Style, Safety and Resale Among Benefits of a Fenced-in Yard

A fence can add to your home's overall curb appeal, as long as it is stylish and in good condition. In fact, I cannot recall even one instance with any buyer client of mine who disliked a fence so much that they were not willing to move forward with purchasing a home.

Homeowners might consider adding a fence for many reasons. However, “It’s up to the individual and what they’re trying to accomplish,” says Jamie Turrentine, owner of Southwest Fence and Deck in Carrollton, Texas. Here are ways you could benefit from a fenced-in yard.

Pets
Sixty percent of Americans have complaints about their neighbors. Topping that list: their pets.1 A fence gives Fido the freedom to run leash-free, and you won’t have to worry about him roaming into neighbors’ yards or into the street.

Pools
Building a fence around your pool helps safeguard against injuries and accidental drowning. Learn more about pool fences and other important pool barriers.

Security
A fence can be both a boundary and a barrier. It can prevent your child from chasing a stray ball into the street or conceal items such as patio furniture and barbecues from thieves.

Privacy
Install a fence to turn your yard into an extension of your living space. A tall privacy fence allows you to enjoy family gatherings or time to yourself away from the eyes of passersby.

Curb Appeal
A fence can add character and charm to your home’s exterior—as long as it’s not an eyesore. Keep up with maintenance, such as staining, and choose a fence that fits your home’s style.

Resale Value
Investing in a fence could pay off if you ever decide to sell. Many house-hunters enjoy the aesthetics of a fenced-in yard and appreciate the privacy and security it can offer.

Before You Build

    If you’re having a fence installed, verify that the contractor has the appropriate insurance.
    Contact City Hall or your zoning office for local building codes.
    Secure necessary building permits.
    Don’t impede on a neighbor’s property. “Have a survey done so you know your property lines,” Turrentine says.
    Call  your local notification service to locate underground utility lines.
    Discuss your plans with neighbors. “Make sure they know what’s going on and what you’re doing,” Turrentine says. “That’s part of being a good neighbor.”

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 at 125 Norton Road in Easton  for $1,290,000. See the virtual tour HERE

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

Connecticut Financing Update and Today's Mortgage Rates 8/23/13

Rates remain at 2 year high levels with not much change to last weeks recent spike.   The 10 year treasury is at 2.89.  In recent months rates have been going higher and higher since early May.  Anyone looking to close within the next short term period then you might be better off locking into a rate as the rate climb seems to be an ongoing trend.

Today's Mortgage Rates

Conventional 30 year fixed          4.875%                  APR 4.932%

Conventional 15 year fixed          3.875%                  APR 3.969%

The above rates are based on a loan amount of $417,000 for a single family home, a borrower’s middle credit score of 780 and a 20% down payment.  If you would like a customized rate quote for your own specific loan scenario then please feel free to email me at nima@primeres.com or call me directly at 203.913.6016.

This is not an offer for extension of credit or a commitment to lend. All loans must satisfy company underwriting guidelines. Information and pricing are subject to change at any time and without notice. This is not an offer to enter into a rate lock agreement under any applicable law.

As a lending professional, Nima Rezvan meets a wide range of real estate lending needs, whether it be a first time purchase, second home purchase, or refinance. He welcomes the opportunity to serve your needs with quick and accurate real estate financing advice. With his expertise and knowledge, he will make sure you understand the features associated with the loan program you choose and that it meets your unique financial situation.

With more than 10 years of mortgage lending experience, Nima specializes in  Conventional Mortgages,  Jumbo Loan Financing, Refinance, First Time Home Buyers and Federal Housing Administration/Veterans' Administration (FHA/VA)

782 Clinton Avenue

Bridgeport, CT 06604

Phone: 203.913.6016

Email: nima@primeres.com

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The Featured Home of the Week is at 125 Norton Road in Easton  for $1,290,000. See the virtual tour HERE

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

FACT: Your Condo Neighbors Can Affect Your Ability to Obtain a Loan

Did You Know There is a 15 Percent Rule for Buying a Condo?

When you embark upon the buying or selling process for a condominium, your fellow unit owners have a lot to do with your ability to obtain a loan. HUH?  Yes, you read that right.

There are two ways that the ability to obtain financing  can be affected by your fellow unit owners.

1. How many units are owner occupied? Most lenders will not finance a unit if more than half of the units are occupied by tenants, and some lenders won't finance a loan if more than 30 percent of the residents are renting, so if enough of your fellow unit owners have opted to lease their respective units, it may affect you.

2. ... and the biggie- If more than 15 percent of unit owners are delinquent in paying their common charges by 60 days or more, it is virtually impossible for you to obtain a loan on that property. NOTE:  exceeding that percentage is not all that common, but it does happen, especially considering the economy  that we have experienced over the last few years.

3. If one person, (or one entity) owns more than 10 percent of the units that may also be of concern to the banks.

Also, important- If there is one or more lawsuits pending against the complex, that can also present an issue.

Have a question as to whether the condo that you are interested in buying or selling could have any of these issues? Call me- if I am your agent,  you are all set, and should have no worries- that's all standard operating procedure with me to find out this information  for all of my clients.

Sellers, take note, too. This absolutely and without a doubt affects your buyer pool.

Call me if I can be of assistance (203) 257-5892

Buying or Selling a Condo 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

This Week's Edition of National Real Estate News 8/19/2013 (Video)

This week's national real estate news update -Foreclosures down for the year,   buy small- pay less,  keeping calm when selling your home, buying time is here!  Click here for more- about moving, selling and  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

Open House Today 8/18/13 at 9 Riverbank Road, Weston for $699,000

FRONTAGE on  Saugatuck River! This ranch home is on 1.92 acres, has over 2,100 square feet of living area and includes 6 rooms, 3 bedrooms, and  2.5 baths.

Renovated kitchen,  vaulted ceilings,  two fireplaces,  and inground pool.  We are open to the public  today, August 18, 2013. Please stop by, and don't forget your checkbook- this is a great buy!

August 18, 2013 from 2-4PM

Directions: Weston Road (Route 57) to Lyons Plains Road, Cartbridge to Riverbank. Follow Signs.

Listed by Gail Zawacki / hosted by Judy Szablak

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

If you have a question about buying or selling Real Estate in  Weston, or 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