Life in Newtown, CT

When Bob and I first started our real estate careers, older Realtors in our office gave us loads of advice.  The one piece of advice that sticks in both our minds is about the three most stressful things in life:

1. Getting Married
2. Getting a Divorce
3. Buying a House

I've always thought there was quite a bit of truth to this as I have personally experienced #1 and #3.  The stress of getting everything perfect and not forgetting someone or something when we got married just about put me over the edge.  I remember when I had to order the flowers with my raging fever and ear infection, I started crying when I showed up to the florist and he wasn't there.  I called my soon to be father-in-law and he helped me with selecting the flowers.  It was awful.

We've owned a few homes over the years and every time we've moved, I have thought that "we've done this before - it won't be too bad this time".  Wishful thinking on my part!  Some unforeseen event always happens.  Like when we moved from New York to Newtown, CT, we decided NOT to use a moving company.  Big mistake!  After 7 moving trucks ... each moving truck was large enough to move a 4 bedroom home ... we were thoroughly stressed out and exhausted.  One night, we had to sneak our Rottweiler, Auggie, into a motel room for the night.  In the middle of the night, he started to bark because the people in the next room made noise!  LOL

OK - Getting back to real estate:  Over my career as a Realtor, the list of the three most stressful things in life comes to mind often.  Getting married and getting divorced are both life changing events.  Many times, people need to change their home because of a life changing event.  Many first time homebuyers live at home with their parents or in an apartment.  When they are planning on getting married, they want a place of their own to call home.  With a divorce, it is usually the separation of marrital assets that causes a home to be sold and then both parties must find a new place to live.  A life changing event is stressful enough, but add selling and/or buying a house to the list and it can create a very stressful time in one's life.

How can you keep your stress level down?  Depending on who you speak with, you'll get different information on how to choose a Realtor.  That could be a entire blog post in itself!  I do suggest that prior to choosing a Realtor, think about what you're doing, think of how you want your Realtor to help you and decide not to get on the "real estate rollercoaster".  The "real estate rollercoaster" is following the highs and lows of the transaction - elation:  making an offer and negotiating - not coming to terms: complete and utter devastation on not getting the home of your dreams.  It's tough not to get on the real estate rollercoaster, but you can do it if you set your mind to it!

Posted by: Bob & Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR
Prudential Connecticut Realty
www.connecticuthomesforsale.com

I recently overheard a homeowner say that his Realtor had told him to "hold off" on listing his home for sale.  I really wanted to say something to this person about how wrong this was, but circumstances didn't allow.  I've thought about this comment and feel that it is a really irresponsible thing for a Realtor to tell a homeowner.  Think about it:

In Newtown, home prices have come down 22% off the "peak".  If you purchased a home during the peak for $500,000, its value today is $390,000.  Should the market continue to decline in 2009, this same home's value will be less a year from now.  For example, if the real estate market declines another 6% in 2009, this same home would be worth $366,600 a year from now. 

In a "normal" real estate market, home values appreciate between 2-5% a year (depending on the market).  So if in 2010 and 2011 home prices increased 3% per year, the value of that home would be worth exactly what it is today!

Do I think this homeowner received good advice from his Realtor?  No!  What does this homeowner stand to gain by holding off on listing his home for sale?  Nothing, but he will get to pay the carrying costs for the home each month in the hopes of improving his equity position in the home.  It's a fallacy to hold off on listing your home for sale in this market.  If you must sell your home, get it listed for sale with a good, honest Realtor at a realistic price.  This will help to reduce your overall losses on the property.

Now keep in mind, the scenario above is hypothetical.  Actuality could be a LOT worse.

Horses are a part of life here in Newtown.  It's not uncommon to see people in riding clothes (boots and all) or to see horses around town.  There are many horse trails in town - some that cross privately owned land & some follow the old railroad beds.  I am not a rider; however, I understand from those who do ride that the trails in Newtown are very extensive and connect into Monroe and Brookfield.

Newtown Bridle Land Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of equestrian and passive recreation trails so unique to rural character of Newtown, CT.  They have been helpful when I've called seeking information about horse related "things" in town.

The Second Company Governor's Horse Guard is located in Newtown.  They celebrating 200 years of history this year.  Originally formed in 1808 to "attend upon and escort the Governor in times of peace and war, the 2CGHG now is part of the organized militia of the State of Connecticut, under the direction of the Governor and the National Guard.  They often ride in ceremonies, but still do train.  The public is always welcome to visit during regular drill hours or events.

Some of the horse facilities in town include:

• Redgate Farms located at 50 Poverty Hollow Road, Newtown
• Astor Place Show Stables located at 50 Poverty Hollow Road, Newtown
• Fox Ridge Farm located at 39 Aunt Park Lane, Newtown
• Rabbit Hill Farm at The Ridge Equestrian Center, 163 Papoose Hill Road, Newtown
• Zoar Ridge Stables located at 5 Morgan Drive, Sandy Hook

There are many private horse properties in Newtown and Sandy Hook where one can board their horse(s).  Horse riding lessons are given at different facilities and are even offered through the Parks and Recreation Program. 

Email us for horse properties currently listed for sale.

Every year, prospective buyers and sellers ask us "When does the Spring real estate market begin?".  Our answer is always January 2nd!

The term "Spring market" is a complete misnomer - a name that doesn't convey its true meaning.  According to my calendar, Spring begins in March; however, the real estate "Spring market" begins in January.

Many sellers contact a Realtor in January about listing their home for sale in the "Spring".  When we meet with them, we always ask them why do they want to wait to put their home on the market.  9 times out of 10, they respond "for the Spring market", because they believe the "Spring market" begins in March or April.

Buyers view January as the beginning of the Spring market.  They want to get out there and find the right home to purchase - right away.  It's a New Year - lets find our new home!  In the past, we've had many buyers who want to start their new home search right after the New Year - on January 2nd!

Real estate over the holiday season is typically a slow time for real estate.  In years past, January 2nd rolls around & it's been a like a BIG SWITCH was turned on.  Buyers are ready to go find their new home.

Is buying or selling a home on your resolution list for the New Year?  If so, email us right away to get your search underway.

Bob & Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR
www.connecticuthomesforsale.com