How is Buying a Home Like Running a Marathon?  Let us count the ways!  It's amazing how two such diverse activities can follow a similiar cycle of emotions.  Here's how we see it:

• When you first start your home search or your marathon, you experience a sense of excitement
• Next, you're working toward your goal (finding the right home or finishing your race) - setting your pace
• Somewhere along the way, you start to feel restless
• Then you begin to doubt that your goal is achievable
• Your mindset changes and hope begins to shine through again
• Finally, success is in sight
• Lastly, you cross the finish line - new home purchased or marathon finished.

It sounds kind of corny and perhaps, it is.  But think about it.  This cycle of emotions holds true for most goals we work towards.  They don't necessarily follow the order of emotions laid out above and some of them may repeat - like in a loop.  In the end, if you don't let the pressure or self doubt keep you from accomplishing your task, you'll cross the finish the line.

So, buying a home is like running a marathon.  Go the distance.  Stay the course.  Ready, set, go!

Feel free to email us if you are interested in purchasing a home in the Greater Danbury, CT area (Danbury, Bethel, Newtown, Brookfield, New Fairfield, New Milford, Candlewood Lake, Lake Zoar, Lake Lillinonah).

Bob & Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR
Prudential Connecticut Realty
www.connecticuthomesforsale.com
Cell - (203) 470-9818

Recap of Short Sales in Newtown, CT for 2011  Over the course of 2011, we posted several blog entries about the status of short sales in Newtown, CT.  With the advent of the New Year, we thought a recap of this segment of this local real estate market would be in order.

In the table below, we have provided both 2011 and 2010 short sale information for a comparison.

It's interesting to see that the number of sold short sales decreased in 2011 and the number of actively listed short sales increased.  The numbers pretty much flip flopped.  We attribute this change to buyers being less willing to wait an indefinate period of time for banks to approve the short sale.  Depending on the lender, the approval process can take a few months or a year - you never know.

Check out last year's recap of short sales in Newtown, CT.

We hope that you found our Recap of Short Sales in Newtown, CT for 2011 to be informative.

If you would like a list of the short sales in Newtown, CT, just email us and we'll forward you our Excel report. 

Need to seel your house and think it might be a short sale, please contact us.  WE CAN HELP YOU.  We are experienced with short sales and we are also SFR Certified.  Anything you tell us will be held in the strictest confidence and will not be shared with anyone else. 

Bob & Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR
Prudential Connecticut Realty
www.connecticuthomesforsale.com
Cell - (203) 470-9818

Comparison of the Newtown, CT Real Estate Market:  2000 to 2011  People ask us all the time, "How is the market doing".  Many people still believe that the real estate market in our town is in a free fall and some believe that their home has not lost any value at all.

We decided to do a comparison of the average sale price, days on market and number of single family homes sold for each year from 2000 to 2011.  All information was pulled from the Greater Fairfield County Multiple Listing Service (GFC MLS).  Here is what we found:

The greatest number of sales in Newtown, CT happened in 2002 and the fewest number of sales ocurred in 2009.  Starting in 2006, the days on market increased with 2009 having the most number of days on the market.  What surprised us the most?  The number of sales in Newtown has increased two years in a row.

So, where are we with prices?  The average sale price decreased once again in 2011 by 7.6%.  This change puts the average sale price back in the range of 2002!  Overall from the high point in 2006, real estate market values have declined almost 30%.

What does this mean to you?  If you purchased a home in Newtown, CT after 2002 or have refinanced your home since 2002, there is a good possibility that you could be under water.  Under water means that there is more owed on your home than what its current market value is.

Like in life, change is constant and it applies to real estate, as well.  The comparison of the Newtown, CT real estate market:  2000 to 2011 clearly shows the ever changing real estate market.

Bob & Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR
Prudential Connecticut Realty
www.connecticuthomesforsale.com
Cell - (203) 470-9818

Food Donations to Local Food Pantries  It's been a while since we've posted a blog.  Business has been good and the holiday season has kept us busy.  We do have a recent event that we feel is blog-worthy.

On Tuesday, December 26, 2011, Bob received a phone call from the Big Y, a local supermarket here in Newtown.  In the past, we have blogged about the F.A.I.T.H. Food Pantry and Newtown's Victory Garden, which provides fresh grown produce to the food pantries.  With the help of Google, the Big Y found us!

Seems that they had some left over bakery goods to donate to the local food pantries.  The F.A.I.T.H. Food Pantry is closed this week and Newtown Social Services was closed on the 26th.  After learning what the Big Y had to donate, Bob told them to "bring it all to our office" and boy, did they did!  This is what we found when got to the office:

We made some phone calls, rounded up the troops (our friends, Paul and Cris Fadus) and distributed the food on Tuesday, 12/27, to Newtown Social Services and Dorothy Day in Danbury.

A big thanks goes out to The Big Y!!  All the local food pantries are in need of food.  They need it all year long - not just during the holiday season.  Please feel free to drop off your donations to our office at 84A South Main Street, Newtown.  We'll make sure that your donations get to those who are in need.

Now, don't you think Food Donations to Local Food Pantries was blog-worthy??

Bob & Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR
Prudential Connecticut Realty
www.connecticuthomesforsale.com
Cell - (203) 470-9818

Public Open Houses - Newtown, CT - 11/13/11  Bob and Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR will be hosting two (2) open houses this Sunday, November 13, 2011.  Both homes are in the same price range, but are very different from one another and in very different locations.

Home Photo	Details
	Open House Time:  1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Directions:  Route 25 to Currituck - Look for sign on right List Price:  $325,000 Description:  In town Antique Colonial built in 1868.  4 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms.  Loads of charm. For more info:  www.4Currituck.com
	Open House Time:  1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Directions:  Route 25 to Pecks Lane to Turkey Hill Road to Turkey Hill Terrace List Price:  $329,900 Description:  3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom raised ranch with newer gourmet Kitchen and vaulted ceiling in Living Room.  For more info:  www.44TurkeyHill.com

If you are looking to purchase a home in Newtown or if you'd like to see how your home compares to others, please stop by to have a look.  Public Open Houses - Newtown, CT - 11/13/11

Bob & Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR
Prudential Connecticut Realty
www.connecticuthomesforsale.com
Cell - (203) 470-9818

Real Estate Sales October 2011 - Newtown, CT  October 2011 was a busy month for real estate sales in Newtown, CT - 16 homes sold!  In the table below, we've given you some basic information on each sale.

As the National Association of Realtors (NAR) commercial states:  Real estate is local.  The above table shows that homes are selling in Newtown and they are selling in all price ranges.  Take note that the sale price to list price ratio is 94% - which is 1% lower than in September 2011.

We hope that you'll check back for future posts on real estate  sales in Newtown, CT.

Bob & Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR
Prudential Connecticut Realty
www.connecticuthomesforsale.com
Cell - (203) 470-9818

18 Ridge Road, Newtown, CT was LISTED FOR SALE by BOB & RICHELLE WARD, Realtors, ABR

• List Price: $389,900
• 3 Bedrooms, 2 Full & 2 Half Bathroom
• 3,105 Square Feet
• .87 Acre

Located close to town - 3 bedroom Colonial with hardwood floors in most rooms. Fireplace in formal Living Room. Beautiful gourmet kitchen with granite counters, stainless steel appliances & center island. 2 sets of sliders to decks. Large Family Room. Master bedroom suite. Freshly painted. City water. Head O Meadow school.  Central A/C. Walkout basement with fireplace & a half bathroom. House is ready to go - wow!  Click on www.18RidgeRoad.com for more information about 18 Ridge Road, Newtown, CT.  

Bob & Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR
Prudential Connecticut Realty
www.connecticuthomesforsale.com
Cell - (203) 470-9818

Dream Homes in Newtown, CT  Newtown, CT has a very active real estate market with homes available in every price range.  Our office currently has two very luxurious homes listed for sale on Glenmor Drive.  Glenmor Drive is one of a few select streets in Newtown that has very high end and stately homes ... Dream Homes.

** Open Houses at both homes will be held on Sunday, October 23, 2011 - 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm **

6 Glenmor Drive, Newtown ~ Elegance Abounds

List Price: $1,650,000

Located in prestigious Estates on Taunton Hill in Newtown’s most Exclusive subdivision, this Elegant Estate with all the accoutrements you would expect to find in a Builder's own residence. Stately set on 2 plus bucolic acres of professionally landscaped grounds. Drive up pebble drive to the oversized 3 plus car garage, round about to front entrance. Stately exterior with natural cedar shake siding and Wood Roof. The grand entrance greets you with blue stone steps and extra large columns to double mahogany Spanish door that enters into marble grand foyer. This home features 5 bedrooms all ensuite, 2 main level powder rooms, 5 full baths. 5 masonry fireplaces, Ash Hardwood floors throughout, formal living room and dining room. Cherry raised panel library, oversized kitchen with rare white Calcutta marble counters, kitchen office, Back staircase, walk up attic, full basement, 1200 square foot patio w/sitting wall opens to level gorgeous grounds w/pool location. High quality finishes, Location, Curb appeal, pristine condition are what you would expect in this Luxury Home.

2 Glenmor Drive, Newtown ~ Craftsman Style

List Price: $1,650,000

Craftsman style colonial cape with a guest house. Extreme details from the automatic switch 25kw generator to high-end appliances. Accents include: custom millwork, copper & stainless kitchen counters, 2 islands, used brick rumford style floor to ceiling fireplace, custum dining room with raised brick fireplace with french doors that open to balcony surrounded by wrought iron railings! Master bedroom suite with his and her baths. Whole house audio, 4 car garages, 100 year roof, back covered brick porch overlooks private fenced level backyard with room for a pool. A great bonus is the attached guest house with granite kitchen, large living area, full bath and laundry. Well thoughtout comfortably designed home built by Gordon Anderson. Not your standard Colonial. Located in the Estates on Taunton Hill with one of the best curb appeals in Newtown. Broker/owner.

If you would like more information on either of these Dream Homes in Newtown, CT, or if you'd like to schedule a private showing, please contact us via email or give us a call at 203 470-9818.

Bob & Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR
Prudential Connecticut Realty
www.connecticuthomesforsale.com
Cell - (203) 470-9818

The Newtown Forest Assocation - Newtown, CT  As you drive around Newtown, CT, you will occasionally notice signs like this one:

The Newtown Forest Association is the oldest private land trust organization in the State of Connecticut. Since its inception in 1923, The Newtown Forest Association has been dedicated to securing the benefits derived from open space lands for the residents of Newtown and their posterity. These open space lands which include, but are not limited to, forest and agricultural land, wildlife and nature preserves and watersheds.  

Today, The Newtown Forest Association holds more than 1,000 acres located in all sections of Newtown in the land trust.

From time to time, The Newtown Forest Association sponsors hikes on the trails of the different properties in their trust.  We have heard that they are very picturesque and fun to go on.  If you would like to hike on your own, look for trail maps on The Newtown Forest Association's website.

Bob & Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR
Prudential Connecticut Realty
www.connecticuthomesforsale.com
Cell - (203) 470-9818

4 Currituck Road, Newtown, CT was LISTED FOR SALE by BOB & RICHELLE WARD, Realtors, ABR

• List Price: $299,000
• 4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathroom
• 2,266 Square Feet
• .80 Acre

Click www.4Currituck.com or here for more information about 4 Currituck Road, Newtown, CT.

Bob & Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR
Prudential Connecticut Realty
www.connecticuthomesforsale.com
Cell - (203) 470-9818