Does Your Connecticut Home Show Signs of Settling?

House settling occurs when your house is getting used to life in its new location. Typically, a new house settles during its first three years of existence. House settling shouldn’t cause major issues — just cosmetic ones, such as a thin crack where the wall meets the ceiling, which can be patched up with a bit of spackle.

Thin cracks might also appear in the foundation, but if it was constructed properly, they aren’t necessarily  a major issue.

However, some cracks indicate more than mere settling issues. Older homes in Philadelphia might not be up to code or might suffer damage due to changes in the surrounding soil. Here are some warning signs, and tips on how to deal with them:

Check for Cracks

Even a small crack in your house’s foundation can cause problems. The crack might not indicate structural problems, but it can be wide enough to let in water and pests, such as termites. While you want to repair any size foundation crack, you want to be particularly wary of horizontal cracks, cracks that are wider at the top than at the bottom, and uneven cracks — meaning the wall on one side of the crack is lower than the wall on the other side.

Depending on the severity of the crack, you might need to hire a professional company to fix it. The cost to fix a damaged foundation and to prevent further structural issues in the home varies widely. In Philadelphia, costs can be low as $1,500, but major problems will come with a much higher price tag.

Look for Sticky Doors

Doors and windows that stick, jam, or won’t open without a struggle are another sign that your home is in bad condition, beyond basic house settling. The interior doors can reveal structural problems in a number of ways. For example, the door might not fit in its frame properly, causing it to stick as you shut it. It might swing back and forth when you open the door, instead of staying in one place.

You can fix any issues with doors by repairing the doors themselves, but that type of repair only addresses the superficial problem, not the issues with the house. Repairing the structural issue, or propping up a house that has tilted, can cost thousands of dollars.

Be Concerned About Slanted Floors

In the sitcom How I Met Your Mother, two characters move into a New York apartment only to realize that the floors are slanted so much that they can luge across the floor on a skateboard. While the show played the slanted floor for laughs, a slanted floor in your home isn’t so funny. The issue can be relatively mild, especially if it resulted from a botched repair that left the floor uneven. But a sloping floor can also signal a more serious issue, such as rotted floor joists or supports, or a foundation that has cracked.

If you believe your home is suffering from serious structural issues, or just aren’t sure, it’s helpful to call a professional. A licensed contractor should be able to evaluate the situation in your home and recommend the appropriate repairs. Although some repairs can be do-it-yourself projects, when it comes to the foundation of your home, you typically want to work with the pros.

*excerpted from Coldwell Banker Blue Matter

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

 .....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:

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

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

HOT HOT HOT- New to Market in Westport! 20 Hickory Drive for $549,900

This beautifully remodeleded 1,560 square foot ranch has a cherry and granite  kitchen with stainless steel appliances, AND two remodeled and stunning full baths on the main level. One car garage, too. Main floor office/den could be fourth bedroom.  Laundry on first floor, too! and we are priced to sell! 

Any questions? Call Judy (203) 257-5892

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

 .....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:

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

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

National Real Estate News from Judy Szablak-Week of 11/4/13 (Video)

This week's national real estate news update- Lots of Mortgage news this week- still lower than last month, but rates have been fluctuating,  shutdown delays data  for processing. Buyers: Making a wishlist for your next home and  previewing homes online. Click here for more- about moving, and home buying strategies.

  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

Considering Buying a Manufactured Home in CT? Know Your Terms!

If you're thinking about buying a manufactured home, you'll find a lot has changed in terms of how manufactured homes are constructed, utilized, and perceived by communities and the marketplace.

For starters, there's sometimes confusion about exactly what is a "manufactured home." Rule number one: Don't call them "trailers" or "mobile homes."

What's the Difference Between Prefab, Mobile, Manufactured, and Modular Homes?

    Prefabricated Homes – This is the general term used to refer to any type of home that is constructed off-site (in a production plant or factory) and then transported to the building site.
        Modular Homes – Prefab homes that are constructed in two or more sections at the factory and then usually transported to the building site on a flatbed truck. Constructed to conventional building codes, they may have multiple floors and more steeply pitched roofs.
        Panelized Home – Unlike modular homes, these are constructed as separate wall sections and then assembled by the builders at the site. ("Pre-cut" homes are a type of panelized homes.)
    Manufactured Homes – Today's manufactured homes are somewhere between the mobile homes of the past and current modular homes. Usually single-story, they mostly come in double-wide or triple-wide configurations that are much roomier and more "house-like" than the outdated idea of a single-wide (narrow) "trailer." The most recognized difference with modular homes is that that they have a permanent steel I-beam chassis and wheels under the floor so they can be towed rather than carried on the back of a truck.
        Mobile Homes – Mobile homes are a type of manufactured home, and you'll often see the term used interchangeably when referring to today's manufactured homes. From an industry standpoint, however, the term "mobile home" only applies to dwellings built before June 1976, when the Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (HUD Code) went into effect and defined rigorous guidelines for manufactured homes.

Why Would You Buy a Manufactured Home?

Let's focus specifically on modern manufactured homes. The advantages of buying a manufactured home are its lower cost and the relative ease and expediency of its "set up." And with today's double- and triple-wide homes, you're not going to sacrifice much in the way of style, floor space, and amenities. A manufactured home also gives you the option of someday moving it with relative ease off its initial site, although more of today's manufactured homes are intended to stay put.

Buying a manufactured home is going to be much cheaper up front, but there are drawbacks. You may find that some financial institutions are reluctant to offer a home loan for a manufactured home unless it will rest on a permanent foundation or you already own the land it will be set up on (or are taking out a loan to buy the land as well).

Another potential drawback to buying a manufactured home is the relatively low resale value. Although attitudes toward manufactured homes are changing they're still probably not going to hold as much equity as a standard home, depreciating in value more like an automobile. However, manufactured homes sold as part of a land package can sometimes hold equity more like a standard home, depending on upkeep, landscaping, and local real-estate conditions.

Manufactured homes are usually insured under a manufactured home plan. Learn more about State Farm's Manufactured Homeowners Insurance Program.
Where Are You Going to Place It?

If you're moving into a manufactured home rental community (or what used to be known as a "trailer park"), you'll want to check the community fees and any rules involving your home, including construction requirements and restrictions. If you'll be on your own property, you'll want to find out if local zoning laws permit manufactured homes on your site.

You'll also want to make sure you understand all of the extra costs involved in transporting and setting up a manufactured home on your site. Part of the negotiation is often who will pay for the move costs, you or the home dealer (or the person selling you a used home). And while a manufactured home is easier to set up than a newly constructed one, you will still need a foundation and underpinning in place, and utilities will have to be connected.

The Final Inspection

As with any home purchase, you're going to want to carefully and thoroughly check out the manufactured home before you put your money down. While this applies to a new home as well, it's especially important if you're buying a used manufactured home. In addition to all the usual things you'd check out in any home (such as plumbing, wiring, and heating and cooling), with a used manufactured home you'll want to take a close look at:

    Windows and doors. Make sure they're insulated, and keep an eye out for gaps around the frames. Look for any cracks in the windows, and make sure the doors all open and close easily.
    Floors. Test their strength (no squeaking or sagging), look for any warping, and avoid floors constructed with particle board because it tends to warp or rot when wet.
    Belly wrap. This thick plastic goes under the floor and insulation and helps keep out animals and moisture. Check the insulation under the wrap to make sure it's not damp.
    Walls. Look for any interior leaks. Vinyl exterior siding is preferable to metal (which can buckle) or hardboard (which can have water problems).
    Roof. Avoid the old-style flat metal roofs, which can leak and make cooling the home difficult, and look for a shingled roof with an overhang to aid in rain runoff.
    Lumber. Walls should use 2x6" lumber with studs 16" apart.
    Settling and leveling. Older manufactured homes can settle over time, twisting the home's frame and leaving it unleveled.
    Anchoring. Check that the home's anchoring system is still sturdy and well-attached.

Buying a manufactured home is a big commitment and investment, so do your homework, check all your options, and follow up on any safety, construction, and finance questions you might have. Remember, you're not buying a "mobile home," you're buying your home.

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

It's a Great Day! Open House in Weston 11/3/13- 12 Tall Pines for $889,000

OPEN TODAY 11/3/2013 From 2-4 PM.  Classic 3,420 square foot center hall Garrison Colonial on 2.32 acres in sought after and easily commutable lower Weston near the Westport line.

This single owner  home has just a hint of country feel, and has been maintained and updated to perfection- from light and bright spaces, to  crown molding, to the gleaming hardwood floors.

The formal  living room has crown molding and a brick fireplace, and the  office /study has tall windows, crown molding and plenty of built-in shelving and bookcases.

A sunlit dining room has crown molding and oversized windows.

The country kitchen  has plenty of cabinetry, double ovens, a service island with a butcher block counter,  and a spacious breakfast area with sliders to the skylit sunroom .
The kitchen is open to the skylit family room with cathedral ceilings, exposed beams, and a floor to ceiling stone fireplace with raised hearth and recessed wood storage area. There are also  sliders to sunroom that features  floor to ceiling glass walls overlooking lovely and scenic property.

The master bedroom suite is on the upper level,  with an elegantly remodeled bath that has cherry cabinetry and marble counters, as well as a deep tub and glass enclosed shower.

Three additional spacious bedrooms are on the second floor, and all have extra large closets
The lower level is unfinished and offers over 1,000 square feet of additional area that is easily  customizable to your needs.

A great buy in a great location. Make it yours today!

12 Tall Pines drive, Weston CT 06883 is listed at $889,000.

Directions: Easton Road (Route 136) to Bayberry Lane to Tall Pines, OR  Lyons Plains Road to White Birch to Tall Pines. Looking forward to seeing you later  today between 2-4PM!

Listed by Gail Zawacki / hosted by Judy Szablak

 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:

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

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