Archive for the 'Fun' Category
A View from the Field- Part 2
Today was session 2 of my 30 hour appraisal class. Back out to New Milford I went.
One concept we talked about that I found particularly interesting was the highest and best use for a property. In order for an appraiser to determine a final value conclusion for their appraisal report, they must understand the optimum use to which land or improved property can be put. To do this, they’ll look at 4 tests:
1. It must be physically possible.
2. It must be legally permissible.
3. It must be financially feasible.
4. It must be maximally productive.
The most common way to use this would be to determine if a large piece of land with a house on it could potentially have a higher and better use by appraising the property as subdividable land, rather than appraising it for the value of the house plus the lot as it currently exists.
The reason I am fascinated with this is because I think I have a higher and better use for my neighbor’s property. I’d like to annex their lot, move their house to another location, and build a garage for my house. My current lot probably not big enough for a garage, based on Hartford’s zoning laws. My neighbor would most likely disagree with my plans. So let’s put it to the test… 
1. It is physically possible to move their house and build a garage.
2. It is legally permissable to move their house, annex their property, and build a garage.
3. It is financially feasible to move their house, annex their property, and build a garage. (though not reasonable considering resale value)
4. It is not maximally productive to remove their house in order to build a garage. It fails the highest and best use test.
And because I’m a logical person, I don’t want to violate highest and best use. And now my neighbor is going to hate me for publicizing my diabolical scheme.
Funniest part of the day: We were looking at a Killingworth town engineering map in class. There is actually a street called ROAST MEAT HILL ROAD in Killingworth. I am not joking. Who could actually live on Roast Meat Hill Road? Doesn’t that really kill resale value? Does PETA set up daily protests? Talk about politically incorrect…
Going to the Farm: Apple Picking Adventures in Greater Hartford
Both being from Vermont, Kyle and I have high standards for the annual tradition of apple picking. We are looking for a somewhat rural area, not too much commercialization, and baked goods at the farm stand, if possible.
We typically head East of the River to the fruit mecca of Glastonbury. One won’t be disappointed by visiting Rose’s Berry Farm, Scott’s Orchards, Dondero Orchards, or Belltown Hill Orchards. But this year we decided to mix it up a little and venture West, ending up at Rogers Orchards in Southington.
What a great place. First we stopped at the Home Farm Salesroom (aka- retail store), curious to see what seasonal items they were offering for both eating and decorating. Score! They had a bakery and we eagerly picked up a bag of apple cider donuts, arguably the best part of autumn apple picking. We also looked around at the various pumpkins, gourds, and squashes. And bushels and bushels of different types of apples. We also picked up some savory jellies that we’ll use with cream cheese for party appetizers later in the year. Yum! We were off to a good start.
Next we headed down Long Bottom Road about a half mile to the Pick Your Own location. Rogers’ is a fairly sizable operation. The orchard is located on both sides the road. For $1 a pound, you can pick to your heart’s content. We grabbed our 1/2 bushel bag and headed towards the Empires, our favorite apple for eating. You could also pick Macs, Macouns, Red Delicious, and Cortland. We ended up doing mix and match and also picked some Macs and Macouns.
The orchard was also sprinkled with pumpkins, which you can also pick on your own. We passed, as squirrels always seem to eat our pumpkins and spread them across our lawn, but you might want to take advantage of it.
We would highly recommend a visit to Rogers Orchards. Prices were reasonable, it was easily accessible, and it wasn’t overly commercialized. Most importantly, the apple cider donuts were fantastic! If you’d like to find a different orchard closer to your home, the Connecticut Apple Marketing Board put together this helpful flyer that gives various options for the different counties in Connecticut.
Happy picking and enjoy the fall foliage!
Hartford’s West End Walking Tour, Saturday October 4th
If you enjoy architecture, Hartford history, or just spending time outside on a nice fall morning, you might want to participate in an upcoming architecture tour in Hartford’s West End neighborhood.
Behind the Facades: Architectural Heritage of the West End is sponsored by the Hartford Preservation Alliance and co-sponsored by WECA’s Architectural History & Resources Committee.
The walk will showcase the results of Hartford’s prominence as a state capitol and center of business and culture. Stops will include peeks inside some whimsical homes along the way.
The walking tour will take place on Saturday, October 4th from 10:00am-12:00pm, rain or shine. The cost is $10. Please meet at the UCONN Law School Parking Lot on Sherman Street.
Payment for the tour should be made by check to the Hartford Preservation Alliance and mailed to 56 Arbor Street, Suite 406, Hartford, CT 06106. You may also pay in-person by check on the day of the tour. Call the HPA at (860) 570-0331 or email them if you have further questions.
We hope to see you there!
