With Hurricane Irene behind us finally we can start to look ahead as each of our schools get back electricity and return to normal. There were delays in openings but fortunately Hopewell School started just one day late.  All dates for our PTO related events will continue as planned. Here is a glimpse of dates from our school calendar: Aug. 31 Sept 9 9-1 First day of school – full day 9-5 Labor day, school closed 9-7 short Wednesdays begin dismissal 1:05 9-9 Kindergarten Fun Night   Sept 9   Sept 23 9-13 Open house Grades K, 1, & 2 9-14 PTO Meeting Room 23 7pm  9-15 Open house Grades 3, 4 & 5 9-16 Ice Cream Social 9-23 Ice Cream Social Rain Date   Sept 23 October 6 9-29 School closed – Rosh Hashanah 10-3 School Pictures   October 6 October 21 10-10 school closed Columbus Day 10-11 PTO m... 09/04/2011

There are strict mortgage guidelines for any seller related concessions. Seller’s concession is when the seller gives back a specific dollar amount or percentage of the purchase price to the buyer either towards buyer’s closing costs or inspection issues. The concessions can help lower the amount of money a buyer needs to bring to closing and in some cases help a buyer with all the closing costs.  Seller’s concessions are typically financed over the life mortgage.   Mortgage companies put caps on the amount of seller concessions a buyer can receive and that depends on the type of loan the buyer is applying for.   If an FHA buyer has successfully negotiated a 6% seller concessions towards buyer’s closing costs and prepaids, you the seller may not be able to just “give a credit at closing... 09/04/2011

If you are considering a remodeling project or are about to put your home for sale, you should consider the issues that may come to light if you do not obtain a permit for your project.     Consider the consequences in saving the permit fees and time to obtain inspections to when your deal falls apart when it is discovered you don’t have permit or a lawsuit is filed years later when it is discovered you never obtained that permit for your remodeling project.    Firstly, a buyer’s agent will search your property with the town. That “newly added deck” the listing agent is advertising in their marketing materials is a red flag that a permit should have been obtained.   As a buyer agent, I would be advising my client to require seller to obtain all necessary permits for any work completed p... 09/04/2011

Wet Basement Glastonbury, CT? Basement Waterproofing Contractors in Glastonbury, CT   Wet Basement Glastonbury, CT? Basement Waterproofing Contractors in Glastonbury, CT Lack of proper drainage causes pooling water around your basement which leads to hydrostatic pressure on the walls. When left unattended this pressure can result in foundation damage, causing foundation cracks, bowed walls, and foundation settlement. If this has happened to you, it is time for a basement waterproofing specialist to eliminate your wet basement problems. Use these three tips to make sure you hire an excellent contractor at a good price. 1. Before The Basement Waterproofing Contractor Starts, Check Their Insurance and License. Do some due diligence before hiring the waterproof contractor to repair the wet ... 09/03/2011

Dangerous Bathroom contractors in Glastonbury, CT – Connecticut   Dangerous Bathroom contractors in Glastonbury, CT – Connecticut Your bathroom may be outdated, or you may feel as though you need something new and exciting in your home; either way, it is time to search for Bathroom contractors in Glastonbury. It is simple finding Bathroom contractors, but deciding which contractor you will hire for the bathroom remodel can sometimes be difficult. You want quality craftsmanship in your new bathroom, not numerous mistakes attempted to be hidden. Unfortunately, there are many dangerous Bathroom contractors that can put you and your home’s value at risk. To avoid working with a dangerous bathroom contractor, follow these four steps, and feel confident that you will soon be working with a pr... 09/03/2011

  5 Dutton Place Way, Glastonbury, CT 06033 offers 2 bedrooms and is located in a quite setting of Dutton Place, an ideal section of Glastonbury.  This modern versatile 2 bedroom, 1.1 bathroom Glastonbury townhouse is an exceptional end unit and offers an open floor plan with generously proportioned bedrooms, walk-in closets, hardwood and tile floors, central air conditioning, carport and large deck for entertaining. The Dutton Place townhouse also features newer lighting fixtures, water heater, an updated bathroom and fresh paint throughout.  Additionally, Dutton Place allows for a walkout lower level which gives it great potential, unlike many other Glastonbury townhouses.  It’s truly one of Glastonbury's most exquisite hidden gems!When you are searching for a Glastonbury townhouse, y... 09/02/2011

Power is reportedly been restored to Glastonbury at about 33%.   The Town will have Glastonbury High School open to Glastonbury Residents in the morning from 6:00 – 7:00 AM and from 2:30-10:00 PM for showers and charging of cell phones and laptops.  They will also be opened on Saturday from 7 AM to 4 PM, Sunday from 8 AM to 5 PM, and Monday from 7 AM to 10 PM.  The showers located in the Gymnasium.  Upon entering the grounds, park in the back of the school near the Tennis Courts.  The Gym entrance is at the top of the stairs across from the parking lot.     Cell Phone Charging Stations: Glastonbury High School, 330 Hubbard Street, and at The Academy Building, 2143 Main Street.  You will need to bring your own chargers.  Academy charging station is from 7:30 AM until 7:00 PM.  The chargi... 09/01/2011

The Town of Glastonbury has several locations with Internet Access for Glastonbury Residents without power.  Residents that need to access the internet for purposes such as paying bills, there are some locations with Express Computers that have 20 to 30 minute limitations so that more people will have access.  The Town asks that all who utilize the computers to please be considerate with your time.   Wells Turner Library:  2407 Main Street.  This location has a number of computers that are available as long as you have a library card.  There are also two to three express computers that do not require a library card.  These computers have a 30 minute usage limit.  There are also a number of available carrels available for plugging in a Laptop computer.  The Library has WIFI available thr... 09/01/2011

Simple Tips for Picking Kitchen Remodeling Contractors in Glastonbury, CT - Connecticut There are over 11 Million results when you Google “kitchen contractors in CT”. How many of those kitchen remodeling contractors are able to deliver the quality service that you expect for your kitchen in Glastonbury? It is no secret that remodeling projects can be a large investment; the last thing you need is a less than adequate remodeling contractor for the job. By looking for these four characteristics in potential Glastonbury contractors, you will easily be able to determine which of the contractors bidding on your kitchen remodeling project are what you expect: top-quality. 1. Courteous Kitchen Contractors Will Call to Confirm Appointments: Making a phone call is a simple task for anyone to per... 08/30/2011

Avoid These Kitchen Contractors in Glastonbury, CT – Connecticut Your kitchen may be outdated, or you may feel as though you need something new and exciting in yourhome; either way, it is time to search for kitchen contractors in Glastonbury. Finding kitchen contractors won’t be difficult, but determining which contractor you will hire for the kitchen remodel can sometimes be challenging. You want quality and craftsmanship in your kitchen, not a mess of mistakes attempted to be hidden. Unfortunately, there are many kitchen contractors that aren’t professional and can put you and your home’s value at risk. To avoid working with an unsafe kitchen contractor, follow these four steps, and feel confident that you will be working with a professional kitchen contractor. 1. Avoid kitchen Contra... 08/29/2011

What is happening in the Glastonbury Condo market. This snapshot provides us with detailed information. July Property sales were 5, down -16.7% from 6 in July of 2010 and -16.7% lower than the 6 sales last month. July 2011 sales were at their lowest level compared to July of 2010 and 2009. July YTD sales of 43 are running -14.0% behind last year's year-to-date sales of 50 The Median Sales Price in July was $182,500, up 10.6% from $165,000 in July of 2010 and up 6.1% from $171,950 last month. The Average Sales Price in July was $178,480, up 3.2% from $172,917 in July of 2010 and up 8.8% from $163,983 last month. July 2011 ASP was at a mid range compared to July of 2010 and 2009. The Total Inventory of Properties available for sale as of July was 73, up 7.4% from 68 last month and up 17.7... 08/28/2011

I know you like me, want to stay informed on our market. I have taken a look at the past 12 months of Glastonbury specific sales in order to provide you with a detailed report as to what occued in our market place. This snapshot is for single family homes only. July Property sales were 26, equal to 26 in July of 2010 and -29.7% lower than the 37 sales last month. July 2011 sales were at their lowest level compared to July of 2010 and 2009. July YTD sales of 136 are running -19.0% behind last year's year-to-date sales of 168. The Median Sales Price in July was $385,312, down -0.2% from $386,000 in July of 2010 and down -2.2% from $394,000 last month. The Average Sales Price in July was $445,564, up 2.5% from $434,498 in July of 2010 and up 6.1% from $419,920 last month. July 2011 ASP was... 08/28/2011

I know everyone wants to save money these days.  I do too.  I look for the best deals out there and I research my options before making any buying decisions. But when it comes to selling your home, Realtors are who you should call.  By not choosing to hire a Realtor, you could be costing yourself valuable TIME and MONEY in the long run.       I read recently that CEO of ForSalebyOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto had listed his 2,000sf New York condominium on his own using FSBO websites and placing online classified ads, but after 6 months with no sale, he decided to hire a Realtor.  The Realtor advised him that the price point he was listed at on his own was not attractive to buyers and advised him where he needed to be priced in order to attract the right buyer.    Taking the Realtor’s advice... 08/22/2011

Kitchen remodeling in Glastonbury, CT often can be a stressful endeavor for the everyday homeowner, but it doesn't have to be for you. We at Maintenance Man understand the hassle of finding reliable tradesmen in Glastonbury, CT that can ensure quality in their work, while being able to visualize and create the ideal kitchen you have in mind. The decision to begin your kitchen remodel comes with a lot of uncertainty. You will have concerns regarding the dependability of the contractors, the flexibility of your budget, and if the finished kitchen remodel will even meet your expectations. Product selection will be a detailed discussion too. Are you going to choose granite counter tops or maybe another Solid Surface? Will you have an exotic wood installed for your cabinets, or maybe cherry ... 08/18/2011

As Communication Coordinator, for Hopewell School, I thought I would get a head jump on getting our community some additional useful information this year from our School calendar;   9-13-2011 OPEN HOUSE Grades K, 1 & 2 7:00 - 8:00 PM  Classrooms & Cafeteria     9-15-2011 OPEN HOUSE Grades 3, 4 & 5 7:00 - 8:00 PM  Classrooms & Cafeteria   Each open house, the PTO will be at the school for the following:   Volunteer signs up for PTO activities and programs   Information on PTO fundraisers and new fundraising programs.   A+ Card program registrations – must register your cards every year, even if you registered last year.  This is a great program for our school.  We earn money for our school on products you buy everyday by registering your cards.  It is fun and easy to do!     For a detai... 08/18/2011

Glastonbury Parents, it is almost back to school time!  I have taken on the role of Communication Coordinator for yet another year. All the Hopewell Happenings you receive as members of our Hopewell School community originate with me.  As Communication Coordinator, I thought I would get a head jump on getting our community some useful information for the start of this year;   8-30-2011: Don’t miss the chance to be at school for a “Meet and Greet” with your child’s new teacher!!  Doors open August 30, 2011 from 10am-12pm.  You should have already received your child’s classroom assignment in the mail. If you didn’t, please call the school directly.   Hopewell School starts on August 31, 2011.  The first day of school is a full day.  Children should not arrive before 8:15 and must be in t... 08/18/2011

www.161ManchesterRoad.com POTTERY BARN STYLISH! THIS HOUSE SHOWS VERY NICE!  REMODELED KITCHEN; HUGE DINING ROOM; LOVELY OPEN FLOOR PLAN  FIREPLACED FAMILY ROOM; GORGEOUS REMODELED BATHROOM;  HUGE OPEN BACKYARD; HEATED GARAGE; ROOF AND WINDOWS '02 Huge back yard walk out lower level - shows in move in condition  Fantastic property in Glastonbury.  See website for more pictures and details! 08/16/2011

Prepare to be awed!  This house sits at the end of a cul-de-sac street in South Glastonbury in the Hopewell elementary school district.  The setting could not be more ideal for the nature lover or privacy seeking buyer!  Situated perfectly on over 7 acres, this home's backyard is surrounded by a wall of rocks that is just stunning to view....imagine owning this slice of heaven...   The property has been maintained lovingly by owners that have added to the beauty of the property by planting many rare and unique dwarf conifers.  Further, the owners have made marked walking trails in and throughout the 7 acres.  They have also added a beautiful Koi pond and gazebo.  The outside of the home is a true sanctuary.    The entire home is open, bright and filled with natural light. The ceilings a... 08/16/2011

Roof Repair Glastonbury, CT Your roof may leaking, or you identified a new damp water spot on your ceiling, it is time for roof repair in Glastonbury. Maybe you know it is time to replace your current roof. Use these five tips to make sure you hire a excellent contractor at a good price. 1. Before The Roofing Contractor Starts Check The Insurance and License. Do some due diligence before hiring the contractor to do the roof repairs in Glastonbury. Ask them to provide proof of liability insurance and workers compensation insurance. One must is the Department of Consumer Protection in Connecticut to verify the contractor's license. The state has an online license look up. Look online, do they have a web site, are they listed on Yelp, what are the reviews on Goggle Places? Give the contrac... 07/25/2011

Bath Remodeling Contractors In Glastonbury, CT www.ContractorInCT.comIt is difficult, stressful, and time consuming to find a reliable CT building and remodeling contractor who produces quality results in bath remodeling. In the search for qualified bathroom remodeling contractors, a Glastonbury homeowner will want to work with a company that is properly licensed and insured. Verifying these credentials can use up an enormous amount of a homeowner’s valuable time. The aware homeowner will also research the bath contractor’s experience in the trade and the building supplies that he or she uses to finish the bath remodeling in a competent manner.In order to be a Glastonbury CT bath remodeling contractor, it is required by the state to be licensed, and have a working knowledge of every as... 06/24/2011