fairfield county: Washing My Car with Snow
- 03/12/07 11:48 AM
Today the temperature reached the upper 50's. After last week's bitter cold and winds, it felt like a warm summer day.
I had a few hours off this afternoon, so I parked my poor, dirty, filthy Honda in the driveway and washed the car. Surrounded by snow. Yes, my lawns were still covered in snow and ice. I don't think I've ever washed a car surrounded by snow before.
I must have removed about 10 pounds of dirt, sand and salt from the car today. I swear I heard it sigh, "Thank you," while it was drying...
I'll admit...the water was … (7 comments)
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fairfield county: Selling with Pet Odors
- 03/12/07 04:49 AM
REALTOR Magazine posted a great article online today titled, Seven Ways to Get Rid of Pet Odors. One item they left off, that I've heard rave reviews about, is Nature's Miracle, to remove smells from pet accidents. Nature's Miracle is readily available in most pet stores.
When selling your home, it is imperative to remove any and all odors, including those pesky pet odors. Pet bedding should be washed frequently. Litter boxes should be cleaned at least daily, if not throughout each day. If a pet has been having "accidents" on your carpets, it may be best to replace the carpeting prior … (5 comments)
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fairfield county: Spring Forward: Daylight Savings Time
- 03/09/07 01:01 AM
This Saturday night, before you go to bed, be sure to set your clocks ahead one hour, as we begin Daylight Savings Time three weeks early this year.
While it is thought that starting Daylight Savings Time early will save energy (if it stays light later in the day...that's less electricity we will need to use to light our homes and businesses...), there are dissenting opinions which doubt that any substantial energy savings will actually occur.
Sunday morning, check your computers, PDAs and other technology tools to make sure they have all been updated accurately. If they have not changed their time overnight, … (0 comments)
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fairfield county: Bethel, CT Proposes $58.7 Million Budget
- 03/08/07 12:35 PM
Bethel, Connecticut, has proposed a $58.7 Million budget for the 2007-2008 fiscal year. This includes $35.8 Million for the schools and $22.9 Million for the town.
This represents an approximate 3.6% increase to the mill (tax) rate. Currently, Bethel's mill rate is 27.75, and this proposed budget would increase the mill rate to around 28.75. A home with an assessed value of $200,000 would see a $200 increase in its property taxes.
The proposal calls for one additional police officer, one additional building maintenance employee, and one new part0time position to work for both the assessor's office and the tax collector's office.
… (0 comments)
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fairfield county: Danbury, CT Proposes $191.4 Million Budget
- 03/08/07 12:20 PM
Danbury, Connecticut, has proposed a $191.4 Million budget for next year. Slightly more than 55% of this budget is for education.
This represents a proposed $13 Million increase in spending, including a 6.1% increase for education, which results in an approximately 1% increase in property owners' tax rates, or about 15 cents additional per $1,000 of assessed value. This increase in spending will fund several new initiatives, including new staff, equipment and training for the police and fire departments. The budget proposes 10 new firefighters for the new westside fire station, and 15 new police vehicles.
This budget proposal assumes that additional … (0 comments)
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fairfield county: Sherman, CT: #3 Small Town in Connecticut
- 03/05/07 07:38 AM
According to the March, 2007 issue of Connecticut Magazine, Sherman, CT is the Number 3 small town in the state of Connecticut (population 3,500 - 6,500).
Sherman ranked #1 among similar size towns in terms of Crime, as it had the lowest crime rate in this category, which is based on the number of major crimes committed in 2002 - 2004 per 1,000 population. Sherman ranked #9 in terms of Education, #3 in terms of Economy, and #6 in terms of available Leisure activities.
However, Sherman also ranked #25 out of 25 in terms of Cost of Living, which calculates the median price of … (0 comments)
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fairfield county: Redding, CT: Top Small Town in Connecticut
- 03/05/07 07:24 AM
According to the March, 2007 issue of Connecticut Magazine, Redding, CT is the top small town in the state of Connecticut (population 6,500 - 10,000).
Redding ranked #1 among similar size towns in Economy, which rated each town based on income, grand list, unemployment rate, mill (tax) rate and aid to children. Redding ranked #2 in terms of Education, #3 in terms of Crime, and #8 in terms of available Leisure activities.
However, Redding also ranked #22 out of 23 in terms of Cost of Living, which calculates the median price of a house and the local property tax burden.
Overall, Redding ranked … (0 comments)
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fairfield county: The First "Real" Snow of the Season
- 02/26/07 12:36 PM
This morning, we in New Fairfield, Connecticut, finally woke up to our first "real" snow of the winter season.
Sure, we've had two other recent snow storms, but they were mostly mixed with sleet and freezing rain. This morning we awoke to nearly 5 inches of soft, white, fluffy snow. No sleet mixed in. No freezing rain mixed in. Just beautiful, white snow.
The trees were covered. The lawns were covered. And the kids finally got to go outside and play in the snow! Of course, schools were closed, so I just had to go out to play in the snow … (6 comments)
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fairfield county: Sellers: Shovel Your Snow
- 02/21/07 04:47 AM
It's been a week since our last snow storm. Yet, just yesterday when I was showing homes to buyer clients of mine, we encountered a home that has not shoveled their driveway, the walkway to the front door, nor the front steps.
This home is on a narrow "country" road, so parking in front of the home created an obstacle course for neighbors to get around our cars. Not a great way to create neighborhood unity.
Given the last storm was a mixture of sleet, freezing rain and snow, and that we've experienced mostly sub-freezing temperatures since then (with the wonderful … (4 comments)
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fairfield county: New Fairfield, CT to Move Historic Houses - Moving Date Rescheduled
- 02/20/07 02:57 AM
New Fairfield, Connecticut's First Selectman John Hodge called earlier today to inform me that due to the recent inclement weather, the date to move the historic Parsonage and Hubble Houses has been rescheduled to Sunday, March 4, 2007, at 12:00 noon.
Of course, future inclement weather may delay the move again, but Mr. Hodge believes at this time that this March 4 date should be a go.
It is anticipated that Route 37 will be closed approximately 4 hours on the day of the move, starting around noon; traffic will be re-routed.
A viewing area will be set up for residents to watch the homes … (0 comments)
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fairfield county: New Fairfield, CT Proposes $44 Million Budget
- 02/17/07 09:54 AM
The town of New Fairfield, Connecticut, has proposed a $44 Million budget for next year. This includes both the town and the school budgets.
The proposed town budget is $9.8 Million, or a 2.6% increase over the current budget.The proposed schools budget is $34.2 Million, or a 3.4% increase over the current budget.Combined, these proposals represent a 2.8% increase over the current combined budgets.
If these budgets pass, a homeowner who's home has an assessed value of $250,000 would see a $142 increase in next year's property taxes.
These proposed budgets will be presented to the Board of Finance next week, … (2 comments)
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fairfield county: Wintry Weather Arrives in Connecticut
- 02/14/07 01:04 AM
We were originally expecting 12-18 inches of the white fluffy stuff we've seen so rarely this winter. Instead, we've woken up to about 1-2 inches of a mixture of snow, sleet and freezing rain. It's nasty outside, and last I heard, we can expect this to continue all day.
The kids are off from school today (NBC30 reports 658 closings or delays as of this writing). I can't see the road from my house, so I have no idea if the roads are clear or safe. But with the continuing sleet falling and the winds blowing, I figure it's best if we stay … (3 comments)
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fairfield county: New Fairfield, CT Set to Move Historic Houses
- 02/11/07 10:48 AM
It was announced by New Fairfield, Connecticut's First Selectman John Hodge that, weather permitting, the historic Parsonage and Hubble House and is scheduled to take place on Sunday, February 25 at noon.
This is, of course, assuming that the weather permits the completion of the preparation of the homes to be moved, and also that the weather cooperates on the day of the move. A recorded message with updated information will be available on the weekend of February 25 by calling the Selectman's Office at 203.312.5600.
It is anticipated that Route 37 will be closed from approximately 12:00 noon until … (0 comments)
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fairfield county: New Fairfield, CT Schools Ask For $109 Million
- 02/10/07 07:20 AM
The New Fairfield, Connecticut school superintendent is seeking $109 Million to fund repairs in three district schools: Meeting House Hill School, New Fairfield Middle School and New Fairfield High School.
It is estimated that after state contributions, the amount of money required by the town will be more than $78 Million. The superintendent plans to finance the project through bonding over the next 20 years.
This bond would then be paid over the next 20 years by the homeowners of New Fairfield. For a home with an assessed value of $300,000, this proposal would add between $900 and $1,300 per year on … (0 comments)
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fairfield county: Bethel, CT Property Revaluation
- 02/08/07 11:39 AM
The Bethel, Connecticut property revaluation is currently taking place, as per state law that requires towns to revaluate all property every five years.
Tyler Technologies/CLT has been hired to perform the revaluation of all 6,900+ parcels of real estate in Bethel. Commercial property inspections have already begun, and residential inspections will begin this week. It is expected that the revaluation will be completed by the end of May, 2007, but the inspectors must visit every home and business in town before completion in order to determine its current market value.
Information about the current revaluation, including a Q&A, can be found on the … (0 comments)
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fairfield county: Danbury, CT Home for Sale: Beautiful Townhome
- 02/06/07 12:09 PM
Danbury, Connecticut Real Estate For Sale
8 Rose Lane, Danbury, CT $254,000 SOLD - $252,000 - March 15, 2007
Beautiful Townhouse with Open Floor Plan 2 Bedrooms plus Office Area 1.5 Baths 1,222 +/- Square Feet Spacious Updated Kitchen Low Common Charges of only $200 per month Close to Danbury Candlewood Park
Enjoy this wonderful townhome with spacious kitchen with breakfast bar, open to living and dining rooms. Den/office area for your flexible needs.
Don't miss this great Danbury home!
View the Virtual Tour Today!
Contact Don Fabrizio-Garcia today for your private showing 203.746.1199 don@FabRealEstate.com www.FabRealEstate.com
Danbury Connecticut Real … (0 comments)
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fairfield county: Danbury, CT Home for Sale: Gorgeous Open Floor Plan
- 02/05/07 12:23 PM
SOLD
Danbury, Connecticut Real Estate For Sale
26 Flintlock Drive, Danbury, CT $434,900 - SOLD
Spectacular Contemporary with Spacious Open Floor Plan 3 Bedrooms and 3 Full Baths 2,254 +/- Square Feet on 1.27 +/- Acres Two Master Suites Spacious Open Floor Plan Perfect for Entertaining Situated on a Cul-de-Sac of Beautiful Homes
Enter this lovely home and enjoy its spacious, open floor plan with a modern flair. Beautifully updated with three full bathrooms and two master suites. Multiple porches. Beautiful level lawns with large deck and patio.
Don't miss this beautiful Westside Danbury home!
… (0 comments)
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fairfield county: Winter in New Fairfield, Connecticut
- 02/05/07 01:56 AM
This past Friday evening, here in western Connecticut we finally had our first "real" snow of the winter. Of course, we're now also in a bitter cold snap with wind chills below zero.
But, on the bright side, we're finally enjoying the winter landscape. Snow on the ground, bright sun shining down and reflecting off the snow and illuminating the world, and cheery blue skies. Skaters, fishers and the adventurous are enjoying frozen Candlewood Lake and the various ponds throughout the area. Children - and adults - can be seen flying down hills on their plastic sleds. One of the true … (2 comments)
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fairfield county: Connecticut Home Sale Conveyance Tax
- 02/03/07 11:06 AM
Since 2003, home sellers in Connecticut have been paying an increased home sale conveyance tax. This tax increase, imposed only on home sellers, was created as a temporary - two year - tax to supplement state and local coffers during the 2003 state budget crisis. In 2005, this tax was extended for another two years.
Currently, this tax increase is set to expire on June 30, 2007. This tax increase, typically paid by the seller in a home sale transaction, costs the seller an additional $140 for each $100,000 of the sales price. (For a $500,000 home sale, the seller would pay an … (0 comments)
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fairfield county: Brookfield, CT January 2007 Market Report
- 02/02/07 10:54 AM
Brookfield, Connecticut Real Estate UpdateJanuary 2007
Closed home sales in Brookfield, Connecticut:
Single Family Homes:In January of 2007, there were 8 single family home sales closed in Brookfield, CT.List Prices ranged from $280,000 - $800,000.Closed Sales Prices ranged from $270,000 - $787,000.
The average closed real estate sales price for single family homes in Brookfield for the month of January was $426,000.On average, these homes sold for 97% of their list price.Days on Market ranged from 1 - 370 days, with the average being 235 days of market time.
This compares to 12 closed sales in January, 2006, with an average sales price of $480,000.
Condos:In January … (2 comments)
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Today the temperature reached the upper 50's. After last week's bitter cold and winds, it felt like a warm summer day.
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