Before You Buy a Home to Renovate in Fairfield County CT

The idea of buying an older property and renovating it into your dream home or a moneymaker is appealing to many people. But with that excitement also comes a lot of potential problems.

It's important that you know what you're getting yourself into. Before taking on a fixer-upper, consider if it's the right type of property for you and what it will actually take to renovate.
Decide What's Right for You

    Pros and cons. While a lower sales price, potential for resale profit, and a sense of personal satisfaction are certainly possible, there can also be a lot of unseen costs associated with buying a home that needs repair.
    Patience is required. Depending on the size of the renovation, a fixer-upper can take anywhere from a month to more than a year to complete. Be aware that you and your family's lives may be disrupted for a significant amount of time. If this doesn't work for your lifestyle, it's best to think about a different type of property.
    Money. Renovations can be very costly. If you won't have much money left over for renovations after your down payment and closing costs, you may want to consider a house you can live in while it's being fixed up. Whatever you decide, remember that there will be extra expenses no matter how carefully you plan.

What to Consider When Looking

    Location, location, location. It's the golden rule of real estate and also applies to fixer-uppers. Do your research. Check average home prices and schools in the area. Take a stroll around the neighborhood to see if the homes are well maintained. Buying the worst house on the best block that you can afford can be a great option.
    Condition. This can vary widely from a house requiring cosmetic repairs to a total gut rehab. If you want to minimize renovation costs, look for a home that has "good bones" — a solid roof and foundation, natural light, good floor plan, quality construction, and a coherent design.
    Layout. Many older homes are chopped up into several rooms and their layout may not work for you. While it is certainly possible to knock down walls and rearrange the floor plan, it can sometimes be expensive or impractical. Keep this in mind when thinking about your renovation budget.
    Configuration. Search for houses that have the approximate square feet and number of bedrooms and bathrooms you desire. While it is possible to add these things when renovating, they can really add up, especially if you expand the footprint of a house.

Repairs and Remodeling

    Budgeting. When considering a property, a fixer-upper calculator can help you get started with a rough estimate of renovation costs. A reputable contractor can also assist in the process.
    Minor renovations. These can include:
        Patching and painting walls
        Refinishing floors
        Laying tile or carpet
        Installing light fixtures and switches
        Fixing broken windows
        Installing new or refacing existing kitchen cabinets
        Replacing doors
        Painting the exterior
        Adding a deck
    Major renovations. These can include:
        Replacing HVAC systems or adding central air
        Fixing foundations
        Replacing the roof
        Installing new plumbing, sewer lines, or wiring
        Replacement windows
        Kitchen and bath remodels
        Building garages and additions
    Financing

    Federal Housing Administration offers a 203k loan that allows borrowers to purchase a property while also financing the cost of rehabilitation.
    Don't over-improve.

    Consider how adjacent houses have been finished. If most have lower-end finishings, it's probably not best to spend your money on granite countertops, copper bathroom fixtures, and marble floors. Your fixer-upper should be in line with — or just slightly above — the standards of homes in your neighborhood.

    Purchasing a home is probably one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make. And while it may seem overwhelming, a fixer-upper can be a great way to get good value for your money. Do your homework, talk to professionals you trust, and make a smart, informed decision.

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 $1,349,900. 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

Open House Tomorrow 7/28/13 at 12 Tall Pines Drive,Weston -$959,000

OPEN 1-3 PM on 7/28/2013.  Classic 3,420 square foot center hall Garrison Colonial on 2.32 acres in sought after and easily commutable lower Weston near the Westport line.

This single owner  home has just a hint of country feel, and has been maintained and updated to perfection- from light and bright spaces, to  crown molding, to the gleaming hardwood floors.

The formal  living room has crown molding and a brick fireplace, and the  office /study has tall windows, crown molding and plenty of built-in shelving and bookcases.

A sunlit dining room has crown molding and oversized windows.

The country kitchen  has plenty of cabinetry, double ovens, a service island with a butcher block counter,  and a spacious breakfast area with sliders to the skylit sunroom .
The kitchen is open to the skylit family room with cathedral ceilings, exposed beams, and a floor to ceiling stone fireplace with raised hearth and recessed wood storage area. There are also  sliders to sunroom that features  floor to ceiling glass walls overlooking lovely and scenic property.

The master bedroom suite is on the upper level,  with an elegantly remodeled bath that has cherry cabinetry and marble counters, as well as a deep tub and glass enclosed shower.

Three additional spacious bedrooms are on the second floor, and all have extra large closets
The lower level is unfinished and offers over 1,000 square feet of additional area that is easily  customizable to your needs.

A great buy in a great location. Make it yours today!

12 Tall Pines drive, Weston CT 06883 is listed at $959,000.

Directions: Easton Road (Route 136) to Bayberry Lane to Tall Pines, OR  Lyons Plains Road to White Birch to Tall Pines. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow between 1-3PM!

Listed by Gail Zawacki / hosted by Judy Szablak

 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 Updtae and Today's Mortgage Rates 7/14/2013

CNBC analysts were talking about how rates would be at 4.5% levels this time next year and they are getting closer and closer to 5%.  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   4.75%      APR 4.807%

Conventional 15 year fixed   4%           APR 4.094%

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. 

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 $1,349,900. 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

Open House TODAY 7/14/13 from 1-3PM at 32 Alwyn Lane, Weston CT

Positively exceptional in every way. Quality, craftsmanship, outstanding features, and  impeccable grounds.

Not one detail has been missed. 

A gated entrance is the perfect approach to this meticulous and inspiring 11 room home on 3.58 acres.

Nearly 6,300 square feet of living area has the most thoughtful of upgrades everywhere you look.
  
A grand entrance foyer  features soaring ceilings and 20" Travertine flooring, and the main level floor plan is perfect for the entertainer.

A custom gourmet kitchen has top of the line appliances, and is open to a family room with a stunning stone fireplace and an abundance of natural light. What a great space!

In fact, this home is filled with great spaces, and really has three levels of what you may have heard referred to as the "wow factor"-  Could we write a small glowing essay on this home? You bet- but here are some of the finer details- You are just going to have to see it. Listed at $1,425,000

Living room with fireplace

Dining room with coffered ceiling

Main level den could be fifth bedroom

Master Bedroom privacy suite on second floor with sitting room and luxurious bath.

The lower level features a 500 bottle wine cellar, media room, billiard room.

The Outside Paradise features an outdoor kitchen with stone barbeque, butterfly garden,  20 station sprinkler system, 1,000 SF Gossen deck, tucked away greenhouse, one acre steel deer fence surrounded by natural landscape with walking trails on property.

Rarely will you see a home like this for such a reasonable price, and even more rare that there is an open house, which happen to be today- Sunday  7/14/2013 from 1-3. This may be your only opportunity to see it, and to make it your own.

Contact Judy Szablak at 203-257-5892  today, or come visit me today from 1-3 PM

Listed by Gail Zawacki / hosted by Judy Szablak

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

The Art of Buying or Selling a Home- A How to Guide for Connecticut Real Estate

If you have been considering buying or selling a home in Connecticut, this book is specifically  tailored to answer your questions and meet your needs. Written by top agent Judy Szablak of Coldwell Banker,  who has almost 30 years experience, this helpful  book is also available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble  and all major book retailers. Or, you can buy it direct from Judy  Click here to buy now, or for more details

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