One way to prepare for the cost of owning a home beyond the mortgage payment, insurance and taxes is to know the expected life expectancy of your home's components.
Such knowledge doesn't supersede the use of a home inspector when buying a home, but it can help you develop a savings plan so you are prepared for the inevitable.
Sooner or later you'll have to repair or replace many of your home's parts. Inside and out. When the roof goes, the appliances conk out, or the paint begins to fade, it's a lot easier to come up with the cash if you've already got some socked away for just that kind of rainy day.
The National Association of Home Builders, along with the Bank of America, has developed the "NAHB/BoA Home Equity Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components" to help you take the guess work out of preparing for the worst.
The report suggests you use the time lines as a general guideline. Local weather conditions, use habits, regular maintenance or the lack thereof, can all affect the life expectancy of many components.
Personal tastes for contemporary upgrades, remodeling needs and other factors may also dictate replacing parts before their useful life span is up.
In any event, based on a comprehensive telephone survey of manufacturers, trade associations and researchers, NAHB developed information about the longevity of housing components.
From the foundation to the rooftop, here is a quick look at how long some of the most common hom components are expected to last (national average):
Compliments of Lisa Brown, Real Estate Consultant
RE/MAX Unlimited Real Estate
203-702-1583 (work)
Visit me online | Search properties | RE/MAX
2008 Realty Times.
How long do home components last?
Information provided by Broderick Perkins
Lisa Brown of REMAX Unlimited picks 10 area bars & restaurants in Fairfield County. If you have a favorite that's not on this list please feel free to leave a comment because I may want to try it.
Photo: Prespa Restaurant & Bar on Mill Plain Road Danbury, Connecticut
Photo: Two Steps & Maxwell's Bar & Grille on Ives Street Danbury, Connecticut
Lisa Brown of REMAX Unlimited specializes in residential real estate in Northern Fairfield county area including Danbury, Bethel, Brookfield, New Fairfield, Newtown & Ridgefield. Whether buying, selling or relocating, see why clients have entrusted Lisa with their real estate needs.
See what's happening in your neighborhood:
Real Estate | Schools | Travel | Parks & Recreation
Photos: Luc's, Bissell & East Ridge in Ridgefield, Connecticut
Sold - Beautiful home in Candlewood Shores sold for $426,000. Offering all year around lake views, beach, boat launch and playground. Just minutes to I84, restaurants & plenty of shopping centers. Brookfield, Connecticut.
If interested, there are other single family homes available.
Call 203-733-1613 email lisabrown@remax.net today!!!!
Property sold by Lisa Brown, REMAX Unlimited Real Estate.
Danbury, Connecticut.
FREE property search, click here.
Despite today's challenging economy and perhaps because of it , improving the ambiance of your home is a simple way to fight the doldrums and boost morale.
According to internationally renowned architect and designer Lauren Rottet, the interiors we live in have a powerful impact on our mood and well being, particularly in winter when we spend more time indoors.
Rottet says that simple design elements, such as natural light and architectural style, can contribute to a dwelling's positive atmosphere, improving one's state of mind and overall lifestyle. Although she designs prestigious buildings and interiors around the globe, her easy tips can make any living space a personal sanctuary without breaking the bank.
Enhance architectural style
A space's intrinsic architectural features serve as an interior design roadmap, reflecting regional style, climate, culture and way of life. Rottet encourages you to let the building's structure and design details dominate, creating authentic ambiance.
For Georgian Colonial architecture, accentuate the formal ambiance of prominent fireplace mantles and decorative columns. With Mediterranean architecture, let courtyards and arched doorways and windows bring indoors and outdoors together.
"Style is the inherent personality and natural context for individual decorating expression". Highlight the features of your space and embrace its architecture.
Feature art and self-expression
Interiors are an opportunity to express personal style. This can be as simple as deliberate placement of personally selected objects. Paintings, lamps or memorabilia, transforming the space into something unmistakably one's own.
"This is the most important design message", Rottel says. "When a space feels personal, it generates positive feelings for those within, which means a lot in these trying times."
Enhance natural light and view
Sunlight and outdoor views are vital for successful interiors and practically free. Whether windows are large or small, with southern or northern exposure, light and views can be dramatically altered through shading, drapes and other window treatments.
"Natural light makes any personal space feel warm and comfortable and by making outdoor views part of the interior composition, we instantly add dimension to a room."
Promote energy savings
More efficient homes save on water and energy bills and industry research indicates that even the most aggressive efficiency goals for new homes won't make a dent in overall energy consumption.
Instead, remodeling and retrofitting the nation's older homes is by far the more efficient solution.
Retrofitting existing homes with energy efficient features is four to eight times more efficient in reducing carbon emissions and saving money than adding further energy efficiency requirements to new housing, the study showed.
Improvements made to the interiors we live in have a powerful impact on our mood and well being.
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Enhance your lifestye by Peter L. Mosca
Just Sold
Westwood Village
$266,000
Offering 2 bedrooms, 1 full and 1 half bath, 1900+ sqft of living space, 2 car garage, 2 pools,
playground and dog park. Conveniently located near I84 and route 7.
If interested, there are other 1 and 2 bedroom townhomes available starting at
$162,700.
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Sold by Lisa Brown at REMAX Unlimited Real Estate
Northern Fairfield County
Full-Time realtor® & short sale specialist servicing Fairfield County. Including Danbury, Bethel, Brookfield, Newtown, New Fairfield, New Milford, Sherman, Southbury, Ridgefield and Redding.
Residential Real Estate Consultant & Short Sale Specialist servicing Northern Fairfield, Litchfield & New Haven Counties.
I have worked in an array of fields to build upon my knowledge of sales and marketing prior to jumping into Real Estate. For me, selling Real Estate was simply the next natural step in my career path.
After nearly six years of analyzing and recommending solutions, database design/management, contract negotiations and project management it was time to begin the next chapter of my life.... Real Estate. I found my home in the Real Estate industry and developed an enviable reputation of both attentiveness and responsiveness in assisting both buyers and sellers.
My technical background & marketing experience has helped me make an easy transition into the world of Real Estate. Now Real Estate is my FULL-TIME profession. The business of Real Estate is changing & I ensure that all of my clients can benefit from an enhanced presence on the Internet. Understanding the times and adapting changes in technology has proven to be a key component to my success in real estate.
Whether you are looking to buy, sell, upgrade or just want to understand the value of your home, I am the first Realtor® you want to talk too.
Buying a home? Whether it is your first purchase or you are an experienced home buyer, buying a home is one of your most significant investments in life. Not only are you choosing your dwelling place and the place in which you will bring up your family, you are most likely investing a large portion of your assets into this venture. The more prepared you are at the outset, the less overwhelming the buying process will be. The goal is to provide you with detailed information to assist you in making an intelligent and informed decision. SEARCH ALL CT PROPERTIES FOR FREE.
Selling your home? If you are thinking of selling your home, there are a lot of things to think about! Including what your home is worth and how to get it sold in the least amount of time with the least amount of stress for you and your family. To help you get an answer to your question, I will provide a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) which involves me visiting your home and finding out about all the basics as well as the things that make it special. I will then research how it compares with similar properties that have recently sold in the area. Indicating a price range that seems appropriate for what buyers have recently been willing to pay for houses like yours. A "CMA" is NOT the same thing as an appraisal, but provides a general idea of what you can expect from the current market. My Market Analysis of your home is at no charge and with no obligation to you.
Secondly, I ensure that all of my clients can benefit from an enhanced presence on the Internet. I can customize an Online Marketing Strategy to fit your needs and make sure your property has unprecedented exposure. It's part of my commitment to market your home in the right way to the broadest possible audience of home buyers. I've researched and subscribed to some of the most effective Real Estate Technology available. This technology is just one of the important tools that allows me to present your property as effectively as possible and to have it discovered by as many potential buyers as possible.
Last, having a technological edge can make a dramatic impact. I have that edge and I'm looking forward to using it to your advantage. I invite you to call me at 203-733-1613. I'd be delighted to meet with you to demonstrate how I use my Online Marketing System to get your home SOLD.
Relocating to Northern Fairfield, Litchfield or New Haven County? Moving to a completely new area requires answers to some big questions ... do you want to live in Danbury, Bethel, Brookfield, New Fairfield, New Milford, Newtown, Sherman, Southbury or Ridgefield? Candlewood Lake Community? Community near I-84? What about schools? Jobs? Shopping? Dining? Health care? Worship?
Someone you know Buying, Selling or Relocating? I accept referrals. I want to assure you, that if you do recommend me to your family, friends and/or business associates, I will treat them like family and provide them with excellent service. It is important to me that you know how much I value your referrals. Your referrals are an honor of your trust in my professional ability to help your family, friends and/or business associates. Never to busy for your referrals!
Divorce and your home! Divorce is rarely easy and often means a lot of hard and difficult decisions. One of the most important decisions is what to do about the house. In the mist of of the heavy emotional and financial turmoil, what you need most is non-emotional, straightforward, specific information and answers. Probably the 1st decision is whether you want to continue residing at the house or sell your home. If you've decided to move into a new place for a brand new start, email me lisabrown@remax.net. I'm here to help.
Empty Nester and your home! Is it time to downsize or to move into another home more suitable for your glorious retirement years? There are many opportunities for you to create this new chapter in your life, email me lisabrown@remax.net. I'm here to help.
Are you, or someone you know in danger of foreclosure? There are many reasons why homeowners sometimes are unable to pay their mortgages and every situation is unique. I can help you determine if you can Keep Your Home or if you have to Sell Your Home to avoid or stop foreclosure. Let me know if I can be of assistance.
Having lived here for many years, I can be a great help to you with these concerns and more by giving you information on virtually every aspect of life in the greater Danbury area. If you are planning a visit, I can show you around the area to help you get a feel for where you might like to live. I can regularly email you property updates in the areas and price range in which you are interested or I can register you for your own personal LISTINGBOOK account. It is my job and my pleasure to make you feel at home and make your relocation as stress-free as possible.
Please feel free to call or email me any time. I'd love to help you get to know and enjoy this beautiful area as much as I do!
As a sponsor of the Children's Miracle Network, an international non-profit organization, I not only provide my clients with the highest quality of service available but help children in the local area. A portion of every real estate transaction will be donated to the Children's Miracle Network aligned in the local area.
Committed in servicing: Danbury, Bethel, Brookfield, New Fairfield, New Milford, Newtown, Sherman, Southbury, Redding and Ridgefield.
Specializing in: buyers & sellers, first-time homebuyers, townhomes & condos, luxury homes, waterfront properties, second homes, vacation homes, short sales and foreclosures.
I am Full-Time Realtor® and a real estate transaction whether it is a purchase or a sale is one of the most important and possibly most stressful periods of your life. My job is to make it as smooth and exciting as it possibly can be, especially during the economic hard times we face today!
My mission is to EXCEED your expectations and to provide honest and trustful relations that will go far beyond my contractual obligations. I will never loose sight of my honesty, integrity, accountability and creativity which makes all the difference.
In additon, I'm focused on GIVING BACK. I not only provide my clients with the highest quality of service available but help children in the local area. I donate a portion of every real estate transaction to the Children's Miracle Network aligned in the local area.
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION
PROFESSIONAL SPECIALTY
AREAS COVERED - Fairfield, Litchfield & New Haven County
EDUCATION
COMMUNITY
I met with several real estate agents before listing my home but as soon as I met with Lisa Brown, I knew she was the one. Lisa exudes professionalism and has a wealth of market knowledge. She is extremely organized and was creative when marketing my home. Her follow up is impeccable and she exceeded my expectations. I also worked with Lisa on the purchase of my new home. She certainly went above and beyond in every way for my family and made sure we got the home of our dreams.
I cannot say enough about Lisa. She is simply the best! I would never buy or sell a home again without Lisa Brown!
Kerri
Danbury, CT 2010
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Hi Lisa,
It has been a pleasure working with you while searching for my perfect house. You have always been patient with me, and always provided me with informed suggestions on all the houses I inquired about. It always felt that you had my best int rest in mind, and was always ready to protect my rights.
I would without hesitation, highly recommend your services to anyone who is looking for an experienced, professional agent who gets the jobs done.
Thanks again.
John Dickinson
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Hi Lisa,
We love our new home! The community is nice and we are getting to the area.
Our first time home buying experience was excellent. It was stressful at the time due to all of the information coming at us but you were there to answer all of our questions. We were impressed with the first tour that you took us on leading us to our new home. You were entirely honest with us and let us know what it was not very close to the high way. It's not! We are making due with the long drive to work but we are enjoying the cute town of Bethel and loving everything about our new home. It is beautiful! Thank you for making the home search and buying process exciting and now settling.
If any of our family or friends need a realtor in the area, we would always recommend you.
Thank you!
Dorothy & Mike
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Dear Lisa,
Thank you so much for everything you did to help me in my search for a new home during probably the most stressful time of my life. Your knowledge of the most current up to date listings was amazing. Your willingness to help, your up beat personality and your honesty combine to make one terrific gal!!! You!!
Much luck in your future! Anyone who works with you is in good hands!!
Most sincerely,
Vonnie Neufeld
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My name is Robert and I recently purchased a home in Danbury Connecticut with the help of realtor Lisa Brown from Re-Max Unlimited. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have met Ms. Brown and to have chosen such a conscientious and knowledgeable and agent in my area. Having previously gone through four agents, I was thoroughly exhausted, frustrated and confused... with no hope in sight of finding a home. Ms. Brown's strategic approach to educating me on what was available in the market and matching it to my goals was extremely effective and gave me confidence in her abilities to find me the perfect home. Having limited time to explore the market, I now had the advantage of a realtor who was diligent, accurate and one who had extensive knowledge of their product and services. Ms. Brown's personal, yet business-like approach to the process was refreshing as most real estate agents spend much time on unsuitable properties and left many questions unanswered. With patience and diligence, Ms. Brown worked tirelessly reviewing over thirty different properties to find the perfect one to suit my needs and desires... There wasn't anything I'd throw her way that she couldn't tackle... I am so thoroughly impressed by this young woman that I felt compelled to write and let someone know.
Lisa Brown is without a doubt, a true credit to her profession. There is but one word to describe her performance; STELLAR. I will surely to spread the word about this talented professional to all I know.
Sincerely,
Robert
Interior Designer A.S.I.D.
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We purchased our first home in Danbury, CT in Feb 2009. We thought it will be so difficult to search for home with 2 little kids ages 3 years and 1 year. But Lisa made the complete process very easy and enjoyable. Lisa Brown is very professional, friendly and helpful. Lisa found a beautiful home for us and we were able to close in less than 2 weeks time. Lisa also assisted us in finding attorney, mortgage bank and inspection company.
Our daughter still remembers Lisa and asks for her. It has been a pleasure working with Lisa and we will strongly recommend her.
Hitender, Savneet, Simar and Yuvraj Soni
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Selling a home and moving can be such a stressful time - we have bought and sold a number of homes over the past 30+ years, and Lisa stands out as the best Realtor we've ever worked with. Her calm, professional demeanor and attention to detail made the experience so much easier and her knowledge of the latest marketing techniques is unsurpassed.
She was a delight to work with and with her guidance and hard work, we had an offer in 2 weeks!
Bill & Jackie Pickett
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Hi Lisa,
We have returned to California and I wanted to write to express our many thanks for the time you spent with us last week showing us Danbury. The amount of effort you put into orienting us to properties and neighborhoods was wonderful and we are very grateful for your help. We met a few other realtors in our travels this trip, and I have to say your friendly and professional approach stand out for sure.
We are evaluating our relocation options this summer and if we decide to focus more on Danbury, we will definitely be in touch. As well, we will certainly recommend you as a top realtor in that area to anyone who may also be looking around the CT area. Have a great start to your weekend.
Cheers,
Eric Ranelletti & Stuart Rosenthal
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Lisa Brown was a God sent as we purchased our first home in Danbury, CT in 2006. She found the house for us and the experience was an enjoyable one. She was available and she walked us through the entire process. We could not have done it without her expertise, her kindness and her wonderful personality. Two years later, my sons often asked us about "Mrs. Lisa".
We are in the process of purchasing a second property and we cannot imagine going through this experience without Lisa. She is the Best Agent in Danbury!!!
Love, Oscar, Michele, Dylan, Tyler and Ferdinand Magana
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Working with Lisa was a pleasure. She provided the insight and strategy which allowed me to get the best deal in a competitive market . The transaction was done in weeks, not months, based upon her knowledge of the market and guidance through the process.
Tom Keutmann
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Hi Lisa.
Thanks for all your help with the sale of my home in Danbury. You definitely went above and beyond your responsibilities to make the process as smooth and painful as possible. All your hard work allowed me to focus on my new work assignment and my family versus having to deal with the multiple issues that need to be resolved during a home-sale process.
I would highly recommend your services to anyone who is planning on buying or selling a home in the Danbury area.
Thanks again and see you soon.
Carlos Hernandez
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Lisa Brown by far exceeded our expectations. She was not only flexible and always available, she also listened and looked at our interest first, which not many realtors do. She was patient and took the time that we needed to find the home that we love and was there every step of the way. We found the perfect home and we could not have done it without Lisa. If we were ever to sell/buy another home, Lisa would be our first phone call.
I highly recommend her services for you, buying a home can be a very stressful and hectic time and she brought the calm in the equation.
The Laoussadi Family
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Lisa was a terrific agent for us. She did all of the essential work of finding houses that strictly met our criteria, which made our search much more efficient. She also was willing to work with our schedule and was highly responsive to email queries, giving us a strong sense of commitment to our needs. One of Lisa's particular strengths is her dedication to getting all of the relevant information pulled together quickly. In preparation for a discussion on comparables with a seller's agent, Lisa pulled the town records on the taxes for specific properties that omitted them in MLS and also spoke to selling agents of some of the comparables to get a factual understanding of the specifics of each of the key comps. This detailed, comprehensive effort gave us the information we needed to make fair offers and gave us the confidence to move forward with the biggest purchase of our life.
We would strongly recommend Lisa to anyone seeking a buyer's representative - her excellent attitude and professional commitment made all the difference
Chris & Tatiana Cook
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Testimonials from home buyers and sellers
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