Archive for January, 2008
5 Ways to Enjoy the New England Winter in Ridgefield, Connecticut
January 30th, 2008 categories: Keep Your Kids Busy, Lake Living, Ridgefield
Get outside! Ridgefielders have so much fun in the winter. With all of our lakes and trails, streams and hills there’s so much to enjoy. Nothing like a traditional New England winter: frozen lakes, snow on the ground, neighborhood gatherings on the ice, …
Here’s a list of how to enjoy these luscious winter afternoons:
Ice Skating on Fox Hill Lake, Rainbow Lake, Mamanasco Lake, Lake Windwing and Pierrepont Lake
Ridgefield has several lake communities that take on a whole different flavor when the lake freezes over. Your neighbors come out to skate, the kids (and some dads) play hockey, it’s great to see neighbors and friends during the winter. It’s just good wholesome New England fun. I took these pictures in my neighborhood on this gorgeous January weekend. I was out on Fox Hill Lake.
Ice Fishing (also on Fox Hill, Rainbow, Mamanasco and Pierrepont)
The ice fishers have been out in force this winter. Drilling holes through the ice, dropping their lines and setting their tip-ups to signal a catch.
Snowshoeing
Ridgefield has 1000’s of acres of open space. Town-owned land, state-owned land, Nature Conservancy and more. There’s a great variety of terrain as the trails run along streams and rivers, around lakes, over mountains and through forests, fields and meadows. And when there’s snow on the ground, all of these trails are prime for snowshoeing. If you don’t have snowshoes, just pick up a pair at EMS in Danbury and enjoy hours of winter exercise in the peace and quiet of the winter woods. Personally, this is one of my favorite things about winter in Ridgefield. I grab my dog and go right out my back door and into Pierrepont State Park.
Winter Hiking
When winter deals us little or no snow, there’s nothing quite like a hike on a crisp sunny afternoon. Brad and I were out at Bennetts Pond this past weekend and saw several groups of hikers soaking up winter’s serenity. We even ran into a few intrepid mountain bikers making their way through the icy woods. Enjoy Ridgefield’s miles and miles of hiking trails in every season.
Ridgefield Lakes:
Fox Hill Lake
Rainbow Lake
Lake Mamanasco
Pierrepont Lake
Lake Windwing
Ridgefield Snowshoe/Hiking Trails:
Pierrepont State Park
Bennetts Pond
| Discussion: 3 Comments »
Save The U.S. Economy… Buy a House Today
January 29th, 2008 categories: Buying Your House, Redding, Ridgefield, Talking Real Estate, Wilton
Well, the Fed got serious last week when it cut interest rates ¾ point. Simultaneously, our President proposed a package to jump start the economy to “avoid” recession. Too little, too late?
The ¾ point Fed Funds rate drop from 4.25 to 3.5 is a big step in trying to get buyers to get off the fence. This rate cut means that anything tied to the prime rate like credit card interest rates, mortgage rates, auto loans, & personal loans will
become less expensive.
Mortgage rates for a 30-year fixed mortgage are now on average 5 – 6 %! This matched with the fantastic variety of homes on the market and the adjustment in home prices of the past 2 years makes this the best time to buy a home in decades!
You may be happy that home prices have declined if you are looking to buy a house anytime soon. But…as soon as you become a homeowner, you will change your tune before the ink dries on your mortgage note.
When home sales rise, inventory decreases and prices begin to rise. When values rise, equity in your home also rises. When you have more equity, you are happier and more confident and feel comfortable spending money. When people spend money (wisely), the economy grows. When the economy grows, home prices continue to rise…and so on, and so on!
If you have been waiting for the right time to buy your home…this is it! Pick up the phone, call your Realtor and put in an offer. It’s the patriotic thing to do!
| Discussion: 1 Comment »
6 Reasons Why Ridgefield Will be Better in 2008
January 26th, 2008 categories: Local Events, Ridgefield, Talking Real Estate
There’s a lot of good stuff going on in 2008! Ridgefield’s First Selectman Rudy Marconi delivered his State of the Town Address this week to an enthusiastic crowd. Standing before the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce breakfast at the Community Center, Rudy made it clear that the town will continue to thrive in 2008. Highlights of his address include::
- The Police Station addition project will start as scheduled.
- Main Street traffic issues will be addressed by the State of Connecticut with construction crews working at night to minimize disruptions.
- The State will also provide funds for a major renovation to Yanity Gym and relocation of the softball field to Route 7.
- A state grant will be used to lengthen the sidewalk and plant trees on Route 35 near Copps Hill
- Redevelopment of the Schlumberger property is a major priority
- Recycling and Clean Energy initiatives will continue to be a priority
He summed things up “the town looks great, and it should continue to be great in 2008”. We’ll be celebrating our 300th anniversary with eight months of festivities planned.
See The Ridgefield Press for more information.
Related Must Read:
What You Need to Know About Ridgefield’s 300th Birthday Celebration
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How to Save Money and Add 20% to the Value of Your Home
January 24th, 2008 categories: Redding, Ridgefield, Selling Your House, Talking Real Estate
Want to get the most out of your house? The most enjoyment and satisfaction. The most money when you put the “home for sale” sign out front. Just like a Porsche sports car, you need to keep it properly maintained so it operates at peak performance and you get top dollar when you sell it.
Keep your house in great condition and you can sell it for up to 20% more.
Industry experts say that on average you should spend 1% – 3% of your home’s value each year to keep it in tip-top shape (I take care of my Ridgefield home as best I can). This includes minor upgrades and maintenance/repairs for things like plumbing, heat and A/C, paint, roof, electrical, windows, doors, major appliances, landscaping and everything else that keeps your home in perfect working order. But you don’t need to call a professional for every project. If you have the time, inclination and some skill, you can make some of this work your weekend project.
Here are some extremely valuable websites that will help you keep your house “hitting on all 8″, save you money by DIYing (doing it yourself) and when it’s time to sell, you’ll be assured of getting the best price.
Do It Yourself – www.diyideas.com
How to do Things – www.howtodothings.com
DIY Network – www.diynetwork.com
Do It Yourself – www.doityourself.com
Bob Vila – www.bobvila.com
Ridgefield Area Building Supply Stores
To keep those projects on-time and under budget, we’ve got several sources for tools and supplies. Here’s where to go:
Ridgefield Supply Company – Local, family-owned business that’s been here forever. Located in Ridgefield, “Supply” is where professionals go for lumber, paint, windows and doors, tools and more. Supply has everything you’d need to build a house. The staff is friendly and extremely knowledgeable. DIYer’s beware, they close at noon on Saturday and they’re closed on Sunday.
Ring’s End Lumber – Another locally owned business, you can find Ring’s End in Bethel and Lewisboro. Another resource for professionals, Ring’s End provides DIYer’s with top quality products and assistance.
The Home Depot – Located in Danbury and Brewster
Lowe’s – Located in Danbury.
Stay on top of all your maintenance projects and call a professional when you don’t have the time or skill to tackle a job (I had the pros install a new boiler). But… I always encourage you to try something new. What’s the worst that can happen. You get part way through it and you call for some help. And when you make the call, call me. I’ve got a network of reliable plumbers, electricians, whatever you need. We’re always here to help.
| Discussion: 3 Comments »
Ridgefield, CT Gets A New Eco-Friendly Bed & Breakfast: green ROCKS
January 23rd, 2008 categories: Eat, Drink and Be Amused, Green Living, Local Events, Ridgefield, Talking Real Estate
How green ROCKS Inn, a B&B was Born…
This is a story about how creativity and thinking out of the box can change lives and enhance an entire town.
We had a listing in Ridgefield that is quite amazing! It is a beautiful 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath, 4500 sq. ft. home, built at the end of 2004. The house sits on nearly two serene acres abutting many acres of Ridgefield Open Space.
We put the house on the market at the beginning of 2006 and thought it would sell rather quickly. After all, it was brand new, luxury construction on spectacular property convenient to everything! We did everything imaginable to get this house sold, including holding an estate sale at the property to draw buyers. The main reason the house failed to sell was that it is on Rt. 35 (Danbury Rd.) in Ridgefield, a main road, somewhat close to a gas station. It finally became apparent that, unless they dropped the price below their comfort level, it was not going to happen in the current market. I thought, and thought about our dilemma, and finally came up with a possible solution.
Read the rest of this entry »
| Discussion: 3 Comments »
How Ridgefield and Redding are Like This Year’s Super Bowl Winner
January 22nd, 2008 categories: Redding, Ridgefield, Schools, Wilton
You know the scene: every year as the clock winds down on the Super Bowl, the winning players frantically point their fingers skyward yelling “We’re Number 1!”
Well neighbors, get those fingers waving ’cause once again, Ridgefield and Redding are Connecticut’s #1 towns! And Wilton ran a very close 2nd. Our communities consistently offer home buyers some of the best values in Connecticut real estate. Not always the cheapest homes, but these are towns that offer the most of what people are looking for: the best schools, no crime, plenty of leisure and recreation activities, and proximity to great jobs.
Each year Connecticut Magazine conducts its “Number 1 Town” survey. All the Connecticut towns are evaluated on factors that directly affect quality of life: Education, Crime, Economy, Cost of Living and Leisure. The scores are totaled, the towns are ranked, the results are published.
Redding – #1
For towns in the 6,500 – 10,000 size range, Redding tops the list over it’s neighbor Easton. With an emphasis on maintaining open space, strong education and virtually no crime, it’s no surprise that Redding home owners enjoy a tremendously satisfying small-town lifestyle. You can read the survey results here.
Ridgefield – #1
For towns in the 15,000 – 25,000 size range, Ridgefield once again leads and Wilton comes in a strong second. A focus on schools, a vibrant main street with terrific shopping and restaurants and the lowest crime stats in the survey’s history make Ridgefield an unbeatable place to live.
With 2 “Number 1 Towns”, mid-Fairfield County provides an affordable and safe lifestyle rich in education, leisure activities and economic opportunities. This survey certainly helps to better understand why real estate values in the area remain strong.
Being “Number 1″ is good in most everything and real estate is no different. The fact is that everyone likes a winner.
| Discussion: 2 Comments »
Where to Find The Best “Ridgefield Pizza”
January 19th, 2008 categories: Eat, Drink and Be Amused, Keep Your Kids Busy, Ridgefield
Ridgefield might not have the most famous pizza in Connecticut (remember Julia Roberts’ breakout performance in Mystic Pizza) but we certainly have some of the best! There’s an abundance of Ridgefield restaurants offering pizza “in” or pizza “to go” and for many of us, pizza is the mainstay of family life.
The kids love pizza (the moms and dads too!) , it’s easy, it’s wholesome and when you bring a salad home with it, a pizza dinner is relatively nutritious too. Ther’s a pizza place on the way to almost anywhere in town, offering a convenient dinner on those craziest of carpool nights.
So here’s what we’ve got for pizza restaurants and it’s a darn good selection:
Piccolo – This intimate Ridgefield restaurant is famous for pizza AND jazz music. It’s “always-friendly” wait staff and exciting menu make this a local favorite. Friday nights, they keep baking pies so you can just stop in and there’s always one ready to go. Piccolo offers delivery and take out.
Village Pizza – This NY style pizza place has great. NY style Pizza by the pie or slice, salads, pasta and other Italian favorites. Village is another favorite in my family. They offer take out and delivery. BONUS: Carvel is right next door!
Planet Pizza – this local chain (6 restaurants in Fairfield County) offers terrific pizza as well as a complete menu of salads and Italian food. It’s convenient (located on Main Street) but offers little in eat-in ambiance (but perfect for kids of all ages). They offer on-line ordering for pick up or delivery. I recommend pizza and salad for take out.
Genoa - Genoa Italian Deli offers take out Pizza, pasta and more. They have a few tables but it’s not a restaurant by any means. Their huge calzones can feed 2 or 3 for dinner (no kidding!) Conveniently located near the Super Stop N Shop.
Venice Restaurant – Venice is a complete “sit down” Italian restaurant that has one of the most active pizza take-outs in town. Great pizza but I can’t say much about the restaurant… we only get take out from here. And one more thing, if you call in your order, don’t forget your number. They don’t do names.
Wooster Hollow – Located on Route 7 but haven’t had their pizza in years. No comment.
Pizza Hut – it’s America’s standard bearer of pizza. Impersonal, greasy but extremely dependable. If you like Pizza hut, you’ll certainly like ours. And here’s a bonus, check their website and enter 06877 for a load of coupons.
Now, which is the BEST… hmmmmm… that’s hard to say. Enter a comment telling us your favorite “Ridgefield Pizza”.
| Discussion: 2 Comments »
How Is The Ridgefield, CT Real Estate Market?
January 17th, 2008 categories: Buying Your House, Market Data & Statistics, Ridgefield, Selling Your House, Talking Real Estate
The Good News about The Ridgefield Market
As Realtors in Ridgefield CT, it is difficult to navigate between the harsh reality of where our market is today and the expectations of buyers and sellers in the market. Much like the stock market, influences outside the market effect the activity within the market as a whole. While sellers were very lucky up until 2005 to have a market that had steady price growth for 10+ years continuously, sadly the market has shifted. There is good news about the Ridgefield real estate market: the excellent quality of life here in Ridgefield, the Ridgefield School system, and our proximity to New York City has kept our property values, relative to the rest of the Country, from dropping dramatically and interest in Ridgefield is steady.
The Reality…
Expectations for double-digit growth in the market to have continued indefinitely was unrealistic. In 2005 the market began its corrective path. Prices of homes held relatively steady in 2005 and the first 3 quarters of 2006, while many areas of the Country saw significant decline in values. In the end of 2006 and through 2007 we have seen the trend in a slowing market continue. Homes are staying on the market significantly longer and prices have come down 2-16% depending on location, condition and the perceived value of the seller at the time of listing (original pricing).
With the availability of market information flooding the Internet, buyers now have real-time statistics available to them without having to consult a Realtor. By the time they speak with an experienced real estate specialist, they have their own ideas on how to interpret these stats and ideas on how the market is reacting to National economic and political conditions and the messages the media put out regarding each. Right or wrong these perceptions drive the market, and the for the moment the market is, for the most part, being driven by the few buyers that are in the marketplace.
If you are a seller who bought a house more than 5 or so years ago, there is a good chance that you will make a nice profit on it if you choose to be on the market today. The better the location of that property, the more appreciation you will demand. A great house, in a great location, priced realistically in todays market will still sell relatively quickly (1-3 months). Location is paramount. A house with potential on a great lot, priced accordingly, will also command a better price and stay a shorter time on the market (1-6 months). Followed by the great house in a challenged location (4-12 months) and finally the house with issues on in a challenging location (6 months +).
A Win-Win Deal is Still Possible!
In the current market, pricing is key. Even the most challenged home will sell if the price is right. It is important, when the market shifts, to also shift your perception as a seller or a buyer. In a town like Ridgefield, CT, sellers should expect to get less than they may have 1-2 years ago for their home, and buyers should not expect sellers to take any offer given. Somewhere between the two mindsets, there is a fair deal that can make everyone reasonably satisfied.
| Discussion: 2 Comments »
10 Things To Know About Rainbow Lake in Ridgefield, CT.
January 16th, 2008 categories: Buying Your House, Lake Living, Recreation & Sports, Ridgefield, Selling Your House, Talking Real Estate
I moved to Rainbow Lake in Ridgefield, CT from the Upper West Side of Manhattan in December 2001. We bought one of the original little lake cottages built in 1940. It was an 860 square foot, “winterized” summer cottage on 1/2 an acre with fantastic lake views.
The house itself was”charming” but lacked the creature comforts that Americans have come to expect: a working bathroom, insulation, and enough room for my small family to hear ourselves think. Regardless, it was the best purchase I’ve ever made. In November 2004 we began remodeling (which became demolition and the biggest nightmare of our lives), and now live in the 1800 square foot home you see below. If it weren’t for the rustic beauty of the lake and the incredible spirit of our neighbors and friends around the lake, we couldn’t now say that we are living our dream. Here are 10 things you should know about our magical lake community:
1 ) Originally named, Wataba Lake, Rainbow Lake is a wonderful community of lake homes in Ridgefield, CT ranging in value from $299,000 to about $1,600,000.
2 ) Rainbow Lake is a private 44-acre, man-made lake that was developed in the early 1940’s by Willie Winthrop as a summer destination for wealthy New Yorkers. Our community is now inhabited mostly by full-time, year-round residents.
3 ) Rainbow Lake is just over 1 hour to Mid-town Manhattan by car and by train.
4 ) Some of the largest bass in Connecticut can be caught while fishing on Rainbow Lake (residents only).
5 ) The Ridgefield Lakes Association (RLA) is an optional association open to those residents who live within the Association’s boundaries. The RLA is responsible for maintaining the lake’s two beautiful beaches, water quality, and the dam. There are two social events held for the RLA membership every year: the holiday caroling & party, and the summer beach barbecue.
6 ) The people who live on Rainbow Lake are an eclectic bunch of people: artists, attorneys, educators, surgeons, contractors and even a celebrity singer who has weekended here for decades. We walk around the lake and wave hello at every chance we get.There is a wonderful combination here of privacy and friendliness.
7 ) The lake does not allow motor boats, but you can canoe, kayak and sail on Rainbow Lake until your heart’s content.
8 ) We abut hundreds of acres of open space including, Hemlock Hills, and the Bennett’s Farm Trail System where you can hike and mountain bike like a champ.
9 ) The roads are narrow, and there is limited parking, but somehow we all get where we are going and rarely (never) have to drive around in circles looking for a parking space like I did in NYC.
10 ) Rainbow Lake is quite possibly one of the best place to Live in Connecticut, if not the United States.
If you are a Rainbow Lake resident, please feel free to post a comment about your experience of living on Rainbow Lake.
| Discussion: 9 Comments »
How to Uncover the Secrets Hiding in Every Real Estate Listing
January 13th, 2008 categories: Buying Your House, Talking Real Estate
Every home shopper finds interesting homes while searching for real estate on the internet. However, part of the story is always missing. Somehow, the pictures and remarks that accompany each listing never tell whole story. How close the house is to the street. Is the street busy? Is there a yard? How close are the neighbors? Or any other details of the adjoining geography.
This is where a satellite mapping website is your friend! Both Microsoft and Google offer free satellite photos of nearly every neighborhood in the country. Just enter the address and in a moment, you’ve got a clear picture of the home, property and surrounding area. You get a detailed bird’s eye view of any property, street or neighborhood. See if the house is near the lake shore, in the woods or close to the neighboring property. Check out your own house, too.
Get the whole picture to make better decisions on which houses to view and which to pass on.
Here are a couple of examples of what you can learn from these free (and easy) shots from the sky!
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