Andrea Swiedler

Bridle Road, New Milford, CT - Merryall Ridge Gate

Set in the scenic Merryall section of New Milford, CT, Bridle Road, Merryall Ridge Gate, is a beautiful, well established subdivision. Bridle Road is a culdesac, a wide tree lined street with homes set gracefully on generous sized lots. Many of the homes reflect the style of the owner, they are not of the cookie cutter variety.

I have written about Merryall before, a wonderful section of New Milford, the homes are set amid forest and farmland. Very scenic, very New England countryside, very beautiful!

Currently on Bridle Road there are 2 homes for sale.

The first is a Gambrel Colonial listed by Prudential Adams & Associates for $379,900.  A wonderful 3 bedroom home, built in 1986 with  2,266 square feet of finished living space, 2.5 baths, set back from the road on a well manicured lawn. There is a formal living room with a fireplace, formal dining room and family room on the first floor with hard wood floors. The 3 bedrooms upstairs have wall to wall carpeting, and the master bedroom has a spacious walk in closet. The back of the home has a deck, perfect for entertaining or enjoying the outdoors. The home backs up to the 6 acres of open space owned by Merryall Ridge Gate.

The next home is listed for $339,900, and is a 1,948 square foot, 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath colonial built in 1978. Complete with hardwood floors, family room with fireplace, deck, eat in kitchen, formal dining room and deck. This home is currently listed by Coldwell Banker Residential Services in New Milford, CT.

In the past year one house has sold on Bridle Road for $330,000. The home is 1,904 square foot saltbox built in 1978.

If you are in the market to purchase a home in the Greater New Milford CT area and would like more information, please give me a call at 203.460.1775, or send me an email at andrea@andreaswiedler.com. I will be happy to discuss your options with you.

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.

Candlewood Lake, Connecticut - Realtors® enjoying an afternoon at Candlewood Lake!

For Realtors® in New Milford, CT, Thursday is the day we look at homes for sale. There are 2 ways we do this, first is called Caravan, next is a Broker Open House. At Caravan we meet at the train station at 9:00 am, do a bit of socializing with each other, networking, talk about our listings, jump into cars and look at homes as a group. Broker Open Houses are listed on the MLS for us, we decide what homes we want to see and go. Many times there is food for us at Broker Open Houses, and anyone who knows real estate agents, they know if you serve food, we will come.

Yesterday 3 of the homes on Caravan were also on the Broker Open House Tour. They all were on Candlewood Lake in New Milford, CT, each had a slice of direct waterfront with a dock. The other wonderful thing was that they served us a progressive lunch! Amazing food I have to say. We started at the most expensive of the homes, co listed by Suzanne Gallup of William Raveis Real Estate and Steven Drezen of Portfolio Properties. Suzanne was very creative, she brought her party platform boat over and we got a bit of a ride out on the lake, complete with mimosa and kicker appetizers! This home is on the market for $3,950,000. I really want to say a big thank you to Suzanne and Steven for such fun, I really needed that boat ride! Then off to Ellen Cavallo of Independent Realty's listing for $679,000. Ellen made one kick butt shrimp salad and some of the best tasting home made lemonade I have had in a long time. Then we made our way over to Katie Harrison's listing. Katie is the Harrison of Fazzone and Harrison Realty, and Katie is one amazing cook. Any time I see she is serving food, it is a big deal. Katie's listing is on the market for $1,475,000. Katie made us bratwurst, some very tasty potato salad, corn on the cob with cheese on it, wow, that was great, and more food that I really can't remember. What I do remember is that I saw some really cool homes and was stuffed when I got back to the office!

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.

The home buying series, assemble a winning team in New Milford, CT, The Real Estate Attorney (Part 4)

We have discussed the professional lender, the home and septic inspectors, and now, another key player in our winning real estate team is the real estate attorney. Connecticut is what is referred to as an "attorney state", we use attorneys for real estate closings. They prepare the contracts, either do a title search themselves or order one, get title insurance for you, prepare all the documents for closing, and finally close the deal.

A good attorney will help to move the deal along. When I sit with my clients to write up an offer I ask them who they are going to use for an attorney. I have a list of attorneys that I refer to my clients, people I know will get the job done, who communicate well with me and who have a proven track record.

My own observation about attorneys is they amaze me with their ability to remain calm in the face of adversity. The deal can seem to be falling apart at the seams, yet they stay cool, and by working as a team often we can pull the deal from the brink and put it back on track. Having a good real estate attorney is a must!

One thing to remember is that attorneys specialize, just like doctors. I prefer to have my clients use an attorney who specializes in real estate as they are more apt to be up on the issues that can crop up in a deal, they understand the latest problems with mortgages, appraisals, understand inspections and the long term ramifications of inspection issues. An attorney will also be writing the deed for your new property, so you want to make sure that this person knows what they are doing! Improper wording on a deed can really cause problems for years to come, I have seen it happen.

Some of the mortgage companies require you to use an "approved" attorney from a list they have, which is fine also. These attorneys have to go through special training to make sure the closing packets are done properly. If you have ever seen a closing packet your head would spin, they are like "War and Peace" sometimes, and seem to be getting longer and longer! Another reason for this is that the attorney for the buyer often times represents the lender at the closing, so they have to understand the reams of paper work that will be piled in front of you. Sometimes the lender does send their own attorney to the closing, but not often.

On the buyers side the process goes something like this:

• When an offer is accepted all signed documents, copies of deposit checks, etc, are sent to both attorneys.
• The sellers attorney prepares a contract of sale, which is sent to the buyers attorney.
• The buyers attorney will go over the contract with the buyer, and it is usually at this time that the buyer puts down the rest of the deposit on the home. If there were inspection issues they will be addressed within the contract at this time also.
• The buyers attorney is in contact with the loan officer and with the real estate agent, keeps track of important dates, such as mortgage contingency, etc.
• The buyers attorney will be notified by the lender when the loan is "clear to close".
• The lender wires the money for the closing to the buyers attorney.
• The buyer meets with their attorney to close first to sign all the mortgage documents. It is at this point in time that your attorney is also representing the lender.
• The seller and their attorney join in after all the buyers mortgage documents are signed, the house is sold!
• The buyers attorney will go and record the sale in the town hall following the closing.

When choosing an attorney, consult with people who have purchased homes recently, ask your Realtor®, call and check prices, etc. But please make sure that the attorney of your choice is a real estate attorney, not a family law attorney, or a divorce attorney. This can give the other side unfair advantages, and I have seen it happen. I have also worked for a real estate attorney and it can be very time consuming and tedious work. It really is not a walk in the park, although a good attorney will make it look like one!

If you are in the market to purchase a home in the Greater New Milford CT area and would like more information, please give me a call at 203.460.1775, or send me an email at andrea@andreaswiedler.com. I will be happy to discuss your options and give you a list of names of PROVEN, WELL QUALIFIED mortgage professionals. And as we progress and find the home of your dreams I will provide you will a list of PROVEN, WELL QUALIFIED home and septic inspectors. And as you guessed, I also have a list of PROVEN, WELL QUALIFIED real estate attorneys to give you.

If you missed the first part of the series, check it out here!
Second installment about the mortgage professional can be seen here.
Third installment about home and septic inspectors can be seen here.

For any first time home buyer thinking about purchasing their first home, don't wait any longer. You have just enough time to complete the purchase and claim your $8,000 tax credit. Don't be a "coulda shoulda woulda" person, instead be a "right place at the right time with the right team" type of person!

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.

The home buying series, assemble a winning team in New Milford, CT, The Inspector (Part 3)

After you find the home of your dreams and your offer has been accepted, you will want to have the home inspected. Please understand that calling around to find the cheapest deals will most likely not give you what you need to get from these inspections. Remember, this is the single largest purchase you will make in your lifetime, and having a thorough inspection of your home is crucial to your peace of mind and happiness in the home. Ask your Realtor® for the names of inspectors that have good reputations, that will do what you need done, which is:

• Find issues with the home
• Explain how to deal with these issues
• Teach you about owning the home
• Make sure the home is safe

There are often more than one inspector involved in the process, especially here in the greater New Milford area as most of the homes have septic systems. The home inspector and the septic inspector. There may even be a separate pest inspector involved in the process. (Certain loan products will require a pest inspection, make sure your Realtor® knows what you will need.)

I tell my buyers that an inspection is not a negotiating tool, it is a guide to a used product (in the case of a resale). Of course if there are structural issues, if pests are found in the home, these things need to be fixed. Sometimes there will be credits issued for items that should be repaired. Telling the seller to pump the septic prior to the sale is certainly on the list, repairing any issues that the septic brought up are important also.

A good inspector will do a thorough inspection of the home, will give you a comprehensive report and answer all your questions or know where you can get those answers. Make sure you walk with your inspectors, and take notes! Although they will give you a report after, ask questions and write down what they say. They will tell you how to deal with certain things, they will explain what is normal wear and tear, what should be address immediately. If you don't understand something ask ask ask!

If you happen to be buying new construction, please do have the inspections performed. You still need to know that everything was done properly, that the water is potable, that there is no radon, etc.

What are the typical inspections you can expect to have performed?

• Home Inspection includes: house, from roof to basement, electrical systems, mechanicals, water tests, flow tests, radon, pest
• Septic Inspection is CRUCIAL, especially in an older home. The cost to replace a septic system can be staggering. This will be done by a separate company
• Pest Inspection may be done by a separate inspector, it depends on the situation.

I have a list of certified, qualified inspectors I will give to my clients. I trust them to do the job, to do it correctly, to take the time to explain to my buyers about the home and to point out what are potential "deal breakers" if they are not addressed by the seller. After all the reports are back I discuss with my clients what they want from the seller as a result of the findings. I then take this to the sellers agent and we move from there.

In my opinion the inspectors are really the unsung heroes of the home buying process!

If you are in the market to purchase a home in the Greater New Milford CT area and would like more information, please give me a call at 203.460.1775, or send me an emailat andrea@andreaswiedler.com. I will be happy to discuss your options and give you a list of names of PROVEN, WELL QUALIFIED mortgage professionals. And as we progress and find the home of your dreams I will provide you will a list of PROVEN, WELL QUALIFIED home and septic inspectors.

If you missed the first part of the series, check it out here!
Seond installment about the mortgage professional can be seen here.

For any first time home buyer thinking about purchasing their first home, don't wait any longer. You have just enough time to complete the purchase and claim your $8,000 tax credit. Don't be a "coulda shoulda woulda" person, instead be a "right place at the right time with the right team" type of person!

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.

Bridgewater Country Fair, August 21, 22 and 23rd. Parades, Animals, Crafts, Vendors, Agriculture, Rides, Food and More! A real country fair in Connecticut.

This weekend is the Bridgewater Country Fair, an annual event sponsored by the Bridgewater Fire Department. I stopped by the fairgrounds today and took photos in anticipation of the upcoming events. The tents are up, the "carnies" are there setting up the rides, the town is sprucing up, this is going to be another stellar local event! I found a fun page of facts about the Bridgewater Country Fair, check it out, it was fun info.

What can you expect? Check out the Bridgewater Country Fair website for more information. I know what I am looking forward to.

Friday night opening ceremonies begin at 6:30 pm, the parade at 6:45. Do get their early to get a good viewing spot. Volunteer fire departments from all over Connecticut and New York will be sporting their best, have polished up the fire engines, the antiques in anticipation of the event. I love the parade, and hope that I get a good spot for photo opps!

In addition to the parade, Hot Dog Pig Racing will begin at 4:30 PM on Friday and continue throughout the fair days.

I am also planning to go Sunday morning for the Oxen Pulls, I happen to know a few of the contestants personally and hope to get some good photos of the boys.

Perhaps antique tractor pulls are more to your liking, or how about the Kiddie Pedal Tractor Pull, that sounds like it would be great fun to watch! Among other things there will be pies, cakes, pickles, canned goods, vegetables, needlework, fancy poultry, dairy cattle, all to be judged. There is a wool & shearing event for the sheep fancier, Commerford Exotic Animals has a petting zoo, animal rides and educational programs. For more information check this out.

Vendors abound, with great items to purchase, and the midway will be full of fun rides and games! Music, food, and more. Something for everyone. Check out the schedule of events.

So change your plans if you are busy, or make plans to go if you're not busy. The Bridgewater Country Fair is a great place to go, it is a true, old fashioned country fair and a good time will be had by all.

Enjoy a few photos I took of the fairgrounds and around town and Lake Lillinonah. Bridgewater Connecticut, a wonderful place to visit and live!

Are you interested in buying or selling a home in Bridgewater or the greater New Milford area? Check out my website or give me a call at 203.460.1775.

Check out information about the local area and about the local real estate market on my blog!

© 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.