Weston has been designated “Best Small Town” in Connecticut for several years. It is a unique town that derives its beautiful rural atmosphere from natural beauty that has been protected by excellent town planning that cherishes “open space” and 2-acre zoning. Approximately one-third of the town is dedicated to open space in perpetuity. Weston has retained its rural character even through it is only approximately an hour from Manhattan; an easy commute via the Merritt Parkway, I-95 or Metro-North trains. 

The small commercial center of Weston is conveniently located to all the schools, Town Hall, Weston Public Library, Weston Police and Volunteer Fire Departments and various churches. Consistently voted as top rated the schools in Connecticut for similar size towns, the school system recently completed an $80 million expansion. It is unique in that all of the schools are conveniently located on one campus.

 Things to do in Weston this summer:

 Weston Shopping Center

• http://westonshoppingcenter.com/
• Includes Peter’s Market (grocery store), Peter’s Spirit Shop (liquor store) Lunch Box (diner), Fairfield County Bank, Lang’s Pharmacy, Post Office, Camelot Real Estate, Carnall Insurance, Minute Men Cleaners, Weston Hardware and Housewares, Weston Service Station.

Independence Day Celebration

• Located at the Weston Middle School field. Bring a blanket, chairs, picnic, family and friends, and celebrate the 4^th of July with music, sparklers, and a spectacular firework show. Takes place on Monday, July 4^th.

Devil’s Den Preserve 

• The largest nature preserve in Connecticut, encompassing 1,746 acres. The preserve is part of the watershed of the West Branch of the Saugatuck River and part of the extended 70-mile (110 km) “Saugatuck Valley Trails System”. Great for a day of hiking and bird watching. Flora and fauna in the preserve include more than 500 types of trees and wildflowers, the pink Lady’s slipper, Cardinal flower, and Indian pipe, such animals as red fox, Bobcat, Coyote, eastern copperhead snake, and more than 140 bird species, including Wood duck, Ruffed grouse and more than 140 other bird species. People have used the area for hunting as far back as 5,000 years ago, according to archaeological evidence found in the park. A sawmill was once located below Godfrey Pond in the preserve, a part of the area’s history as a lumbering and charcoal-burning center, especially in the Nineteenth century.

 Trout Brook Valley Preserve 

• Over 1,100 acres of beautiful trails located where Easton, Weston, and Fairfield intersect. Trails well marked and some are open to bikes and horses.  

Bisceglie Pond 

• Located off of Newtown Turnpike in Weston. Free during the summer for all Weston residents.  Popular pond to bring children of all ages for a safe and fun water day. 

Aspetuck Valley Country Club 

• Weston’s historic country club includes a full service golf course, tennis courts, a restaurant and clubhouse, and pool. Situated in the breathtaking and private woods of Weston, Aspetuck Valley is a must see.

 Weston Field Club 

• Weston’s exclusive club. Entails dining, pool and lakefront, tennis courts, paddling, and camps for ages 4 to 10.
• For more information visit http://www.westonfieldclub.com/ 

Wilton YMCA 

• Located on the outskirts of Westport and Weston
• Includes a 25 yard pool and the only 50 meter pool in Fairfield County (home of nine national championships, two Olympians, and several All-Americans)
• Full fitness center, racquetball court, tennis courts, indoor and outdoor basketball courts, child chare
• For more information visit www.wiltonymca.org 

Weston Schools: 

• All school buildings located within same campus
• Middle school has indoor pool – $100 per Weston family for swim pass, $55 per adult, $5 per drop-in, and free for people ages 62 and up
• For more information visit www.westonct.gov or call 203-222-2655

 Other information:  

Westport Railroad Parking:

• There is currently a 4-5 year waiting list for Westport Railroad Station permit parking lot. To be added to the waiting list, visit http://www.westportct.gov/index.aspx?page=450
• You may park at the I-95 lot for $4 a day
• Weekends and holidays, parking at the permit lot are free
• Visit http://as0.mta.info/mnr/schedules/sched_form.cfm for train schedules 

Compo Beach Passes:

• For Westport residents:
  • $30 summer pass, $15 senior citizens
  • For Weston residents:
    • $200 summer pass, $100 senior citizens
    • If no registered car in Weston, $400 summer
    • For those who pay taxes on property in Westport but are not residents:
      • $175 summer pass, $85 senior citizens
      • For non-Westport or Weston residents:
        • $400 summer pass
        • For more information, visit http://www.westportct.gov/index.aspx?page=321

Renowned as one of the nation’s most desirable residential areas, Westport is a sophisticated beach community with an international flair; yet it retains its heritage as a charming New England village. The Town is primarily residential, with commercial activity limited to the central portion of town. A cultural Mecca, the arts thrive in this area because of community support and involvement.

Things to do in Westport this winter:

Westport County Playhouse

• Westport Country Playhouse, Westport, Connecticut

• Productions run throughout the year but this theater is a popular summer destination. Famous actors often grace the stage, produce or direct the performances. Joanne Woodward is an occasional director at the Playhouse where Paul Newman had been known to show his face from time to time among many other known actors and actresses.

The Westport Pal Rink at Longshore (WPRL)

The Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts

• FREE 57 nights of entertainment under the stars in a charming outside venue in Westport, CT.  Bring your own chairs, blanket, friends and picnic, and enjoy a night of free and fun entertainment and music. Visit www.levittpavilion.com to view this summer’s schedule.

Westport Farmers’ Market – Every Thursday 10 am – 2 pm

• Located at Imperial Avenue commuter parking lot. 
• Local chefs and farmers bring fresh foods and goods for sale and tastings.

Westport Schools:

• http://www.westport.k12.ct.us/
• Average 13 students per classroom and 5,445 students enrolled in District total
• Received 10/10 in District rating 

Longshore 

• Beautiful golf course near the award-winning restaurant Splash and on the outskirts of Compo beach. Includes instruction courses for individuals, juniors, and groups. Visit www.longshoregolf.com for more information.
• Splash was recently awarded “Best of” New England waterfront dining by The Food Network. Located with and uninterrupted and breathtaking view of the Long Island Sound. Since its opening in 1995, the lively and innovative Splash has attracted many local diners and has become a popular meeting place for all Southwestern Connecticut. Make sure to join in on the Sunday brunch hype.
• The Inn at Longshore is located on the picturesque Connecticut shoreline. Once an elegant private estate, then an exclusive country club for the likes of Rockefeller, Roosevelt and F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Inn at Longshore is now a sought after location for weddings and corporate events with 12 guest rooms, award-winning cuisine and spectacular views of the Long Island Sound. 

Compo Beach 

• Parking passes are available for purchase at $10/day to spend at Westport’s popular beach. There’s a pavilion where you can purchase food and drinks, picnic tables, beach volleyball nets, a playground, and barbeque pits for a family and friends get-together. Perfect for an early morning walk, to enjoy the sunset, or work on your summer tan.
• See below for beach pass information and local restaurants 

Sherwood Island State Park

• Connecticut’s first state park offers a place to eat a lunch in the shade of a picnic groove, swim in Long Island Sound, or lay out to get some sun. 

Winslow Park 

• Westport’s public “Doggy Park” includes baggies, water fountains for owners and their dogs, benches and picnic tables are available. The beautiful woods scenery is the perfect place to bring your dogs and socialize with other dog lovers in the area. Great for a walk or picnic. 

Westport Arts Center 

• The Westport Arts Center is a visual and performing arts organization dedicated to creating arts experiences that enrich the lives of the area residents and the entire community. Its programs include contemporary art exhibits and gallery talks, chamber music, jazz, singer/songwriters, literature, and film. The WAC has also enlarged its arts education and outreach programs for students in grades K-12. Visit www.westportartscenter.org for more information.
• WAC is also a sponsor of the 38^th Annual Fine Arts Festival on July 16^th and 17^th at the Parker Harding Plaza in Westport.

Westport Restaurants

• Tavern on Main – A favorite American restaurant for locals, located amongst Main Street shopping. www.tavernonmain.com/

• Acqua – Located within Main Street shopping. Fabulous Mediterranean fare and seafood. 203-222-8899
• Bobby Q’s Barbeque and Grill – Known as the best barbeque around. Located within Main Street shopping. 203-454-7800
• Matsu Sushi – Located between Main Street shopping and the Westport Library. Great lunch bento box specials. 203-341-9662
• V Restaurant Wine & Bar – Colorful Mediterranean style cuisine located in the Greens Farms area.  203-259-1160
• Splash – Awarded “Best of” New England waterfront dining by The Food Network, located on Longshore on the Long Island Sound. Popular for cocktails, outrageous seafood, and its famous Sunday brunch. 203-454-7798
• Positano’s Waterfront Italian Restaurant – A taste of Italy beautifully located on the outskirts of Compo Beach. Perfect for a romantic walk on the beach after dinner. 203-454-4922 www.positanoswestport.com
• Joey’s by the Shore – Compo Beach Concession offers a variety of beach food including ice cream, hotdogs, lobster rolls, fries, and more. Customers can claim an indoor picnic table or take their orders to the nearby outdoor pavilion. 203-227-5756
• Elvira’s Old Mill Market & Deli – Serves the Westport Compo shoreline community as a market, deli and pizzeria. Dinners can eat their lunch outside while enjoying the view. 203-341-8582
• The Boathouse at Saugatuck Rowing Club – Stunning view of the Saugatuck River with upscale American and seafood cuisine. 203-227-3399 www.saugatuckrowing.com

• Rizzutos – Pizza/Italian restaurant close to train station. Has great live jazz bands and dancing. Visit www.rizzutos.com to make reservations.
• Tutti – Located near train station. Great Italian and seafood ‘BYOB’ – bring your own bottle of wine, etc. 203-221-0262
• Blue Lemon – Delicious seafood, good for outdoor seating. 203-226-2647 www.bluelemonrestaurant.com/
• Thali Regional Cuisine – a favorite Indian food restaurant located near Compo shopping center. 203-557-4848
• Via Sforza – Upscale authentic Italian. (203) 454-4444   

For a full and detailed directory of Fairfield County restaurants, visit http://www.fairfieldcountyonline.com/directory/restaurants/

Shopping

• Main Street
  • Variety of shops and award-winning restaurants lined up on Main Street. Some of the shops include Brooks Brothers, J.Crew, Tiffany & co., Restoration Hardware, Coach, Ann Taylor Loft, and more.
  • Great restaurants at your tips while shopping (listed under Westport Restaurants above) – Acqua, Tavern on Main, Bobby Q’s, Oscar’s Deli, Matsu Sushi, Crumbs Bakery, and more.
  • Spa & Nails At Port – Full service spa. Great pedicure menu. 203-454-3444
• Compo Shopping Center
  • Trader Joes, Winged Monkey (women’s retail store), Thali Regional Cuisine, J. Silver, and more.

Westport / Weston YMCA 

• Full service pool, sports & recreation, fitness center, and child care.
• For more information visit www.westporty.org

 Other information:  

Westport Railroad Parking:

• There is currently a 4-5 year waiting list for Westport Railroad Station permit parking lot. To be added to the waiting list, visit http://www.westportct.gov/index.aspx?page=450
• You may park at the I-95 lot for $4 a day
• Weekends and holidays, parking at the permit lot are free
• Visit http://as0.mta.info/mnr/schedules/sched_form.cfm for train schedules 

Compo Beach Passes:

• For Westport residents:
  • $30 summer pass, $15 senior citizens
  • For Weston residents:
    • $200 summer pass, $100 senior citizens
    • If no registered car in Weston, $400 summer
    • For those who pay taxes on property in Westport but are not residents:
      • $175 summer pass, $85 senior citizens
      • For non-Westport or Weston residents:
        • $400 summer pass
        • For more information, visit http://www.westportct.gov/index.aspx?page=321

Top 10 Appraisal Tips to Help You Save Time and Money

1. Continuously research the value of your home and the other homes in your neighborhood; pay attention to foreclosures in your area; they may drive down the value of your home.

2. Since appraisers use “comps” (comparable market sales) of local properties sold within the last six months to value your home, make sure to work with a great loan officer who will leverage their knowledge to research comps in your area, before ordering the appraisal.

3. If you use your own appraiser, research them first and ask your lender to cross check them for any potential issues that may delay the process. Great loan officers will always confirm your appraiser’s credentials.

4. Direct your loan officer to work with local, experienced appraisal companies. Local appraisers have a deeper knowledge of the surrounding neighborhood and will likely be more readily available for the home inspection, to speed your appraisal process.

5. The appraisal report is yours to keep. Find out in advance who pays for the appraisal-many times appraisal fees are the homeowner’s responsibility and have to be paid up front.

6. New lending regulations require two appraisals in some situations-ask at the beginning whether you’ll need one or two.

7. Commit to your lender before committing to an appraisal. Being comfortable working with your loan officer is imperative. They often will be the liaison between you and the appraisal company.

8. Make sure any major repairs are completed before moving forward with your refinance. Structural damages drive your home value down and jeopardize the approval process for today’s popular government-backed FHA loans.

9. Don’t overestimate the value of making cosmetic home improvements. The expense is rarely justified because in the appraisal world, only improvements that add square footage will significantly increase home value.

10. Rely on market value rather than tax assessments for a realistic appraisal value-in today’s market, tax value and current market value may differ widely, but your lender can only go by appraisal value.

Finally, homeowners should expect their lender to explain the appraisal process and all of the steps for refinancing clearly and up front. “Homeowners have a right to understand the process fully before going forward with their appraisal and refinance,” Len says. “Ask questions, and if they aren’t answered to your satisfaction, find another lender that has the answers. Today’s market offers many opportunities for homeowners to refinance, and a reputable lender can help homeowners find great options to consolidate debt, shorten terms and lower payments. And it all starts with an appraisal.”

Copyright 2011 RISMedia, The Leader in Real Estate Information Systems and Real Estate News. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be republished without permission from RISMedia.

GAIL LILLEY ZAWACKI, GRI, ABR, CRS, E-PRO
SPECIALIZING IN SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT’S FINEST HOMES
OFFICE (203) 682-9444
FAX (203) 222-7283
www.SouthernCT.com
Gail@SouthernCT.com

A HOUSE IS A HOME WHEN IT SHELTERS THE BODY AND COMFORTS THE SOUL

As a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I’ve learned a lot from my fellow members and have access to valuable home-selling information. Consider the following advice from staging expert Kate Hart:

Curb appeal: First impressions are everything and this has never been truer than in today’s market. To leave a positive impression on buyers, take care of any exterior maintenance issues before buyers arrive, such as power washing walkways and patios, cleaning your gutters, touching up peeling paint, replacing broken light bulbs, edging and mulching beds, and adding fresh annuals. Some free things you can do include polishing your front door hardware and sweeping away pesky cobwebs.

Kitchen: Give your kitchen a mini facelift on a budget by repainting your cabinets instead of replacing them. For a more contemporary look, consider a semi-gloss espresso brown. For a more traditional look, opt for a semi-gloss creamy white. Complete the makeover by adding new hardware. Considering professional help? Ask your local painter if they can spray a lacquer finish on your cabinets. This treatment is more expensive than painting the cabinets yourself but the result looks like a factory finish.

Bathroom: Give an outdated bath a pick-me-up by replacing your existing lighting, faucets and hardware with updated styles.

Family room: Make your fireplace or great view the selling feature, not your entertainment center. Chances are, your family room is currently centered around the things you do everyday, such as watching television. Before showing, rearrange your room to showcase the architectural focal point of your family room.

Dining room: Keep the dining room decluttered and streamlined so buyers can imagine how they can enjoy this space with their families. Before showing, make sure to remove any knick-knacks and extraneous items from your china cabinet or sideboard. A rule to follow: pack up any items that are smaller than a softball, such as salt and pepper shakers, wedding cake toppers and small figurines.

Living room: Make sure you are selling your space, not your stuff. Give this space a less-cluttered look by keeping no more than three items per surface. For example, go with a piece of art and a pair of candlesticks on the mantle instead of your favorite collection.

A little bit of work and preparation can go a long way toward selling your home sooner. For more tips and advice, please feel free to e-mail me. And, if you know anyone else who could benefit from this advice, please share this with them as well.

Sincerely,

Gail Lilley Zawacki
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Office: 203-682-9444
Mobile: 203-856-9949
Gail@SouthernCT.com

http://www.SouthernCT.com

As a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I have access to a plethora of information related to this subject, so I am well-versed on how to help facilitate the rental of your vacation property.

These five tips, for example, are from vacation property experts HomeAway.com:

• Study the competition. Look at listings for vacation rentals in your area to get an idea of what they offer and how much they charge.
• Take lots of great photos of your property. Note: No people in the photos, please! Make it easy for your prospective renters to visualize themselves in the scene. And be sure to “dress the set” the way professional photographers do, with an arrangement of colorful flowers on the coffee table, or a dining table set up for a family dinner.
• Talk to your real estate professional about listing your property on vacation rental/second home sites, and other marketing strategies that will garner the most exposure for your property.
• Run your vacation rental like a business. Build a team of reliable cleaning and service people, collect and pay local and state sales tax, get set up to accept credit cards, maintain an online availability calendar, and always respond quickly to inquiries from prospective renters.
• Remember: You’re in the hospitality business. Think of yourself as a host and your prospective renters as guests. With this mindset, you’re sure to be successful as a vacation-rental owner.

The above suggestions can help you get the jump-start you need to lease out your vacation rental and help start bringing in some additional revenue. Be sure to speak with a professional real estate agent where your vacation home is located for specific tips related to that area.

For more tips like this, please e-mail me and please feel free to forward this information to anyone you think might benefit from it.

Sincerely,

Gail Lilley Zawacki
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Office: 203-682-9444
Mobile: 203-856-9949
Gail@SouthernCT.com
http://www.SouthernCT.com

While challenges still exist—for instance, getting the best price when selling, or securing financing when buying—there are some once-in-a-lifetime opportunities out there, and plenty of happy results can be had for both buyers and sellers. The key for both groups is to remain flexible, adaptable and diligent. To that end, here are some dos and don’ts for today’s buyers and sellers:

For Sellers:

DO’S

Be flexible. Often it’s the little things that push a buyer into the “yes” zone. If the buyer goes on and on about how much they love your icemaker, throw it in. If the closing has to be pushed ahead more than you expected, try to be as flexible as possible and pack the moving van a little quicker.

Clean up. One person’s prize doll collection is another person’s cluttered nightmare. Similarly, a living room filled with Beanie Babies could elicit a reaction of fear, rather than “Aw, how cute!” from a buyer. Put away any personal collections that not only cause clutter, but also make it hard for a buyer to see the home as his or hers, rather than yours.

DON’TS

Don’t be greedy. The market—not your emotions—dictates your home’s price. If comparables in the area, and several trusted real estate agents tell you your home is worth $400,000, you’re not fooling anyone by pricing it at $500,000—and you’re only doing yourself a disservice. Pricing it at market, even a little below, could generate a bidding war, and ultimately get you more money.

Don’t get personal. If you’re selling your house for a certain amount, and someone offers something much lower, don’t take this as a personal affront and refuse to counteroffer. Letting your emotions get in the way can potentially ruin the deal. What’s the harm in making a counteroffer?

Don’t procrastinate. In the current climate, you might be scared to try to sell your home, as you may have to face a lower selling price than you may have gotten before the recession. But remember, the house you buy might be even lower, commensurately. It’s all relative. So if you’re serious about selling, consider doing it now. Also, acting before the cold months come is a good idea, as the winter months are historically harder for home sales.

For Buyers:

DO’S

Get a home inspection. It’s important to hire a trusted home inspector to check out the house’s potential issues and problems. Don’t skip a home inspection because you’re afraid of what you might hear—many issues sound more serious than they actually are, and can be fixed easily. And if something deal-breakingly serious is turned up, as disappointing as that is, it can save years of heartache and financial outlay. Better to walk away from a clunker.

List your place before you look for another. If you’re truly serious about looking for a home, list your place first. In the current economy, banks want to make sales as uncomplicated as possible—and contingency sales, which can be very complicated, are often rejected.

Talk before you act. Don’t ever start a home search without a firm budget not only in mind, but literally written down. Mutually agree with yourself—or with your partner, if you’re buying with someone else—long before you start seriously searching. Going out of that zone because of a place you just “gotta have,” or are emotional about, could put you in dire financial straits later. You don’t want to buy a house that isn’t affordable for you, and then be worried about paying for dinner and a movie on Saturday night.

DON’TS

Don’t be a design snob. If someone’s enormous bathroom has wallpaper border containing frolicking kittens and pastel flowers, or a wall that’s a nuclear shade of green, we understand this can send you into style shock. But stand fast and ignore bad décor. Instead, try to envision the space raw. Besides, you can always redecorate once the home is yours.

Don’t make a silly offer. There’s nothing wrong with making an offer below asking price—it’s no secret that today, many homes are selling for under the asking price. But going 40% below the asking price may anger the seller. Some sellers, especially more emotional ones, won’t even bother counter offering an outrageously low offer. Feel free to make a deal—just don’t make an offer so low that you’ll be kicked off the table.

Gail Lilley Zawacki
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Office: 203-682-9444
Mobile: 203-856-9949
Gail@SouthernCT.com

http://www.SouthernCT.com

1. For the illusion of a larger room, use a color scheme that is light rather than bright or dark. Pastels, neutrals and white are all color possibilities.

2. Use a monochromatic color scheme on the furniture, rugs and walls. Select different shades and textures of your single color.

3. Lighting is a key element in opening up a space. Recessed spot lighting is visually appealing and is perfect for a small space. A torchiere light is great for bouncing light off of the ceiling and back down on the room.Skylights and solar tubes are natural alternatives for adding light to a room.

4. Limit the number of accessories to avoid the cluttered feeling.

5. The floor and the ceiling are the fifth and sixth walls of every room. A light-colored flooring such as light oak or a light-colored carpet will make the room appear brighter and more open. The same applies to the ceiling—use a light color or white to “open up” the space above.

6. Increase the appearance of the size of the room by adding wall mirrors. They not only reflect images, they reflect light and color. Be a little daring! Use mirror tiles to mirror an entire wall. Your room will appear to double in size.

7. Don’t place too many pieces of furniture in a small space. A love seat may work better than a full-size sofa depending on the size and shape of the room. Add two medium-sized chairs or two small wood chairs. Place the chairs closer to the wall and then pull them into the area when additional seating is needed.

8. Add paintings or prints to the walls. One large painting works better than a group of small paintings.

9. The visual balance of a room is also important. A large, brightly colored element can overwhelm a room and decrease the appearance of space.

10. A glass table, whether it is a dining, coffee or end table, will keep the appearance of an open and free space.

1. Know what you can afford. Review your monthly spending plan to estimate what you can afford to pay for a home, including the mortgage, property taxes, insurance, and monthly maintenance and utilities. A worksheet for developing your monthly spending plan can be helpful so that you can plan ahead and save for emergencies as well as be sure you will be able to afford your monthly payments for several years. Be sure to check your credit report to make sure that the information in it is accurate.

2. Shop around—compare loans from lenders and brokers. Shopping takes time and energy, but not shopping around can cost you thousands of dollars. You can get a mortgage loan from mortgage lenders or mortgage brokers. Brokers arrange mortgage loans with a lender rather than lend money directly; in other words, brokers sell you a loan from a lender. Neither lenders nor brokers have to find the best loan for you—to find the best loan, you have to do the shopping

3. Understand loan prices and fees. Many consumers accept the first loan they are offered and don’t realize that they may be able to get a better loan. On any given day, lenders and brokers may offer different interest rates and fees to different consumers for the same loan, even when those consumers have the same loan qualifications. Keep in mind that lenders and brokers also consider the profit they receive if you agree to the terms of a loan with higher fees, higher points, or a higher interest rate. Shopping around is your best way to avoid more expensive loans.

4. Know the risks and benefits of loan options. Mortgages have many features—some have fixed interest rates and some have adjustable rates; some have payment adjustments; on some you pay only the interest on the loan for a while and then you pay down the principal (the loan amount); some charge you a penalty for paying the loan off early; and some have a large payment due at the end of the loan (a balloon payment). Consider all mortgage features, the APR (annual percentage rate), and the settlement costs. Ask your lender to calculate how much your monthly payments could be a year from now, and 5 or 10 years from now.

5. Get advice from trusted sources. A mortgage loan is one of the most complex, most expensive financial commitments you will ever assume—it’s okay to ask for help. Talk with a trusted housing counselor or a real estate attorney that you hire to review your documents before you sign them.

For more information, visit www.federalreserve.gov.

Copyright© 2010 RISMedia, The Leader in Real Estate Information Systems and Real Estate News. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be republished without permission from RISMedia.

Gail Lilley Zawacki
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Office: 203-682-9444
Mobile: 203-856-9949
Gail@SouthernCT.com

http://www.SouthernCT.com

Homeowners: Beware of Common Home Problems

RISMEDIA, June 7, 2010—Whether you are buying, selling or simply maintaining a home, beware of these common problems that can cause headaches for years to come.

Rotted Wood
Wood that’s exposed to moisture rots over time. Inspect wood in the kitchen and the bathroom, including a tub surround, toilet seat, countertop, and flooring. These spots are especially vulnerable to moisture and should be protected with a special paint or finish. Don’t forget to check the exterior of the home, including the deck, eaves, and trim for signs of rotting.

Inadequate Ventilation
If a home doesn’t have proper ventilation, moisture cannot evaporate and will inevitably cause problems. Make sure the attic is properly ventilated to ensure that the roof has a long and functional life. Proper attic ventilation allows the intense heat of the sun to escape from the attic space and promote evaporation of moisture that would otherwise damage interior walls and structural elements.

Amateur Repairs
The longer a person has lived in their home, the more likely you’ll find household repairs done by the homeowner or another amateur. Often these repairs- most commonly seen in the areas of plumbing and electrical- don’t follow building codes and are likely to fail or cause more damage down the road.

Poor Drainage
Inadequate drainage around the exterior of a home leads to water intrusion in basements, garages, and crawl spaces. This can compromise the foundation of a home and create mold problems.

Controlling Water
Water intrusion can be one of the most destructive and expensive problems. Check for well-maintained gutters, downspouts and proper grading around the foundation to direct water away from the home.

Loose or Missing Hand Rails
Over time, railings inside and outside the home can become loose or go missing. Unstable or insecure railings aren’t safe. Examine a home’s porch, deck and stair railings and landings to make sure they’re up to code.

Roof Problems
Roofing can contain old or damaged shingles or improper flashing. Should you buy a home with roof concerns, do not ignore it. Repair the roofing in order to prevent costly damage.

Storm Damage
No part of this country is impervious to storm damage. Damage from a past hurricane, tornado, or flood can plague a home for years. Inspect the roofing, siding, exterior railings for wind and water damage and defective repairs. Also, inspect the drywall for water intrusion that could create potential mold problems.

For more information, visit www.hometeaminspection.com.

Copyright© 2010 RISMedia, The Leader in Real Estate Information Systems, All Rights Reserved. This material may not be republished without permission from RISMedia.

* This monthly newsletter is brought to you by your Top 5 in Real Estate Network® Member Agent and is intended as educational information only.

RISMedia’s Top 5 Real Estate Network® is a network created by, for, and of “leading real estate professionals” who are dedicated to providing “leading real estate information to consumers.” The RISMedia Top 5 in Real Estate Network is backed by the commitment and resources of RISMedia. Top 5 was created to fill a profound void in how high-impact consumer relevant information was presented by leading real estate industry members to increasingly sophisticated, discerning, and demanding consumers, in order to both sustain and elevate the ongoing viability and appeal of the industry’s leading professionals. For more information, visit www.top5inrealestate.com.

Gail Lilley Zawacki, Realtor
Coldwell Banker Real Estate
472 Riverside Avenue
Westport, CT 06880
203-856-9949
Gail@SouthernCT.com

• the amount of equity you have in your property compared to the outstanding loan balance
• the additional financial resources you may be able to bring to bear
• whether or not you live in a homestead state, and the nature and amount of the homestead exemption
• and/or the amount of private mortgage insurance you have

All of these factors should be taken into account, along with other variables and special conditions. The most important decision you need to make is to “make a decision.” Typically, when homeowners avoid confronting the serious lifestyle and financial consequences of defaulting on their mortgage, they end up with a significantly more deleterious outcome than they would have, had they taken charge of their own destiny early on in the process, while they still could. Once you decide to take action, we recommend that you contact a lawyer and a real estate agent qualified to assist with your special needs. Good real estate agents are not just committed to helping you pursue the potential option of a short sale, but to encouraging you to fully consider all other options that may be available.

Early on in the potential foreclosure process, all homeowners should not only contact an attorney, but also research all potential guidance and assistance available from the government, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD’s Guide to Avoiding Foreclosure may be particularly helpful. HUD’s toll-free telephone number is (800) 569-4287. Not all homeowners, however, can qualify for HUD programs.

Gail Lilley Zawacki, Realtor
Coldwell Banker Real Estate
472 Riverside Avenue
Westport, CT 06880
203-856-9949
Gail@SouthernCT.com