Greater New Haven CT Real Estate: December 2009

Brooke's Singing Performance At The Christmas Play

Today my 7 year old granddaughter Brooke performed in a Christmas play at the Evangelical Covenant Church of New Haven. Knowing how much Brooke loves to sing, her Papa Bob, Grammy and Uncle Jeff were very excited about attending this performance that had been cancelled due to the huge snowstorm that hit us last week.

Brooke played Mary and sang twice during the play once singing "Who Would Imagine a King" and "Let There Be Peace on Earth." 

Brooke had given us a little rehearsal on Christmas Day but her performance today of "Let There Be Peace on Earth" brought the house down and everyone to tears.  Please indulge this very proud Grammy by listening to her sing these touching and beautiful songs.

Written and Posted by:

Donna Bigda - REALTOR®

RE/MAX Alliance - Branford, CT 06405

Search all Greater New Haven CT Homes for Sale

With Christmas less than 3 days away we're all dashing around getting that last minute shopping done, wrapping gifts, baking, cooking and attending office and family parties. 

While we're racing around in the rush of all that needs to be done to get all the preparations ready for Christmas Day there are many famlies here in Active Rain and across the country who currently have a loved one in our Armed Forces who won't be home during this holiday season.

I've been through many holidays over the course of the past eight years when my son and brother were in either Afghanistan or Iraq and the feeling of emptiness our family shared when someone you love is so far away and the sense of loneliness they are experiencing thousands of miles away from home.

My son Bob can't be with us here in Connecticut this year but is stationed in Louisiana where he wlll be celebrating Christmas with his wife and daughters.

My brother David right now is on his way home on a bus from training in Indiana with the Connecticut National Guard for a 10-day Christmas leave before being deployed to Afghanistan early next year.  My mom & I will be picking him up when the New Haven-based 102nd Infantry Regiment arrives back to Connecticut tomorrow morning.

My nephew Chrstopher is in the U.S. Navy stationed in Florida and will be with his wife and Dad (my brother) for Christmas before he is deployed sometime in January.

My nephew Mark just joined the U.S. Army and will be starting his basic training around mid-February.  He drove down from New Hampshire with his new bride to spend Christmas with our family.

While I consider myself very fortunate to have them all here in the U.S. for the holidays, my thoughts and prayers are with all the families and friends who may have a loved one serving far from home this year.  May God Bless you and keep you safe.  We love you, support you and can never thank you enough for the sacrifices you have made to keep our country safe.

In 1986, James Schmidt who was a Lance Corporal in the U.S. Marine wrote a poem called "Merry Christmas, My Friend."  The wording in the poem was changed slightly and recorded by Father Ted Berndt and has become known as "A Soldier's Silent Night." Father Berndt was a World War II Marine veteran and recipient of the Purple Heart.  At the time of the recording his was a priest priest at Bread of Life Charismatic Episcopal Church in Dousman, Wisconsin.

This song is in deep appreciation of the courage and selfless sacrifices of our Veterans, our military and their famiies.

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Written and Posted by:

Donna Bigda - REALTOR®

RE/MAX Alliance - Branford, CT 06405

Search all Greater New Haven CT Homes for Sale

Winter Wonderland In Southern Connecticut- Looking Out My Back Door

Looks like we got hit with one doozie of a storm here in Southern Connecticut.  The first fluffy flakes started falling last night and within a couple of hours the wind picked up causing blizzard like conditions.  It is estimated that the snow totals are from 9-14 inches along the Southern Connecticut shoreline. 

I took a couple of photos last night at the height of the storm and this morning.  Mother Nature was in her fury throughout the night but this morning it is a beautiful winter wonderland.

The next two photos were taken from my screen porch.

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Written and Posted by:

Winter Weather Driving Safety Tips In Southern Connecticut

With the news of a pending severe winterstorn making its way up the East Coast this weekend, many people will be out traveling to get that last minute shopping done or on their way to holiday and family events.

Driving in snow and ice can be extremely dangerous so here are some winter weather driving safety tips to help keep your car travel safer. 

When my boys were in elementary school I had to drive them to school each day.  I considered myself a very safe driver and yet on one very icy and snowy day I lost control of my car and veered into a telephone pole.  Luckily no one was hurt but it showed how even the best of drivers have to be so extremely cautious during the winter season. 

If you haven't done this already, make sure your car has been tuned up and have had a mechanic check the following items:

It is vitally important to have good winter tires.  For most winter conditions all-weather radials are usually sufficient.  Check to make sure they had adequate tread and are properly inflated.  Consider carrying a set of tire chains for possible heavy snow conditions.  

Prevent gasoline freeze up by keeping your gas tank full.and maintaining at a minimum a half tank of gas during the winter season.  Before going out on the road check local radio or tv reports for the latest in weather and road conditions.  

Keep the following gear in your care for emergencies and everyday trips:

Flashlight
Jumper Cables
Snow brush, ice scaper and small shovel
Blankets
Cell phone

If you're traveling long distances plan for making stops along the way.  Pack extra blankets, warm clothing, bottled water, quick enery snacks or food and any required medications with you.  Buckle up those seat belts!  If you must drive during a snow or ice storm, take your time, drive slowly, monitor your speed with changing road and weather conditions. 

Let someone know your travel route and when you plan to arrive so the proper authorities can be notified if you don't reach your intended destination.

Make sure to keep the battery charged on your cell phone in the event you become stranded and need to call for help.  If weather conditions prevent you from driving or if your car gets stuuck in the snow or stalls, place flares or relective lighting at a safe distance from eithe end of the car.  

Check the exhaust pipe and make sure to clear any snow around it. Wrap yourself in warm clothing or blankets, stay in your car with the window open slightly to let in some fresh air and run the heater for a few minutes each hour to stay warm.

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Written and Posted by:

Donna Bigda - REALTOR®

RE/MAX Alliance - Branford, CT 06405

Search all Greater New Haven CT Homes for Sale

Southern Connecticut Real Estate - Most Expensive Sales for CT Waterfront and Luxuy Homes in CT - September-October-November 2009

Are you curious about the Southern Connecticut real estate market and what CT waterfront and luxury homes in CT have been selling for?

There were 21 Southern Connecticut waterfront and luxury home sales over $1 million in the New Haven and Middlesex County towns of Branford, Cheshire, Deep River, Guilford, Madison, Milford, Old Saybrook and Westbrook.  

The average list price was $1,688,167 with an average sales price of $1,513,571, 126 average days on  market and average sales price to list price ratio of 90.36%..

In comparing the statistics from Septmber, October, November 2008, the average list price was $2,576,171 with an average sales price of $2,225,059, 249 average days on market abd an average sales price to list price ratio of 87.68%.

Sales were up from 17 for June-July-August 2009 and up from the 17 sold in September-October-November 2008.

Most Expensive Sales for CT Waterfront and Luxuy Homes in CT - September-October-November 2009

166 Fiske Lane - Westbrook CT -- Sold on October 29th for $2,500,000
This 4858 sq. ft. waterfrtont home on 1.90 acres with 177+ frontage on Long Island Sound has 9 rooms, 4 bedrooms, 2 full and 3 half bathrooms.

118 Middle Beach Road - Madison CT  -- Sold on November 20th for $2,400,000
This Grover Whaler House circa 1914 is an historic direct 4634 sq. ft. waterront home meticulously renovated has 6 bedrooms 5 full and 2 half bathrooms.  This home has a gorgeous perennial garden and an expansive 378 sq. ft. screen porch.

16 Fenwick Avenue -  Old Saybrookd CT  -- Sold October 16th for $2,000,000
Surrounded by a golf course this spectacular 4167 sq. ft. Fenwick home built in 1880 has a wraparound porch, 3 season sunroom and 2 fireplaces.   The master bedroom suite has it's own private balcony and each bedroms has its own bath.  With 10 rooms, 5 bedrooms 4 full and 1 half bath it is just a short stroll to the beach, tennis court and golf course.

With 196 CT waterfront and luxury homes currently on the market listed between $1,000,000 to $7,900,000 buyers looking in the Southern Connecticut real estate market have a huge inventory of properties to choose from.

All information for these report was obtained from CTMLS and is for single family homes only.

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Contact Donna Bigda, ABR, SRES, e-PRO, Realtor®, RE/MAX Alliance Licensed Realtor® in the State of Connecticut at 203-488-1641, ext. 214 to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Branford, Guilford, Madison, East Haven, New Haven and the surrounding Greater New Haven area.

If you're thinking about buying a CT waterfront or luxury home in CT there are wonderful opportunities in this market while interest rates remain low. For more information on Southern CT waterfront and luxury homes, sign up today to get access the hottest new listings at my Shoreline Homefinder website.

Disclaimer:  All information provided by this author is strictly an opinion, is not guaranteed, may be based on information collected from several sources, which may or may not be deemed reliable at the time of researching this article and may be time sensitive.

Copyright © 2009 by Donna Bigda, All Rights Reserved ...*Southern Connecticut Real Estate - Most Expensive Sales for CT Waterfront and Luxuy Homes in CT - September-October-November 2009*

Morris Cove Homes For Sale - Morris Cove Real Estate Market Report November 2009

Understanding the general direction of the current Morris Cove real estate market conditions is of vital importance to both buyers and sellers in order to help you make a more informed decision when buying or selling a home in Morris Cove.

There are currently 33 homes for sale in Morris Cove New Haven CT ranging in price from $154,900 to $650,000.

In the month of November 2009 there were 5 homes that closed. This is an increase of 4 homes as there was one closed sale in November 2008.

The average sales prices of Morris Cove homes sold in November 2009 was $174,140 with an average 54 days on the market versus $185,000 for those sold in November 2008 with an average 116 days on the market.

Below is a summary of the Morris Cove New Haven CT real estate market that provides a more in depth view of market conditions over the past twelve months.

For the period of January - November 2008 there were 36 Morris Cove homes sold with an average list price of $253,625 average sales price of $241,783, a median sales price of $236,250, an average days on market of 87 days with a 95.17% sale price to list price ratio.

For the period of January - November 2009 there were 47 Morris Cove homes sold with an average list price of $206,813 average sales price of $193,048, a median sales price of $200,000, an average days on market of 103 days with a 94.11% sales price to list price ratio.

In reviewing this comparison of year to year market data for the Morris Cove area there has been a considerable decrease in the average sales price and average median sales price.  The sale of a number of distressed properties during the past 12 months contributed to the lower average sales price year over year. The number of homes sold saw a modest increase year over year while the average days on market has been rising. The average sale price to list price year to year has also decreased.

While there has been a considerable decrease in the average sales price year over year, the months supply of inventory is going down indicating signs of some stability in the Morris Cove real estate market.

The data for the Morris Cove New Haven CT real estate market report for November 2009 is based on statistics provided from the CTMLS (private sales are not included).

Click here for previous Morris Cove Market Reports.

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Contact Donna Bigda Realtor® RE/MAX Alliance Licensed Realtor® in the State of Connecticut at 203-488-1641, ext. 214 to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Branford, Guilford, Madison, East Haven, New Haven and the rest of shoreline area in New Haven County Connecticut.

There are great opportunities for today's buyers looking for a Morris Cove home with the added benefit for those who may qualify for the $8,000 First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit and the great low interest rates that are available.

If you're considering selling your Morris Cove home, we'd be happy to provide you with a Pin-Point Price Analysis of your home which will help you determine what it might sell for in today's market.

Copyright © 2009 by Donna Bigda, All Rights Reserved ...*Morris Cove Homes For Sale - Morris Cove Real Estate Market Report November 2009*

The Greater New Haven area located in Southern CT is full with a vibrant historic and cultural past. Greater New Haven is an area combined with distinctive and unique charateristics centered around a cosmopolitan urban center with ties to the prestigious educationa landmark of Yale University and enriched with its reknown Italian-American cuisine and culture.  

The shoreline communities to the east of New Haven and the landscape of East Rock and West Rock provide a backdrop for a variety of recreational, entertaining, historical and education attractions and events.

According to the Greater New Haven Convention & Visitors Bureau there are 19 towns included in the region.   The City of New Haven is at the hub of these neighboring cities and towns which include Bethany, Branford, Cheshire, Clinton, Durham, East Haven, Guilford, Hamden, Killingworth, Madison, Middlefield, Milford, North Branford, North Haven, Orange, Wallingford, West Haven and Woodbridge.

Commuters have many resources at their disposal.  The Shoreline East and Metro-North trains carry commuters back an forth into New York from New Haven's elegant Union Station.  Amtrak connects the region with Washington, D.C.  and Boston with trains running north and south along the coast.  

If you're traveling by plane, Tweed Airport is close by and the airports in Hartford and New York are within a reaonable driving  or limousine ride away.  

There are three primary Interstates 1-95, I-91 and I-84 run that along the shore and up through central and northern Connecticut and if you live in New Haven proper bus and taxi transportation are readily available.

Whether you are looking for your first home, moving up, downsizing, investment property, seasonal cottage or a home near or on the water you can begin your search right now for all the Greater New Haven homes for sale. You can search other areas too by chaning the fields.  This search screen is interactive so you can use it right now without having to leave this blog. I hope you will enjoy using this tool to help you in your home search in Greater New Haven or anywhere else in New Haven County Connecticut.

Connecticut Home Forelcosures - Connecticut Ranked 20th In November 2009 Nationally

According to the latest report furnished by RealtyTrac, Connecticut is ranked #20 in November 2009 nationally with a total of 2114 foreclosure filings which consists of notices of default, auctions and bank owned properties. This represents a decrease of 8.33% for Connecticut home foreclosure filings from October 2009. Total activity in Connecticut home foreclosures decreased 3.69% from October 2008. Connecticut was ranked #20 in foreclosure filings in October 2009.

With 1 in every 574 homes facing foreclosure, New Haven has the highest number of foreclousre filings with 574 followed by Fairfield County with 572, Hartford County with 480, New London County with 143, Litchfield County with 110, Middlesex County with 83, Windham County with 82 and Tolland County with 70.

For the month of November 2009, the Top 10 areas New Haven County having the highest amount of new foreclosure activity are:

New Haven - 115

Waterbury - 85

West Haven - 61

Meriden - 59

Hamden -43

Milford -24

East Haven - 21

Ansonia - 20

Wallingford - 18

Branford - 17

Get the most current Bank Owned Inventory for New Haven and the surrounding area
at Greater New Haven Bank Owned Homes....INCLUDING
FORECLOSURES, SHORT SALES & DISTRESSED PROPERTIES

Mortgage Assistance Relief Services Disclosure

RE/MAX Alliance is not associated with the government, and our service is not approved by the government or your lender. Even if you accept this offer and use our service, your lender may not agree to change your loan.  If you stop paying your mortgage, you could lose your home and damage your credit rating.  RE/MAX Alliance is not engaged in the practice of law nor gives legal or tax advice.  It is strongly recommended that you seek appropriate professional legal counsel and tax advice for any real estate transaction.

Written and Posted by:

Milford CT Homes - Milford Real Estate Market Report November 2009

Understanding the general direction of the current Milford real estate market conditions is of vital importance to both buyers and sellers in order to help you make a more informed decision when buying or selling a home in Milford CT.

There are currently 199 Milford CT homes for sale ranging in price from $79,900 to $3,750,000. In the month of November 2009 there were 29 homes that closed which is an increase of 7 home as there were 22 Milford CT homes that closed in November 2008.

The average sales prices of Milford CT homes sold in November 2009 was $285,412 with an average 88 days on the market versus $343,268 for those sold in November 2008 with an average 71 days on the market.

The median sales price for November 2009 was $255,000.

The median sales price for November 2008 was $288,250.

Below is a summary of the Milford real estate market that provides a more in depth view of market conditions over the past twelve months.

For the period of January-November 2008 there were 344 Milford CT homes sold withan average list price of $382,178, an average sales price of $363,043 and a median sales price of 326,000.

For the period of January-November 2009 there were 325 Milford CT homes sold with an average list price of $329,345, an average sales price of $312,037 and a median sales price of $275,000.

The average sale price to list price ratio for January-November 2008 was 95.06% and for January-November 2009 was 94.92%.

The average days on market for January-November 2008 was 84 days and for January-November 2009 it was 83 days.

In reviewing this comparison of year to year market data for Milford real estate there has been a decrease in the number of homes sold. While there has been a considerable decrease in the average sales price the months supply of inventory is going down indicating signs of some stability in the Milford real estate market. The average days on market for homes sold this year is relatively flat from the previous year.

The data for the November 2009 real estate market report for Milford CT homes is based on statistics provided from the CTMLS (private sales are not included nor are mobile homes). ****************************************************************************************

Contact Donna Bigda, ABR, SRES, e-PRO, Realtor®, RE/MAX Alliance Licensed Realtor® in the State of Connecticut at 203-488-1641, ext. 214 to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Branford, Guilford, Madison, East Haven, Milford, West Haven, New Haven, North Branford, Hamden, North Haven and the rest of shoreline area in New Haven County Connecticut.

If you're considering selling your Milford CT home, we'd be happy to provide you with a Pin-Point Price Analysis of your home which will help you determine what it might sell for in today's market.

If you're thinking of buying a home in Milford see Milford CT real estate or sign up today to get access the hottest new listings here Milford CT Homes.

Copyright © 2009 by Donna Bigda, All Rights Reserved ...*Milford CT Homes - Milford Real Estate Market Report November 2009*

Branford CT - The good ones do go fast!  This beautiful 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath townhouse listed for $300,000 at 44 Jerimoth Drive Branford CT in the Watch Hill complex just went under contract in 21 days.  Sorry you missed this one but there are still others available.  

If you're thinking of selling a condo in Watch Hill or anywhere in Branford CT we can provide you with a pin-point price analysis of what your home is worth and help you set the stage to get your home sold quickly too.  

Watch Hill is a beautifully landscaped 60-unit complex with quick access to Route 1 and I-95.  The Branford Public Schools for students living in the complex are Mary T. Murphy, Francis Walsh and Branford High School.

The historic Branford Town Center is a short distance away where you can stroll through the Town Green or visit the many shops and restaurants that line Main Street.

Here's what you missed.

View other condos and townhomes available in Branford CT

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