Life in Newtown, CT

195 Alpine Drive, Newtown, CT was LISTED FOR SALE by BOB & RICHELLE WARD, Realtors, ABR

• Listed Price: $219,900
• 2 or 3 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom
• 904 Square Feet
• .34 Acres

Charming starter home with yellow pine floors, wood burning stove, vaulted ceiling and beams. Versatile floor plan with 2 or 3 bedrooms, 1 full bathroom. Lots of nice touches throughout. Multiple decks in rear. Wainscoting, built-in cabinetry. May be subject to third party approval. Character abounds - Wow!

Click here for more information about 195 Alpine Drive, Newtown, CT.  

Bob & Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR
Prudential Connecticut Realty
www.connecticuthomesforsale.com
Cell - (203) 470-9818

26 West Street, Newtown, CT was LISTED FOR SALE by BOB & RICHELLE WARD, Realtors, ABR

• Listed Price: $299,900
• 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom
• 977 Square Feet
• .73 Acres

Adorable Ranch Located in Newtown's Borough  Sit on the open front porch of this ranch style home located in Newtown's Borough. Vaulted ceilings in both Kitchen and Living Room. Hardwood floors throughout & fireplace in Living Room. Skylights, built-ins, beams, wainscoting, French door, Koi pond & bridge over brook in backyard.

Visit www.26WestStreet.com or Click here for more information about 26 West Street, Newtown, CT.  

Bob & Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR
Prudential Connecticut Realty
www.connecticuthomesforsale.com
Cell - (203) 470-9818

55+ Active Adult Communities in Newtown, CT: Market Update 2/16/10  Last September, we posted a general information blog about the different 55+ Active Adult communities in Newtown, CT.  Several people contacted us for more information about this type of housing and we thought it a good idea to update you from time to time about what is happening with 55+ Active Adult real estate in Newtown.

• As of today, there are 18 (eighteen) homes listed for sale in the different communities around Newtown
• 1 home is marked as being under deposit
• The actively properties range in price from $254,000 to $473,545
• The average list price is $357,023
• The average market time for these 18 home is 94 days
• There are 7 homes that are pending sale
• 1 home in the 55+ Active Adult communities have sold so far this year

We hope you find this information to be helpful. If you would like us to send you a list of available units in Newtown's 55+ Active Adult Communities, please email us or call us at (203) 470-9818.

Bob & Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR
Prudential Connecticut Realty
www.connecticuthomesforsale.com
Cell - (203) 470-9818

10 Marlin Road, Newtown, CT was LISTED FOR SALE by BOB & RICHELLE WARD, Realtors, ABR

• Listed Price: $499,900
• 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms
• 3,096 Square Feet
• 4.66 Acres

~ Open House:  Sunday, February 28, 2010 - 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm ~

Classic 4 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom Colonial on 4.66 acres with a large portico at the entry, a screened in porch and deck in the rear. Formal Living Room and Dining Room. Den/Office with Fireplace and a large Family Room with vaulted ceiling & beams. Good sized room throughout with a nice floor plan and flow. Main floor laundry. Oversized windows. Master bedroom suite with walk-in closet and full bathroom. Upscale Rollingwood Estates in southern Newtown.

Click here for more information about 10 Marlin Road, Newtown, CT.  

Bob & Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR
Prudential Connecticut Realty
www.connecticuthomesforsale.com
Cell - (203) 470-9818

16 Osborne Hill Extension Road, Newtown, CT recently SOLD for $370,500 by BOB & RICHELLE WARD, Realtors, ABR

• Listed Price: $399,900
• 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms
• 1,972 Square Feet
• 3.43 Acres

Bank owned. Beautiful newer dormered Cape with farmhouse front porch that overlooks pond. Set on 3.43 acres. Large detached garage/workshop. Stone fireplace, large family room, formal dining room, eik w/island. Central A/C. Gleaming hardwood floors on 1st floor. 2 story foyer. Master bedroom suite has bult-in and full bathroom attached with whirlpool tub and separate shower.

Click here for more information on 16 Osborne Hill Extension Road, Newtown, CT.  

Bob & Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR
Prudential Connecticut Realty
www.connecticuthomesforsale.com
Cell - (203) 470-9818

Homebuyer Tax Credit Extension  The $8,000 homebuyer tax credit for first-time buyers has been extended through April 30 of 2010. In addition, buyers will have an additional two months, until the end of June, to close. So, first-time buyers who are in process of making a purchase will no longer need to worry about qualifying for the $8,000 credit if they close after the November 30 deadline. It also increases the income limit for couples with income up to $225,000, a nearly $55,000 increase above the level in previous law.

The new legislation also makes buyers who already own a home eligible for a credit. A $6,500 maximum credit will be available to existing homeowners who have lived in their current residence for five of the prior eight years. The legislation limits eligibility for the existing homeowner credit to homes worth $800,000 or less.

First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Information

• From the IRS
• From the National Association of Home Builders
• From Connecticut Home Mortgage

Amount of Credit:  Ten percent of the value of home or $8,000, whichever is less. For existing homeowners it's $6,500.

Refundable:  No "repayment" required, unless home is sold within the first three years.

Eligible Property:  Any owner occupied, single-family residence (including condos, co-ops) that will be used as a principal residence. The purchase price of the home is capped at $800,000 in both instances.

Who's Eligible?  First time homebuyers as defined below and existing homeowners who have lived in their current residence for five of the prior eight years.

Definition of First Time Homebuyer:  A buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase. For married taxpayers, the law tests the homeownership history of both the home buyer and his/her spouse.

Income Limit:  Full credit is available for individuals with modified adjusted gross of no more than $125,000 ($225,000 on a joint return).

Deadline:  April 30, 2010 to be under contract. June 30, 2010 to close transaction.

It's a great time to buy a home.  To take advantage of the homebuyer tax credit extension, give us a call today at (203) 470-9818 or email us.

Bob & Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR
Prudential Connecticut Realty
www.connecticuthomesforsale.com
Cell - (203) 470-9818

55+ Active Adult Communities in Newtown, CT: Market Update 10/3/09  Last month, we posted a general information blog about the different 55+ Active Adult communities in Newtown, CT.  Several people contacted us for more information about this type of housing and we thought it a good idea to update you from time to time about what is happening with 55+ Active Adult real estate in Newtown.

• As of today, there are 18 (eighteen) homes listed for sale in the different communities around Newtown
• 2 homes are marked as being under deposit
• The actively properties range in price from $284,500 to $565,000
• The average list price is $417,926
• The average market time for these 18 home is 147 days
• There are 6 homes that are pending sale
• 8 homes in the 55+ Active Adult communities have sold so far this year
• The average market time of the sold units was 175 days
• The average list price of the sold properties was $355,449
• The average sold price of the sold properties was $344,500

We hope you find this information to be helpful. If you would like us to send you a list of available units in Newtown's 55+ Active Adult Communities, please email us or call us at (203) 470-9818.

Bob & Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR
Prudential Connecticut Realty
www.connecticuthomesforsale.com
Cell - (203) 470-9818

55+ Active Adult Communities in Newtown, CT.  Many people ask us about housing in Newtown that is specifically for 55 and older or active adult.  There are four complexes that fit this need in Newtown and they are:

1. Regency at Newtown - This is a Toll Brothers complex with units still available.  This complex is located in Sandy Hook near Exit 11 on I-84.  Prices in this carriage home community for active adults are generally in the $400,000's.  There are different unit styles available.
2. Walnut Tree Village - is located in Sandy Hook close to Exit 10 on I-84.  There are 190 units set on 52 acres and built between 1995 and 2005.  Prices are in the $300,000's. 
3. The Liberty at Newtown - This complex was built by Ginsberg Development Companies.  There are 96 units in this complex which is located near Exit 9 on I-84.  Price range in the $500,000's.
4. Woods at Newtown - This complex is also located near Exit 9.  It is currently under construction and when completed will contain a large clubhouse with 1 meal served daily, clubhouse condominiums and luxury townhomes.  There are several floor plans available and prices range from the $300,000's to the $600,000's.

The surrounding towns also have 55+ Active Adult Communities.  The largest community with 2,580 units nestled in 1,000 acres is Heritage Village located in Southbury, CT.  Heritage Village is built around a golf course and there are many different styles available in the complex.  Prices range from the $100,000's to the upper $200,000's

If you would like us to send you a list of available units in Newtown's 55+ Active Adult Communities, please email us or call us at (203) 470-9818.

Bob & Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR
Prudential Connecticut Realty
www.connecticuthomesforsale.com
Cell - (203) 470-9818

The Steps to Purchasing a Home.  Many people will give you advice on how to purchase a home.  They mean well, but most people you know haven't purchased a home recently and their information could be outdated.

This blog post contains a lot of information and you may need to refer back to it from time to time.  We've tried to keep it short, but it may be too long for some of you.  We've also tried to keep it from too boring, but couldn't figure out how to make this content really exciting :-)

Here are the steps to purchasing a home:

1. Find a Realtor- There are many ways to find a Realtor and different ways of selecting a Realtor.  Every buyer's needs are different and each Realtor has their own unique set of tools to offer you.  Some are more experienced, some are better at follow up and some are very tech savvy.  What's important is that you find a Realtor that you trust and one that you feel will do a great job for you. 



2. Sign the representation agreement - Your Realtor should ask you to sign an representation agreement where the duties of each party (Realtor & client) are spelled out.  Most agreements also spell out the type of housing, the term of the agreement and the town(s) that it covers.  The term of the agreement or # of days in the period of time can go from 1 day to as long as you'd like.  You can also complete the agreement for specific properties.



3. Speak to a mortgage broker or bank- A big part of purchasing your new home is the determining the correct price range.  A mortgage broker or a bank can pre-qualify for you for a mortgage and let you know your purchasing power.  They will pull your credit and ask for tax returns, W-2's and other such paperwork.  They will tell you how much money to put down and explain different types of mortgage financing.  Your Realtor can most likely recommend professionals to help you.



4. Give the pre-qualification letter to your Realtor - this will go into your file until you put an offer on a home that you'd like to purchase.  This letter may need to be updated down the road.



5. Familiarize yourself with the market - Have your Realtor send you homes to consider from the multiple listing service (MLS) or use a major real estate company's site (like Prudential) Realtor.com, trulia.com or other sites to find out what the homes in your price range look like.  This will also help you to select towns and/or neighborhoods.  This is an ongoing process until you find the right home.



6. Submit an offer to purchase - Across the country, the paperwork changes and is called by different names.  Essentially, your Realtor will write up an offer on the correct paperwork and present it to the selling side.



7. Negotiations - Some negotiations are easier than others.  Basically, the seller should counteroffer your written offer and perhaps some of the other offer terms (closing date, items included, money down, etc).  This continues until both parties agree or you come to an impasse.  If an impasse happens, then you'll start to look at homes again.



8. Inspections - Are usually completed within a short period of your offer acceptance.  Your Realtor will tell you what is customary for the area and can provide you with a list of local professionals.  You should attend the property inspections, as well as your Realtor.



9. Negotiations - Depending on what is found during the inspection period, you will ask the seller to fix items or give you a credit at closing to fix items.  Generally, you will not ask the seller to fix every little thing that is found in the inspection.



10. Formal Contract - In some parts of the country, the offer form is a formal contract in other parts it is not.  If your offer form is not a contract form, then the seller's attorney will draw up the formal contract of sale and your attorney will review it.  After the attorneys have reviewed it, both parties will sign it.



11. Bank Appraisal - The bank will send out a local appraiser to the home you would like to purchase.  This is an important part of the process for many reasons.  The appraiser is an uninvolved third party who will place a value on the home.  This will be submitted to the bank.



12. Mortgage Commitment - This is when the bank puts into writing that they will agree to lend you the money to purchase your new home.  Sometimes, the mortgage commitment has "conditions" that need to be cleared.  Conditions can be something simple like providing a receipt for your homeowner's insurance to providing the source of your down payment.



13. Set up the Utilities - About 10 days prior to closing, we recommend contacting the utility company (electric, cable, oil, telephone) and set up service to be turned on the day of closing.



14. Purchase Homeowner's Insurance - You will need homeowner's insurance for your new home to go into effect the day you close.  You will also need to provide a paid receipt for 1 year's insurance to your mortgage company.  If you do not have an insurance agent who handles homeowner's, your Realtor may be able to recommend a local agent.



15. Final Walk Through - This should be done the day of closing approximately 1 to 2 hours prior to closing.  Your Realtor will meet you and together you'll check the home to make sure it's being left in good condition and that it's clean.



16. The Closing - In this area, the closing takes place at the office of the seller's attorney.  The buyer will sign the mortgage documents and the seller will sign the deed.  There is other paperwork and if a problems comes up, it can be resolved at the closing.  A typical closing takes 1 to 2 hours.

We hope that you find the steps to purchasing a home helpful. 

If you have any questions about the steps to purchase a home, or if you would talk to us about possibly being your Realtor, please Email us!

Bob & Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR
Prudential Connecticut Realty
www.connecticuthomesforsale.com
Cell - (203) 470-9818

5 Buck Trail, Newtown, CT was SOLD for $685,000 by BOB & RICHELLE WARD, Realtors, ABR

• Listed Price: $729,900
• 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Bathrooms
• 3,253 Square Feet
• 2.62 Acres

Stunning French Country Colonial built in 2001 with high end finishes. Custom Kitchen with stainless steel Viking gas range with integrated grill and electric convection oven, GE Advanitum oven/microwave and Fisher Paykel 2 drawer dishwasher. Butler's Pantry with wine refrigerator, glass upper cabinets & under cabinet lighting. Powder Room vanity converted from a Century Furniture's Coeur de France chest. Covered side porch off Living Room. Exquisite Master Bathroom with heated tumbled marble floor and double sink vanity that was converted from buffet table. Exterior lighting, koi pond, mahogany deck & stone patio. Hardwood floors, fireplace, arched windows, French Doors and large Foyer. Borders 3 acres trust land. Architecturally interesting.

Click here or visit www.5BuckTrail.com for more information on 5 Buck Trail, Newtown, CT.  

Bob & Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR
Prudential Connecticut Realty
www.connecticuthomesforsale.com
Cell - (203) 470-9818