December 9, 2013 -The Week in National Real Estate News (Video)

This week's national real estate news update - Median square footage pricing is up, equity-and the five year rule, buyers- make sure you can afford that home, lower inventory equals higher prices.  Click here for more- about moving, home buying strategies and interest rates.

Click here for this months newsletter and our video news channel.

Buying or Selling a Home in Fairfield County?  Contact us!

If you have a question about buying or selling Real Estate in  Fairfield County, and are in need of representation, I invite you to contact me. I know the market like the back of my hand, know marketing inside and out, am a skilled negotiator- and I'd love to be on your side :) - Judy

Search for properties on any of our sites, or get the very best visibility available for your home. Visit us online wherever you like: Find out more about Judy here

www.CThomesAndRealEstate.com      www.TheCTrealtyBlog.com     www.TheCTRB.com    and   www.CTfeaturedHomes.com 

 Email us or  call Toll Free (855) GET-JUDY

Fairfield County CT Landlords- Don't Make These Mistakes

Owning rental property, and obtaining income by receiving monthly  rents can be quite lucrative, but it can also be a disaster if it's not handled properly.

Perform your due diligence PRIOR to offering a lease to your prospective  tenants.

Most experienced Landlords will ask for a credit check, but how many search public records? Or have someone perform that type of search? What about a sex offender check? Have you ever thought about that possibility, and how it may stigmatize your multi-family home for other prospective occupants who may perform that check? As far as I know, sex offenders are not considered a "protected class", and neither are felons.  Your initial application should aslways ask the uncomfortable question-"Have you ever been arrested, and if so, when, and why?"  

Are there any hazardous materials in the home you are about to rent out where someone can become ill as a result of living there? Even if the home has been rented with no complaints, or concerns for many years,it does not mean that the home is toxic-free.  Remember that tenants are a lot more "lit-happy"-  or more amenable to filing a lawsuit than there ever were before, with scores of hungry attorneys looking to create a large case, and award.  Try not to become case law.

One seemingly minor item? *a smoke detector*.  If it is not working, and a fire occurs, you can be in big trouble- morally, ethically, and financially. Perform periodic checks, and  write it down.

......and last but not least, do not discriminate. it is illegal to discriminate in Connecticut on the basis  of  race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry,  sex (gender), marital status, age,  sexual orientation, learning diability, physical or mental handicap, disability, disorder or retardation, familial status and lawful source of income.

If you are in need of a Realtor to represent your best interests in leasing your property, whether it is a single family, luxury home, condominium or otherwise, please contact me.  I will work hard to ensure you get the best tenant possible for your property. Contact  me today

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The Featured Home of the Week is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch home at 20 Hickory Drive, Westport  for just $549,900. See the virtual tour HERE 

 .....or better yet, call Judy to schedule an appointment to see it!

Buying, Selling or Renting a Home in Fairfield County?  Contact us!

If you have a question about buying, selling or renting Real Estate in  Fairfield County, and are in need of representation, I invite you to contact me. I know the market like the back of my hand, know marketing inside and out, am a skilled negotiator- and I'd love to be on your side :) - Judy

Search for properties on any of our sites, or get the very best visibility available for your home. Visit us online wherever you like:

Find out more about Judy here

www.CThomesAndRealEstate.com      www.TheCTrealtyBlog.com     www.TheCTRB.com    and   www.CTfeaturedHomes.com 

 Email us or  call Toll Free (855) GET-JUDY

Residential Home Style Reference Guide

Here's a handy pictorial reference guide for the many different styles of homes.

Do you see your home's style here?

Whether you do, or even if you don't,  when it's time to sell, call me. I know the difference  between the many styles, and am highly skilled in how to market your unique home to get the very best price :)

photo courtesy of Realtor magazine

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Buying or Selling a Home in Fairfield County?  Contact us!

If you have a question about buying or selling Real Estate in  Fairfield County, and are in need of representation, I invite you to contact me. I know the market like the back of my hand, know marketing inside and out, am a skilled negotiator- and I'd love to be on your side :) - Judy

Search for properties on any of our sites, or get the very best visibility available for your home. Visit us online wherever you like: Find out more about Judy here

www.CThomesAndRealEstate.com      www.TheCTrealtyBlog.com     www.TheCTRB.com    and   www.CTfeaturedHomes.com 

 Email us or  call Toll Free (855) GET-JUDY

Does Your Connecticut Home Have Any Toxic Substances?

From the air we breathe to the things we eat, it seems like a new report comes out every week warning us of the dangers that surround us. Unfortunately your house may have substances that could be harmful to your health.

While generally a problem in older homes, the presence of certain substances in a residence may require disclosure. For example, asbestos was commonly used not only in insulation for a time but also in siding, shingles, some floor tiles and pipes and some textured paints.

While the use of asbestos has been generally discontinued since the 1970s, some remains in homes constructed prior to that time. When selling a home, the owners should be aware of any such hazards and ensure they properly disclose them to prospective buyers, or else they may be liable for any problems caused by these hazards after purchase. If it comes out during the negotiation process, it may sink a promising deal if buyers come to believe they cannot trust the home sellers.

I am currently in the process of buying my first home and when our inspector checked out our attic he picked up a big handful of what looked like kitty litter. He explained it was called vermiculite and that  it could contain asbestos. Luckily we were able to work with the seller to get it removed safely but it is certainly something to be cautious of if you plan on buying an older home.

Asbestos and Lead

Asbestos should only be removed by a professional and only if necessary because the health risk increases if it is loose or crumbling. Removal may be required in some cases and optional in others.

Lead was commonly used in paints up to almost 1980, and in pipes even more recently. Like asbestos, lead can enter the body by breathing if it is loose in the form of dust. Chipped or cracking paint can be particularly hazardous, especially to children. Also like asbestos, homeowners are required to disclose the presence of any lead-based paint hazards in a home when selling it. Professionals are also required to remove it if that becomes necessary.

Mold

Mold can be a major problem in a home, leading to respiratory difficulties and allergies. Mold that grows undetected over a longer period of time can cause more serious problems. Unlike many other problems, mold can often be removed using everyday household cleaning supplies. Unfortunately, it may become too thoroughly embedded in porous carpets or other objects. In a worst case, it can get into the walls or ceilings and require professional help or a major project to remove it.

Radon

According to cancer.org, Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas. Radon is a problem in some homes, particularly in the northern U.S. While a test for radon is not necessarily required by law, the results of any test the home seller chooses to make must be disclosed. The source notes that some radon problems are complex and expensive to deal with but others are relatively easy and cheap to solve.

Author Lindsay Listanski  Coldwell Banker Blue Matter

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The Featured Home of the Week is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch home at 20 Hickory Drive, Westport  for just $549,900. See the virtual tour HERE 

 .....or better yet, call Judy to schedule an appointment to see it!

Buying or Selling a Home in Fairfield County?  Contact us!

If you have a question about buying or selling Real Estate in  Fairfield County, and are in need of representation, I invite you to contact me. I know the market like the back of my hand, know marketing inside and out, am a skilled negotiator- and I'd love to be on your side :) - Judy

Search for properties on any of our sites, or get the very best visibility available for your home. Visit us online wherever you like: Find out more about Judy here

www.CThomesAndRealEstate.com      www.TheCTrealtyBlog.com     www.TheCTRB.com    and   www.CTfeaturedHomes.com 

 Email us or  call Toll Free (855) GET-JUDY

How to Protect Your Connecticut Home From Moisture

Keeping moisture out of a home reduces the chance for structural deterioration, mold growth and air quality problems. Bolster your home's moisture resistance with these tips.

Identify red flags. According to Phillip Carter, urban regional extension agent with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, common signs of unwanted moisture include:

    Excessive, continuous condensation around windows
    Musty smells
    Standing water, especially under the home and around the foundation
    Surface discoloration and stains
    Mold
    A higher-than-usual water bill from unseen plumbing leaks
    Decaying wood and other materials throughout your home
    Flooding events, such as bursting pipes or excessive rain, that release large volumes of water into or outside your home

Be on the lookout. Make regular home moisture inspections a priority. "It's important to inspect more—around walls, on the roof, under sinks, near water lines and so forth," says Carter. "A lot of the problems I see may be hidden leaks and by the time people notice them, they have a real mold problem."

Control humidity. Your home's relative humidity should be roughly 30 to 50 percent, says Carter, who recommends buying an inexpensive hygrometer to keep tabs on your home's humidity levels. Some tips to combat humidity: Run a dehumidifier, decorate with moisture-absorbing houseplants and set your air conditioner's fan to automatic. Get more tips for conquering humidity from State Farm®.

Right-size your air conditioner. All too often, people invest in oversized units, says Carter. "And that's not good, especially in the South, because it doesn't run long enough to remove enough moisture from the inside air and can cause tiny water droplets to collect on surfaces," he adds. Also keep your unit's condensate drainage line to the outside clean and clear of debris. "Keep plants and shrubs trimmed several feet back to ensure good air flow," says Carter.

Monitor drainage. Your gutters and downspouts should drain away from your house. "Water should never linger near your home's foundation," says Carter. Carter recommends checking your gutters every two weeks for leaves, acorns and pine needles. "Take a leaf blower and water hose with a strong jet to remove trapped debris," he says.

Vent. Proper circulation prevents warm, moist air from condensing on cooler surfaces through evaporation. Carter recommends these ventilation best practices:

    Ventilate your attic and crawl spaces
    Vent all interior exhaust fans to the outside
    Run bathroom ventilation fans while showering and for 5 to 10 minutes after showering
    Install louvered doors or louvered devices installed into walls to provide air circulation for small rooms and closets
    Use ceiling fans
    Open doors and windows when possible

Beef up barriers. Carter recommends boosting your wall and attic insulation based on your climate. (Find your recommended level of insulation from EnergyStar.gov.) "This way you don't have a huge temperature contrast," says Carter. He also recommends adding a 6–8 mil-thick vapor barrier under your house to keep vapor from going up through your flooring.

The information in this article was obtained from various sources. While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. The information is not intended to replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. Nor is it intended to effect coverage under any policy. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information. We assume no liability in connection with the information nor the suggestions made.

Article submitted by Brennan Purdy of State Farm Insurance

My vision is to be an insurance professional whose actions are driven by keeping the customer's best interest as my primary goal. My staff will treat all my customers in a caring, friendly, and professional manner. My office will provide warm, efficient, and seamless services to our customers at all times. I expect my business to be comprised of knowledgeable, multiple-line customers who see my office as their first and best choice for all their insurance and financial service needs

For more information on these and other home safety tips, stop by my office or visit www.brennanpurdy.com. My office is conveniently located in downtown Bethel. 203-798-7300.                   211 Greenwood Avenue , Bethel, CT 06801

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The Featured Home of the Week is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch home at 20 Hickory Drive, Westport  for just $549,900. See the virtual tour HERE 

 .....or better yet, call Judy to schedule an appointment to see it!

Buying or Selling a Home in Fairfield County?  Contact us!

If you have a question about buying or selling Real Estate in  Fairfield County, and are in need of representation, I invite you to contact me. I know the market like the back of my hand, know marketing inside and out, am a skilled negotiator- and I'd love to be on your side :) - Judy

Search for properties on any of our sites, or get the very best visibility available for your home. Visit us online wherever you like: Find out more about Judy here

www.CThomesAndRealEstate.com      www.TheCTrealtyBlog.com     www.TheCTRB.com    and   www.CTfeaturedHomes.com 

 Email us or  call Toll Free (855) GET-JUDY