Remembering the Shopping Mall

Westfarms Mall on a December Weekend Afternoon

Once upon a time, the shopping mall was at the top of the retail food chain. The mall was home to the best stores, and the most excitement.

Amy and I grew up in the mall era. Our small town (population ~25,000) had its own little mall that kids hung out in, but it was not comparable to the shopping destinations that are available in Greater Hartford. Both of our families made the hours-long drive to larger towns with bigger malls for back to school shopping.

Back in the day we went to the mall to buy clothes, electronics, and even tools at the anchor stores. There was always a toy store in the mall, but we usually weren’t allowed to go in there. And, of course, there were the delicious specialty food shops … Orange Julius anyone?

Malls haven’t dominated the retail environment for a long time, as big box stores sprouted up in mall-adjacent locations decades ago. The crowds that turn up during the Christmas shopping season are a nice reminder of olden times when it seemed like everyone was at the mall.

November Contracts: Back on Trend

2018-12-05 Hartford County Single Family Contracts in November 2018

November exhibited the typical 4th quarter decline in activity, but outperformed November of 2017 by 4%. There were 672 single-family home contracts in Greater Hartford during the month, a number that was comparable to the September 2018 result.

As we approach the year end, the chart at the top has basically finalized its shape. The months of June, July, August, and September feel out of line. It’s not that we’re questioning the data, rather we’re observing that those four months do not smoothly connect the May and October data points like they do in some years.

The reasons behind the abrupt market change are, unfortunately, not a mystery that we are likely to solve. We neither predicted the change, nor were able to explain it as it happened. Even now, a few months removed, hindsight has not provided any additional information. No single factor has emerged as the defining narrative for the summer months. As always, we prefer to acknowledge the uncertainty and factor it into our thinking rather than pretend to be able to explain it.

Even though the year isn’t quite over, we’ve begun the planning process for 2019. We’re looking forward to another active year in the real estate markets.

How can we help you with your real estate goals?

2018-12-05 Hartford County Single Family Contracts in November 2018 by Town

3 Burr Street, Unit A-2, West Hartford

3 Burr Street, West Hartford Center

Come see this nicely updated one bedroom, one bathroom end unit condo located in the heart of West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square.

The eat-in kitchen is renovated and features tile flooring and backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and plenty of storage space. A living room with electric fireplace opens to the kitchen. The bedroom has double closets and a fully remodeled bathroom.

The condo also comes with laundry in the unit, a reserved parking spot, low condo fees ($276/month), and plenty of guest parking.

Supremely convenient to restaurants, retail and grocery shopping, a movie theater, the Town library, highway access, and public transportation- the location can’t be beat.

3 Burr Street, Unit A-2 is offered at $155,000. If you’d like to see this home, please have your agent arrange a showing or call Amy at 860-655-2125 to schedule a visit. More details and a photo tour are available.

16 Charter Oak Place, Unit D, Hartford

16 Charter Oak Place, Hartford

Enjoy pretty City views from this end unit town house condo, located on quiet, historic Charter Oak Place.

Inside this lovely Victorian building you’ll find the unit’s main living area is a wide open plan, allowing for natural light and flow throughout. The eat-in kitchen overlooks the formal living room. The living room features a working wood burning fireplace, as well as access to a balcony, offering beautiful views of the City and beyond. A powder room is tucked away near the front entrance. There is oak hardwood flooring throughout this level.

Upstairs, the vaulted ceiling provides great light and amplitude. This level features two bedrooms, both with generous closets, a full bathroom, and laundry area.

The condo also features thermopane windows, gas heat, central air, basement storage space, low monthly HOA fees ($150), and one parking spot behind the building.

16 Charter Oak Place, Unit D is offered at $154,900. If you’d like to see this home, please have your agent arrange a showing or call Amy at 860-655-2125 to schedule a visit. More details and a photo tour are available.