Eastern Connecticut Real Estate | Eastern CT Real Estate Blog

Moving to Simply Ledyard

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 13:30:39 -0500

After I do a bit more sweeping around here, this blog will be moving to a new home! Actually it isn’t so new. I started the Simply Ledyard blog in 2005. I’m just relocating back there and hope you will move with me. I’ll be sharing the same information including my weekly Ledyard Real Estate update, and Photo Friday as well as features like Realtors Out to Lunch and Little Bites of Ledyard.

Look forward to seeing you there!

Simply Ledyard

For those that live here and those that miss it!

Ledyard CT Real Estate Update

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 10:22:41 -0500

Ledyard and Gales Ferry Real Estate Statistics for the week of February 14th

The beat goes on. Unfortunately the beat is a slow one. There is only 1 pending sale to report from last week, a Gales Ferry home listed at $224,900. There were no closed sales reported.

The average price of a listing in Ledyard is $311,000 but the average sold price is $210,650. Those homes that are currently pending but not yet closed average $240,800. (For my statistician friends, using medium prices doesn't paint any rosier of a picture.)

Last week, the federal reserve raised the discount rate. Mortgage interest rates will soon follow. My friend Dan Green of The Mortgage Reports puts it this way, "If you're in the process of shopping for a mortgage or buying a home, the longer you wait to commit, the higher your mortgage rate will likely be." Spread the word to every buyer you know.

So what's the good news? The number of showings continue to increase. Eventually these buyers will be pulling out their checkbooks. If they wait too much longer they are going to miss the best interest rates in years as well as the extended tax incentive.

The other good news? Spring is not that far away!

Ledyard Real Estate - February 21, 2010

Number of Ledyard Homes Currently for Sale: 111
Last week there were 109 active listings in Ledyard.

Number of Ledyard Homes Currently Pending: 14

Number of Homes Sold in 2010: 10

There were 149 residential home sales in Ledyard in 2009.
There were 143 residential home sales in Ledyard in 2008.
There were 213 residential home sales in Ledyard in 2007.

The highest priced home to sell in 2009 & 2010: $385,000

Listings and sales reported by the members of the Connecticut Multiple Listing Service, Inc and may not represent all sales. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Eastern Connecticut Photo Friday

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:13:17 -0500

Are we almost there?

Winter is the hardest time to find photos for Photo Friday. I mean, how many photos can I post of snow and keep it interesting? We are supposed to have another “weather event” next week. Despite this, spring will still arrive right on time on March 20th.

Open House Sunday in Eastern Connecticut

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 08:37:06 -0500

Local buyers don't embrace the concept

When I talk to my agent friends around the country about real estate, I’m reminded once again how different the Eastern Connecticut real estate marketplace is when it comes to open houses. Although the ads in the local newspapers with open houses may look like a healthy selection, it pales compared to other parts of the country where Open House Sunday is only outdone by Super Bowl Sunday. I'm not sure I understand why buyers in Eastern Connecticut don't embrace open houses like their counterparts in other areas.

I have held successful open houses on new construction listings. I remember back in the 80's when we opened up a new section of Pheasant Run in Gales Ferry. Over 100 buyers showed up for the big event! Today open houses are more modest events with usually a few couples and maybe a neighbor or two stopping by for a visit. Do open houses work? I'm sure there are conflicting opinions on the subject but locally, they don’t seem to. If they do, no one is bragging about it.

Reflecting on the whole idea, it appears buyers prefer visiting houses “online” at a time more convenient to them. Of course, this is another reason that good listing photographs are so important.

Probably the biggest winner of holding an open house is the agent holding the house open. Open houses can be a source of business giving the agent a chance to meet new buyers. And if you are an agent, that is a good thing!

Eastern Connecticut Mortgage Monday

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 18:48:07 -0500

By guest blogger Phil Turner of McCue Mortgage

75 days to go until the extended/expanded federal tax credit for home buyers expires.

Catholic Charities and Neighborworks are offering homeownership counseling in Norwich and New London, CT. The 8 hour classes are typically offered on a Saturday and are open to anyone thinking about buying a home. Usually a mortgage lender, an attorney, a Realtor and a representative of either Catholic Charities or Neighborworks make presentations to the participants throughout the day. These homebuyer classes qualify the homebuyers for State of Connecticut Downpayment Assistance Program and also for programs such as American Dream Downpayment Assistance (ADDI) offered in this area by Eastern CT Housing Opportunities(ECHO).

Eight hours may seem like a long time to spend learning how to buy a house but almost everyone who attends says it was a worthwhile use of their time.

Lots of misinformation about homebuying is given by friends, co-workers and relatives who are trying to help you, but the guidelines and laws regarding real estate are constantly changing and they may not be providing the most accurate and up to date information.

It is well worth giving up a Saturday if you are contemplating homeownership.

Since 1980, Phil Turner has helped over 10,000 clients achieve the dream of homeownership. If you are planning to buy a home, please contact Phil. You'll find his professional service and years of experience exactly what you need in Eastern Connecticut's current housing market.

Phil can be reached at McCue Mortgage, located at 8 Union Street in New London, by calling (860)444-0650 or (800)781-1180 or By EMAIL.

Ledyard CT Real Estate Update

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 15:09:03 -0500

Although buyers are out looking, there was only 1 pending sale of $189,900 to report last week. Combined with 13 new listings, inventory took an unwanted jump. (Unless you are a buyer!) There was one closed sale of $157,000.

Below you will find a chart of our Ledyard real estate roller coaster ride. Average prices in Ledyard have dropped 28% since 2005.

Copywrite 2010 The Warren Group

Ledyard Real Estate - February 14, 2010

Number of Ledyard Homes Currently for Sale: 109
Last week there were 103 active listings in Ledyard.

Number of Ledyard Homes Currently Pending: 10
Last week there were a total of 9 pending sales in Ledyard

Number of Homes Sold in 2010: 10
There were 149 residential home sales in Ledyard in 2009.
There were 143 residential home sales in Ledyard in 2008.
There were 213 residential home sales in Ledyard in 2007.

The highest priced home to sell in 2009 & 2010: $385,000

Happy Valentine's Day!

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 09:46:16 -0500

From the Eastern Connecticut Real Estate Blog

I could have posted photos of roses or candy but since this is a real estate blog, I thought I’d share this photo I shot a few years ago of a house in Mystic CT. The photo is real, the house is that color. I added the heart for this occasion.

Eastern Connecticut Photo Friday

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 07:41:52 -0500

The Blizzard of 2010

This photo was obviously not taken in Eastern Connecticut. Our “blizzard” fizzled much to the dismay of snow lovers. I guess the photo proves there can be too much of a good thing.

I’d love to give credit to the photographer but the photo was sent to me with no attribution. I would happily ask permission and give credit to the clever people who created this!

Little Bites of Ledyard CT

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 12:30:00 -0500

Beyond Ledyard Real Estate

Did you know that you can stop in the Ledyard Library, connect to wi-fi and have a cup of coffee. And on Monday and Wednesdays, you can enjoy a homemade muffin brought to you by the Ledyard Library Friends.

For Gales Ferry weather information, search Weather Undergound and you'll find information from a weather station at Our Lady of Lourdes Church on Route 12 in Gales Ferry?

Deb’s Veranda in Ledyard is now AJ’s Veranda. The food is just as good! The Greek Salad remains my favorite.

Speaking of food, the new owners welcome you back to the Stonecroft Country Inn located at 515 Pumpkin Hill Road in Ledyard.

Eastern Connecticut Mortgage Monday

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:47:55 -0500

By guest blogger Phil Turner of McCue Mortgage

The Super Bowl is over and the best team won the game. Now its time to get back to the real world.

If you want to take advantage of the up to $8,000.00 tax credit for first time homebuyers or the up to $6,500.00 tax credit for previous homeowners, it is time to get moving.

Signed contracts for the purchase of a home need to be in place by April 30th. That sounds so far away but it is only 81 days away. Now is the time to obtain your preapproval from your mortgage lender and to contact the Realtor who you want to work with to find your dream home. The closing does not need to take place until June 30th, but you have to find a house, make an offer, get it accepted and signed by the seller by April 30th.

We are ready to help with the preapproval. Let's talk - soon.

Phil can be reached at McCue Mortgage, located at 8 Union Street in New London, by calling (860)444-0650 or (800)781-1180 or By EMAIL.

Ledyard CT Real Estate Update

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 13:46:35 -0500

Ledyard Real Estate Statistics for the week of February 7th

Buyers continue to be active as far as "looking" at homes in Ledyard, but pulling out the checkbook to make a deposit is another story. As I mentioned last week, many buyers are just entering the market place and do plan to buy in time for the tax credit opportunity which ends April 30th. Hopefully that means we'll be seeing some deposit checks soon.

There were 11 new active residential listings in Ledyard last week but a combination of 9 expired listings and 3 pending sales kept inventory steady.

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I subscribe to an industry newsletter called "Keeping Current Matters" which provides me with an in-depth look at the current market. What do the experts think will happen to home prices? Let's hope they are wrong!

Number of Ledyard Homes Currently for Sale: 103

Last week there were 102 active listings in Ledyard.

Number of Ledyard Homes Currently Pending: 9

Last week there were a total of 12 pending sales in Ledyard

Number of Homes Sold in 2010: 9

There were 149 residential home sales in Ledyard in 2009.

There were 143 residential home sales in Ledyard in 2008.

There were 213 residential home sales in Ledyard in 2007.
The highest priced home to sell in 2009 & 2010: $385,000

Listings and sales reported by the member of the Connecticut Multiple Listing Service, Inc. and may not represent all sales. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Connecticut Realtors out to lunch

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 10:30:33 -0500

Pepe's Pizza

I’m not much of a gambler but I can appreciate our local casinos for the entertainment and restaurants they offer. Although I live in Ledyard, I find my favorite casino restaurants are at the Mohegan Sun.

“The Original Frank Pepe Pizzeria” is located away from the smoke and hubbub of the main casino. It's menu is pretty simple. It offers “tomato pies” made to order. You can also order a salad and drinks but nothing more. You go to Pepe’s for the pizza, cooked in a coal fired oven, and made with perfect tomato sauce, fresh ingredients, and thin and crispy crust. I’ve heard the white clam pizza is excellent. I wouldn't know because I just don't like the idea of clams on my pizza.

The service was quick and friendly. A medium mozzarella pizza (more than enough for two) is $13. I added a few extras like pepperoni and mushrooms on my half for a few more dollars. It was all very good. Not necessarily great. I think I like Valentino’s in Ledyard a bit better but I’d have to try Pepe’s again to be sure.

Memories of Ledyard Connecticut

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 07:36:05 -0500

Eastern Connecticut Photo Friday

Thank you to Jennifer Flack who pointed me to the American Memory Collection of the Library of Commerce. The photographs from the Farm Security Administration – Office of War Information form a record of rural American life between 1935 and 1944. If you query Ledyard you’ll find a number of photographs like the ones below as well as photographs of the Crouch family. In an email to me, Jennifer reports that “Of the people in the Thanksgiving pictures, the 5 "children" are still living” including her mother.

Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, FSA-OWI Collection [reproduction number, LC-USF34- 042496-D DLC and LC-USF34-042447-D DLC]

Little Bites of Ledyard CT

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:08:01 -0500

Beyond Ledyard CT Real Estate

Connecticut Magazine name Ledyard one of the top 10 towns in Connecticut in 2009 in the 10,000 - 15,000 population category. The selection criteria? Education, crime, local economy, cost and leisure.

The Bill Library in Ledyard holds book discussions on Wednesday evenings at 7:00pm. They have created a book mark listing all the books they plan to discuss in 2010. Pick up your laminated copy the next time you are in the library and start reading!

Reservations are now being accepted for Spring and Summer parties and picnics at Colonel Ledyard Park Pavillion and the Jane Perry Pavillion at Highlands Lake. Stop by the Recreation Department to reserve your date.

The Ledyard Garden Club is an educational, non-profit organization comprised of members dedicated to gardening, betterment and beatification of the community. They meet on the 1st Monday of the month (except July and August) at 7PM at the Ledyard Senior Center. They do good work! For more details call Donna 860-464-5584.

Happy Birthday to my Blog!

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 07:16:24 -0500

The Eastern Connecticut Real Estate Blog turns 4.

My blog turns 4 today. When I decided to start blogging 4 years ago, I had no idea where it would take me. I didn’t know if anyone would even read it but I’ve heard that you do.

I certainly didn't realize I'd make a whole bunch of cool friends in the blogosphere; friends I would eventually meet at conferences and conventions all over the country. Lately my blogging efforts have allowed me the opportunity to teach others about my passion for the real estate business. I’ve been speaking at a number of real estate events like Triple Play and Inman Connect.

After the birth of The Eastern Connecticut Real Estate Blog, I created a blog called Simply Ledyard which started as a photo blog but has developed into something more. And then I launched a blog for my peers called The Real Estate Solutions Blog. That blog struggled getting out of the gate but I'm now spending more time developing it into a quality real estate resource. If that wasn’t enough, I have a mobile blog called, Mobile Linda which is really just for fun.

What's next? By the time the Eastern Connecticut Real Estate Blog turns 5, I expect to post more on area businesses and local politics.

Stay tuned.

Eastern Connecticut Real Estate | Eastern CT Real Estate Blog

Moving to Simply Ledyard

Ledyard CT Real Estate Update

See Also

Eastern Connecticut Photo Friday

Open House Sunday in Eastern Connecticut

Eastern Connecticut Mortgage Monday

Ledyard CT Real Estate Update

Happy Valentine's Day!

Eastern Connecticut Photo Friday

Little Bites of Ledyard CT

Eastern Connecticut Mortgage Monday

See Also

Ledyard CT Real Estate Update

See Also

Connecticut Realtors out to lunch

See Also

Memories of Ledyard Connecticut

See Also

Little Bites of Ledyard CT

Happy Birthday to my Blog!

See Also