The Prospect CT Christmas Tree Burning is CancelledDue to COVID-19 restrictions the Prospect Volunteer Fire Department won’t be hosting its annual Christmas tree bonfire due. Residents can still drop off their Christmas trees for the department to burn. The fire department will burn the trees as part of a training exercise at an unannounced time. In the past the fire department has burned Christmas trees in a bonfire in January on the field across from the Prospect Community Center on Center Street, and people are invited to attend and roast some marshmallows provided by the town. Due to limits on gatherings, the annual bonfire is canceled. Trees must be dropped off before Jan. 23 and all decorations must be removed.Residents can also dispose of Christmas trees at the recycling center a... 01/07/2021

The Time To Prepare your Connecticut Home for The Spring Market Is NowFor people in Central CT looking to sell their house on the market, the time to prepare is now.  The market has been very active and inventory favors sellers, but that doesn't mean the home doesn't need to be properly prepared for that special buyer. This is especially true as even in a seller's market, the competition with other sellers will still be fierce and the best presented, priced home will get that buyer quicker.The best way to start the process is to bring in an agent, or agents, for their evaluation of your home as well as an opportunity for you to interview the agent (s) to help decide which one would be best to sell your home.From the outside, curb appeal is the first impression. The client can often deci... 01/02/2021

A Home Inspection Is Not An Opportunity To Re-Negotiate the ContractIn the current active market, buyers need to be aggressive in order to get a working contract on a home.  When there are multiple offers, which is quite common in our aggressive market, the offers get more creative and often less likely to contain requests for seller concessions.Home inspections are performed with the purpose of ensuring that all components within the home are in good working condition also for issues that were disclosed, that all are as offered. Typically, if there are problems that an inspector uncovers it may also be unknown to the sellers. The process is for the buyer to either request the repairs be done prior to closing or if time does not allow, then a credit should be extended.Any request for a ... 12/26/2020

2020 Merry Christmas From Prospect CTThis past year has been has been like nothing we have ever experienced before and hopefully all that my read this have been exempt from personal loss from the virus at least.  For the most part we are well in our household even though the days are not spent as we have celebrated them in the past.The Town Hall here in Prospect CT is lit up with creatures nibbling at the snow which is probably all gone now due to the warm temps and the rain.The tree on the town green is aglow with white lights that also brightens the eyes and heart of all that drive by.And inside our home, we , along with Santa, want to wish all a Merry Christmas, as well as a healthy day to all2020 Merry Christmas From Prospect CT 12/25/2020

Memories of Christmas PastThis being the season of Christmas and seeing so many posts about past Christmas memories reminds me of quite my most memorable if not worst Christmas.  I was maybe 7 or 8 years old at the time and as all kids at Christmas had visions of what Santa might bring me for Christmas.  I got up much earlier than anybody else and went into the front room to see if Santa had visited.  Once the tree was in view, I saw absolutely nothing but the new bicycle that had been placed so prominently in front of the tree with a large bow attached.  I went to the bow to see the greeting to me from Santa only to be disappointed to see that the largest and best present under the tree was from Santa to my brother.How awful!  I felt betrayed and heart broken and a touch of envious ang... 12/20/2020

Prospect CT Home Owners Received Greetings From The TownFor all homeowners of Prospect CT, this weeks mail included a special greeting from our town hall.  More specifically from the office of the Assessor.  In accordance with state law, towns are required to perform property revaluations every 5 years with an actual physical or entry appraisal to be done at least once within a 10 year span.The last physical revaluation was completed in 2015 for the year ending Oct 2015.  This year the changes were completed based on actual sales of similar style homes in Prospect within the past year.That means that different home styles were not compared to each other therefore skewing the individual values.  As an example, my own home saw a $7,000 increase in it's assessed value, which represents 70%... 12/19/2020

Winter Came In Strong in Prospect CT  Dec 16 2020The storm came in with the strength of a Nor'easter and when I measured the depth in my yard, I was just a hair under 10 inches in depth.The good news was the temperature was so cold that it was not heavy to shovel, but it's volume created large piles all around the walks and driveway.For so many the idea of a winterland for Christmas is exciting and with the day a week away, it won't look as pretty then.We have a level yard with a lot of plantings along the borders as well as a large deck for warm weather entertaining.  It's all in a dormant stage until next spring.Even from the street, the snow is attarctive and adds that typical New England charm that we appreciate at Chrismas.But for my tastes I still like the look in the yard in June... 12/18/2020

It's a festive time in Prospect CT and residents of town are all working to make their streets more inviting and bright.Residents of this little town have been asked to fight the pandemic by showing some festive decorations on their properties as well as taking a few moments to also spruce up the street signs as well.Some of the sign posts are very creative. Some offer to exchange cookies for beer, but no specific brandSome just want all to enjoy the Holidays.A bit of imagination and some ribbons and bows and for a few minutes the pandemic is forgotten and a few laughs are exchanged.  Maybe the idea should be duplicated in other citie and towns as our basic need to overcme adversity takes over.It's Beginning to Look Festive in Prospect CT  12/15/2020

A Christmas Tradition In The Silva HouseholdBefore we got married my wife would always have a Christmas luncheon on the eve to celebrate with her family and friends.  This was halted once we got married for a variety of reason, but soon we started it up again as we wanted the family to again gather and for all to see visit with our oldest grandson, Nick.For a few years one of the older nephews would dress as Santa and pass out gifts to the younger kids.  Each year it became tougher to draft a Santa so we needed to come up with a viable solution.  Our town would always have a weekend visit by Santa, sponsored by the volunteer fire department.  They would park at various intersections around town and wave to those passing.  Imagine Santa and Mrs. Claus atop a fire engine with dalmatian wa... 12/10/2020

This being a year of different, it seems only appropriate that n Amaryllis plant in our house would behave differently.  My wife's thumbs are typically as green as a lawn in a dry July.However, her Amaryllis plant just decided to add some Christmas cheer to our home.It recently blossomed with these 4 large flowers and almost made it so top heavy the stem couldn't support the blossoms.Hopefully the color will last longer so the dining room can enjoy the cheer, as well as us.Time for some Christmas color 2020 12/06/2020

What’s Happening in The Prospect CT Real Estate Market Prospect November 2020?   Search for homes in Prospect CTCurrently in Prospect CT there are 5 active residential listings for sale, with 1 new listing added in November. The homes for sale in Prospect CT range from a 2,320 square ft, 4-bedroom colonial home, listed at $229,900 to a 4,920 square ft, 4-bedroom colonial listed at $420,000. The average list price of the homes currently available for sale in Prospect CT is $343,280. The average days on market for these homes are 89 days. In addition, there are currently 2 homes under hard deposit in Prospect CT.  In November, 4 homes closed in Prospect CT. The homes that sold in Prospect CT ranged from a 1,318 square ft, 2-bedroom ranch, which sold for $184,900 to a 2,839 square ft, 4-be... 12/05/2020

Christmas Within The ActiveRain FamilyChristmas is a time of year when families gather to enjoy each other's company, good food and lots of smiles.  There was a time when this was common within the family of ActiveRain when we gathered at Meet-ups.  Some attendees traveled quite a distance just to meet with people that they had become friends with through their blogs.Back in December in 2013 we had some great times here in the frigid Northeast.  For one of the parties,  George Souto  hosted an event at the Paradise Hills Winery in Middletown CT.  At this gathering we had many members from Central CT as well as a well traveled friend from the North Pole.  From (Left to right)  Joe Fassone, Matthew Souto, Joe Petrowsky, Dagny Eason, Wayne Harriman, Pat Harriman, Ed Santa Silva, Jim Quarel... 12/02/2020

The Business is All About The ClientsThe foundation of all commerce is supply and demand.  Someone wants to purchase something and someone else has it to sell.  At all points there may be facilitators that make any transaction easier for all involved.  Our real estate business is one where there are many facilitators often competing to provide the service to the client. At some point in an interview with a potential client a connection is made and at that point that person makes a commitment to work with us and our knowledge to find a house that his family can ultimately call a home. That is when we need to be on our game with careful attention to their wishes and mindful of the budgets available for the purchase.W are then charged with taking them through the process explaining, within... 11/28/2020

Thanksgiving 2020  a Very Special Day of Gratitude In this year of fear and illness it is especially appropriate for u to feel the gratitude for the good fortune that has come our way these past months.  I am very grateful that I not only have this day with my family but also that I know of no one that has gotten the virus.I am so grateful for the woman that has shared my life with me these past 33 years and for the love and comfort we share together.I am grateful and blessed that we have my parents at our dinner table this year, not only in good health but for the strength they passed along to me and for the generosity they tried to impart to us as kids. This past year we celebrated my dad's 100th birthday as well as my mom's 98th.  They show very little sign of giving up any time soon... 11/26/2020

Prospect CT April 2019 Real Estate Market Trends   Search for homes in Prospect CTCurrently in Prospect CT there are 40 active residential listings for sale, with 16 new listings being added in April. The homes for sale in Prospect CT range from a 938 square ft, 2-bedroom mobile home, listed at $39,900 to a 4,533 square ft, 9-bedroom colonial listed at $535,000. The average list price of the homes currently available for sale in Prospect CT is $316,952. The average days on market for these homes are 74 days. In addition, there are currently 12 homes under contract in Prospect CT. In April 2019, 11 homes closed in Prospect CT. The homes that sold in Prospect CT ranged from a 960 square ft, 2-bedroom mobile home, which sold for $30,000, to a 3,556 sq ft 3-bedroom colonial which sold for $... 05/14/2019

What’s Happening in The Prospect CT Real Estate Market Prospect March 2019?     Search for homes in Prospect CTCurrently in Prospect CT there are 34 active residential listings for sale, with 11 new listings being added in March. The homes for sale in Prospect CT range from a 1,404 square ft, 3-bedroom mobile home, listed at $140,000 to a 4,533 square ft, 9-bedroom colonial listed at $535,000. The average list price of the homes currently available for sale in Prospect CT is $324,341. The average days on market for these homes are 83 days. In addition, there are currently 14 homes under contract in Prospect CT. In March 2019, 8 homes closed in Prospect CT. The homes that sold in Prospect CT ranged from a 1,072 square ft, 2-bedroom mobile home, which sold for $68,000, to a 3,058 sq ft 4-... 04/07/2019

Getting Postcards from the United Front of ActiveRain I have been helping my Grandson Raphael and his class with a project for school. The task is to reach out to friends and family across the country to get postcards with postmarks from the states as well as including 2 facts of that state.  The response from friends, family and ActiveRainers has been very positive but there are still a few gaps to fill over the next month. The missing states are detailed as follows:  Alabama Arkansas Colorado Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Louisiana Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska News Jersey New Mexico New York Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Rhode IslandSouth Dakota Tennessee Texas VermontWest Virginia   I have been making attempts to reach out to fellow Rainers that I have befriended along... 04/01/2019

What’s Happening in The Prospect CT Real Estate Market Prospect February 2019?   Search for homes in Prospect CTCurrently in Prospect CT there are 34 active residential listings for sale, with 7 new listings being added in February. The homes for sale in Prospect CT range from a 1,856 square ft, 5-bedroom tri-level home, listed at $199,000 to a 4,533 square ft, 9-bedroom colonial listed at $535,000. The average list price of the homes currently available for sale in Prospect CT is $326,812. The average days on market for these homes are 84 days. In addition, there are currently 10 homes under contract in Prospect CT. In February 2019, 7 homes closed in Prospect CT. The homes that sold in Prospect CT ranged from a 1,952 square ft, 3-bedroom tri-level, which sold for $135,000, to a 2,150 ... 03/23/2019

What’s Happening in The Prospect CT Real Estate Market Prospect January 2019?   Search for homes in Prospect CTCurrently in Prospect CT there are 34 active residential listings for sale, with 11 new listings being added in January. The homes for sale in Prospect CT range from a 960 square ft, 2-bedroom mobile home, listed at $36,900 to a 4,533 square ft, 9-bedroom colonial listed at $535,000. The average list price of the homes currently available for sale in Prospect CT is $297,000. The average days on market for these homes are 87 days. In addition, there are currently 11 homes under contract in Prospect CT. In January, 3 homes closed in Prospect CT. The homes that sold in Prospect CT were a 1,040 square ft, 2-bedroom ranch, which sold for $200,000; a 1,296 square ft, 3-bedroom split-... 02/11/2019

Friday Funnies Make Them Promise Not to Rob YouMy wife got an emergency call from her daughter asking her to pick up her son at school and take him to his karate class. When she got to the school not only did our grandson come out, but also his friend, Nick.Apparently both boys were going to karate class and the parents take turns with the delivery. Nick had forgotten his gear home so they had to swing by to get it. When they got to Nick's house he got out and went around the corner towards the back door.He soon showed up with his tote but also a little flustered. He still had the spare key and had to ask my wife for some help. Before he would explain the problem, he made my wife promise that she would not come back and rob their house.As she swore her promise he then led her back to wh... 02/01/2019