There are 2 tax credits available:

1. The first time home buyers tax credit (which most do know about).  This is an $8,000 credit for a first time home buyer, the government definition of a first time home buyer is anyone who has not been an owner occupant for the last 3 years minimum.  So it pertains to anyone who was a previous homeowner who sold their home a minimum of 3 years ago and have rented for the past 3 or more years, and of course someone who has never purchased a home before.

2.  The repeat buyers tax credit of $6,500, this is the one that very few know about and certainly should as it pertains to 70% of American homeowners according to the National Govt.  This tax credit is made eligible to anyone who has been a homeowner for at least 5 out of the previous 8 years and decides to sell and move their primary residence.  It doesn't matter if you were to upgrade, downsize or move across the country, if you qualify you get the credit.

These 2 tax credits are very good and many are starting to realize them and take advantage of them, but there is a time limit attached.  For eligibility of either tax credit, one must be under binder/contract of the home they are purchasing by April 30th, 2010 and have closed on the property (or take possession of) by June 30th, 2010.

This is the primary info that you need to know about the government tax credits, please call or email with any further questions or if you are not sure you qualify for one of the programs.

The Holiday Ready house:

"The fire's blazing, the hors d'oeuvres tasty, the tree a-twinkle...but if your guests slip on a wet floor or shiver through dinner, no one will remember those lovely details. Use our cheat sheet to help make your home comfortable for everybody, from your baby niece to Great Uncle Harry."  See The Holiday Ready house.

We have all heard the pros and cons of buying now versus waiting. You have been consulted by the experts at your company by the water cooler and your family’s Thanksgiving table. The facts are:

1. INVENTORY is high.

2. INTEREST RATES are low

3. INCENTIVES are high. Government tax credits have resulted in a significant increase in buyer activity in late 2009. The extension of the same will push buyers off the fence as they begin to buy before April 30, 2010. This level of buyer will cause a domino effect of move-up buyers.

4. PRICES are low.

The combination of these four major factors results in an environment that is absolutely ideal for real estate buyers.

Remember, real estate has led us out of the last two significant economic downturns (the S&L crisis and post 9/11/01).

When you are ready to discuss prudent buying strategies, contact me at (203) 520-0355 or Firda@sbcglobal.net

Sales - Trumbull Sales in October were 40. This is down 13.0% from 46 in October of 2008. Sales/list price ratio in October moved up to 94.4% from 90.7% in September. Prices Median price in October was $494,500. This is down 10.7% from $554,000 in October of 2008 in Trumbull. Average sale price (most recent 3 months) is $722,573, down moderately from $795,965 in 2008 in Fairfield County. Inventory Inventory is 564, up moderately from 496 in 2008. New listings of 101 in October were way down from 131 in September but up considerably from 75 in October of 2008 in Trumbull. Market Time Days on market of 98 in October was up just slightly from 96 in September and up somewhat from 89 in October of 2008. Months of supply in October moved up to 15.8 from 15.3 in September in Trumbull.

courtesy of Raveis.com

Very important and powerful information when deciding to buy or sell real estate.

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  • the area code 475 will be added in the southwestern CT region (currently all 203)
  • the area code 959 will be added in the rest of Connecticut (currently all 860)

Phone numbers for these two new area codes will be interspersed with numbers in the existing area code in each region. Therefore, the same 7-digit phone number could exist locally in both the 203 and 475 area codes (i.e., your number might be 203-327-6666 and your next door neighbor could be 475-327-6666). As a result, everyone will need to change the way all local Connecticut calls are dialed.

Example of Dialing Local Calls in CT
Formerly: 846-7000
Now: 203-846-7000 (you do NOT need to dial a lead 1 for local calls)

AT&T is providing a transition period between now and November 8 during which a local call can be dialed using either 7-digits or 10-digits so that everyone can adjust to the new dialing procedures.

Remember to update any speed dials that you have on your phone devices (including cellular & faxes).

Don't let your shrubs and trees aid and embed thieves.  Trees should be trimmed so that their lower branches are a minimum of six feet off the ground.  This allows doors and windows to be visible to your neighbors and from the street.

If you have flower beds or shrubs near your windows, consider filling the beds with gravel.  Not only can this add a decorative touch to your garden but the noise made by stepping on the gravel is a good deterrent for intruders.  Burglars will target homes that can provide visual as well as auditory cover.  If trying to get in a window means stepping on noisy gravel, the burglar won't bother.

Plant thorny shrubs under windows.  The sharp thorns will keep intruders at bay, their mind set will be "why bother" and they will move on.

Be creative.  Protecting your home can be quite attractive.

Pending sales of previously owned U.S. homes raced to a two-year high in July, a real estate trade group said Tuesday, providing more evidence the housing market was on a steady recovery path.

The National Association of Realtors said its Pending Home Sales Index, based on contracts signed in July, rose 3.2 percent to 97.6, the highest level since June 2007, from 94.6 in June.

Pending home sales contracts have risen for a record six straight months.

Copyright 2009 Reuters

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Excellent downtown Greenwich location.  Easy walk to train, the harbor, park and shopping.  Fenced in backyard great for the kids.

Welcome to 113 Chestnut Hill Road, Enjoy the charm of yesteryear with all the modern amenities of today in this treasured New England Farmhouse completely updated with some of the most beautiful and unique grounds in Connecticut.  The home offers exceptional custom architectural details and decorative touches throughout.  This picturesque and professionally landscaped home sits on 1.55 acres and is located in North Stamford, minutes from the New York border and within a short distance to the train and Manhattan.

Upon entering through the front entrance you immediately get the sense of how meticulously maintained and updated 113 Chestnut Hill Road is along with the openness and warm earth tone colors that give you a feeling of being home.  The living room and sun room flank the foyer.  Both of these rooms feature custom moldings and hard wood floors that flow throughout the home.  The exceptional design of the sun room with vaulted ceiling makes it an excellent space for a sitting room or just to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.  The warm and bright dining room is large enough and perfect for the entire family at formal gatherings around the holidays.

Entering into the kitchen you are immediately struck with the overall brightness and amount of light and can’t help to recognize that this is truly a dream farmhouse kitchen. The true detail and design built into the room from the multiple thermal windows to the butcher block countertops and custom cabinets, top shelf stainless steel appliances and Kohler farmhouse sink and faucet with door leading out to the back deck and separate guest house/cottage.

Warm and inviting, everyone will enjoy relaxing in the family room with the open entrance, original beams and wood burning fireplace, along with custom built-in bookshelves and multiple windows that give off a tremendous amount of light with doors that lead out to the back deck.

End the day in the Master Bedroom with enclosed walk-in master bedroom closet with custom built-in bookshelves.  The additional two bedrooms upstairs are synonymous with the rest of the home with being updated but give off a very warm feeling. There is additional storage in the attic. 

Enjoy the privacy of the estate-like grounds that are second to none and incredibly rare in this part of the state on the 30 x 15 deck.  Among the 1.55 professionally landscaped acres is a refurbished antique barn with installed slider doors to accommodate two modern cars and loft.  Have your guests stay in the main house or in the separate cottage/guest house that sits on the property.  Relax by the custom stone surface in-ground pool with cabana in the very private setting amongst the perennial gardens and 96 year old Japanese maple tree.  113 Chestnut Hill Road, Stamford is truly an exceptional and classic one of a kind New England Farmhouse.

I wanted to re-post this to get the word out.

In New England many people have oil heat, which means summer is the time to schedule the free system cleaning that most oil companies include with any paid service contract.  It's also likely that you might be thinking about having your chimney cleaned to get your home ready for the heating season ahead. 

The CT Better Business Bureau recently issued a warning to alert consumers about many unlicensed companies trying to scam people by advertising a low cost cleaning, which then results in a recommendation for costly, unnecessary repairs. Click this link for the full warning from the better business bureau.  http://ct.bbb.org/article/connecticut-better-business-bureau-warns-consumers-about-chimney-cleaning-con-game-11653

Always check the reputation of a chimney cleaner at www.ct.bbb.org before hiring them for work.  Many oil companies are starting to offer this service as well.  If you're happy with your current provider, it's worth inquiring about having them do it for you. 

 "Louisville, Colo. topped the list, with its mix of affordable housing, low taxes, historic downtown and proximity to the recreational resorts that dot the Rocky Mountains. Tolland, at #27, was the highest ranked town in Connecticut. Somers (55), Simsbury (57), Cheshire (72), and East Lyme (75) also made the list. Connecticut, with six towns ranked in the Top 100, shared top honors with Massachusetts, Ohio and Texas."

For additional information call 1-800-898-6355 ext. 105 for 24 hour pre-recorded information or contact me for a private showing.

www.80Ironwood.com

Welcome to 80 Ironwood Road in Trumbull, a stunning colonial with beautiful custom architectural details and decorative touches throughout.  This picturesque and professionally landscaped home is located in one of Trumbull’s most sought after neighborhoods.  This exceptional home could very well be featured in Better Homes and Gardens Magazine and includes all top-shelf amenities and unique craftsmanship among the numerous builder’s custom upgrades.

Upon entering through the magnificent front entrance the center hall offers a grand two story foyer.  The openness and warm earth tone colors immediately give you a feeling of home.  The formal living room/library and dining room flank the foyer.  Both of these rooms feature custom moldings, nine foot ceilings and hard wood floors that flow throughout the home.  The exceptional design of the living room makes it an excellent room for a library or sitting room and the warm and bright dining room is large enough and perfect for the entire family at formal gatherings around the holidays.

Entering thru the center hall into the kitchen you are immediately struck with the overall brightness and amount of light and can’t help to recognize that this is truly a dream kitchen with the detail and design built into the room from the multiple skylights to the large center island, custom cabinets and high end granite on all countertops and floor to ceiling windows and door leading out to the back deck.

Warm and inviting, everyone will enjoy relaxing in the family room with the wood burning fireplace, two story vaulted ceiling and open entrance to the bright spacious kitchen.  The room offers tremendous space with top of the line windows and double French doors that lead to the back deck.

End the day in the Master Bedroom Suite with vaulted ceiling, oversized windows, large closet and master bath with his and her sinks, large Jacuzzi tub and separate shower.  The additional five  bedrooms and two full baths upstairs are synonymous with the rest of the home with being large rooms but give off a very warm feeling.  The two end bedrooms on each end of the hallway have a full bath at each end and the fifth bedroom located in the center of the upstairs hall features French doors and can also be used as a perfect home office or kid’s playroom.  All of the bedrooms are generous in size with space to sleep and play.   There is an additional storage in the walk up attic.  80 Ironwood Road, Trumbull is truly an exceptional family home.

For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                                  For Further Information Contact:

                                                                                                                                                                Dan Firda

                                                                                                                                                                (203) 520-0355

Home Buyers Get Money-Making Advice At Free Community Workshop

Anyone contemplating buying a home soon should attend a free workshop offering unique advice for saving money and finding the right home at the right price.  The 45 minute presentation by Dan Firda, a locally recognized educator and consumer advocate will be held on June 30, 2009 at 7:30P.M. in the Training & Education Center at 105 Technology Drive, Trumbull.

Firda will cover such topics as: how to buy more home than ever thought possible using a little-known home search and financing techniques, how to unlock the secrets for buying foreclosures, government, and bank-owned homes, how to avoid legal traps and negotiate the best deal possible, how to lower or even eliminate closing costs, and much more.   He even shows how renters can own a home for less than rent, even with “marginal” credit.

Firda volunteers his time 2 days a month for these workshops and insists” unlike most workshops offered by professionals, there’s no selling allowed here.  I want people to feel comfortable and to leave with valuable knowledge and tools,” he says.  For anyone who cannot make the workshop, Firda also offers a Free Home Buyers Guide showing helpful tips for finding, buying and financing your next home.  To register for the workshop or get a free Home Buyers Guide you can call 1-800-898-6355 ext. 4002  24 hours a day.

This home cannot be duplicated today at this price.

For more online information click the link below:

http://www.ctlistingexpert.com/property/30-Balsam-Circle-Shelton-Connecticut