Sunday, November 22, 2009

New Milford CT Market Watch, September, October 2009

NM CT Market Watch Bandstand

New Milford Connecticut Market Watch, Real Estate Statistics for New Milford CT.
Current Activity in New Milford CT:

Active Single Family Home Listings
249 homes
Average List Price: $491,875, Minimum Price: $65,000, Maximum Price: $5,900,0000
Average Market Time
151 days
Homes Under Deposit
13 homes
Average List Price: $333,692, Minimum Price: $179,000, Maximum Price: $569,900
Average Market Time
106 days
Homes in Pending Sale Status
17 homes
Average List Price: $352,906, Minimum Price: $79,200, Maximum Price: $1,475,000
Average Market Time
110 days

Although the following statistics say that the average sale price has continued to drop, we are seeing more activity as evidenced by the home that are currently in the "under deposit" and "pending" status. Most of the activity that agents have noted is the first time home buyer market. Pricing well is KEY, as well as preparing a home to enter the market! We are seeing an increase in foreclosures and short sales, we are a bit behind other parts of the country with this. I am thinking we have only just begun in this aspect.

September 2008/September 2009 Sales, New Milford, CT

Sept 08 09
DOM Sept 08 09

October 2008/October 2009 Sales, New Milford, CT

Oct 08 09 sales
DOM Oct 08 09

Information is deemed reliable but not necessarily accurate, all statistics are gathered from the Greater Fairfield County Multiple Listing Service. (CMLS).

Andrea Swiedler, REALTOR, Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS

337 Danbury Rd, New Milford, CT 06776, Cell: 203.460.1775 Email: andrea@andreaswiedler.com

Local area information, New Milford, Washington, Roxbury, Kent, Bridgewater, Sherman and Warren. Why you should be looking for a home here!

Search for a home in the greater New Milford Area.

New Milford Connecticut Real Estate on Facebook

© 2009 Andrea Swiedler. Unless otherwise noted, the content, both written and in pictures, is the property of Andrea Swiedler. If you wish to use something you see here, please email me at andrea@andreswiedler.com with your request. Most likely I will oblige, with a link back to my original content as well as an acknowledgment. Although imitation is the highest form of flattery, please let me know before you decide to bestow this form of flattery on me! Thank you.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Village Fair Days in New Milford CT, 2009, a fun weekend for all!

Bandstand CC New Milford Connecticut Village Fair Days will be held Friday and Saturday, July 24th and July 25th. Since 1967 Village Fair Days have been held in New Milford Connecticut, this year is Village Fair Days number 42! I have been going for 30 years now and loving every year. It is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a slice of Americana!

Village Fair Days are sponsored by the Greater New  Milford Chamber of Commerce, and held on our picturesque and historic Village Green. The electrical boxes are up, the wires are coiled along the green in anticipation of the upcoming event. In a matter of a few days the tents will go up, activity around the green will rise until the the fair begins on Friday. It is truly a fun event, there are so many things to see, to buy, to EAT, I just love it! Local business, organizations and clubs will show you what they are doing at the south end of the green. Food tents with enough variety to please even the toughest critic will be in the center of the green, and the artisans and craftsman will sell their wares at the north end of the green.

Town Green Memorial Flags
The Greater New Milford Board of Realtors® will have a booth again this year. We are all taking turns manning the booth. Last year I was there quite a bit and met so many wonderful people, I really had a great time! I hope that you will take a moment and stop by our booth to say hello.

And let's not forget the
New Milford Idol finals! Friday night, July 24th from 7 - 10 pm semi-finals and finals will be held under the tent. Our latest NEW MILFORD IDOL will be chosen! Here is a list of the semi-finalists, Beth Conkey, Chris DiFabbio, Jannette Dubray, Kari Frawley, Meghan Henriques, Denise Howard, Jenn Kopec, John Mackiewicz, Mollie McDonald, Karen Pavlik, Tom Powell, Tom Rapela, Josh Susco and Curtis Thompson. Well done to all of you and good luck!

If you missed the quarter finals there are many videos on YouTube, I picked "Soul Man" to show you here.



I hope to see you there on Friday and Saturday, July 24th and 25th on the Village Green in New Milford Connecticut for our 42nd annual Village Fair Days. A big thank you to all the volunteers who make this event possible, to all the vendors, the groups who work tirelessly to provide the food, the fun and the cleanup after. And thank you to the Greater New Milford Chamber of Commerce and the Village Fair Days Committee who work all year for this fantastic part of our local heritage. New Milford Idol is sponsored by All American Waste LLC, First National Bank of Litchfield, Circuit Wizard and Litchfield Hills Kitchen and Bath, thank you for you generous support!

Don't forget, free parking at John Pettibone School with FREE shuttle transportation to and from the Village Green is available to all!

Are you looking to buy a home or sell a home in the greater New Milford area? Please contact me or visit my website to find out more.

Homes for sale, greater New Milford CT.

Local area information, New Milford, Washington, Roxbury, Kent, Bridgewater, Sherman and Warren. Why you should be looking for a home here!


© 2009 Andrea Swiedler. Unless otherwise noted, the content, both written and in pictures, is the property of Andrea Swiedler. If you wish to use something you see here, please email me (andrea@andreswiedler.com) with your request. Most likely I will oblige, with a link back to my original content as well as an acknowledgment. Although imitation is the highest form of flattery, please let me know before you decide to bestow this form of flattery on me! Thank you.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Condo for sale, New Milford CT, Old Farms Condos

Andrea Swiedler | Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS | 203-460-1775


110 Old Farms Lane, New Milford, CT
Old Farms Condo in New Milford CT, Priced to SELL!
2BR/1.5BA Condo
offered at $179,000
Year Built 1971
Sq Footage 1,000
Bedrooms 2
Bathrooms 1 full, 1 partial
Floors 3
Parking Unspecified
Lot Size Unspecified
HOA/Maint $221 per month

DESCRIPTION

Looking for a peaceful setting for condo life? Old Farms Condominiums are set amid gently rolling green hills. You have wonderful views of the park like setting complete with sliders from the living room to enjoy the tranquility.

This 2 bedroom condo is priced to sell! The current owner has replaced the water heater and stove. There are newer windows and sliding glass door. The lower level has sheet rock and is currently waiting to be finished as a den, family room, office, whatever! There is a washer and dryer in the lower level. Also you have a very convenient covered parking area plus another designated space right in front of the unit.

For value, great commuting location, quiet country lifestyle in a condo setting, look no further!


see additional photos below
PROPERTY FEATURES
















• Dishwasher• Refrigerator• Stove/Oven
• Attic• Basement• Washer
• Dryer• Laundry area - inside• Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES





• Covered parking• Guest parking


ADDITIONAL PHOTOS


Photo 1

Photo 2

Photo 3
Contact info:




Andrea Swiedler
Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS
203-460-1775
For sale by agent/broker

powered by postlets Equal Opportunity Housing
Posted: Jul 17, 2009, 11:26am PDT

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Meadowbrook 4 Bedroom Colonial, New Listing in New Milford CT

Andrea Swiedler | Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS | 203-460-1775


29 Revere Rd, New Milford, CT
Wonderful Meadowbrook Colonial, spacious floor plan, large great room, wonderful level yard.
4BR/2.5BA Single Family House
offered at $379,900
Year Built 1977
Sq Footage 2,572
Bedrooms 4
Bathrooms 2 full, 1 partial
Floors 2
Parking Unspecified
Lot Size .92 acres
HOA/Maint $0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Look no further for that perfect home in New Milford, CT. This Meadowbrook Estates colonial is waiting for you!



Set back from the road with a fantastic level front and back yard and shaded by mature trees, this 4 bedroom home has an open, flowing floor plan. From the moment you enter into the foyer, the home is warm and inviting.



Featuring a large, eat in kitchen with ample counter and cabinet space, tiled floors and access to the covered porch for dining outside. There is also a formal dining room with hardwood floors and a large, bright and airy livingroom, spacious family room with vaulted ceilings, beautiful exposed beams, plenty of windows and a slider to the back porch. Just perfect for entertaining, watching TV, or enjoying the fire while taking in the views.



Upstairs are 4 generous sized bedrooms with wall to wall carpeting. The master suite has a walk in closet and private bathroom.



Meadowbrook Estates is located minutes from downtown New Milford and in close proximity to I-84, making this area a favorite. Easy access, quite Connecticut countryside, a winner all the way around.



Come and see for yourself! Great house, great neighborhood, great price!


see additional photos below
PROPERTY FEATURES






























• Central heat• Fireplace• High/Vaulted ceiling
• Walk-in closet• Hardwood floor• Tile floor
• Family room• Living room• Dining room
• Dishwasher• Refrigerator• Stove/Oven
• Attic• Basement• Laundry area - inside
• Balcony, Deck, or Patio• Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS


Photo 1

Photo 2

Photo 3

Photo 4

Photo 5

Photo 6
Contact info:




Andrea Swiedler
Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS
203-460-1775
For sale by agent/broker

powered by postlets Equal Opportunity Housing
Posted: Jul 9, 2009, 11:45am PDT

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Upside down on your mortgage? Underwater? Help is available for New Milford CT homeowners.

clip_image002We all hear about short sales, but what does it mean to you, the homeowner who is now in the unfortunate situation of owing more than your house is worth. Top that off with a job loss or some other hardship and you may not be facing a short sale, you will be facing a foreclosure if action is not taken to sell your home. New Milford and the surrounding communities are not exempt from this problem. The amount of homes that were involved in some type of foreclosure or pre foreclosure notice for the month of June were 450! That is a staggering figure, but it tells me that there are so many of you out there that need help ASAP!

What can you do? Stop hiding, guessing and fearing the worst. You need to take action now, and you need to have a team of professionals guide you through the process. You are not alone, there is no shame in this. It is possible that a short sale can happen, an agreement can be negotiated with the lender(s) and you can move on and put your life back together. I have heard that after 2 years of a short sale, if your finances are back in order you can purchase a home again. This is not true of foreclosure, it will take far longer to get to that point again.

I have decided to team up with loss mitigation specialist Denise Marr from First Mitigation Group LLC. I know some agents are doing this on their own, but in all honesty, given the amount of work that needs to be done, the fact that different lenders have very different requirements, repeated calls have to be made daily, or multiple times a day, packets are kicked back for one item that may be missing, there is a high turnover rate with the lenders so the person you were dealing with yesterday is not the person you will be dealing with today, on and on. I want to spend my time marketing your home, and want you to use a loss mitigation specialist to give you the best shot at getting the bank to accept your short sale.upside down money house

What can you expect from me? I will not take into consideration what you owe on the house when pricing it, so if you are looking for that miracle buyer to come along and pay all your debt you need to find another real estate agent. Remember, you know already that your house is worth less than what you owe, and surly an appraiser for the buyers lender will know that too. No secret. Every real estate agent who shows it to a buyer will know it too. I will tell you what the probable sale price is and show you what your competition will be. I will help you to show your house off so that it will be the best within its competition. I will also bring loss mitigation specialist Denise Marr from First Mitigation Group LLC with me when I present the market analysis to you. Any questions you have about the short sale process, or short sale vs. foreclosure will be answered by Denise.

To qualify for a short sale you must be experiencing a true financial hardship, have no equity in your home, no assets, be in default, or be facing imminent default, and be in a market where you cannot sell the home for enough to cover your debt and all other associated closing fees.

If you would like more information about the short sale process, please feel free to contact me at 203.460.1775. All information will be kept confidential, and you can rest assured we will treat you with the utmost respect that you deserve.

Are you looking to buy a home or sell a home in the greater New Milford area? Please contact me or visit my website to find out more.


Homes for sale, greater New Milford CT.
Local area information, New Milford, Washington, Roxbury, Kent, Bridgewater, Sherman and Warren. Why you should be looking for a home here!


© 2009 Andrea Swiedler. Unless otherwise noted, the content, both written and in pictures, is the property of Andrea Swiedler. If you wish to use something you see here, please email me (andrea@andreswiedler.com) with your request. Most likely I will oblige, with a link back to my original content as well as an acknowledgment. Although imitation is the highest form of flattery, please let me know before you decide to bestow this form of flattery on me! Thank you.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Fireworks for the 4th of July over New Milford CT, fireworks, carnival, music, food and fun!

Fireworks and fun over New Milford, Connecticut! This weekend will be full of fun, fireworks and  food in New Milford.fireworks


Kicking off the celebration will be the carnival, complete with rides, games and food, to be held at Youngs Field.  This event is sponsored by the New Milford Lions Club.


SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE....

ferris wheel On the 4th, opening ceremonies will take place on our beautiful Village Green at 5:00 pm.  Come and dance to the big band swing sounds of the Sonny Carroll Dance Band from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and the Bob Marley tribute band Respect from 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Both bands will be performing on the Village Green. Bring those dance shoes and your appetite! And if you don't find enough to eat downtown at our many eateries or at the carnival, the Woman's Club of Greater New Milford will be serving a giant cake on the Village Green!


Fireworks begin at approximately 9:30 pm, or full dark. They will be set off from Fort Hill Still Meadow (behind Starbucks). The police department is reminding everyone that Town View, Pealger Hill and Fort Hill Road will be closed to traffic during the fireworks display. In case of rain, the fireworks display will be held on July 5th.

 4th july
Thank you to all whose hard work made these weekend festivities possible, including the New Milford Lions Club, the Woman's Club of Greater New Milford and the Village Center Organization.


Have a safe and happy 4th of July weekend, no matter what you decide to do! Please remember to drive safely and responsibly over the holiday weekend (and beyond).


American flag


Are you looking to buy a home or sell a home in the greater New Milford area? Interested in finding our about real estate in New Milford? Please contact me or visit my website to find out more.
Homes for sale, greater New Milford CT.
Local area information, New Milford, Washington, Roxbury, Kent, Bridgewater, Sherman and Warren. Why you should be looking for a home here!

© 2009 Andrea Swiedler. Unless otherwise noted, the content, both written and in pictures, is the property of Andrea Swiedler. If you wish to use something you see here, please email me (andrea@andreswiedler.com) with your request. Most likely I will oblige, with a link back to my original content as well as an acknowledgment. Although imitation is the highest form of flattery, please let me know before you decide to bestow this form of flattery on me! Thank you.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Open House, New Milford CT at Fieldstone Estates this Sunday, June 28, ‘09

Please join me for an open house this Sunday, June 28 at 10 Granite Road, New Milford CT.  The open house will be from 12 noon until 2:00 pm.  This home is truly a magnificent find, listed for $644,900.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

FHA Origination Fees or Origination Fees - FHA Fees - FHA loans - What does it all mean?

  Another must read mortgage post from Jeff Belonger of Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc.

image

It's time to have a quick class on FHA loans, the fees for FHA mortgages, and just a basic understanding on how all of this works. This is truly frustration on my part from some loan officers blatantly lying to borrowers, just to justify their fees and such. It's total BS and it needs to be talked about.

Just today, I spoke to a borrower that is having a concern with their 2nd lender, after the first lender failed them miserably.  This lender is charging them 6.00% with 1 1/2 points as an origination fee.  His credit scores are above 670 and the purchase price is $272,000 with the minimum down. And they are being charged a $495 commitment fee.  With this scenario, they should be getting at least a 5.50% interest rate. 

Here is what they are being told.....

So here is the story of one borrower after speaking to their current loan officer. They were told that they are getting 6.00% and not 5.75%, because of his credit score of 670.  Well, I don't know one investor as of 6/13/09 that would charge you 1/4% percent, let alone, a 1/4 point, for credit scores above 670. He was told it was because he didn't have a credit score of 700.image

Secondly, he was told that out of the 1 1/2 points of the FHA origination fee, that a 1/2 a point goes to FHA  and the other 1 pt goes to the lender that they are selling this too. Even if the other lender was collecting something, FHA or HUD doesn't collect origination fees. Sadly, this is the 3rd time just this year that I have heard a loan officer tell a borrower that part of the origination fee goes to FHA.  Rut Row...  see Pinocchio's nose on the loan officer?  His nose should be much longer, because this is one of the biggest lies that I have heard.  The commitment fee being charged?  Very average in most cases.

So, let's define FHA origination fee or just origination fee.  It is explained to be a fee charged for the processing of the loan application. This is even the same definition in the HUD buying handbook. The fee is often expressed as a percentage of the loan amount, which does vary among lenders. The basics behind this, no matter who gives what definition?  It is a point to pay for your rate. Either the lender is buying your rate down, or using it for extra profit. In my example above, it is being used for a larger profit.

So, what does HUD/FHA collect on all FHA loans? Just the Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) and the monthly mortgage insurance MMI.  The lender gets all other lender related closing costs. I hate saying this, but if a loan officer tells you that part of the origination fee goes to FHA, don't walk, run very quickly and far away. This is not my opinion, but a real cold hard fact.

follow Jeff Belonger on Twitter

- FHA Loans - USDA Loans - VA Loans -

- Energy Efficient Mortgages -

- Conventional Loans - 203 k loans -

- Mortgages -

Experience & Knowledge at its BEST !!!

For more information on FHA loans, please go to this link. The FHA Expert

For more information about the 2009 Tax Credit for First Time Homebuyers : 2009 Tax Credit

For important mortgage insight to watch for, please read : Consumers need to be aware of these Red Flags !!!!

Copyright © 2009 by Jeff Belonger

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Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Pet Friendly Real Estate

DuncanPete Having pets when your home is on the market can be a very sensitive subject. Often because of the circumstances I have made myself available, or made arrangements with others in my office if I can't be available, for each showing. Sometimes it just is not possible to put your dog in a crate all day.

Recently I represented buyers in the purchase of a home. The sellers had a dog named Rocket. Poor dog, he was more like the first Sputnik, not a rocket! He is 17 years old, very deaf, probably not seeing as well as he used to, and to be honest, has a bladder control problem. The homeowners left Rocket loose in the house during the day, so if you had clients that were leery of dogs this might have been a problem. That is, if Rocket had been a bit younger.

While doing inspections, poor Rocket had an accident right in front of us on the rug. My clients were very understanding, Mrs. went under the sink to find something to spray on the carpet, and I searched for a leash to take the dog outside with. I didn't find his leash, but remembered I had a leash in my jeep. So, off we went, Rocket and I, for a saunter around the yard. He did all his business, and to be honest, looked quite relieved! I had called the listing agent and asked if she knew where his leash was, and she said no. I think she must have passed on poor Rocket's story to his owner, because the next time I came, the leash was on the front stairs.
The next 2 times I went to the home I took him out for a little walk. He really was happy. He even stood in front of a cabinet, nudging me, for his treats, which I found as soon as I opened the cabinet door.

Selling a home is hard enough on the human family, but animals suffer too. I know many times dogs are left to roam the home during the day. Sometimes they are caged, or removed for showings, but there are enough times I have seen dogs loose in the house. This can and will cost you a sale! Make provisions ahead of time, do not wait until the last minute. Also make sure your house does not smell like dog!

If you have cats, make sure you keep the litter box clean clean clean. Many buyers are very sensitive to the smell of animals, especially cats. For urine smells, try Natures Miracle or something similar. Do not try to mask the smell with air fresheners. You may want to consider hiring a professional if you are unable to remove the smell.

I am a pet friendly REALTOR. I have attended showings of my listings to take the dogs out of the house when my clients are at work. I make signs up and post on the doors if there are cats in the home that do not go outside.
Remember, pets are family members too! Make provisions for them when selling/showing a home.
I have bonded with Rocket. I wish him well in his new home. I have made yet one more 4 legged friend, and am proud of it.

If you are thinking of buying or selling a home in the greater New Milford area, please give me a call at 203.460.1775. I would be happy to discuss your options. If you prefer, send me an email, andrea@andreaswiedler.com.

I am a pet friendly REALTOR!

For information on moving with pets try these online articles:

Moving with Your Dog, by Kathy Diamond Davis

Moving Preparations for the Dog Owner

Your Cat and the Move, Soothing Post-Moving Stress by Gina Spadafori

The Art of Moving With Cats

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

New Milford CT Weekly Market Update, June 6, 09

NM Market Watch New red arrow

Are you looking to buy or sell in the greater New Milford area? Give me a call at 203.460.1775, sign up for a listingbook account to search the area MLS, or send me an email to andrea@andreaswiedler.com. I would be happy to discuss your options.

SINGLE FAMILY    
  W/E 6/6/09 W/E 5/30/09
Active inc. under deposit 303 299
Lowest $ $89,900 $99,900
Highest $ $6,500,000 $6,500,000
Average $ $484,155 $480,640
Av. Days on Market 122 121
     
Under Deposit 18 21
Lowest $ $172,430 $229,000
Highest $ $499,000 $529,900
Average LP $ $337,086 $364,814
Av. Days on Market 110 103
     
Pending 18 16
Lowest $ $149,900 $100,000
Highest $ $550,000 $550,000
Average $ $372,872 $334,287
Av. Days on Market 117 151
     
Sold 3 3
Lowest $ $308,000 $240,000
Highest $ $325,000 $345,000
Average $ $334,900 $309,967
Av. Days on Market 212 83
     

Single Family Sales, May 08 compared to May 09

  May-08 May-09  
SOLD 17 16 -5%
AV LIST PRICE $344,235 $271,503 -21%
AV SALE PRICE $332,676 $253,338 -24%
AV DOM 109 77 -29%

 

CONDOMINIUMS    
  W/E 6/6/09 W/E 5/30/09
Active inc. under deposit 83 80
Lowest $ $59,900 $69,900
Highest $ $539,900 $539,900
Average $ $204,177 $208,705
Av. Days on Market 170 176
     
Under Deposit 5 4
Lowest $ $79,900 $99,900
Highest $ $189,000 $169,900
Average LP $ $139,740 $140,950
Av. Days on Market 105 96
     
Pending 13 15
Lowest $ $62,900 $62,900
Highest $ $400,000 $400,000
Average $ $163,554 $160,940
Av. Days on Market 110 114
     
Sold 0 1
Lowest $   $154,900
Highest $   $154,900
Average $   $154,900
Av. Days on Market   48

Condo Sales, May 08 compared to May 09

  May-08 May-09  
SOLD 5 3 -40%
AV LIST PRICE $176,890 $117,833 -33%
AV SALE PRICE $172,800 $115,300 -33%
AV DOM 113 34 -70%

The information provided is only as good as the agents who list the properties. If the information is not entered into the multiple listing service in a timely manner, or incorrectly this will skew the data. However, I do believe it to be a fairly accurate assessment of the current real estate market in New Milford.

Information obtained from the Greater Fairfield County CMLS. All information deemed to be reliable but not necessarily accurate.

Friday, June 5, 2009

USDA LOANS – THE RURAL HOUSING LOAN – THE BASICS

Another wonderful post for the first time home buyer from Jeff Belonger, Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc.  This is a great product which can be used in New Milford, CT!  If you are in the market for a new home, or are thinking about selling your property in the greater New Milford area, please give me a call at 203.460.1775. And if you want to find out about the USDA loan, don’t forget to contact Jeff!  His information is at the bottom of his post.

I bet you thought USDA was just for your milk and beef. Read on!

Jeff, thank you again for a wonderful post!

 

USDA Loans - rural housing loansUSDA loans in many areas are becoming more popular, yet many loan officers still don't know much about them, hence why they still aren't talked about much. Just as FHA loans weren't used as much as they should have from 2000 - 2006, because subprime and some conventional loans were easier for the loan officer to give to the consumer, even though it might not have been the best loan for them. I am sure in some cases, FHA loans are given before the USDA loan because of the lack of education on the loan officers part.... just my .02.

Some great benefits that USDA loans offer -

  • It's one of only two types of mortgages that offer real 100% financing, with no money down on the property. The other would be VA loans.
  • Just because it says rural development doesn't mean farm land or properties that are miles apart from each other. Ask your loan officer if your property that you are looking to purchase might fit into the property location guidelines.
  • There is no monthly mortgage insurance, even with zero down payment. The only other mortgage like this, again, VA loans.
  • There is no seller contribution limit, just as in FHA loans, to where the seller can contribute up to 6%. It's look upon as reasonable closing costs.  And keep in mind, each state has their own limits to what a lender can make anyhow, usually falling under section 32.
  • 100% of the closing costs can be gifted.
  • The loan amount can include closing costs and repairs up to the appraised value. (call me or e-mail me for more of an explanation)
  • Credit scores of 580 and below are highly scrutinized by USDA. There are many things that need to be looked upon. Scores from 620 and above meet the normal credit standards and get an automatic credit waiver on such things as explaining derogatory credit and rental verifications.
  • Normal qualifying income ratios are 29%/41%. You can exceed these ratios if you have scores above 660 and you don't have to apply for a debt-to-income waiver. Those below 660, you have to have compensating factors and apply for an income ratio waiver.
  • There are income restrictions, yet as of April 20th, 2009, there will be new income limits for the better. Basically the 4 person income limits will now be for 1 person income limits.
  • One important thing to remember, you can't have an in-ground swimming pool if you are using USDA that came from the 2009 stimulus bill. If it's the normal USDA monies allocated yearly, then it's okay, but you need to check on this with your lender.

IMPORTANT -  These are USDA's guidelines, yet lenders can after overlays, to where they might be more critical on credit scores or debt-to-income ratios.  Please keep this in mind.

follow Jeff Belonger on Twitter

- FHA Loans - USDA Loans - VA Loans -

- Energy Efficient Mortgages -

- Conventional Loans - 203 k loans -

- Mortgages -

Experience & Knowledge at its BEST !!!

_________________________________________________________________________________________

For more information on FHA loans, please go to this link. The FHA Expert

For more information about the 2009 Tax Credit for First Time Homebuyers : 2009 Tax Credit

For important mortgage insight to watch for, please read : Consumers need to be aware of these Red Flags !!!!

Copyright © 2009 by Jeff Belonger

Sunday, May 31, 2009

First home? Dreams to reality!

Picket fence Still sitting on that fence and dreaming about buying your first home? Confused about how to get started? I don’t blame you, there is so much negative press in the media about people who are losing their homes that it can be a very scary thing. Remember up until recently, sub prime mortgages and over inflated prices were the norm. Now the game has changed in your favor. Prices have come down, interest rates are low, and lenders are far more cautious.

What should you do first? Look into what mortgage program is the best for you.  I went on the web to see how you would get your information. Wow, is it confusing! All these promises, how to trust someone you have never met with the largest single purchase you will make in your lifetime?  Which program is right for you? Although you need to get approval before looking for your new home, find the realtor you want to work with, yes, sit down, interview them, find out if this is the person you want to work with. Then ask your trusted realtor for help in navigating the confusing world of the mortgage business. Realtors have mortgage resources, they know who to trust, were to go, where not to go. There are so many programs out there that I for one give my clients as much information as I have at my fingertips, then give them the names of the people I am sure can help them. No fly by night internet scams, real honest to goodness mortgage professionals who get the job done. Crossroads 2

Here are some examples of the programs that are available to first time home buyers.  Remember, not all mortgage people can offer all these product so shopping around is a great idea. I would suggest contacting more than one person to find out what programs you qualify for, then do a comparison on the loan information to see which is right for you! (Most, but not all of this information is specific to Connecticut, and not all are in all areas of Connecticut)

The Housing Development Fund partners with certain lenders in the area to set you on the path to home ownership. A few different programs are available for you. Simply put, HDF will lend you the down payment, and the participating lender will lend the balance. There is even a fund for closing costs! These are not predatory loans, if you don’t have the credit scores, if you don’t meet their criteria they will tell you up front! You will have to attend a credit counseling session and there are sessions after the loan closes that you will also have to attend. My daughter used this program, it put her in a home that she loves at a price she can afford. No balloon payments, no surprises at all. She is happy as can be paying in total for her mortgage and taxes LESS than she did paying rent.

USDA Rural Development Loans are available for New Milford. Yes, this is the USDA that you know and love, that approves the milk and meat you eat! You too can get that seal of approval from the USDA to live in your own home. The home MUST fall within an approved address, there are certain requirements about the home, in Litchfield County the loan limit cannot exceed $285,000. The home must meet certain requirements which are clearly stated on their website. USDA Rural Development Loans can be used for up to 102% of the appraised value of the home.

CHFA loans are still alive and kicking! CHFA = Connecticut Housing Finance Authority. Low down payments, low income limits, low interest rates make these mortgages very attractive for the first time home buyer. A few of the lenders I work with on a regular basis are on the approved list of lenders for CHFA.

FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Authority. Low down payments, low income limits, low interest rates make these loans very attractive for the first time home buyer!

VA loans for Veterans, guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. There are criteria you have to meet, either as a veteran, or on active duty. This is a great product that is well deserved by those that can use it.

There are many more programs available which a qualified mortgage person would be able to tell you about!

First time home buyer home

After obtaining a mortgage pre approval it is then time to find your home! Based on which loan product you decided to go with can dictate the price range as well as the area you will purchase in. If you are interested in purchasing your first home in lower Litchfield or upper Fairfield County, I would be most happy to speak with you. Send me an email  to andrea@andreaswiedler.com or give me a call at 203.460.1775, your choice!

And don’t forget about the $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit this year!

Looking to purchase or sell a home in the greater New Milford CT area? Please contact me , or visit my website to find out more about me. Search the MLS like I do, sign up for a Listingbook account.

What is good about New Milford and the surrounding communities? Check it out!

Before you hit copy and paste, please read the following….

© 2009 Andrea Swiedler. Unless otherwise noted, the content,

both written and in pictures, is the property of Andrea Swiedler. If you wish to use something you see here, please email me (andrea@andreswiedler.com) with your request. Most likely I will oblige, with a link back to my original content as well as an acknowledgment. Although imitation is the highest form of flattery, please let me know before you decide to bestow this form of flattery on me! Thank you.

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Candlewood Lake home for sale

Andrea Swiedler | Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS | 203-460-1775


1 Beachside Dr, New Milford, CT
MOORINGS on Candlewood Lake, It's all about the views!
3BR/2BA Single Family House
offered at $385,000
Year Built 1950
Sq Footage 1,589
Bedrooms 3
Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial
Floors 2
Parking 2 Uncovered spaces
Lot Size .63 acres
HOA/Maint $33 per month

DESCRIPTION

THE MOORINGS ON CANDLEWOOD LAKE, IT’S ALL ABOUT THE LAKE



From the moment you enter the home you will be mesmerized by the views of Candlewood Lake. Entertaining friends or quiet enjoyment, the views from the living room, dining room, office and sun room will take your breath away. Just seconds from the Candlewood Point private beach and Gerard’s Waters Edge Marina, lake life is right at your fingertips. Fishing, boating, swimming or just quiet enjoyment of the views, this home has it all!



Week ender or full timer, either way this home fits the bill. From the moment you enter the front door the views of Candlewood Lake are spectacular. The living room has a beautiful fieldstone fireplace, built in bookshelves, hardwood floors and a picture window to frame the views. Next to the living room is a sun room with a sliding glass door to a spacious deck, just perfect for entertaining or sitting and watching the boats go by. The dining room has hardwood floors and a slider to the deck for dinners al fresco. The kitchen has ceramic tile floor and delft tile backsplash and countertops, plus a large pantry and laundry area. Also off the kitchen is a cozy office space with a great view of the lake. The master bedroom has wall to wall carpet with hardwood floors under, and a private bathroom. The second bedroom on the main floor has hardwood floors. There is a large second bathroom on the main level as well.



The lower level spans the entire length of the home. There is a bedroom, an office or second guest room, a full bath, plus a great room with a walk out to a private patio. Just perfect for those lazy summer days at the lake.



This wonderful lake home sits on a .47 acre lot and includes a second .16 acre lot, all for $385,000. Come and enjoy all Candlewood Lake has to offer!





see additional photos below
PROPERTY FEATURES






























Central heatFireplaceHardwood floor
Tile floorLiving roomBonus/Rec room
Office/DenDining roomDishwasher
RefrigeratorStove/OvenAttic
BasementWasherDryer
Laundry area - insideYard

COMMUNITY FEATURES




Lake


OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES



Fantastic Views of Candlewood Lake, Private Beach Community

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS


Views from the deck

Moorings

Living room views

Living room

Private Beach

Additional Views
Contact info:




Andrea Swiedler
Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS
203-460-1775
For sale by agent/broker

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Posted: May 30, 2009, 8:19am PDT