Beware: Active Rain Addiction Day 7 Remembering 9/11 I will never forget the morning of the 9/11 terrorists attacks.  It was a typical morning for me.  I woke up and put on the water for tea, put the dog out, fed the dog and cat, made the tea and brought one up to my sleeping wife.  I had showing appointments that morning so I jumped on the computer to check the hot sheet just to make sure that there wasn't some great property that I should add to my list that day.  It was time to wake my daughters up for school(always a good time for me but not so much for them).  It seems that I am the only one in my family who is a morning person.  I start out the day up and positive and it can be a bit much to my other family members who would rather start the morning in the afternoon.(I'm sure you ... 09/06/2010

Beaware:Active Rain Addiction Day 6-State of Ct Law of Agency for Dummies This is the sixth entry in a 30 day challenge to write informative content for thirty days in a row.  I have blogged about "Holding a Productive Open House" and chronicled my search for wifi while on vacation complete with scenic pictures of course. The State of Ct, when it comes to the Law of Agency, could be called "The State of confusion".  We offer Exclusive right to represent both buyer or seller, dual agency representation to represent both buyer and seller, and designated representation where we designate another agent to represent the second party in a transaction that we are involved in.  Finally, there is an unrepresented party agreement. Whew!!! One of these forms must be signed before any significant a... 09/05/2010

  Beware: Active Rain Addiction Day 4-Holding A Productive Open House  There has been constant debate over Public Open Houses ever since I was a weeeee Real Estate agent back in the day.  Some agents feel that these Open Houses are only a good way to attract buyers for other homes and therefore are not really for the benefit of the listing client.  However, there are those agents who have sold homes through Public Open Houses and believe they are another avenue to sell homes.  I have to admit that my success rate over the years was near the national average success rate of 3-5% until I decided to start holding "Proactive Open Houses".  There are a number of ingredients that go into having "Proactive Open Houses".  My proactive Open Houses have been much more successful!!!! 1. Send out a... 09/03/2010

Come over to List My House for Sale Usually those words are like sweet music to a Realtor's ears.  However, there are times when it really stinks to get this type of call.  Lately, this economy has been putting extra pressure on families that I haven't seen before in my 27 years of Real Estate experience.  Here are some of the reasons behind some of my recent calls from clients to come over to List My House for Sale. 1. Bob lost his job and we can keep up with the mortgage payments.  He is looking for another one. 2. Bob had his hours cut back by fifty percent and we won't be able to make our payments for long. 3. Bob and Sally have decided to get a divorce brought on by the stress of this economy. 4. Bob and Sally have lived in their home for over 50 years but now can't afford the cost... 08/29/2010

Lisa Brown of REMAX Unlimited picks 10 area bars & restaurants in Bethel, Connecticut. If you have a favorite that's not on this list please feel free to leave a comment because I may want to try it.       Images (left to right): Famous Pizza, La Fortuna & The Putnam House La Fortuna La Zingara Putnam House Restaurant & Tap Room Rizzuto's Wood Fired Pizza The Spot Panchos & Gingos Fuji J Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar Empire Szechuan The Sycamore Restaurant Famous Pizza      La Fortuna Restaurant & Bar - Northern Italian & Mediterranean Style Bistro     La Zingara Restorante "Tuscan Villa" - Northern & Southern Italian Food     __________________________________________Lisa Brown of REMAX Unlimited specializes in residential real estate in Northern Fairfield county area including Danbury, Be... 08/23/2010

Bethel, Ct. School Information-Yes, It's That Time Again!  We are now in "The Dog Days" of August.  The "Boys of Summerare in the heat of their pennant races.  Everyone is either on vacation, thinking about vacation or about to go on vacation.  Most of the kids are coming back from Summer camps.  Some are even complaining that there is nothing to do.  All of these are signs.......no, not of the apocalypse but of the fact that it is time to think about "GOING BACK TO SCHOOL" HERE ARE SOME HELPFUL LINKS....... Bethel High School Bethel Middle School Anna H. Rockwell Elementary School Frank A. Berry Elementary School   It's time to breath a sigh of relief there Moms an Dads!!! HAVE A HAPPY SCHOOL YEAR.   08/19/2010

If you're a first time home buyer, you may want to consider a couple alternatives to the traditional single-family home that is surrounded on all sides by its own expensive lawn or driveway. Many people start their property buying progression with a condominium or townhouse, but which is right for you?  Townhouse & Condo Communities in Bethel, Connecticut  For pricing, availability, or other information call 203-733-1613 or email lisaandyou@gmail.com           Timber Oaks   Bethel Meadows   The Summit                    The Villages at Timber Oak welcome you into a special community where an expansive center park, charming gazebo and  lush, manicured grounds sets the tone for this beautiful and picturesque neighborhood.  Situated on 52 acres in the towns of Bethel and Danbury is a commu... 08/18/2010

Getting Your Bethel, CT. Home SOLD.  Over my 27 years in Real Estate I have heard the same question over and over again.  How do I get my home to go from FOR SALE to SOLD?  It is indeed the basic question in Real Estate and no matter the market the fundamentals are still the same.  To go about Getting Your Bethel, CT. home SOLD you need to consider four factors.  These factors are location, condition, pricing and commission.  LOCATION Not too much that you can do to offset a challenging location.  You can't move it----usually.  However, you may need to make a pricing concession to offset it.  For example: a 2400 square foot colonial on a quiet Chimney Heights cul-de-sac might sell between $400,000- $450,000 while the same home on Route 53 might sell for $350,000-$400,000. CONDITIONThere... 08/14/2010

Welcome to Lexington Meadows in Bethel, CT Luxury TownhomesLexington Meadows is a luxury townhome community just over the line from Danbury,CT in the small town of Bethel,CT.  This ‘Baker’ developed neighborhood of 2-3 bedroom townhomes offers a community pool & clubhouse.  The 115 townhomes offer convinces such as gas utilities, central air, walk in closets, lower level family room and 1+ car garage. Lexington Meadows borders scenic Meckauer Park in Bethel & has easy access to I-84 as well as the charming Bethel village.  Contact local real estate expert Jonathan Hall with William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty at 203-417-0523 for current real estate informatio in this desirable Bethel luxury townhome community.  Jonathan Hall - (203)796-7700 | call or text me on my cell phone (20... 07/29/2010

Price: $675,000 FIZBER.com ID 13837826 Single Family with 4 bed, 3.5 bath, in 91 Walnut Hill Road Bethel, CT, 06801 http://www.fizber.com/13837826/ 91 Walnut Hill Road - For Sale By Owner Property Details: Type: Single Family Address: 91 Walnut Hill Road, Bethel, CT, 06801 Sq footage: 4000.0 Floors: n/a Bathrooms: 3.5 Bedrooms: 4 Year built: 1986 View full property details and seller's contacts. View more Connecticut homes for sale. Homes for Sale by Owner. Description: Beautifully maintained contemporary colonial in Chimney heights, conveinent to the highway and lovely downtown Bethel. Newly redone inground pool with diving board and slide. Four large bedrooms, 3.5 baths with 2 whirlpools. Four car tiled garage, 3 fireplaces, irrigation system, alarm system.. Possible setup for in-law... 01/17/2010

When Bruce and Dana Treidel first opened Bethel Music Center, I'd be surprised if they knew that it was to become the local institution that it is today.  A full service retailer of all things musical as well as the premier place in the area for instruction, they have become an active part of the community in Bethel and the surrounding areas. Whether you're looking to purchase a Violin, Clarinet, Cabasa (which is not a type of sausage, BTW), Euphonium, Guitar, PA, Reeds, Digital Piano, Trombone, Upright Bass, Lyre, Metronome, Print Music or anything else you can think of - they have it or they'll get it. If you are not exactly sure what it is you want to buy, the staff will help guide you through the options.  Personal service is what BMC is all about. In addition to being a retailer, a... 12/14/2009

Bethel, Connecticut Real Estate - Foreclosed and Bank Owned Purchasing a home at a foreclosure auction has many risks to a potential buyer and in most cases the bank will bid and take possession of the property at auction. The property is then referred to as bank owned, REO (real estate owned) or foreclosed property. To search the CT MLS listings visit Bethel CT MLS listings. A home owner may attempt a "short sale" whereby the bank agrees to accept less than the mortgage balance based on the owner's hardship and financial status. Obtaining approval can be a long and difficult process. Additionally, there is no assurance that the lender will accept an offer at or above the listed price. Bank-owned and short sale listings are often marketed with a real estate agent and placed in the Conne... 11/23/2009

Brad Kimmelman | William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty | 203-438-8000 94 Nashville Road, Bethel, CT Charming Close to Town Antique Colonial Farmhouse 2BR/1.5BA Single Family House offered at $259,000 Year Built 1898 Sq Footage 1,030 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1 full, 1 partial Floors 2 Parking None Lot Size .22 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Charming antique close-to-town colonial farmhouse with expansion potential. Lovely updated kitchen with granite countertops. This home has newer windows and furnace and city water and sewers. The full bath has a heated floor. This home is on a level lot with great curb appeal and is equipped with invisible fence for dogs. Move-in-ready! see additional photos below ADDITIONAL PHOTOS exterior frontLiving RoomDining RoomKitchenKitchen 2Maste... 11/22/2009

Bethel, Connecticut Real Estate Update  September, 2009  Closed home sales in Bethel, Connecticut:  There were 13 home sales closed in Bethel, CT.  The median closed sales price in Bethel was $359,000. On average, these homes sold for 97.3% of their final list price. Marketing time averaged 133 days on market.  This compares with 9 closed sale in September, 2008, with a median sales price of $435,000.       Currently available homes for sale in Bethel, Connecticut: Currently, there are 97 homes for sale in Bethel, CT.List Prices range from $180,000 for a two-bedroom ranch being sold as a short sale to $1,099,000 for a large colonial on over 5 acres. Bethel, Connecticut is a quaint New England town with a wonderful pedestrian-friendly downtown area with plenty of shops. Bethel borders Da... 11/07/2009

Bethel, Connecticut Real Estate Update  August, 2009  Closed home sales in Bethel, Connecticut:  There were 16 home sales closed in Bethel, CT.  The median closed sales price in Bethel was $310,250. On average, these homes sold for 96% of their final list price. Marketing time averaged 83 days on market.  NOTE:  31% of this month's sales were bank-owned foreclosure properties.  This helps account for the low average days on market. This compares with 20 closed sale in August, 2008, with a median sales price of $410,000.       Currently available homes for sale in Bethel, Connecticut: Currently, there are 97 homes for sale in Bethel, CT.List Prices range from $180,000 for a two-bedroom ranch being sold as a short sale to $1,099,000 for a large colonial on over 5 acres. Bethel, Connecticu... 11/07/2009

Open House in Bethel CT For Antique Lovers STEP BACK IN TIME INTO THIS CHARMING ANTIQUEFARMHOUSE LOVINGLY MAINTAINED. GLORIOUS SUN ROOM OVERLOOKING GROUNDS AND PRETTY PERENNIAL GARDENS FORMAL DINING ROOM POCKET DOORS BUILT INS WALK UP ATTIC & QUIET COUNTRY SETTING *** BARN AND .8 ACRE LISTED SEPARATELY 108 Codfish Hill Road, Bethel CT 06801 Open from 2pm till 4 pm. Sunday October 18, 2009 Click Here for more Details   10/16/2009

Bethel, Connecticut Real Estate Update  July, 2009  Closed home sales in Bethel, Connecticut:  There were 19 home sales closed in Bethel, CT.  The median closed sales price in Bethel was $318,000. On average, these homes sold for 91.1% of their final list price. Marketing time averaged 220 days on market.  This compares with 11 closed sale in July, 2008, with a median sales price of $399,750.     Currently available homes for sale in Bethel, Connecticut: Currently, there are 113 homes for sale in Bethel, CT.List Prices range from $189,900 for a two-bedroom ranch being sold as a short sale to $1,099,000 for a large colonial on over 5 acres. Bethel, Connecticut is a quaint New England town with a wonderful pedestrian-friendly downtown area with plenty of shops. Bethel borders Danbury to t... 09/14/2009

BELARDINELLI TIRE COMPANY, Bethel CT. In 1961 Tulio Belardinelli opened the doors at Belardinelli Tire Company. 48 years later, he's still there. Which, by today's standards is really saying a lot.  Local residents have come to rely on Belardinelli Tire Company not just for their tires. People come to Belardinelli's for all their automotive repairs from oil changes and tune-ups to emissions inspections. For Tulio, it's more than just a business - it's a family enterprise. Tulio's daughter, Lisa Belardinelli Taylor is the company's Business Manager working along side her husband Mike, who is General Manager. Almost any time you drop by you'll see the members of the Belardinelli team either consulting with clients in the office or working in the bays doing the various maintenance and repa... 09/10/2009

Open House in Bethel Connecticut - Lexington Meadows Great Price for private and well maintained unit in Lexington Meadows Click on the picture above to see more details Come and see yourself if you like this unit.  Open house event information: Sunday August 23, 2009 from 1 pm to 3 pm. Address: 102 Concord Lane Bethel, CT 0681 See this event on Facebook      Condominium/Co-op TOWNHOUSE with PrivacyVERY WELL MAINTAINED SPACIOUS GRENVILLE UNIT WITH $25K IN UPGRADES. KITCHEN WITH CHERRY CABINETS, CORIAN COUNTERS, CERAMIC TILE RECESSED LIGHTING. HARDWOOD FLOORS THROUGHOUT, MASTER WITH WALK IN CLOSET VAULTED CEILINGS, DEN, FINISHED LOWER LEVEL WITH FIREPLACE & WALKOUT TO PATIO, 2 CAR GARAGE, QUIET & PRIVATE - MOTIVATED SELLER. Lexington MeadowsWith easy access to I-84, the charming Bethel ... 08/28/2009

Bethel, Connecticut Real Estate Update  June, 2009  Closed home sales in Bethel, Connecticut:  There were 9 home sales closed in Bethel, CT.  The median closed sales price in Bethel was $378,000. On average, these homes sold for 96.1% of their final list price. Marketing time averaged 274 days on market.  This compares with 13 closed sale in June, 2008, with a median sales price of $335,000.     Currently available homes for sale in Bethel, Connecticut: Currently, there are 107 homes for sale in Bethel, CT.List Prices range from $199,900 for a two-bedroom ranch being sold as a short sale to $1,099,000 for a large colonial on over 5 acres. Bethel, Connecticut is a quaint New England town with a wonderful pedestrian-friendly downtown area with plenty of shops. Bethel borders Danbury to th... 08/22/2009