Archive for March, 2008
4 Ways to Live Clean and Green in Ridgefield, CT
March 31st, 2008 categories: Green Living, Ridgefield, Talking Real Estate
Live clean, live green! Ridgefield’s First Selectman Rudy Marconi sees protecting our environment as a top priority. Rudy’s many town-wide initiatives include converting 20% of our town’s energy use to “clean energy” by 2010, requiring all town departments to use available recycled products for construction, repair and maintenance and the creation of RACE. Ridgefield is quickly becoming Connecticut’s #1 town to embrace sustainability and smart living.
4 Ways to Live Green in Ridgefield
- Recycle: Did you know that curbside recycling is 3 times less effective than dropping recyclables at the Ridgefield Recycling Center? The recycling center accepts many types of materials that will not be recycled curbside. In fact, if you place just 1 “wrong item” in your blue bin, your hauler will likely just dump the entire bin in with the trash and recycle nothing. Your efforts are wasted and all your recyclables end up the landfill. Instead, many Ridgefielders choose to bring their recyclables to the town recycling center on South St. Learn more about recycling in Ridgefield at the HRRA website.
Compost: Composting at home is a great way to keep unnecessary bio-degradable garbage out of the trash stream and make terrific nutrient-rich soil for your garden at the same time. Put all of your vegetable cuttings, banana peels and more into the compost bin and make your own “black gold”. - RACE: join the folks at the Ridgefield Action Committee for the Environment. Commissioned by Rudy in 2006, RACE educates the town on environmental issues and sustainability like clean energy and anti-idling. RACE has created the Clean Energy Challenge and has forged relationships with like-minded people in neighboring town.
- Clean Energy: Ridgefielders can chose to have Clean Energy delivered right to their home. By selecting the “clean energy option”, each of us can use electricity generated from clean, renewable sources like wind and water. Click here to sign up.
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The Raw Deal! Top 5 Sushi Restaurants around Ridgefield, Redding & Wilton, CT
March 27th, 2008 categories: Cultural Resources, Eat, Drink and Be Amused, Redding, Ridgefield, Wilton
The Ridgefield, Redding and Wilton area has some great sushi restaurants! I’ve been a sushi lover since I was twelve and I’ve dined at the best and most famous Sushi joints around the world: New York, Sydney, Hong Kong and Los Angeles. Living in Connecticut, I’ve found some of the best restaurants serving sushi:
1) Ichiro Japanese Restaurant 69 Newtown Rd Danbury, CT 06810 (203) 792-8881
This is my personal favorite sushi restaurant in the area. It used to be a diner and is located near the Walmart on Newtown Road in Danbury. What a surprise! When you walk in, you forget that you walked into a former diner, and are greeted by some of friendliest folks in the restaurant business. You can either choose to eat in the Hibachi area (also very good) or at the regular restaurant with a Sushi Bar. The fish is fresh and the portions are sizable! The rolls are creative and the prices are very reasonable, which makes Ichiro this blogger’s top pick!
2) Koo Restaurant 470 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877- (203) 431-8838
Either grab a seat at the bar (The bartender, John is the best in Fairfield County!) or eat at the sushi bar or at a table. This innovative, trendy, Japanese fusion restaurant serves the freshest and most interesting array of Sushi in the area! Bring a suitcase full of cash, though…it ain’t cheap!
3) Mannen Japanese Restaurant 15 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield, CT – 203-438-8727
This Ridgefield favorite serves Japanese and Chinese food that is consistently good. They also deliver within Ridgefield, which makes it very convenient. The Sushi is always fresh and the portions are ample. Just like a Old Faithful, you can always rely on Mannen.,
4) Panda House 93 Mill Plain Rd, Danbury, CT 06811 – (203) 743-6080
Just north of the Ridgebury section of Ridgefield in Danbury, this Chinese/Japanese combo serves up some good, fresh fish in a clean and convenient environment. Their Chinese food is by far the best this side of the George Washington Bridge! You just can’t go wrong at Panda House!
5) Taipei Tokyo 15 Backus Ave, Danbury,CT 06810 – 203-792-8888
If you’ve shopped till you drop at the Danbury Fair Mall and need a Sushi fix, drop into Taipei Tokyo just next store in The Christmas Tree Shops shopping center. This is a good old fashion Japanese/Chinese combo restaurant that serves consistently good food. Nothing truly special, but convenient, reasonable and friendly.
Rate and review these additional restaurants that serve Sushi in the area:
Sakura Japanese Restaurant 203-222-0802 • 680 Post Rd East, Westport,CT 06880
Kabuki Japanese Steak House 39 Lake Avenue Ext, Danbury,CT – 203-744-6885
Empire Szechuan 113 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield – (203) 431-0488
Sushi Koshi 15 River Rd, Wilton,CT 203-761-6770
Leave us a comment below and tell us what you like!
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How Some Officially Reported Data is Misleading and Why You Need to Know the Truth
March 24th, 2008 categories: Buying Your House, For Agents, Market Data & Statistics, Ridgefield, Selling Your House, Talking Real Estate
I am about to share with you one of most important, yet most elusive, real estate market statistic: Days-On-Market (DOM).
No one can miss the media hype about crashing real estate markets, the sub-prime lending mess, and foreclosures. What we’ve seen here in the current Ridgefield, CT real estate market, however, doesn’t really match any one of these headlines.
The Ridgefield real estate market has not crashed, in fact we conducted 3.7% more sales in 2007 than in 2006 with just a minor softening of prices. The sub-prime mortgage situation has only indirectly effected our business in that lenders now require more documentation from borrowers. And we’ve only seen a handful of foreclosure sales, nothing extraordinary.
So what has changed? It can’t be business as usual, can it?
The biggest change I’ve seen in the current Ridgefield real estate market is that it’s taking longer for homes to sell. How much longer? Well most agents can’t really tell you.
Anyone can share with you what’s reported in the MLS. On this measure, though, the MLS-reported DOM is misleading, absolutely useless. Let me explain.
- The MLS calculates DOM based on each particular listing.
- The MLS “resets the DOMO meter” when the seller change agents.
- Many Agents game the system by re-listing the same property multiple times thereby constantly resetting the DOM meter.
As far as I know, we are the only real estate office in Ridgefield that calculates the True DOM. It takes a lot of effort and skill but we do it because it is such an important market indicator. We want to be certain that you (buyers and sellers) have the most important, most up-to-date and most accurate market data available on which to base your real estate decisions.
[table "0" not found /]The real story shows a market time much longer than “officially reported”. Sellers need to use the real numbers to set expectations and adjust listing prices. Buyers must be aware of a property’s entire listing history not just the current listing and what is reported on the MLS listing sheet.
The Kimmelman-Gutman Group believes that we must be real estate market masters for our clients. Dig deep into the data, understand it, be the local real estate economist. Only then can we provide you the best service and value. Contact us if you’d like to learn more.
Related Posts:
- Grab your Pick Ax Now! Why You Need to Mine Nuggets From Ridgefield’s Mountain of MLS Data
- How Is The Ridgefield, CT Real Estate Market?
- Why 2007 Was A Great Year for Ridgefield, CT Real Estate
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8 Steps to Buying the Perfect Connecticut Home – First Time Home Buyers Listen Up!
March 19th, 2008 categories: Buying Your House, Talking Real Estate
Here’s the game plan that guarantees success. Follow these 8-steps to be assured you’ll get the best home at the best price. It’s hard work, but you’ve got a team of professionals to see you through to the goal line.
Find a REALTOR you can trust…
The First Step… There are many Real Estate Buyers Agents out there, but how do you weed through them all to find the right one to work with? Real Estate Chocolate is a good place to start. If you are reading this, you have found a team of Real Estate professionals who are dedicated to helping buyers find just the right home and have the knowledge, experience and skills to get the job done. Whether or not it is the Kimmelman-Gutman Group who assists you, choosing a qualified Buyer’s Agent who you can trust, is the first step in the home-buying process. It is your agent’s job to make sure that all of your needs are met and will represent you through the entire process of buying your new home.
Getting Pre-Approved
This is one of the most important steps in the home buying process. In order to submit an offer, you will need to meet with a lender and get a mortgage pre-approval. In fact, do this now so it’s in your file and ready to go. If you do not already have a lender that you would like to work with, we can introduce you to several mortgage professionals who can give you information about your approval and explain the financing options available to you.
Consulting Session
Before we actually go out looking at homes in your price range, we must gather the important information necessary to help us choose the homes that most closely meet your needs. In our initial consulting session, we discuss the features you most desire in your new home as well as locate the best area that suits your needs.
The Home Search Begins
Once we’ve established the type of home, and the exact features you’re searching for, it’s time to begin looking at houses….the fun part! We can be available anytime, by appointment, to help you find your dream home.
Making and Offer On Your Home
When you find your dream home, you should present a competitive offer immediately. As your Buyers Agent, we have extensive experience in price and contract negotiations; we will ensure that you get the home you want for the best price possible, at terms that work for you.
The Accepted Offer
Once the seller accepts your offer, you want to make sure that every detail is handled quickly and accurately. Time is of the essence. We can ensure that your home closes properly and on time… that’s what we do.
Inspections
The home inspection is an important part of the final negotiation process. The inspector will go over your new home paying attention to the details, looking for issues with systems, the environment, and the structure of the home. The report will include all of his findings, both positive and negative, so any item can be negotiated and agreed on BEFORE contract signing.
Signing the Loan Documents
At the closing, you will be required to sign the loan (mortgage) documents finalizing the lender’s commitment. Be prepared to bring your cashier’s check, insurance binder, and driver’s license to the closing. Once this is done…
The Home Is YOURS!
After the closing, the deed is recorded on the town land records and you’re ready to move into your new home!
Related Posts:
- 16 Home Buying Secrets You Need to Know Before You Purchase
- Why Buying a House in Today’s Real Estate Market is Like Shopping at SYMS
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Wilton, CT Real Estate – Home Sales Market Report: March 2008
March 16th, 2008 categories: Buying Your House, Market Data & Statistics, Selling Your House, Talking Real Estate, Wilton
In the Wilton real estate market, February single-family closings show a drop from Feb. 2007 (from 16 to 11) continuing the trend from last month. Brad and I did, however, notice a recent flurry of buyers out to look at properties with several coming forth with reasonable offers. Even with lousy weather the past 3 weekends (snow, snow, then rain), buyers are consistently viewing our listings.
My buyers have seen mortgage rates increase over the past few weeks so make certain that you discuss “rate locks” with your mortgage professional. Even with this rate increase, home buyers are still enjoying some of the cheapest money in history. We’ve probably seen the bottom of the mortgage rate curve for this cycle; it’s unknown how home prices will react. Buyers must keep in mind that even if prices continue to soften, rising rates will more than wipe out whatever might have been gained by waiting.
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Ridgefield, CT Home Sales Report: March 2008
March 13th, 2008 categories: Buying Your House, Market Data & Statistics, Ridgefield, Selling Your House, Talking Real Estate
February single-family closings show a drop from Feb. 2007 (continuing the trend from last month). I did, however, notice a flurry of buyers out to look at properties with several coming forth with reasonable offers. Even with lousy weather the past 3 weekends (snow, snow, then rain), buyers are consistently viewing our listings.
My buyers have seen mortgage rates increase over the past few weeks so make certain that you discuss “rate locks” with your mortgage professional. Even with this rate increase, home buyers are still enjoying some of the cheapest money in history. We’ve probably seen the bottom of the mortgage rate curve for this cycle; it’s unknown how home prices will react. Buyers must keep in mind that even if prices continue to soften, rising rates will more than wipe out whatever might have been gained by waiting.
Related Posts:
- Home Sales Roundup: Ridgefield, Redding and Wilton CT – February 2008
- Grab your Pick Ax Now! Why You Need to Mine Nuggets From Ridgefield’s Mountain of MLS Data
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Where To Go For Arts & Culture Around Ridgefield, Wilton & Redding CT
March 9th, 2008 categories: Buying Your House, Cultural Resources, Eat, Drink and Be Amused, Redding, Ridgefield, Wilton
When I moved to Ridgefield from Manhattan in 2001, I was not sure whether I was going to have culture shock when I settled in, or whether there was going to be any culture here at all! I have been pleasantly surprised to find not only a vibrant arts community here, but, a bevy of high-caliber arts institutions, theaters and organizations in and around the area. You will be amazed at how much there is to do and see for the arts conscious… Here is just a sampling.
The Venues for Art and the Performing Arts Near Ridgefield, Wilton and Redding
The Ridgefield Playhouse is Ridgefield’s answer to a Las Vegas show theater on a, well, smaller, less flashy scale. The Cass
Gilbert designed theater is the perfect venue for top dance, music, theater, comedy and magic performances from around the world. It is also our only movie house in Ridgefield, and shows first-run films, changing from week to week.
The Ridgefield Theater Barn has been providing quality live theater productions to Ridgefield and the surrounding communities for 42 years. The theater offers a comfortable, intimate setting with cabaret seating for most events. I have performed in two productions at “the barn”, “Is There Life After High School?”, a musical, and most recently a play reading of “5 Minute Date”, and original script by local Ridgefield playwright, Jean Goldsmyth. It was both an honor and a privilege to work with Jean and some very talented local actors.
The Ridgefield Guild of Artists is a regional and community-based art organization that promotes the visual arts and arts education by providing high quality gallery space for exhibitions, art classes for children and adults, opportunities for artist-in residency programs, and art lectures on-site and in collaboration with other cultural organizations. It is amazing to see the talent and energy created by a local arts project. On May 3, 2008, the Guild will be holding an event called “Paint The Town” to celebrate Ridgefield’s 300th Anniversary. More information to come on Real Estate Chocolate.
The Wilton Playshop has been a part of Wilton’s cultural cornucopia for nearly 70 years, making it one of the longest continuously running community theatres in the northeast. The Playshop caters to a wide variety of theatrical tastes with up to five major productions during its season which runs from October to August.
The Ridgfield Symphony Orchestra (RSO) is another one of Ridgefield’s cultural gifts. The Orchestra debuted on April 4, 1965, and since then has grown to a full-scale orchestra of 70 to 100 professional musicians. The RSO has engaged a number of Music Directors during its history including Beatrice Brown for 25 years and Sidney Rothstein who became its Music Director in 1996. The RSO is currently searching for a new Music Director and four of the finalists will be engaged for the 2007-08 Season. One permanent Music Director will be selected at the close of the season, and the audiences will participate.
The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum is one of the few non-collecting, world renown, contemporary art museums in the United States. The Aldrich was founded on Ridgefield’s historic Main Street in 1964. Exhibitions feature work by emerging and mid-career artists, and education programs is targeted at helping adults and children to “connect to today’s world through contemporary art”. The Museum is located at 258 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877.
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The Phoenix Rises on Main Street, Ridgefield
March 7th, 2008 categories: Local Events, Ridgefield, Talking Real Estate
Ridgefield’s picturesque Main Street is the envy of most every Connecticut town. Folks come from all over to enjoy our shops, sidewalks and hospitality.
That’s why Ridgefielders were so shocked in May of 2005 to learn that one of our most beloved Main Street buildings burned to the ground. (This blog provides some insight into the loss) Luckily the horrible fire only claimed property and spared all those sleeping in the a four apartments above Bissells Pharmacy and Gail’s Station House restaurant.
Although those beloved businesses successfully relocated, the void on Main Street has been an ongoing reminder of that painful night. After waiting nearly 3 years, we are all grateful that the “phoenix is rising”. The rebuilding has begun and sometime this fall, Ridgefield’s famous Main Street will be back intact. The developer will maintains that the new structure, using modern building techniques, will maintain a similar look and feel as the original.
The Main Street Fire in Ridgefield, CT
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Everything You Need to Know About Ridgefield Schools
March 5th, 2008 categories: Ridgefield, Schools, Talking Real Estate
Every Ridgefield kid is offered one of the best public educations in Conecticut.
Our schools help make Ridgefield Connecticut’s #1 Town year after year. As a town, we’ve got the optimal number of students (~1800 in the high school, ~5600 total) to provide a balanced education rich in curriculum, sports and additional learning opportunities. Our students consistently score high in standardized tests and our graduating seniors enroll at the top colleges and universities. Read this report: Strategic School Profile
Our Board of Ed makes every effort to assure a top quality education for each student in the system. Here’s a rundown of the school system, the Ridgefield Board of Education, and some additional resources to acquaint you with the school system:
Ridgefield, CT Public Schools
6 Elementary Schools:
- Veterans Park Elementary School
- Farmingville Elementary School
- Ridgebury Elementary School
- Scotland Elementary School
- Barlow Mountain Elementary School
- Branchville Elementary School
2 Middle Schools:
1 High School
Ridgefield School System and Ridgefield Board of Ed
The Ridgefield Board of Education is composed of Keith Miller – Chairman, Austin Drukker – Vice Chairman, Sandi Rose – Secretary, Joe Buczek, Russell Katz, Katherine McGerald, Lyn Merrill, Richard Steinhart and Paul Sutherland. These 9 members are dedicated to providing a top-notch education. And they do this very cost effectively: the best education with below average per-pupil costs. If you’re moving to Ridgefield and would like to meet with any school principal, just call the district office at 431-2800 x2014 to make an appointment. Additionally, to register you son or daughter for school, you’ll need to call the school directly:
Ridgefield High School 203-438-3785
East Ridge Middle School 203-438-3744
Scotts Ridge Middle School 203-894-3400
Barlow Mountain Elementary School 203-894-7700
Branchville Elementary School 203-544-7980
Farmingville Elementary School 203-431-2830
Ridgebury Elementary School 203-438-6555
Scotland Elementary School 203-438-6563
Veterans Park Elementary School 203-438-6571
To learn more about the Ridgefield Public Schools, see About Our Schools and the Strategic School Profile
Contact me if you’ve got any questions regarding schools in Ridgefield. Lynda and I have 1 daughter in middle school and 1 in high school. Our kids have been in Farmingville and Barlow Mountain elementary schools and we have been “very involved” over the last 10 years: I’ve been a PTA board member and my wife has been PTA president, class mom several times, etc… We would be delighted to answer any questions you might have from a parents perspective. Just let us know how we can help!
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How Ridgefield and Redding are Like This Year’s Super Bowl Winner
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6 Reasons Why South Ridgefield Is Such A Popular Place To Live
March 2nd, 2008 categories: Buying Your House, Recreation & Sports, Ridgefield, Schools, Talking Real Estate, Wilton
Many people who are looking for a home in Ridgefield, CT choose to start their search in popular South Ridgefield. Aside from the close proximity to Town Center, South Ridgefield is sought-after for the following reasons:
1) South Ridgefield is close to other popular towns like Wilton, Westport and New Canaan in Connecticut and Bedford, Pound Ridge and South Salem, in New York.
2) South Ridgefield is very convenient for NYC commuters. It is the closest point in Ridgefield to I-684 and the Merritt Parkway for driving to New York City. The Katonah and Branchville commuter train stations are also close by.
3) For golf lovers, Silver Spring Country Club is located in South Ridgefield.
4) The terrain of South Ridgefield is beautiful. There are rolling hills and lovely homes set on picturesque properties. It is all residential, very quiet and private.
5) South Ridgefield is an easy commute to Greenwich, Stamford, and White Plains, NY from South Ridgefield.
6) Ridgefield schools are among the best in Connecticut.
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