New CT Law About Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors Takes Effect on January 1, 2014

From the Connecticut Association of REALTORS: "As of January 1, 2014, Sellers of 1-2 family homes built prior to October 1, 2005 will be required to furnish their purchasers with an affidavit that the property has working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Failure to provide the affidavit requires the sellers to credit their purchasers with $250 at closing."

Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death.

    "CO is found in combustion fumes such as those produced by cars, trucks, small gasoline engines, stoves, lanterns, burning charcoal and wood, gas ranges and heating systems. CO becomes deadly if it builds up in enclosed or badly ventilated areas.  Red blood cells pick up CO, and prevent the body from properly absorbing oxygen, damaging tissues and possibly causing death.
    Everyone – people and animals – are at risk for CO poisoning. Certain groups – unborn babies, infants, and people with chronic heart disease, anemia or respiratory problems – are more susceptible."


Whether you are selling your home or not, please make sure that you have a working CO detector. This new law hits close to home for me, personally,- as a dear friend of mine was poisoned by Carbon Monoxide, which could have been easily avoided if they only knew.. Luckily, that person is still alive.

Please make sure you have a detector in your home.

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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 $550,000. 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

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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

8 Ways to Help Reduce the Risk of Wintertime Fire

During the holidays and throughout winter, the use of fireplaces, candles, furnaces and decorative lights goes up. So does the risk of a home fire, says Lorraine Carli, vice president of communications for the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Residential fires during the winter are responsible for more than 900 deaths and 3,800 injuries each year.

Keep your home safe with these precautions:

•    Only burn seasoned hardwood in your fireplace. Never toss trash, gift wrap or branches from your old Christmas tree into the flames.
•    Extinguish candles if you’re feeling drowsy. According to the NFPA, 36 percent of residential candle fires start in the bedroom. Blow out candles before you fall asleep to prevent curtains or bedding from catching on fire.
•    Keep your Christmas tree watered. Water it daily to prevent it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard. When needles begin to fall off or break rather than bend, it’s time to dispose of the tree.
•    Check electric cords for damage. Frayed cords and exposed wires are a major fire hazard, especially when they rest on Christmas tree branches and other flammable materials. When decorating outdoors, prevent cord damage by using clips to hang lights—don’t use nails or staples.
•    Have your fireplace professionally cleaned. According to the NFPA, creosote buildup is responsible for 22 percent of home heating fires. Avoid the danger with an annual chimney inspection and cleaning.
•    Opt for smoke alarms with battery backup. Winter storms can knock out the power and prevent electric smoke alarms from functioning. Make sure your alarms have a battery in place to keep them functioning no matter what.
•    Get the right extension cord. If you need an extension cord for items such as space heaters, make sure the cord is the same size or larger than the cord being plugged into it and that it can handle the amp load.
•    Keep walkways clear. Keep Christmas trees, decorations, furniture and other items from blocking from your home’s exits. If a fire breaks out, this will help everyone get out safely. “Make sure that there are two ways out of every room,” Carli says. As an extra safety precaution, Carli recommends that families practice their fire escape plans in the winter as well as in the summer to account for seasonal changes such as ice and snow.

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

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Featured Home of the Week is at 125 Norton Road in Easton  for $1.4M. 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