Fast Pitch Softball Comes to Wallingford

by Harriman Real Estate on January 11, 2012

Kathy ThuerlingIf you’re a young lady 18 years of age or older and you love, love, LOVE to play fast-pitch softball, but were always disappointed that there was no place to play in Wallingford, your time has come. Local resident (and good friend) Kathy Thuerling feels the same way, and has decided to create a fast pitch softball league for players 18 and older.

Kathy has spent over 20 years coaching young players in the fundamentals of the game, including her own two daughters, and was surprised to find that, when players outgrew little league play, there was no local league for them to move into. So, she’s rectifying that situation. In the inaugural year of the league which will start this coming June, Kathy would like to see 12 registered teams and, if the interest is still there and participation is strong, it could well grow bigger.

Fast Pitch SoftballThe new league would be for any female players that have graduated from high school and would run from June through September, with games being played at Doolittle Park. Teams would play a minimum of 13 games. Registration is tentatively scheduled for sometime in February at the Rally Time Hitting and Training Center, 150 N. Plains Industrial Road in Wallingford. We’ll update this post when the time is firmed up. Cost of registering a team would be $600, or $50 per person for a typically sized team of 12 players. The fee will cover insurance, officiating and game balls.

If you’ve been waiting for a chance to play in a fast pitch softball league – or just watch one – here’s your chance. Watch for the announcement of the February registration date, get your team together and get ready to join in the fun! For more information, you can contact Kathy by email at kthuerling114@comcast.net.

Heck, Harriman Real Estate might even sponsor a team…might just win the whole enchilada, too…

Harriman Real Estate Jersey

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Just Listed: 19 Meshomasic Trail, Portland CT 06480

by Harriman Real Estate on January 10, 2012

Set on a 1+ acre lot, this pristine Colonial boasts an open floor plan, beautiful kitchen with granite counters, a cozy living room with fireplace, formal dining room, large master bedroom with whirlpool tub and a frameless Neo-angle shower. A farmer’s front porch, 2 car garage, shed, and much more make this the best value in Portland! For more information or to schedule an appointment, call listing agent Heather Salafia at (860) 301-2438 today!

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New Listing: 29 Robbins Lane Apt. A, Rocky Hill CT 06067

by Harriman Real Estate on January 10, 2012

Why rent when you can buy? Well maintained first floor, one bedroom condo in a quiet complex, convenient to highway and shopping. Heat and hot water included. Great for investors also. New windows and extra storage space in the basement, as well as a washer and dryer. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call listing agent Heather Salafia at (860) 301-2438 today!

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Happy New Year 2012!!

by Harriman Real Estate on December 31, 2011

To all our friends, family, customers and clients, we wish you a safe, healthy and successful 2012!

Happy New Year 2012!!

 

 

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Ready to Shred on New Year’s Eve?

by Harriman Real Estate on December 30, 2011

New Years Eve BallThere a lot of ways to celebrate the arrival of the new year this year: a few million will be freezing their buns off in Times Square watching that giant crystal ball drop; many others will be out shakin’ their booty at their favorite hotspot; still more will be spending a quiet evening either at home or at a friend’s home sharing the moment and some bubbly in relative privacy, and watching the ballyhoo at Times Square on TV. And then, there will be those intrepid souls at First Night in Hartford, CT who choose to spend some time…shredding. No, I don’t mean shredding as in wicked fast guitar playing, or even shooting down a snow-covered hill on a snowboard. I mean shredding.

As in PAPER.

Proshred TruckWallingford, CT’s ProShred, a document security company, will be providing a 26-foot industrial shredding truck for people to use while at First Night in Hartford’s Bushnell Park. Co-owner David Symonds says it’s a good way to start out 2012 on a good note by shredding any bad memories of 2011. He came up with the idea after seeing similar shredders in use in Times Square during a past New Year’s Eve celebration. If you have something on paper you want to get rid of, whether it’s a report card, a mortgage, Dear John letters, pink slips, or some other paper connected with bad memories, you’re invited to bring them to First Night and watch the shredded makes history out of them. If you don’t have anything available, there will be blank sheets of paper on hand so you can write something down and excise whatever demons that happened to plague you in the past year. Sort of a paper exorcism, if you will.

Hey, whatever works…

ProShred is located at 801 No. Main Street Extension in Wallingford, and specializes in destroying secure documents for companies and individuals who don’t want their security compromised and don’t want to do the time-consuming work themselves. They can be reached at (203) 303-8500, or 1-87-PROSHRED (1-877-767-4733).

First Night Hartford will feature music, fireworks, and comedy and magic shows. Tickets are $10.00 for adults, $2.00 for kids 3-15, and free for kids 2 and under.

First Night Hartford

 

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Beware of Winter Fire Hazards

by Harriman Real Estate on December 30, 2011

With a little care, your fireplace can keep you warm all winter!We New Englanders are well aware of how nice it is to come in from a frigid, snowy day to the warmth of  a roaring fire. And on nights when the mercury edges down into the teens and lower, a nice fire in the fireplace is almost a requirement for a comfortable evening in front of the TV. But what we quickly take for granted can quickly turn against us, robbing us of our home, our possessions – even our lives.

The recent fire in Stamford that killed three young children and their grandparents is a stark reminder that when using a fireplace for home heating, care must be taken to prevent turning a relaxing evening into a tragedy. To this end, here are some tips and precautions to heed when using your fireplace, furnace, candles and other fire sources this winter:

  1. Dispose of embers appropriately. NEVER put embers in a paper or plastic bag; instead, first douse the embers in water and store in a covered metal container away from other combustible materials. (Improper ember disposal is believed to be the cause of the tragic Stamford fire.)
  2. Have your furnace inspected and cleaned at least once a year. Replace filters as needed.
  3. Fireplaces may need to be cleaned and inspected more than once a year. Chimneys should be inspected for creosote build-up and damage to the mortar that may call wall fires.
  4. When using scented candles, ensure they are never left unattended and are placed on a non-flammable surface.
  5. Keep Candles out of the reach of small children and pets that may knock them over.
  6. Do not leave food cooking on the stove unattended. If food does catch on fire, turn off the stove and cover the pan. Do NOT use water to try to put the fire out, especially if cooking oil is involved. Water can spread the fire and cause serious injury.
  7. Have at least one smoke detector on each floor, and one in every bedroom, but NOT in the kitchen or bathroom.
  8. Remember to test the batteries in smoke detectors periodically, and if you remove them don’t forget to replace them.
  9. Carbon monoxide detectors are also recommended for every home, especially near the furnace. Carbon monoxide is present where there is incomplete combustion or poor venting and can be lethal if not detected in time.
  10. Have a home fire escape plan that details primary and secondary exits and designate a meeting place for family members outside the home.
House on fireThere are typically about two and a half minutes between the time a fire breaks out and when it spreads. If a fire does occur in your home, here are tips for a safe exit:
  1. Immediately leave the house and call for help.
  2. Take the safest route out of the house, but if you have to pass through smoke, stay low to the floor and cover your nose and mouth with a moist towel if possible, or an article of clothing.
  3. If a door feels hot, DO NOT OPEN IT. Fire could be on the other side of that door and you could walk right into it. Place a towel or blanket under the door to prevent smoke inhalation and proceed to a secondary exit.
  4. Once you’re out, stay out, do not try to go back in.
This is not an exhaustive list of tips for preventing home fires, but by following a little bit of common sense and developing good fire safety habits, your cold New England winter can be a little bit warmer, and safer. For more fire prevention tips, visit the Home Safety Council or National Safety Council web sites.
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How’s the Market? Wallingford and Meriden CT November 2011

by Harriman Real Estate on December 27, 2011

How’s the Market? Wallingford and Meriden CT November 2011

The Wallingford and Meriden saw some changes in November, as Wallingford saw increased sales while Meriden sales were down, but sale prices were mixed and inventory was down across the board.

Wallingford

Wallingford CT Historical MarkerThe number of available homes in Wallingford decreased by 10% in November to 252, the lowest number since last February. Wallingford single family homes sold faster in November than at any time during the year, averaging just 67 days to sell, but the condo market was languishing, with the typical condo taking just under 6 months to sell. The good news is this is the second consecutive month of improvement in that area. Conversely, the average selling price for condos jumped by over $5,500 last month, while single family homes were selling for about $2,000 less than the prior month. Interest rates remain at historically low rates, at or below 4% for conventional loans and an amazing 3.375% for first time home buyer. One thing we’ve noticed is that rental properties are becoming much more in demand, and we’re getting just as many inquiries about our rentals as we are our homes for sale. Some homeowners who are having difficulty selling are now turning to renting their homes for added income, and for buyers who are unable to afford a big down payment or have less than stellar credit, this is suiting them just fine.  We expect this trend to continue, and sales should level off in December before getting its second wind after the New Year.

Wallingford Sales by Price Band November 2011

 

Meriden

Meriden CT Historical MarkerThe number of available homes for sale in Meriden also dropped in November, but not as much as Wallingford, falling about 4.5% to 322 units and keeping Meriden firmly in a buyer’s market. Sales were down only slightly, which is encouraging in a winter market, and we are confident that these numbers won’t change significantly going into 2012.  Just as in Wallingford, average sale prices fell for single family homes and rose for condos; however, while condos were selling a little faster than they did in October, single family homes took a little longer to sell. And like Wallingford, rentals are also becoming more sought after in Meriden as cost-conscious consumers look for alternatives to buying until the economy improves.

Meriden Sales by Price Band November 2011

 Summary

Wallingford and Meriden both saw a drop in inventory, but sales in Wallingford increased while Meriden sales fell in November. Total sales for both communities in November were 65 units, an 18% drop from November 2010. Overall, single family homes are selling for slightly less than in October but selling quicker, while condos are selling for significantly more but selling at a much slower rate. Wallingford’s market improved to a balanced one, with just over 8 months of available inventory, while Meriden’s market declined ever so slightly but stayed firmly in a normal buyer’s market with about 9.5 months of inventory. If you’re selling a home in Wallingford, properties priced between $200,000 and $300,000 are selling the best, while anything priced over $300,000 are moving very slowly. In Meriden it’s the homes priced in the $100,000 and under range that are selling the fastest, anything priced higher is taking up to a year or more to sell. We’re hoping December ends on a high note for sales and that that momentum can carry over into January and beyond.

For more information on the Wallingford and Meriden housing markets, call Harriman Real Estate today at (203) 672-4499, email us at info@harrimanre.com, or visit our web site at www.harrimanre.com!

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What Do I Do With My Christmas Tree?

by Harriman Real Estate on December 26, 2011

What Do I Do With My Christmas Tree?

Ain't this a purty tree?

When I was a kid, our family always used to have a real, live tree for Christmas. There was nothing like smell of a Blue Spruce or a Fraser Fir wafting through the house to make it seem more like a special time of year. No artificial tree for us; our family owned a 210 acre farm and if you went into the woods, closed your eyes and pointed, chances are you’d be pointing at a pretty darn nice Christmas tree.

Nowadays, many people (including me) opt for a reusable, long-lasting artificial tree for Christmas. A 2004 poll conducted by ABC News/Washington Post determined that 58% of families were using a fake tree. It’s probably higher now. The main reasons for the change from real trees were cost, reusability and safety, but the main reason? No messy needle clean-up.

No matter what side of the real-vs-fake tree debate you line up on, there are still milions of people who remain true to the natural beauty of a living tree in their living room, decorated to the max and bursting with wrapped presents. And no matter if the tree comes down on December 26th or stays up well into January, the question real tree lovers face is: What do I do with the tree when I take it down?

Well, at least in Wallingford and Meriden CT, that question has been answered.

Wallingford

Wallingford CT Recycling Christmas TreesIn Wallingford, the Department of Public Works will begin curbside pick-up of Christmas trees on Monday, January 9th in all sections of town. Trees must be stripped of all decorations, tinsel, bows, etc, and be placed by the curb no later than Sunday, January 8th.

This is a one-time pick-up, so be sure to have your trees out at the curb prior to the deadline. In the event you miss it, however, you can take the tree to the Wallingford Compost Area at no charge. The Wallingford Compost Center at 157 John Street  will be open Monday, Thursday and Saturday from 8 AM to 4 PM until January 14th. The Compost Center will be closed from January 15th until March 15th, 2012. Any questions should be directed to the DPW at (203) 294-2105.

Meriden

Meriden Transfer StationMeriden will be collecting trees in two phases. For residents who live on the east side of the city, the department of Public Works will pick up your trees from January 9th to January 20th. West side residents will have their trees picked up between January 23rd and February 3rd, so you can have that Christmas-y feel a little longer!

Again, the trees must be cleaned of all types of ornaments before being placed at the curb. If you’d rather dispose of your tree yourself, you can take it to the Meriden Transfer Station on Evansville Road across from Meriden Markham Airport. The hours of operation are Mondays from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM, Wednesdaays from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM, and the first and third Saturday of the month from 7:30 AM to 12 noon. Any questions can be directed to the DPW at (203) 630-4018.

So, now that you know how to get rid of your lovely tree, you can rest easy and get the maximum amount of enjoyment from it. Just don’t forget to clean up those pine needles…

 

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Wallingford CT Market Update for November 2011

by Harriman Real Estate on December 26, 2011

Wallingford CT Market Update for November 2011

Here’s the way the housing market is shaping up in Wallingford as of November 30, 2011:

Wallingford Single Family HomeThere are currently 196 single family homes for sale in Wallingford:

  • Low list price: $29,900
  • High list price: $1,300,000
  • Average list price: $317,135
  • Median list price: $279,900
  • Average Days on Market: 67
  • Homes sold on average for 95.2% of list price

There are 51 homes currently under contract, priced between $64,900 and $599,900. Based on the number of homes sold in November (23), it would take approximately 9 months to sell the current inventory.

Wallingford CondoAs for condominiums, there are currently 60 condos for sale:

  • Low list price: $64,900
  • High list price: $599,900
  • Average list price: $217,151
  • Median list price: $192,950
  • Average Days on Market: 179
  • Condos sold on average for 98.1% of list price

There are currently 10 condos under contract, priced between $49,900 and $495,000. Based on the number of condos sold in November (8), it would take 8 months to sell the current inventory.

Here is a chart showing annual home and condo sales in Wallingford so far in 2011:

Wallingford Sales November 2011

 

Wallingford home and condo inventories both fell in October; single family homes decreased by 8% to 196 units, and condos fell by 12% to 60 units. The average selling price in both categories remained mixed as condos dropped to their lowest level of the year at $217,151, while single family homes saw a modest increase to $3167,135. Days on market continued to improve as houses took 67 days to sell while condos fell to 179 days on market. Single family home sales rose 15% to 23 units sold, while condo sales doubled to 8 units. Total sales increased by 29% over October, and by 7% over November 2010. This increase in sales, coupled with decreased inventory and faster selling times resulted in the Wallingford housing market going to a balanced market for the first time since July. Conventional mortgage rates were still hovering at or below 4% and CHFA rates for first time home buyers fell to a yearly low of 3.375 percent. Projected sales for December are in the 30-35 unit range, which will be slightly lower than December 2010, but still at a good level heading into 2012.

~Wallingford Properties For Sale~

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Meriden Market Update for November 2011

by Harriman Real Estate on December 26, 2011

Meriden CT Market Update for November 2011

Here’s the way the housing market is shaping up in Meriden as of November 30, 2011:

Meriden Single Family HomeThere are currently 239 single family homes for sale in Meriden:

  • Low list price: $18,000
  • High list price: $575,900
  • Average list price: $185,357
  • Median list price: $169,900
  • Average Days on Market: 70
  • Homes sold on average for 92.5% of list price

There are 69 homes currently under contract, priced between $19,900 and $349,900. Based on the number of homes sold in November (25), it would take approximately 10 months to sell the current inventory.

As for condominiums, there are currently 92 condos for sale:

  • Meriden CondoLow list price: $38,000
  • High list price: $289,900
  • Average list price: $124,166
  • Median list price: $122,988
  • Average Days on Market: 84
  • Condos sold on average for 94.7% of list price

There are currently 20 condos under contract, priced between $37,000 and $269,900. Based on the number of condos sold in November (9), it would take approximately 10 months to sell the current inventory.

Here is a chart comparing annual home and condo sales in Meriden for the year-to-date:

Meriden Sales November 2011

Meriden home inventory were mixed in November: single family homes  fell 4% to 239, while condos regained the 2 lost in October to finish at 92 available properties. The average sale price for condos rebounded a little in November, ending up 7% at $117,598, while single family homes fell again to $171,437. Interest rates for conventional loans continue to hover at or below the 4% range and CHFA rates (for first time home buyers) fell to a yearly low at 3.375%.  Meriden single family home sales fell slightly from 29 to 25 units, while condo sales rose from 7 to 9 units sold. Year to date, Meriden’s market is is still in a normal buyer’s market, with about 9.5 months of home inventory. At the end of October we projected 26 total sales for November, but actual total sales were 34, down 15% from last November. Due to the holidays, we feel confident that total sales in December will be below the 29 units sold last December.

Meriden Properties For Sale

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