Special offer

Newtown, CT Real Estate News

By Bob and Richelle Ward, Realtors, Moving you HomeWARD
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Recently, we've had a few homeowners ask if now is a good time to move up into a larger home.  Our answer is a resounding "YES!" and here's why: House prices in Newtown have come down a total of 15.11% in 2007 and 2008. Mortgage rates are still at historically low rates Many sellers need to get their homes sold and there are definately "deals" out there There are short sales available for sale, as well as pre-foreclosure and foreclosure properties. Contrary to what you hear on the news, people CAN get mortgages and homes are beginning to sell again. If you currently have equity in your home, great credit and have outgrown your exiting your home, you should definitely consider moving up to a larger home. Financial experts are speculating that when the housing market recovers, home values...
Comments 0
By Bob and Richelle Ward, Realtors, Moving you HomeWARD
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
People ask us about mortgage rates all the time.  We thought that we would provide you with this information.  Keep in mind that rates have many variables to them and that they fluctuate constantly. This information if courtesy of Dan Ianniello of Connecticut Home Mortgage.  Dan is a CMPS which means that he is a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist.    With Points Without Points 30 year fixed 4.375 with 2 points 4.875 with 0 points 15 year fixed 4.125 with 2 points 4.625 with 0 points 7/1 Arm 4.125 with 2 points 5.25 with 0 points 5/1 Arm 3.75 with 2 points  4.75 with 0 points FHA 30 year fixed 4.875 with 2 points  5.5 with 0 points CHFA 5.0 with 1 point   30 year fixed Jumbo 5.25 with 2 points  5.625 with 0 points  15 year fixed Jumbo 4.625 with 2 points  5.0 with 0 points These rat...
Comments 1
By Mandy Beckett, e-Pro,SFR
(William Raveis Realty)
 RELAY FOR LIFE OF NEWTOWN JUNE 13TH, 2009 ONLY 63 DAYS UNTIL RELAY!!! Relay For Life® is the American Cancer Society's signature event that brings more than 3.5 million people from 4,900 communities across the country together each year to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against a disease that takes too much. Relay For Life® is a fun-filled, overnight event that empowers everyone to help fight cancer by raising money and awareness to support the American Cancer Society's lifesaving mission. Teams of people camp out at local high schools, parks, or fairgrounds and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Relay For Life® symb...
Comments 1
By Mandy Beckett, e-Pro,SFR
(William Raveis Realty)
On Saturday, April 25th the Newtown Clean Energy Task Force is holding their 2nd Annual Earth Day Festival located at the Newtown Middle School on Queen Street, Newtown Connecticut. This is designed to highlight Newtown's abundant natural resources and help our community become a bit "greener". The Newtown Earth Day Festival will have events such as kids' activities, live music, tasty food and an environmental maze, educational forums, ecology walks, littler pick-up and a vendor fair.  Organized by Newtown's Clean Energy Task Force, this festival will also include dozens of local businesses, organizations, artists and school clubs. Scheduled Events: * "Lose the Litter" Town Clean-up organized by the Lion's Club * Dance Performances of "Peter & the Wolf" and "The Karma Dance Project" by...
Comments 1
By Mandy Beckett, e-Pro,SFR
(William Raveis Realty)
 Or is it just temporary?  On February 14, 2009 the Hawleyville Post Office clerk was surrounded by supportive customers as the flag was being lowered - the faces that patrons had come to associate with service at the Route 25 branch of the United States Postal Service (USPS) were already missing the friendly staff.  A committee was developed, "Save Hawleyville Post Office".  They immediately sprang into action and collected more than 1,400 signatures including my support, Mandy Beckett along with gaining the support of Congressman Christopher Murphy, Newtown First Selectman Joe Borst and local area residents. While the group was not successful in halting the February 14th closing, on February 4th the office of Congressman Murphy issued a press release announcing that the USPS has proc...
Comments 2
By Bob and Richelle Ward, Realtors, Moving you HomeWARD
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Every couple of months, we write about the real estate market in Newtown.   Because the real estate market is constantly changing, this is a just a snap shot in time.  All information is from the Greater Fairfield County Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for the town of Newtown as of today.  Here goes: As of this moment, there are 285 actively listed single family homes for sale in Newtown whose prices range from $55,00 for a mobile home to $1,999,000 for 5 bedroom, 5 full bathroom & 2 half bathroom Colonial on 2.13 acres.  Houses that are not mobile homes start at $134,900.  There are seventeen homes that are marked as being under deposit.  Fifteen homes are marked as pending sale - which means a contract of sale has been signed.  Thirty-one homes have been sold in Newtown since January 1...
Comments 0
By Bob and Richelle Ward, Realtors, Moving you HomeWARD
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
The Edmond Town Hall Theater is located at ... Edmond Town Hall on Main Street, Newtown.  All movie tickets cost $2.00 each.  The theater is open seven days a week with showings in the evenings and matinees shown on some days.  Movies shown are "second run films" meaning that they've already played at the major cinemas.  The sign outside of Town Hall is changed on Friday to reflect the current movie playing for the week.  Upcoming events and movies are posted inside of town hall.  Movies shown at Edmond Town Hall are appropriate for a family to see.  This is a single screen theatre with seating for 225 people. Now, you may be asking:  How did Newtown get a movie theater at Town Hall?  Newtown had a benefactress in the early part of the 20th century named Mary Elizabeth Hawley.  Mary Eli...
Comments 0
By Bob and Richelle Ward, Realtors, Moving you HomeWARD
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit  First time homebuyers can claim a tax credit worth $8,000 as part of the Economic Stimulus Package. The credit is effective as of January 1, 2009 and will expire December 1, 2009. Amount of Credit:  Ten percent of the value of home or $8,000, whichever is less.  If you purchase a home for more than $80,000, you qualify for the full $8,000 tax credit. Eligible Property:  Any owner occupied, single-family residence (including condos, co-ops and townhouses) that will be used as a principal residence.  If you have not owned a home in 3 years or more, you should qualify for this credit.   Refundable:  No "repayment" required, unless home is sold within the first three years. Definition of First Time Homebuyer:  A buyer who has not owned a principal residence ...
Comments 0
By Bob and Richelle Ward, Realtors, Moving you HomeWARD
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Back in September 2008, we posted a blog titled "Short Sale - What is It?".  We think this is useful information as we frequently explain what a short sale is to both buyers and sellers.  Our intention is to update you from time to time about the number of short sales actively listed for sale in Newtown, CT. There is a special code on our multiple listing service (MLS) that indicates a possible short sale.  We did a search using this code and came up with five (5) houses that are identified as a possible short sale.  They range in price from $355,000 to $1,355,000.  One of these homes were on our original short sale list back in September.  Please note that of the actively listed short sales: 1 has been reduced 4 are new to the list Of the homes that are no longer on the list: 1 sold in...
Comments 2
By Mandy Beckett, e-Pro,SFR
(William Raveis Realty)
Mandy Beckett | Prudential Connecticut Realty | (203) 733-2872 7 Oak Street, Danbury, CT OPEN HOUSE - SUNDAY, MARCH 22ND HOURS: 1:00pm - 3:00pm 2BR/1BA Single Family House offered at $249,000 Year Built 1923 Sq Footage 965 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1 full, 0 partial Floors 2 Parking 2 Uncovered spaces Lot Size 6,098 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION An Adorable Expandable Cape conveniently located in the metro area of the town! Completely remodeled. Crown molding & Built-in's through out. EIK offers new counter tops w/ stainless steel appl., recessed lighting and more! Home completely cable/internet ready. Gleaming hardwood floors. It's must see! see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES Hardwood floor Living room Office/Den Dining room Dishwasher Refrigerator Stove/Oven Microwave...
Comments 3
By Mandy Beckett, e-Pro,SFR
(William Raveis Realty)
;"> Mandy Beckett | Prudential Connecticut Realty | (203) 733-2872 57 Pond Brook, Newtown, CT ***OPEN HOUSE*** Sunday, March 22nd 2009 Hours: 1:00pm- 3:00pm 4BR/3.5BA Single Family House offered at $779,900 Year Built 2004 Sq Footage 3,700 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 full, 1 partial Floors 2 Parking 3 Car garage Lot Size 3.47 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION This impeccable Custom Expanded 5 Bedroom Cape is nestled in 3.7 private acres abuts open space with stocked trout stream, hiking/horse trails in sought western Newtown with easy access to highway. Deep 2-story foyer flanked by a stunning dining room w/tray ceiling & formal living room. Completely surrounding in quality lighting designed and installed by “Lightolier” consultant. Masonry Stone fireplace with 42” hearth surrounds f...
Comments 1
By Mandy Beckett, e-Pro,SFR
(William Raveis Realty)
Mandy Beckett | Prudential Connecticut Realty | (203) 733-2872 3 Somerset Lane, Sandy Hook, CT OPEN HOUSE - SUNDAY, MARCH 22ND HOURS 1:00pm - 3:00pm 4BR/3.5BA Single Family House offered at $739,900 Year Built 2004 Sq Footage 4,212 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 full, 1 partial Floors 2 Parking 3 Car garage Lot Size 1.17 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION This two-story foyer opens into a beautiful gourmet kitchen with center island surrounded by two-tone cabinetry. Granite and stainless steel appliances. Adjacent two-story breakfast area. Dining with atrium door to porch. Stone fireplace in family room. French door open into living room which adjoins recreation room. Gleaming hardwood floors with detail to millwork and crown molding. Master bedroom with tray ceiling, quiet sitting area ...
Comments 0
By Bob and Richelle Ward, Realtors, Moving you HomeWARD
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Spring has arrived to Newtown, CT!  Last night, we were looking out our kitchen window at our backyard (we have blogged about our backyard before).  The animal activity was in high gear! We first noticed all the young deer in our backyard.  They were grazing on the leftover winter grass and frolicking with one another.  The deer were hopping about and chasing one another with their white tails up.  The deer were not the only animals out and about. In the open space beyond our property were a large number of BIG birds.  We couldn't identify them until we brought the binoculars out.  Weren't we surprised to see wild turkeys!  The males had their plummage in full display trying to attract the females while chasing the competition away.  There were even a deer or two mixed in amongst the tu...
Comments 0
By John Queenan
(CDPE, Nicholas H. Fingelly Real Estate)
For buyers that are considering condominiums and will be utilizing HUD backed financing, the list of approved and in process condominiums is available here: http://tinyurl.com/2jsaov You should know before you make an offer, whether the condominium complex is approved, in process, or even if it has been rejected by HUD. In Newtown and Sandy Hook, for example, no complexes have been approved per the HUD site as of this writing.
Comments 0
By Bob and Richelle Ward, Realtors, Moving you HomeWARD
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
What Have Newtown, CT Real Estate Values Done Since 2003?  Home values are important whether you are planning to buy a home or sell a home.  They are a major topic of conversation and are on the minds of many people.  Each day the news media tell us about large double digit declines in real estate values.  Basically, the media is telling us that "the sky is falling".  Being local Realtors, we thought we should put the rise and fall of Newtown real estate values into perspective. Real estate is really a "local thing" - values can differ greatly from one town to another.  We have made a comparison of the median sales price in Newtown, CT from 2003 to 2008 to see what has happened to real estate values in Newtown.  The table below shows the end of year number of sales, the median sales pri...
Comments 0
By Bob and Richelle Ward, Realtors, Moving you HomeWARD
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Newtown, CT Public Schools will begin registering children for kindergarten during the month of April 2009.  If your child will turn five years old by December 31, 2009, he or she is eligible to register for school.  Pre-registration will begin in April 2009.  If your child is eligible for kindergarten in September, you should contact the elementary school where he or she would attend.  If you don't know which school, you can contact the School District at 426-7620 or look online @ www.newtown.k12.ct.us.   School Registration Dates Phone Number Hawley School April 27, 28, 29, 2009 426-7666 Head O'Meadow School March 31, April 1, 2, 2009 426-7670 Middle Gate School April 6, 7, 8, 9, 2009 426-7662 Sandy Hook School April 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 2009 426-7657  
Comments 0
By Bob and Richelle Ward, Realtors, Moving you HomeWARD
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Prudential Connecticut Realty's Newtown Office located at 33 Church Hill Road is a collection point for the F.A.I.T.H. Food Pantry.  The F.A.I.T.H. Food Pantry has been in existence at the St. John's Episcopal Church at 5 Washington Avenue, Sandy Hook for 25 years.  F.A.I.T.H. stands for Food Assistance Immediate Temporary Help.  The Food Pantry is all volunteer and is always looking for volunteers, food and money.  F.A.I.T.H. Food Pantry is a 501(c)(3) organization and donations are tax-deductible. Food donations are always welcome, but please do not donate items past their expiration date. The pantry welcomes simple foods like tuna, spaghetti sauce, pasta, macaroni and cheese, chicken noodle soup, cereals, pasta (boxed and canned), ravioli, stew, chili, pancake mix and syrup, tomato p...
Comments 5
By Mandy Beckett, e-Pro,SFR
(William Raveis Realty)
Mandy Beckett | Prudential Connecticut Realty | (203) 733-2872 3 Somerset Lane, Sandy Hook, CT JUST REDUCED!! JUST REDUCED !!! JUST REDUCED!!! 4BR/3.5BA Single Family House offered at $739,900 Year Built 2004 Sq Footage 4,212 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 full, 1 partial Floors 2 Parking 3 Car garage Lot Size 1.17 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION This two-story foyer opens into a beautiful gourmet kitchen with center island surrounded by two-tone cabinetry. Granite and stainless steel appliances. Adjacent two-story breakfast area. Dining with atrium door to porch. Stone fireplace in family room. French door open into living room which adjoins recreation room. Gleaming hardwood floors with detail to millwork and crown molding. Master bedroom with tray ceiling, quiet sitting area and tw...
Comments 0
By Mandy Beckett, e-Pro,SFR
(William Raveis Realty)
There are many ways to drive traffic to your open houses.  Open houses continue to be the best way to market yourself. They take preparation, care during the open houses and follow up work. If you don't have a listing, adopt one and host an open houseARE YOU RUNNING OUT OF IDEAS FOR YOUR OPEN HOUSE? Here are some things to consider for open houses and additional exposure for your listings. Mailing announcements to the neighborhood and SOI. Call the neighbors to let them know about the open house. Offer holding a "special neighbor preview" for 1/2 hour before the public open house. We have tried this in many offices and the outcome has been an increase in traffic and neighbor participation. It's a great opportunity to show your stuff from a listing perspective. Call all of your past open...
Comments 0
By Bob and Richelle Ward, Realtors, Moving you HomeWARD
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Hello Newtown and welcome to our blog, LifeinNewtown.com!  Recently, we took out a small classified ad in the real estate section of The Newtown Bee.  Our simple ad has just www.LifeinNewtown.com.  We feel that it is time to introduce our blog to Newtown. We have been blogging about life in Newtown, CT since September 2008.  We have also sprinkled in relevant real estate information about our town.  Blog topics have ranged from Fairfield Hills to Short Sales.  We have just posted two homes we recently listed for sale and plan to soon post information about the Faith Food Pantry. We'd like to bring the different sections of our blog to your attention.  They are pretty helpful for navigating our blog and are as follows: My Links:  We've added in links property specific websites we set up ...
Comments 0