Litchfield County real estate information, local events and more.

Apparently a whole lot. (No, it's not a knock knock joke, although sometimes the only thing you can do is laugh) I read an article today that cited a court case brought by HUD against BofA for discrimination against people with disabilities. And why would I liken that to Scrooge? Well, to pre-revelation Scrooge that is. Because Scrooge had no problem to treat anyone he encountered badly, especially those who had issues. Scrooge disliked the poor, and one can imagine he would have taken advantage of any one with a disability. It would seem that BofA is right on par with mean old Mr. Scrooge.

And just what did Bank of America do?

It has been alleged that 3 people who were on disability that applied for a mortgage were asked to provide BofA with personal medical information and proof that their Social Security payments would continue. That is a no-no, point blank, end of story.

John Trasviña, HUD Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity issued a statement saying "Holding home buyers with disabilities to a higher standard just because they rely on disability payments as a source of income is against the law." He went on to say "Mortgage companies may verify income and have eligibility standards but they may not single out home buyers with disabilities to delay or deny financing when they are otherwise eligible."

Fair Housing is very, very clear on this point, there is no room for misunderstanding. It is illegal to discriminate because of a disability, they may not impose different criteria for a loan if people have a disability from those that don't. And certainly it is against the law to inquire about the nature of the disability itself.

I wonder if there are others out there who suffered the same treatment but didn't come forward. This should be interesting.

And then there is the news that Flagstar Bank agreed to pay $133 million to settle claims that they engaged in fraudulent lending practices.

Oh, say it ain't so.... no, it couldn't be. The "F" word, I shuddered. Fraudulent lending practices? So they could make a profit?

Hmmm.... I can remember hearing people say "if they can fog a mirror, they can get a loan". So I am not surprised, not at all. I don't think any of us are surprised by any of this actually.

The government brought suit, claiming Flagstar Bank improperly approved residential home loans for government insurance. Flagstar has settled... to the tune of $133 million, only because that is the maximum amount they can pay.

 I liken the whole thing to the biggest scam perpetrated on the American Public.  I think many were scammed into the belief they too could own a home, be part of the big American Dream. And now their dreams have been flushed right down the toilet.

Let's hope these lenders get visited by three ghosts during the night and they wake up and really help repair the damage they caused. I don't know how they can do that, but they really should.

Goshen, Connecticut, from American Bison to Zebu and everything in between! Even elephant and camel rides! ... Who says country life is boring?

Search Homes for Sale Goshen, CT

When I think of Goshen, Connecticut I think of two things, The Goshen Fair and the Goshen Stampede. But that is not the only thing Goshen is about. Goshen is home to the Goshen Fair Grounds, a busy place indeed, from Agricultural Events to Antique Car Shoes and Scottish Games, the Goshen Fair Grounds are a vibrant part of the local community.

There is so much more to Goshen...

Woodridge Lake: A private lake community surrounding Woodridge Lake. Homes on Woodridge Lake vary in price and size, you can search homes for sale on Woodridge Lake in Goshen CT here. Woodridge Lake boasts to be one of the cleanest lakes in Connecticut. Residents who live in this community have access to the lake, to a new 12,500 square foot clubhouse, 8 tennis courts, a large swimming pool, 4 sand swimming beaches and 130 boat docks. There are year round activities in the club house for those who make Woodridge Lake their full time residence.

Tyler Lake:  I have heard Tyler Lake referred to as Goshen's best kept secret. Perhaps they would not be happy with me spilling the beans about Tyler Lake. This beautiful lake is dotted with cottages and cabins that ring of a simpler time, as well as larger, more modern homes. Spanning 187 acres, Tyler Lake offers residents a great way to enjoy lake life on a smaller scale than some of the other lakes in the area.

There is a state boat launch on the western side of Tyler Lake. Many of the homes that dot the lake have their own docks. The maximum depth of Tyler Lake is 23 feet, the median depth is 13 feet. About 70% of the lake front is populated.

SEARCH FOR HOMES ON WOODRIDGE LAKE AND TYLER LAKE IN GOSHEN CT.

Goshen CT covers 45.2 square miles, with a population of 3,244 in 2009. It is rural and beautiful, driving through Goshen is a treat, a delight to the senses full of farmland and forest. The town of Goshen was incorporated in 1739. The big surprise for many is the rotary, the traffic circle, the roundabout, the crossroads. It is called many different things by many different people. But it is great for directions, go half way around the rotary, before the traffic circle, after the roundabout, take a left at the crossroads, you get the idea.  For more information about the town of Goshen, CT, visit the towns website.

Local Theater: The Goshen Players, a local icon in the area, was established in 1949. at They are located at the rotary in Goshen in the Old Town Hall. The Goshen Players are alive and well, bringing quality entertainment to the area.

Action Wildlife: Set on a former dairy farm on Route 4 in Goshen, (not far from the rotary) Action Wildlife offers great adventure for young and old alike. Exotic animals, drive through safari's, petting zoo, from American Bison to Zebu and everything in between! (I knew you were wondering what I was talking about)

Commerford Zoo: Located on Torrington Road in Goshen, Commerford Zoo has quite the collection of exotic animals. They rent out their elephants, camels, ponies and more, they even have a unicow! They rent out animals for private parties, for amusement parks, fund raisers, all sorts of things.

You just never know, you might run into an elephant or a giraffe in Goshen, CT! Come on by and see for yourself.

If you think Goshen, CT might be the place for you to live, give Liddy or Andrea a call at 203.460.1775. We would love to introduce you to Goshen, CT. Quite the unique place to live. And who said country life was boring? Certainly not me!

Search Homes for Sale Goshen, CT

Homes for sale in Cornwall, CT

Cornwall, Connecticut. Most everyone who lives in the Litchfield Hills, or has taken the amazing drive up Route 7 through Litchfield County is familiar with the covered bridge in West Cornwall. It is certainly a well known landmark, it is estimated that the covered bridge was built somewhere around 1864.

The town of Cornwall is located north of Kent and Warren, CT and can be reached by the very scenic drive up Route 7. The trip up Route 7 from New Milford all the way to Massachusetts is one of my favorite day trips, it winds through some of the most beautiful country Litchfield County has. Although the Berkshire Mountains run through most of Litchfield County, Cornwall really feels like the start of something special, different, the beloved Berkshire Mountains, and it is as beautiful as one would think the Bershires are. Following the Housatonic River, the trip is an easy drive. Bring your camera, bring your appetite for both eye candy and wonderful food, and be prepared for an absolute delight to the senses! The Bershires are famous for the arts also, many local artisans call this area home. (And if you are an antique lover, bring your wallet. There are so many antique stores to stop and browse, or should I say buy in.) There is just something so special about the Berkshire Mountians you know!

Cornwall, CT covers approximately 46 square miles of what the town of Cornwall claims to be the "Greenest" in Connecticut. There are roughly 1,400 people calling Cornwall home, it is a very rural community, providing a wonderful full time home or fantastic second home country living to those wishing to escape the hectic city life. There are homes of all sizes and prices in Cornwall, from the most modest to the wildly fabulous. I have myself shown the most amazing castle in Cornwall. It is truly a mini castle, although not so mini... if you know what I mean.

Check out the town of Cornwall CT website. It is full of local information and will give you the flavor of this very beautiful town in Litchfield County. Cornwall is also home to Mohawk State Forest. Skiing, cross country skiing, fishing, hiking, or just enjoying the beauty of the Berkshire Mountains, Mohawk offers something for everyone. There is no hunting allowed in Mohawk State Forest. (Did you know that Mohawk State Forest is the 6th oldest forest system in the state?)

Thinking that you just might want to live in Cornwall CT? Give us a call at 203.460.1775 or send an email to us at andrea@andreaswiedler.com. Liddy and I would love to show you homes in the town of Cornwall, CT, located in the Berkshire Mountains!

Homes for sale in Cornwall, CT

Map of Cornwall, CT

View Cornwall, CT in a larger map

Nestled in the beauty of the Litchfield Hills, Lake Waramaug spans the towns of Washington (New Preston), Warren and Kent, CT. Some of the most beautiful and prestigious homes in the area are gracefully set along the lakefront, it is truly one of the most gorgeous lakes I have ever seen.

If you have been thinking of purchasing a Litchfield County luxury waterfront home on Lake Waramaug, now is the time to start looking! If you don't know about Lake Waramaug, read on.

Many of the homes around Lake Waramaug date back to the late 1800's and early 1900's. They have been upgraded and updated over time, becoming favorites for those wishing for a luxury lake country home in Litchfield County.

I can promise you one thing, Lake Waramaug will provide you with some of the most spectacular eye candy Litchfield County has to offer!

Lake Waramaug is the second largest natural lake in Connecticut, although you do not realize it as you drive past the lake. Lake Waramaug has been a popular getaway since the 1800's, many owners have left the look and feel of these antiques to reflect the period, which only adds to the charm. Take a drive around the lake road, you will see grand Victorian homes overlooking Lake Waramaug with large porches taking advantage of the views, homes with a more vacation cottage feel, capes with that distinctive "Cape Cod" charm. Many of the homes have fantastic boat houses and docks, private swimming areas. All set in the natural beauty of Lake Waramaug.

If you are looking for a luxury home on one of the most beautiful lakes in Connecticut, look no further. Lake Waramaug is 90 minutes from New York City, making it a favorite get a way from the busy New York City life. Are you a golfer? The Lake Waramaug Country Club sits right above the lake, and has dramatic views. The Hopkins Inn and winery are located on the lake, well known to locals and tourists both for the food, the ambiance, the wine and the Inn.  If you enjoy hiking, a walk up to the Pinnacle will afford amazing views of the lake also. Bikers love to ride around the lake and soak in the scenery.

What homes are available on Lake Waramaug? Currently there are 10 homes available with direct lake frontage. From a modest 3 bedroom home ready to renovate, built in the 1960's, with 75 feet of lake frontage for $649,000 to a shingle and stone estate home with over 5,000 square feet of living space, 450 feet of direct waterfront with a dock and a sandy beach, a truly one of a kind, magnificent home, for $3,950,000. And all sizes and prices in between.

Check out the homes for sale, Lake Waramaug in Litchfield County

There is still time to be settled in your beautiful home on Lake Waramaug before the summer season begins. Give us a call at 203.460.1775 to find your new home on the lake.

It is just about time to think about summer activities on Candlewood Lake, boating, swimming, fishing, sitting in the sun. If you start looking to buy your home on Candlewood Lake now, you can be in by the time all the real fun begins!

Candlewood Lake is the largest lake in Connecticut. It spans 5,420 acres. Candlewood Lake was created in 1928, acres of farmland were submersed by water pumped up from the Housatonic River. Candlewood Lake sprawls through 5 towns in both Litchfield and Fairfield Counties, creating great water activities for those who live in New Milford (Litchfield County), New Fairfield, Brookfield, Sherman and Danbury, CT (Fairfield County).

Interesting fact about the creation of Candlewood Lake. Although the residents of what is now Candlewood Lake were resettled to other areas, many of the buildings were left standing! Scuba divers often run across the remains of old buildings, getting a glimpse into what life was like before Candlewood Lake was created.

From modest homes in lake communities, to wildly fantastic lake front homes, there is something for everyone. Gorgeous views, wonderful walks along the beach, hiking the trails along the lake, boating, fishing, scuba diving, swimming.  Each Candlewood Lake community has its own flavor and appeal, many with private docks and beaches for those who live within, offering a wonderful lifestyle for the lake lover!

Search homes for sale on Candlewood Lake.

It's not too late to enjoy Candlewood Lake life this summer in your own home! Start your search now. Give us a call at 203.460.1775, we would love to show you homes for sale on Candlewood Lake! With prices down and interest rates so low, it is truly a great time to start that home search for your new home on Candlewood Lake.

I have written a few posts about how I am an alarmaphobe. I don't like it when agents give me the codes to the alarm system, for many reasons. And I don't give out codes to my listings where there are alarm systems that are armed.

I can already see there will be people who say they are too busy to shut off alarm systems on their listings.... but you are also too busy to sit with the police and have to spend the time giving your clients the bad news.... Make time.

Inground oil tanks in Connecticut, anywhere for that matter. The technical term often confuses a buyer, UST's, underground storage tanks, but no matter what you are calling it, Jim is right. This sends chills up my spine and I don't breath right until the tank is removed by a qualified professional and the soil samples come back clean.

I recently went through a sale with a UST, there was contamination, the seller was stunned when she realized exactly what leaving this inground oil tank in the ground for 30 years with oil in it cost her in the end.

And if I had been with Jim on this particular inspection, if these had been my buyers, I would have grabbed them, ran like the dickens to the car, shoved them in, peeled out leaving tire tracks for a mile. Seriously.

The issue is not the tank removal, a seller needs to understand the issue is the contamination potential. Have the tank pulled by a qualified professional, soil samples must be obtained. This homeowner is risking a lawsuit...

Jim, for once I can say I am glad I didn't see you on this day....

In Connecticut, when selling a home you do not have to disclose that you have ... people living with you that don't pay rent, people who walk through walls, move things on you, wailing in the middle of the night, shaking the bed... in other words, ghosts. Nope, the seller doesn't have to disclose the fact their house is haunted, not here in Connecticut.

If a buyer is concerned that there is a ghost in residence they can write a letter to the seller asking if anyone other worldly beings live in the house. The seller is not required to answer the question. But the request must be in writing from the buyer to the seller. Not agent to agent, that's not how it works. I wouldn't answer that question anyway. I can see it now, being hauled into court because I told a buyer a house wasn't haunted... but when they moved in the house was akin to a certain house in Amityville, NY. Nope, not me.

If it is important for you to know, and you feel that perhaps the seller isn't being straight with you, you could ask permission to bring Ghost Busters in. (Don't do it without permission though, seriously.) Contacting former owners of the house is probably a bad idea. You know, the agent knows someone who grew up in the house.. so they call to find out if the house was haunted 35 years ago. What if the former resident says no, the house wasn't haunted back then, how can you be sure that is still the case? Short of contacting the dearly departed that used to live there to make sure they aren't living there now, you really only have one choice. You have to go directly to the owners. Keep in mind it is the owners right not to answer the question.

And for the curious, yes, someone I know got that call. "Hey, when you lived in that house as a kid, was it haunted?" I hope the buyer had a plan B, that's all I have to say!

Got ghosts? In Connecticut the only way to ask that question is in writing!

(And just to be clear, this post is not to make fun of anyone who believes in ghosts. I am fairly sure I have lived in a house with .... ghosts. It can happen to the best of us!)

The National Mortgage Settlement. Connecticut is slated to receive $190 million out of the $25 billion dollar joint federal state settlement agreement over foreclosure abuses, fraud and unacceptable mortgage servicing practices from the big 5.  Bank of America, Citibank, JP Morgan Chase, GMAC and Wells Fargo.

According to Attorney General George Jepson, the money is slated to be used in the following manner.

• Connecticut borrowers will receive an estimated $119 million in benefits from loan term modifications and other direct relief.
• The estimated 7,500 Connecticut borrowers who lost their home to foreclosure from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2011 and suffered servicing abuse would qualify for an estimated $1,500 in cash payments to individual borrowers.
  
• The value of refinanced loans to Connecticut’s underwater borrowers would be an estimated $36 million.
• The state will receive a direct payment estimated at $27 million to help pay for local foreclosure prevention programs, such as the Connecticut Department of Banking’s foreclosure prevention hotline, HUD- approved housing counselors, the Judicial Branch’s foreclosure mediation program, non-profit legal aid groups that help homeowners facing foreclosure, and loan modification programs supported by the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority.

The lenders are to reach out and help those struggling now. Contact numbers for the big 5 are below if you have questions about your own mortgage with them:

1. Bank of America: 877.488.7814
2. Citi: 866.372.6901
3. Chase: 866.372.6901
   
4. GMAC: 800.766.4622
   
5. Wells Fargo: 800.288.3212

You may also be contacted by a settlement administrator from the State of Connecticut. For more information check out the National Mortgage Settlement Website.

This settlement agreement does NOT grant immunity to the Big 5.

"The settlement does not grant any immunity from criminal offenses and will not affect criminal prosecutions. The agreement does not prevent homeowners or investors from pursuing individual, institutional or class action civil cases against the five servicers.; The pact also enables state attorneys general and federal agencies to investigate and pursue other aspects of the mortgage crisis, including securities cases." -Office of Attorney General George Jepson

(The final settlement is slated to be filed in U.S. District Court in Washington D.C.)

For those who are struggling now, this could mean the help you are looking for. For those who may qualify for a $1,500 payment because they suffered abuse by the big 5, were a victim of robo-signing, etc., I am hoping it is not a case of "too little, too late".

I am also hoping that the lenders have properly trained their staff, that they are aware that the game has changed, that the goal is to help the struggling home owner.

According to my most recent real estate sales statistics for New Milford, Connecticut, homes sold for less than 14% of list price! Sort of...

That is 14% of the last listed price, not the original list price. Do you want to see what the original list to sale price was? Well, here it is, for all 11 homes that sold in January 2012 in New Milford, CT.

Original List Price (OLP), Sales Price (SP), Days on Market for the current listing (DOM), % off sales price

OLP 220,000, SP 79,500, DOM 49, 64% OFF the listed price
OLP 169,900, SP 90,000, DOM 209, 47% OFF the listed price
OLP 169,900, SP 135,000, DOM 108, 21% OFF the listed price
OLP 219,000, SP 192,000, DOM 212, 12% OFF the listed price
OLP 259,000, SP 200,000, DOM 417, 23% OFF the listed price
OLP 284,900, SP 245,000, DOM 231, 14% OFF the listed price
OLP 285,000, SP 260,000, DOM 64, 9% OFF the listed price
OLP 360,000, SP 299,900, DOM 113, 17% OFF the listed price
OLP 414,000, SP 380,000, DOM 101, 8% OFF the listed price
OLP 875,000, SP 635,000, DOM 180, 27% OFF the listed price
OLP 1,575,000, SP 1,050,000, DOM 253, 33% OFF the listed price

That looks more like a big box store fire sale than real estate sales to me. The actual average percentage off, when you look at the original list to sale price in New Milford, CT was 25% off the list price. WOW!

According to the latest issue of the Commercial Record, Connecticut saw a 13% decline in sales for 2011. The Warren Group has been keeping track of these numbers since 1987 and this is the seventh year in a row we have seen sales drop in Connecticut from the previous year.

What does this mean if you want, or need to sell your home in New Milford, CT?

When we started in January 2012 we had 189 homes for sale. At the end of January only 11 of those homes sold. That is only 5.82% of the inventory that sold.

I can't stress enough to price it right. If you need to sell, you really need to look carefully at the current competition when you list and keep track of them during your listing period. Adjust your price according to the competition. If you don't need to sell, but would really like to, the advice is the same.

But Andrea, we are not going to give it away..... No, you are not. At least not according to the current real estate market. The bottom line is, your house is only worth what a buyer will pay for it.

And when that really low offer comes in, think twice about getting upset. Take a close look at those numbers above. The actual average percentage off from the original list price to the final sales price is 25%, then combine that with some of the days on market and you have a recipe for disaster if you need to sell your home.

For more information about pricing your home to sell and learn about our Ultimate Marketing 24-7, a totally customized marketing system for your home, give us a call at 203.460.1775, or send an email to andrea@andreaswiedler.com.

New Milford CT Real Estate Market Statistics for January 2012