Cost vs. Value in Real Estate

So you just renovated your kitchen to the tune of $80,000. It’s beautiful. Custom cabinetry, stone counter tops, radiant heat flooring, lots of recessed lighting, top of the line appliances. The value of your house just increased by $80,000, right? Unfortunately, in most cases, no- your house is not worth $80,000 more, but just a portion of that expense. More often than not in real estate cost does not equal value. This can be a

Choosing a Real Estate Agent

There are something like 350 real estate agents based out of the five main offices in West Hartford Center. The number grows rapidly as the rest of the towns in Greater Hartford are also considered. Most people know at least one agent, and some know many. With so many agents out there, how do you choose an agent to use for your purchase or sale? We believe that the three main criteria should be activity

Homebuyer Tax Credit Update

The Senate has overwhelmingly passed an extension to the hotly debated homebuyer tax credit. The updated version of the program has larger scope and is more generous than its predecessors. Note that the extension is not official until it is also passed by the House and signed by President Obama. The new program offers people that have lived in their home for 5 years or more (move-up buyers) a $6,500 credit. It also increases the

Greater Hartford October 2009 Real Estate Market Statistics

October is closed out, so here’s the latest data from the CT Multiple Listing Service for single family homes, deemed reliable, but not guaranteed… My Observations… 1. Overall, the number of Closed Sales are up again, 2.6% this month, when comparing to October 2008. It will be interesting to see the results of November, as I feel they will also show an increase over last year as people try to jam in their closing by

79 Girard Avenue- Hartford’s West End

We hope that you’ve enjoyed following our Saving a West End Home series during the past few months. The restoration is complete and now it’s time to make this fantastic historic home yours! A completely rehabbed exterior welcomes you, starting with the new 35-year architectural shingle roof. The new wooden shingle siding, rebuilt front porch, and restored windows with full storms have all been freshly painted in historically appropriate colors. Stepping inside, you’re greeted by