Tag Archive for: real estate

Dance

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Whether you hope to pursue a professional dance career or simply wish to learn a few new moves there are classes in a variety of disciplines. From ballroom to hip-hop, Broadway to classical; New Canaan offers wonderfully diverse opportunities for all ages.

New Canaan Dance Academy (203) 972-9174 – www.ncdacademy.com

The New Canaan Dance Academy, founded in 2001 by Elaine Young, offers training in multiple dance styles to students of all ages ranging from 3 years old to Adult. Elaine grew up in London, England, where she studied Classical Ballet, Jazz and Tap dancing. The Academy’s goal is to create a safe and nurturing environment in which students can realize their full artistic and physical potential under the guidance of teachers who have been formally trained in classical dance techniques. Teachers constantly monitor the progress in a student’s core body strength and body alignment to ensure the optimal foundation for technical development.

New England Academy of Dance (203) 972-3265- http://www.neadance.com/

Established in 1968 the Academy was started by Doris Driver who appeared in Broadway shows and as a Rockette. Their outstanding instructors provide careful training based on the Royal Academy and Vaganova methods, which build strength, flexibility and grace in the dancer. Their program emphasizes proper technical and physical development while instilling a love and appreciation for the art form of dance. They offer a broad range of classes for all ages, including ballet, modern, jazz, tap, hip hop, yoga, pilates, zumba and adult ballet.

Walter Schalk School of Dance (203) 762-7508 – www.walterschalk.com

Walter Schalk performed professionally on a number of variety and television specials started the his School of Dance in 1957. He began with 13 Ballroom students and now, more than 57 years later, the dance school teaches more than 1,200 students each year. Classes are broken down by grade level and students are invited to perform in their Holiday Spectacular and a fantastic Broadway-like dance Revue in which every student has an opportunity to perform in up to three routines. The Dance school is where you learn to dance, have fun, learn social etiquette, build confidence, make new friends, and are taught by a professional staff.

The Studio 203-966-7056 – www.thestudioperformingarts.com

The Studio provides an artistic outlet for all ages. In a fun, encouraging and challenging environment, our instructors provide valuable information and insight into what is needed to succeed in the performing arts. We specialize in small, interactive classes to maximize the personal attention available to each participant. Instruction areas include musical theatre classes, acting classes, voice classes, dance classes, and private voice, piano, guitar, dance, and acting lessons in New Canaan, CT.

Performing Arts Conservatory 203-966-6177- performingartsconservatory.com

The Conservatory is a teaching institution that offers a professional multi-disciplined performing arts program to New Canaan and surrounding communities. Our goal is to awaken, nurture and train each student’s creative potential and confidence by offering professional training, workshops and performance opportunities. The Conservatory will provide the techniques and skills needed to learn and grow in the field of the performing arts through Private and group classes in musical theater, acting, voice, theater dance (jazz & tap) fairy tale theater and audition prep.

Winter Blues? Maybe not……

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winter 2015

Despite record cold and snow drifts that swallowed mid size cars, the real estate market has shaken off the freeze. 90 single family residences, 9 condominiums and 19 land listings came on for sale since January 1, 2015. Some of these properties were taken off the market for the 2014 holiday season and reintroduced with adjusted pricing, but many are new.

Call this the bonus market, which precludes the traditional spring market. With checks in their bank accounts buyers are now more confident about their purchases. They are still looking for value and new or updated continue to be their preference.

Since beginning of the year there have been 22 single family homes sold, 11 others have signed contracts and 19 additional homes have accepted offers awaiting contracts.  4 condominiums have sold with an additional 7 pending and 4 others have accepted offers. Building remains strong with 2 land listings pending and an additional 14+ acre property, that will be sub-divided, with an accepted offer.

Inventory is still low with many homeowners waiting for better weather to show off their properties.

Staging on a Budget…5 Essential Rules and Tips

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If you want potential buyers to choose your property over the competition, staging your home can make your house stand out from the crowd.

Staging is a new concept for most sellers, but a crucial step in getting your house sold. Presentation is everything!

As a marketing tool it helps to get people in the door. Today’s buyers look on the Internet before contacting a realtor to show them the house. If you don’t have beautiful pictures of your property they will not take the time to visit your home.  It also adds perceived value to your home which can translate into a higher sales price.

Home owners can make the changes themselves or hire a professional home stager. Professionals have an expertise that the home owner may lack to successfully stage their home.  They comes into the home with an unbiased eye. They are not emotionally attached to the home or the objects within it, allowing them to be objective, which is essential for a successful stage and ultimately a quicker and profitable sale.

Should you choose to do it yourself, here are some rules and tips to follow.

Rule # 1:     DE-PERSONALIZE

People want to envision themselves in the house – not you. Children and wedding photos may be important to you, but are a distraction to the buyer and prevents them from seeing their family in the home.

staging mantle - depersonalize

Rule # 2:     MAXIMIZE

Declutter and organize. This will maximize the space in your home. Children’s toys strewn about and rooms stuffed with that extra table or chair make the place seems small.   Closets packed tight with clothes gives the illusion of a lack of closet space. Consider temporary off site storage.

staging closet 2

staging kitchen

Rule # 3:     SANITIZE

The easiest and cheapest way to stage your home is to just clean it. Dirty dishes in the sink, pet and garbage smells and grim in the bathrooms are a turn off for any buyer. Nothing is better than walking into a house that smells and looks fresh. Take the extra time to wash down walls, floors and baseboards. Clean, sparkling windows brighten the space.

Rule # 4:     MODERNIZE

Unless you live in a new construction (2009-2014), or have done a recent renovation, every home can benefit from a little updating. Buyers will offer a lower price if they feel the house is dated. Simple changes such as replacing the kitchen and bathroom hardware from brass and gold to nickel or chrome creates a fresh, contemporary look. A new coat of paint, or stain, on those dated cabinets will dramatically transform the space. Organize cabinets inside as well as out.

staging kitchen cabinets

staging kitchen cabinets a

staging kitchen

Rule # 5:     NEUTRALIZE

Color can make or break a buyer’s interest in your home. Your daughter may love her shocking pink walls, but the buyer will only see $$ signs if the colors do not match their own style. A new coat of a gender neutral color is one of the most inexpensive ways to change a look and also to modernize. Consider removing or raising window treatments to allow the light in which makes a room feel spacious and inviting.  

staging living room

staging living room 2

staged living room

 

Here are a few related articles you might want to read prior to putting your house on the market.

 

 

Connecticut Vs. New York Real Estate Closing Costs

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While most homeowners are focused on the rising cost of home prices, they might not realize closing costs are rising as well. According to RIS Media, “Each year lender’s origination fees account for the lion’s share of the increase. Since 2010, origination fees, which include lender’s charges for services such as underwriting and processing have increased  27.1%. Bankrate.com’s annual survey of closing costs found that most of the rising cost is tied to fees charged directly from lenders.”

Five states led the way in increased closing costs: Texas, Alaska, Hawaii, Wisconsin and New York.

On the other end of the spectrum, Ohio, Tennessee, Nevada, Missouri and Washington DC had the lowest closing costs.

Some lenders have not increased their fees. Buyers should compare good faith estimates from at least three different lenders to get the best deal.

Below is a comparison of closing cost for New York and Connecticut, prepared by Kim Weintraub from Atlantic Residential Mortgage. If you are considering buying a home in either state know your options and be aware of all fees.

***NY mortgage tax is standard on all loans and is based on the loan amount***
***Mansion tax is paid on any purchase price above $1MM***

Comparison of Closing Costs NY Vs. CT

Comparison of Closing Costs NY Vs. CT

Brushy Ridge Road New Canaan

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Front shot

$4,650,000. Beyond the wrought iron gates lies a world of extraordinary beauty and extraordinarily livable luxury. Drive past the wisteria laden gazebo and magnificent rose garden and enter into a home of superb craftsmanship and flawless finishes. A dramatic two story entry with a graceful butterfly staircase welcomes you into this spectacular private haven. Hosting family and friends is important to the current owner and this home offers sumptuous rooms for grand entertaining and cozy spots for lounging. There are 9 exquisite fireplaces, high ceilings and elegant architectural details throughout the house, formal living rooms and dining room with butlers pantry, a magnificent mahogany paneled private study and mahogany paneled family room with a show stopping bar, including all the accouterments. The gourmet eat-in kitchen has a large center island, fireplace and opens to the extensive flagstone patio. A marvelous dressing room, fireplace and luxurious bath are part of the generous master suite and each spacious bedroom is en-suite with walk-in closets.
The park like grounds are breathtaking. Handsome, full sized blue stone patio extends the entertaining space, includes a built in Viking grill and overlook magnificent perennial gardens, dramatic free form swimming pool with spa, expansive lawns and a half basketball court. Perfect for special family event or to just enjoy a cool drink under the dappled sunlit outdoors
This impressive and elegant home is one of New Canaan’s premiere properties in a prime location and for the connoisseur of fine living. Full Listing Details: Brushy Ridge Road, New Canaan, Connecticut

What New Canaan Buyers Purchased Last Year

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Buyers headed towards the closing table with a little more gusto this past year in terms of number of homes sold.  This is a value driven real estate market so the number of homes sold is up by 4.2%, but average sales prices were down by approximately 13%.

The strongest segment continues to be a 4-5 bedroom colonial home priced between $850,000. and $2 million. The $3.75 – $4.25 million price range picked up a bit, but the high end market remains slow due in part to a large inventory of competitively priced  homes. Two homes sold over $5 million compared to 6 the previous year. New construction continues to be appealing to buyers with 13 homes sold and 4 more under contract.

* In 2012 the average listing price was $1,759,369.00 (slightly lower than last year) with an average selling price of $1,652,445.00. The sold price to original list price ratio was 92.96% with an average of 185 days on the market.

Pricing is key. Buyers are looking for value. The top three factors driving home buyers are the characteristics of the neighborhood, updated kitchens and/or baths and overall affordability.

 

 

Tag Archive for: real estate