Westport, Connecticut Moves

Silent Sunday: Spring Has Sprung on Jennings Court, Westport, CT

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 17:54:12 -0600

Photograph taken with a Point and Shoot Nikon, Coolpix S1. Photo has not been enhanced in any way. Photo displayed taken by Marilyn Katz and is covered by Copyright, all rights reserved and may not be reproduced without express written permission,

Cyber Sale Promotion - January 21-31

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:00:25 -0600

Cyber Sale Promotion - January 21-31

Furniture, home appliances and white sales are some of the traditional items that go on sale, in January. This year, Prudential Connecticut Realty is adding a new category to the sales item list - real estate!

Homes that have been reduced at least 5% from their current list price (as of January 19) will be featured in the Prudential Connecticut Realty "Cyber Sale" Promotion. The promotion will run from January 21 through January 31. After that, listings may revert back to their pre-sale price. Properties taking part in the sale will be featured in a Cyber Sale section of the Prudential CT website. "Cyber Sale" homes will be identified with a special logo, signifying inclusion in the program.

26 Dorset Road, in Norwalk, CT is one of the properties taking part in the sale. This home features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, central air conditioning, on .3 acres, on a quiet cul-de-sac, in the Cranbury section of Norwalk.

The home can be seen at a Public Open House, on Sunday January 24^th, between 1 PM. and 4 P.M. For more information visit a tour of this home.

Other "Cyber Sale" listings can be found by searching homes on the PrudentialCT website.

Happy Hanukkah!

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:30:40 -0600

Happy Hanukkah!

It seems that Jewish Holidays are never on time. They are either early or late. This year, I hear people saying that Hanukkah is early, although the Holiday can actually begin as early as late November.

The first night of Hanukkah began this evening. Since it is a Friday, the first candle was lit before sundown, when the Sabbath begins. A second "helper" candle, the Shamash, was also lit and is used to light the other Hanukkah candles.

The "Festival of Lights", as it is also known, commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem and the "miracle of the oil.". When the Maccabees entered the Temple, they only found enough "pure" oil to light the eternal flame for one day. Miraculously, it burned for eight days, until the oil could be re-supplied.

Westport, CT - Staples Advances to 2nd Round of State Tournament

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:17:58 -0600

Staples High School Boys Soccer advances to 2nd round of State Tournament

The final scoreboard said it all. Staples Boys Soccer successfully advanced through the first round of the State LL (extra large school) Tournament, besting West Hartford's Conard High School, 4-1.

The team started the game still pumped up from the adrenaline rush of capturing their 26^th Fairfield County Interscholastic Conference (FCIAC) title, last week. Fourteen minutes into play, they scored their first goal and settled into their game, never relinquishing the lead.

Just before the end of the half, Staples converted a penalty kick for a 3-0 lead

The large crowd enjoyed the glorious fall weather as they came out to support the team. Fans will again have the opportunity to "fill the hill", on Thursday, when Staples meets Newtown, in the round of sixteen.

Westport, CT: Code Red Emergency Notification System in Action

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:59:27 -0600

Westport, CT: Code Red Emergency Notification System in Action

It was just a year ago that Westport First Selectman, Gordon Joseloff, announced that the Town of Westport had contracted with Emergency Communications Network, Inc. for its Code Red emergency notification system. The system sends out emergency notifications based on geographic locations. Home addresses are used to select which phones receive alerts.

Although the town maintains a database of residential and business numbers, Westport residents were encouraged to register their home phones. They could also register their cell phone numbers, if they wanted mobile notification.

At the time, my husband registered our phones and I never gave the system another thought. So, I was quite surprised, Friday afternoon, when my cell phone displayed a call from "Westport Code Red." It was even more startling when the call started out "a missing person alert.." Who was missing? Why was I getting the call?

The message continued...a 74 year old woman, suffering from dementia, wandered away from her home. Some details were provided of her description and where she was last scene.

Shortly after relatives notified the police, the town wide Code Red alert was issued. A resident who received the call noticed someone matching the woman's description, walking along the road. The police found her, a few minutes later, and brought her home.

A second message was issued, announcing the prompt and positive results.

The system was also effectively used a week ago, when shoreline residents were warned of possible flooding and urged to move their vehicles. The warning helped avert potential damage to their cars.

Westport, CT - There's a New Market in Town

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:54:16 -0500

Westport, CT - There's a New Market in Town

Wednesday, October 14, 2009 brought the much anticipated opening of "The Fresh Market", in Westport, CT. Local residents filled the parking lot, as they waited for the doors to open, at 9:00 A.M. Throughout the morning, shoppers were offered free samples of coffee, sushi, flavored tea and other treats. The first 1000 customers were invited to enter the Grand Opening TFM Pantry Giveaway, for a prize valued at approximately $500.

Corporate executives were available throughout the store, to speak to customers, listen to first impressions and answer questions about The Fresh Market and its products. The store is positioned as an upscale specialty market. The philosophy is to offer the service of an "Old Fashioned Grocery Store." The store is designed to evoke the feeling of open European style markets. Perishable items are available unpackaged for individual selection. Store departments include meat, seafood, produce, cheese, bakery, coffee, grocery, dairy and floral.

The company is based in Greensboro, North Carolina. There are currently 92 Fresh Market stores, in 18 states. Westport is the first New England store. The next store will be opened in Boston, in April or May, 2010.

Norwalk, CT - Raised Ranch on Quiet Cul-de-Sac

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:23:15 -0500

Marilyn Katz | Prudential CT Realty | 203-429-1041

26 Dorset Road, Norwalk, CT

Quiet Cranbury Area Cul-de-Sac

4BR/2.5BA Single Family House

offered at $499,000

Year Built	1963
Sq Footage	2,212
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	13,068 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Wonderful location, on quiet cul-de-sac in desirable Cranbury area. Contemporized Raised Ranch with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, CA. Main level paneled den with cathedral ceiling opens to private patio deck. Lower level family room with fireplace. Lots of storage. Oversized, attached, 2-car garage. Convenient commuter location.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Fireplace	- High/Vaulted ceiling
- Hardwood floor	- Tile floor	- Family room
- Living room	- Office/Den	- Dining room
- Dishwasher	- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven
- Attic	- Washer	- Dryer
- Laundry area - inside	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front	Living Room
Den	Kitchen
Family Room	Patio/Deck

Contact info:

Marilyn Katz

Prudential CT Realty

203-429-1041

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Sep 30, 2009, 12:38pm PDT

Quintessential Connecticut Country Colonial - Fairfield, CT

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 10:08:19 -0500

Marilyn Katz | Prudential CT Realty | 203-429-1041

126 Rolling Hills Drive, Fairfield, CT

Quintessential Connecticut Country Colonial

4BR/3BA Single Family House

offered at $890,000

Year Built	1980
Sq Footage	3,095
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	3 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	87,120 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

A home for all seasons. Two fireplaces offer cozy spots to warm the winter evenings. Beautiful flowering shrubs welcome the spring. Enjoy summer dinners on the deck, overlooking the peaceful back yard. Come home, this fall, to your charming colonial on a quiet tree-lined street, yet only minutes away from shopping, H. Smith Richardson Golf Course and the Merritt Parkway.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Fireplace	- Walk-in closet
- Hardwood floor	- Family room	- Living room
- Dining room	- Dishwasher	- Refrigerator
- Stove/Oven	- Microwave	- Granite countertop
- Attic	- Basement	- Washer
- Dryer	- Laundry area - inside	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio
- Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Golf course

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Special financing incentives available on this property through SIRVA Mortgage.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front	Living Room
Dining Room	Kitchen
Master Bedroom	Back Yard

Contact info:

Marilyn Katz

Prudential CT Realty

203-429-1041

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Sep 11, 2009, 6:53am PDT

First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit - Time is Running Out

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 10:56:19 -0500

First-Time Home Buyers - Time is Running Out to qualify for your $8,000 Tax Credit

This past month, I've seen headlines proclaiming "120 days left", "115 days left", "95 days left" for the $8,000 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit. Sure, this program is in effect through the end of November, but those headlines are misleading.

To qualify for the credit, the IRS defines a first-time home buyer as someone who has not owned a principal residence during the past three years. The full credit is available for single taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples, with incomes up to $150,000. The credit phases out to zero, at incomes of $95,000 and $170,000, respectively.

In order to receive the credit, you must close on your home purchase no later than November 30, 2009

As of July 30, the Federal Reserve Board made effective the final changes to the Mortgage Disclosure Improvement Act of 2008 (MDIA). The final rules revise the disclosure requirements for mortgage loans made under the Truth in Lending Act (TIL), and apply to all local banks, major lenders, mortgage bankers and brokers. As a result, it can now take 45 and possible 60 days (FHA loans) from the time you finalize the contract on your home, until the closing.

Once you agree to a price on your new home purchase, you need to allow time to conduct inspections, possibly renegotiate the price, finalize your contract and secure your mortgage. Allowing for that time means you only have until the end of September, or certainly no later than mid-October, to find your new home and finalize your purchase contract.

Don't miss out on this opportunity. Interest rates remain relatively low, prices have softened and the government is offering you an incentive to buy.

Wordless Wednesday - Westport Prudential Office - Flip Flop Party

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 20:54:48 -0500

Photograph taken with a Point and Shoot Nikon, Coolpix S1. Photo has been cropped but not otherwise enhanced in any way. Photo displayed taken by Marilyn Katz and is covered by Copyright, all rights reserved and may not be reproduced without express written permission,

Easton, CT - Charming 4-Bedroom Antique Farmhouse

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 11:07:35 -0500

Marilyn Katz | Prudential CT Realty | 203-429-1041

85 Beers Road, Easton, CT

Charming 4-Bedroom Antique Farmhouse

4BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $498,600

Year Built	1915
Sq Footage	1,665
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	56,628 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Best of Both Worlds!! Enjoy the character and charm of yesteryear in this early 1900's farmhouse cape, with updated amenities for energy efficient living. Appreciate the quiet country setting on pastoral 1.3 acres, yet only minutes to the Merritt Parkway, for a convenient commuter location.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Hardwood floor	- Living room	- Office/Den
- Dining room	- Dishwasher	- Refrigerator
- Stove/Oven	- Basement	- Washer
- Dryer

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front View	Living Room
Dining Room	Den
Bath	Side Yard

Contact info:

Marilyn Katz

Prudential CT Realty

203-429-1041

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Aug 10, 2009, 8:53am PDT

Weston, CT - Great Rental on Private Country Setting

Sat, 01 Aug 2009 21:13:41 -0500

Marilyn Katz | Prudential CT Realty | 203-429-1041

96 Old Easton Turnpike, Weston, CT

Weston, CT Rental with new kitchen, 4 bedrooms, 2 fireplaces, large
private backyard

4BR/3BA Single Family House

$2,900/month

Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	3 full, 0 partial
Sq Footage	2,312
Parking	2 dedicated
Pet Policy	No pets
Deposit	$2,900

DESCRIPTION

Great rental opportunity in Lower Weston. New kitchen features granite countertops, SubZero refrigerator, Bosch D/W, Thermador cooktop and double wall oven. Private setting abuts 16 acres of open space.

see additional photos below

RENTAL FEATURES

- Fireplace	- Hardwood floor	- Family room
- Living room	- Dining room	- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven	- Granite countertop
- Stainless steel appliances	- Attic	- Basement
- Washer	- Dryer	- Laundry area - inside
- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Yard	- Cable-ready

LEASE TERMS

Owner will consider flexible terms, up to one year, through August 31, 2010. Tenant pays all utilities, liability insurance and snow removal. Owner will cover lawn maintenance.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front entry	Living Room
Kitchen	Porch
Deck	Back Yard

Contact info:

Marilyn Katz

Prudential CT Realty

203-429-1041

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Aug 1, 2009, 5:38pm PDT

Real Estate Sales and the De-Vine Contingency

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 20:49:08 -0500

Offer and counter-offers go back and forth and the buyers and sellers finally reach an agreement on price. The homeowners breathe a sigh of relief, knowing their home is finally sold...or not!

Let's Make A Deal

While price may be the major issue in reaching an agreement, there may still be hurdles to overcome before the deal becomes a closed transaction. More often than not, there are additional conditions, known as contingencies, which must be cleared, before the sales contract is enforceable. Each contingency will include an action and a date by which it must be met or removed and an understanding of who is responsible for covering any cost incurred. If the contingency cannot be met, the buyers may escape the contract without forfeiting the deposit. The most common contingencies deal with mortgages and property inspections.

Mortgage Commitment

In addition to obtaining a loan commitment by a given date, the mortgage contingency may stipulate specific terms, such as 30-year, fixed rate, at a given interest percentage. Failure to qualify financially is the most obvious reason for being unable to obtain a mortgage. However, particularly in the current environment of falling home prices, the loan commitment may be denied because the property does not appraise at a high enough value.

Property Inspections

The buyers will want a home inspection done to determine the physical and systems condition of the property. The inspector will examine such structural conditions as roof, windows, siding and foundation, and systems conditions, including plumbing, heating and electrical. Other inspections may include testing for water quality, pest infestation, radon, lead paint and asbestos. Depending on the property, the buyers may also require inspections of the oil tank, septic system, well, pool and tennis court.

If any unacceptable conditions are discovered, the buyers may ask for them to be remediated, be given a credit or have the contract cancelled. There will be a specified time period in which to resolve the situation or terminate the sale.

Other Contingencies

In some cases, the contract may include a property sale contingency. In this instance, the buyers will make the sale contingent on their being able to sell their current home. In some areas, this is known as a Hubbard Clause. Other contract limitations may include contingencies that are only applicable to a particular property.

Most agents will advise their homeowners to remove and replace any fixtures they want to keep, before they put their home on the market. The buyers may acknowledge that the chandelier, sconces, etc. are excluded from the sale, but having seen the item, they may require that a comparable fixture be installed in its place. Guaranteed, if Grandma's chandelier is still in place, and the sellers can't bear to part with it, it will become a condition (contingency) of sale.

On a rare occasion, a contingency will make it into the contract, based on an erroneous assumption. Such was the case of a contingency stating that the sellers had to kill and remove the poison oak vine, growing around a large tree. It turned out that the objectionable growth was a Climbing Hydrangea Vine that the homeowners had a local nursery plant and train, to climb the tree.

This contingency will heretofore be known as the

De-Vine Contingency.

Westport, CT Pleasure Boating - A Gender Perspective

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:15:51 -0500

Sitting at Compo Beach, our first summer in Westport, watching a parade of boats power and sail in and out of the harbor, I knew that I wanted to spend future summers out there, on the water. One of the many attractions of living in Westport, CT, is its location along Long Island Sound. Boating is a popular resident activity, with local accommodations available at private yacht clubs, public and town owned marinas,

Our first boat was a 17 ½ foot, inboard/outboard, complete with camper top. Armed with the knowledge gained from our Power Squadron Safe Boating Course, we ventured out, onto the Westport waters.

After zipping around the local waters, we often anchored off Cokenoe Island, sometimes flipping the engine up and pulling the boat close enough to walk ashore. In 1967, United Illuminating proposed building a nuclear power plant on the island. A group of Westporters filed suit against UI's proposal and their challenge prevailed, in court. As a result, Cokenoe remains a favorite anchorage for Westport boaters.

It didn't take us long to realize that we wanted to expand our horizons and cruise Long Island Sound, docking at inviting ports, along the way. Our second boat was a 25-ft ChrisCraft Express Cruiser, with a v-berth and convertible dinette, just large enough to allow our family of four to stay overnight. After a couple of summers, we again traded up. By now, we were members of Saugatuck Harbor Yacht Club, surrounded by ever larger vessels. Our sights were once again set on a larger boat. We now wanted a twin screw boat, large enough to sleep six, with air conditioning, two heads, full size refrigerator and color TV.

I recall a boating friend of ours quipping that the first 25 feet of boat you buy for yourself. After that, the additional size is for guests. Although our larger "yacht" allowed us to spend extended vacations travelling to Montauk, Block Island and Newport, I can't totally disagree with his assessment. Friends and relatives were regularly invited for a day trip which might include swimming, fishing and, of course, lunch. Weekend jaunts often found us rafted up with a half dozen member boats, at selected harbors along Long Island's North Shore. While the Captains/husbands plotted the course, checked the tides, and made sure that engines, generators and navigation equipment were all in working order, the more important preparations guaranteed that galleys were well stocked and ready to provide extensive cocktail hours and elaborate dinners.

In recent years, we've done more boating at the dock, than at sea. Over time, most of our cruising companions left boating or moved away. Our boat has become our summer home. We still spend weekends (and some stolen weekdays) onboard. From my perspective, the surroundings are terrific. My view from the back deck is of boats and water. It's a great spot to pull up a chair, put my feet on the railing and read a good book.

As for the guys' perspective...Well...They can always find something interesting to do in the bilge!

Westport, CT - Community Shred Day

Tue, 12 May 2009 14:03:06 -0500

On Saturday, May 9, citizens representing 99 Westport residences made their way to the Westport/Weston Health District Parking Lot, to take part in Westport's first Community "Shred Day."

While visiting her daughter in Chapel Hill, NC, Westporter Nina Streitfield was impressed by the use of local shred days. She wrote to Westport's First Selectman, Gordon Joseloff, suggesting the activity for Westport. Joseloff liked the idea and turned to Town Clerk Patricia Strauss to help implement the program. After interviewing three vendors, the town contracted with Secure EcoShred of Brookfield, who enthusiastically endorsed the effort and offered their services at a deep discount.

Under the program, each household was allowed to bring up to five, 12 X 18 inch boxes of papers to shred. Paper shopping bags could be used as substitutes for the boxes.

As cars pulled into the lot, Patty Strauss and Pat Scully checked people in, confirming residency and noting the number of boxes/bags to be shredded.

Members of the Staples High School Service League of Boys (SLOBS) then helped residents unload their cars and carry their boxes to the shredder.

From 9 A.M. until Noon, Westporters took the opportunity to safely dispose of documents containing confidential information, including cancelled checks, tax papers and bank statements. Some residents parted with personal papers, such as old love letters.

By the end of the morning, the contents of 237 boxes, containing 5000 lbs of paper, had made its way through the shredder.