As the Seasons Turn in Cheshire CT The calendar may say that Spring has been here for about six weeks, but it is really just starting to feel springlike lately.  My azaleas are just starting to come into full bloom after being "just a memory" a few long months ago. This morning I decided to push the season and get some impatiens (can you see them?) in the ground before Mother's Day And with a little help from Miracle Grow, water, and sunshine, by the end of October they will look like this. Tune in again for As the Seasons Turn . . . 05/07/2011

Fat Robin - For all Your Birding Needs in the Hamden and Cheshire CT Area As most of you know, I love my wild birds.  But where do I get my cool feeders and squirrel detractors?  At the Fat Robin Wild Bird and Nature Shop in Hamden CT.  Looking for the perfect Mother'sDay Gift?  The Fat Robin has a huge selection of gift items for bird lovers, even if they already have all the feeders and bird food they could ever want (and what birder could possibly say that?).  The Fat Robin also ships anywhere in the continental U.S. The Fat Robin is independently owned and operated by Jim and Carol Zipp--a family business for the past 16 years.  Any time you stop by you can find one of them ready, willing, and able to answer questions for you about all aspects of birding.  If they can't answer your ... 05/03/2011

Hummingbirds have Returned to Cheshire CT It may seem a little early, but the hummingbirds have returned to Cheshire.  I remember seeing one last year way before they were supposed to be back, so this year I was determined to have food waiting for them when they did show up.  So last weekend we brewed up our special recipe (1/3 cup sugar added to 1 cup of boiling water--and of course nicely cooled before loading the feeder).  It didn't take long!  I would say we had our first sighting on Monday, April 25.  A beautiful male ruby throated hummingbird sat himself down for a nice long drink.  We have seen him every day since, and yesterday we had our first sighting of a female ruby throated hummingbird. I know there will be those who don't believe me, so I have provided photographic evidenc... 04/30/2011

Where Can You Find Hay In Cheshire CT? You would think that finding hay during the spring season would be a pretty easy task in the Bedding Plant Capitol of Connecticut!  However, while getting my supply of seed was not any issue, finding hay to sprinkle on top to keep it in place while it grows proved to be a bit more daunting.  I stopped in at four garden centers before venturing onto Blacks Road where I knew I had seen a house with a sign advertising hay, but I hadn't been brave enough to just stop by. So I pulled in the driveway where the sign was located and called the number to see if they really had what I was looking for.  Sure enough, a pleasant gentleman answered the phone and told me to drive on down the long driveway to the house in back (185 Blacks Road), and he would get m... 04/27/2011

Are You Ready for 600,001 Daffodils?  Hubbard Park's Daffodil Festival is Here! We see them popping up all over, but 600,001 daffodils all in one location?  That is what Hubbard Park is promising for this weekend's Daffodil Festival!  600,001 daffodils. I stopped by the park last week to get a preview, but not all of the beauties had made their presence known yet.  These photos are just a sampling of what you will be able to experience.  In addition to the daffodils, there will be food, amusement rides, crafts, music, fireworks, and a parade that is amazing!  Best of all, the weather has decided to try to behave this weekend, so it should be the perfect recipe for celebration at the 33rd Annual Hubbard Park Daffodil Festival on Saturday April 30th & Sunday May 1st.  Be sure to bring you... 04/26/2011

Impromptu ActiveRain Get-together this Saturday, April 23rd, 2011.  Clients of mine who purchased a home from me a few years back have a band called.... The World's Smallest Quartet.  They will be performing this coming Saturday, April 23rd at a pub in Cheshire CT.  I've heard them play before and enjoy their music. ActiveRain members are always looking to met up with other members, so I wanted to put this out there an an impromptu invitation.  Even if you are not a member and just want to listen to some good/fun music, here is your opportunity to do so.  If you don't have plans and would like to hear some great music The World's Smallest Quartet, consider yourself invited and stop by CJ Sparrow Pub & Eatery in Cheshire CT the festivities start at 8pm. Yes, I'll be there.     04/20/2011

Cheshire CT Real Estate Sales Report for March 2011 Currently in Cheshire CT there are 175 active residential listings for sale. They range from a 972 square ft, 3-bedroom cape, listed at $116,375 to a 5600 square ft, 4 bedroom colonial estate listed at $1,990,000. The average list price of the homes currently available for sale in Cheshire CT is $453,938. The average days on market for these homes is 141 days. For the month of March, there were 35 new homes listed for sale in Cheshire CT.  The average list price of the new listings available for sale in Cheshire CT  is $423,686.  In addition, there are currently 15 homes under contract in Cheshire CT, with five (5) having gone under contract in the month of March. The average list price for the homes under contract is $352,520 with an ... 04/18/2011

Realtors At The Capitol in Connecticut . . . We Work Behind the Scenes as Well Wednesday, April 6, had Real Estate Professionals collecting in Hartford CT to let the Governor and our elected officials see first hand how we feel about the issues here in our state.   The auditorium at the Bushnell, adjacent to the Connecticut State Capitol started to fill in at 8:00 AM, when the doors opened. Many familiar faces to those of us in the business were there, but not to be seen, or to try and do some business. An announced gathering of 800 were there to let their sentiments be heard and seen regarding pending legislation. There are issues that needed input. The Political Arm of CAR had done a great job in getting our thoughts to be recognized and some items on the agenda had already been defea... 04/07/2011

NCAA National Champions, 2011 UConn Huskies . . . The Last Team Standing At the beginning of the season, they were given little chance of doing anything but having a mediocre season. They returned 2 seniors, only one saw any real court time, a junior, and a cast of youth. The team grew up quickly, as they started their season with a fluke, at the time, win in the Maui Invitational with wins over Wichita St, Michigan St, and Kentucky. Into the season, where they continued to win until they hit the Big East Schedule, where they were a .500 team. Their entire season, they were able to go 17-0 outside of the Big East, with an impressive resume of wins. Into the Big east Tournament with the necessity of needing 5 wins in 5 days to get the Tournament Championship, with successive wins over De... 04/05/2011

5 Bedroom 4.5 Bath Home for Sale in Nob Hill Neighborhood, Cheshire, CT This fabulous 5 Bedroom 4.5 Bath home for sale is a center hall colonial in the beautiful Nob Hill neighborhood. It has been meticulously updated and maintained with exceptional appointments offering a total of 3,664 square feet of finished space and four fireplaces. The large remodeled eat-in kitchen offers granite countertops, a large center island, great natural light, generous recessed lighting, ceramic tile flooring, and a spacious eating area. The kitchen adjoins the large first floor family room with its wood burning fireplace, door to the rear deck, and wall of windows for loads of light and views of the backyard. Also off the family room is a covered front porch ideal for enjoying a morning cup of coffee wh... 04/04/2011

NCAA Basketball Championships . . It's Final 4 Weekend It's going to be an active weekend for followers of college basketball, and if you're from Connecticut, you will have twice as much to see. Both the UConn men's and women's teams made it through their tournaments to reach the Final 4. Only once in the history of the tournament have both men's and women's teams from a collgeg won the tournament, and that was in 2004, and that was Connecticut. Maybe history will repeat itself this weekend. VCU/Butler will be against 2 teams that very, very few picked to get here. It's been a great ride for both of them, but only one gets to advance. My pick Butler, just because they were here last year as well. UK/UConn: this will be the second time they play each other in a tournament. UConn beat UK ... 04/02/2011

This Bird was Just Asking For it!! You know how sometimes someone is just asking for it?  Well today I was sitting in my car waiting for a client when the first mockingbird I have seen this year landed right in front of me and just asked to be photographed.  But wait, I don't have my camera with me today!!  Sorry mockingbird!  He patiently reminded me that my blackberry would do the trick, so I felt obliged . . . So, as Pat Haddad will tell you, sometimes the phone is the only way to get that photo!   03/26/2011

The First Sign of Spring in Cheshire, CT - NOT a Robin! To me the true first sign of Spring is the return of the Wood Ducks, and that occurred this morning in my backyard.  My home office overlooks some very tall trees, so I see some birds that others might miss.  I was doubly lucky this morning that my oldest child and friend were getting ready to head out to New York City and had a fabulous camera handy to get some great shots.  So once again, these photos are courtesy of HeyMagpie (I told her the photos would be famous before she returned)! First to arrive was the female very close to the house . . . About 3 minutes later, the male showed up in one of the trees farther away. After a bit of conversation, the male joined the female . . .       Hope we get to see more of them this year!! 03/18/2011

It's Time for March Madness . . The NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Has Already Begun There was a bunch of controversy, as there usually is about the teams denied entrance to 'The Big Dance'.This year there were 3 additional teams added with 4 play-in games, or as they call it, First 4. These teams had qualifications that just came up short and they were getting their opportunity to get to the dance by winning their way in. Two games were done yesterday and 2 more will be resolved tonight. Their reward is to hustle off to a regional site and get a team that is much higher ranked and rested. At the end of the tournament, 68 teams will play 68 games, and compete across 3 weeks, with the Championship Game being played in Houston on April 4, which to all ActiveRainers is the middle night o... 03/17/2011

February 2011 Real Estate Sales Report for Cheshire CT Currently in Cheshire CT there are 136 active residential listings for sale. They range from a 972 square ft, 3-bedroom cape, listed at $128,900 to a 5600 square ft, 4 bedroom colonial estate listed at $1,990,000 The average list price of the homes currently available for sale in Cheshire CT is $448,236. The average days on market for these homes is 160 days.  For the month of January, there were 15 new homes listed for sale in Cheshire CT.  The average list price of the new listings available for sale in Cheshire CT  is $338,597. In addition, there are currently 17 homes under contract in Cheshire CT , with three (3) having gone under contract in the month of February. The average list price for the homes under contract is $485,982... 03/08/2011

I'm MELTING . . . melting . . . No, I am not talking about the Wicked Witch of the West but the Nasty Snow of the Northeast!  Finally we are beginning to see the ground . . . I had seriously wondered if my shrubs at the end of my driveway were even still there!  I hadn't seen them since them since Christmas Day! Before I raked the roof onto the sidewalk again . . . Pretty soon visitors to our house will not have to come in through the garage, but will once again be able to make it to the door . . . Maybe spring IS just around the corner!!   03/06/2011

5 Bedroom 3 Bath Home for Sale in South Cheshire CT Are you looking for a 5 Bedroom 3 Bath Home for Sale that is absolutely stunning?  This totally updated and spacious Colonial is brimming with exceptional design details and style.  The gorgeous kitchen is set to impress with cherry cabinetry, breakfast bar, granite counters, glass tile back splash, wine cooler, sub-zero refrigerator, and skylight for abundant sunshine. Convenient to the kitchen is a laundry room with ample cabinets and counter space.  This space is plumbed to be an additional half bath if desired.  The living room is a designer’s delight with cathedral ceilings, skylights, chandeliers, floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, and sliders to an expansive front deck.  The family room, which could also be a sixth bedroom (great... 03/02/2011

Buying Real Estate in Central Connecticut . . Understanding the Buyer Agreement If you are going to be buying real estate in Central Connecticut, it will be necessary to address and sign a buyer agreement with your Realtor. This should not be looked at as a hook to capture you and limit your abilities to purchase a home. The buyer agreement is a two way commitment between the agent and the buyers. If ensures that the buyers' loyalty will be to the agent that is helping them in their search. The agent has made a pledge to get the client the best home possible, within their means, at a competitive price. Within the Buyer Agreement, are mentioned the fee arrangements. A Buyer's agent may receive a flat fee, or a share of the commissions, or both. Under normal circumstances a buyer pays no ... 03/01/2011

Heat Wave Hits Connecticut! Today Connecticut saw temperatures above 50 degrees for the first time in at least four months!  The snow is melting, the flowers are blooming, and spring is in the air . . . Okay, maybe not, but there was a little bit of melting and some payloaders were on the street to give a little more width to our road.  We can almost get to our mailboxes now.  This is what the area CAN look like--hopefully it will look this way again in the not too distant future.   02/17/2011

Should I Submit this for Inclusion in a "New England Beauty Spots" Calendar? While waiting for a client today, I thought I would take a "view out the window of my car" picture of the 12 foot snow mountain sitting next to me.  I could barely see the traffic lights, so there was no chance that I would see my client coming before he actually pulled into the parking spot next to me!  Why are pictures like this (or the one of the shopping cart sticking out of a snow drift) not included on the New England Calendars?   Seems like all they ever include are pictures like these . . .   02/15/2011