment - Baby Feet - 12/01/10 12:19 PM
I have always loved baby feet.  What is it about baby feet? Of course, they are cute and soft.  Of course, we are so thankful for all ten toes.
But isn't it really the symbolic meaning of baby feet that captures everyone's heart?  At this moment, before the baby has  taken her first steps, suffered through a pair of shoes, or stubbed her toe, we think of all the possibilities for this baby.  These baby feet represent all the hopes and dreams that we have for this child.
Where will these feet take her, literally and figuratively? Will they take her to far … (24 comments)