New Milford CT Real Estate and Fairfield County Towns

Just Beat it! Click Here:)

Attention First Time Homebuyers

Looking to buy a home before the federal tax credit for first-time homebuyers deadline? If you are, that means that because the closing process on a home can take up to two months, you only have about a month to find a home and sign a contract. (To qualify for the up to $8,000 credit, home buyers have to complete a purchase on a home before Dec. 1.)

As a homebuyer, you'll need all your ducks in a row to meet the deadline. If you fail to have everything you need in place to buy a home, you could miss the deadline. Suggested steps to make sure your transaction goes off without a hitch:

--Hire a qualified real estate agent who can arrange for showings of prospective homes, as well as help you line up other professionals you'll need for your transaction -- a real-estate lawyer, mortgage lenders and home inspectors.

-- Review your credit report and fix any problems there may be, so you don't chance not being able to get a loan. Look for errors, such as accounts that don't belong to you, or "late" payments that weren't late.

-- Do your research. Review your needs and wants for a home before you start your house hunt so you can narrow your search to only the homes that will suit your best.

-- Assemble the documents your lender will require, including: A verification of employment form; two most recent pay check stubs and bank statements; copies of the last two W2 forms received from your employer; and copies of any asset statements including those for retirement accounts, stocks and bonds.

-- Get pre-approved for a loan. By getting pre-approved for a loan from a lender, you'll have a better idea of the price rage you can afford for a home. It will also make you more attractive to sellers over other potential buyers who haven't been pre-approved.

-- Research loan options and interest rates. Getting the best loan possible could save you money over the long run (since you may be paying lower interest rates). 

With the deadline for the tax credit so close, homebuyers really have to make sure they do everything right to not miss the final cut-off.

 Information from IRS

Guide for First Time Homebuyers

Open House in Bethel Connecticut - Lexington Meadows

Great Price for private and well maintained unit in Lexington Meadows

Click on the picture above to see more details

Come and see yourself if you like this unit. 

Open house event information: Sunday August 23, 2009 from 1 pm to 3 pm.

Address: 102 Concord Lane Bethel, CT 0681

See this event on Facebook 

Condominium/Co-op TOWNHOUSE with Privacy
VERY WELL MAINTAINED SPACIOUS GRENVILLE UNIT WITH $25K IN UPGRADES. KITCHEN WITH CHERRY CABINETS, CORIAN COUNTERS, CERAMIC TILE RECESSED LIGHTING. HARDWOOD FLOORS THROUGHOUT, MASTER WITH WALK IN CLOSET VAULTED CEILINGS, DEN, FINISHED LOWER LEVEL WITH FIREPLACE & WALKOUT TO PATIO, 2 CAR GARAGE, QUIET & PRIVATE - MOTIVATED SELLER.

Lexington Meadows
With easy access to I-84, the charming Bethel village center and bordering beautiful Meckauer Park is tranquil Lexington Meadows. This community of 128 uniquely crafted units with 2 and 3 bedrooms. Originally marketed in 2001, the 'Baker built' community's recreational options include a pool and clubhouse.

Bethel, CT

Bethel's official town information and demographics

With its cobblestone sidewalks, antique street lamps and quaint storefronts and restaurants, Bethel''s downtown is popular with window shoppers and joggers alike. The newly renovated Bethel Public Library has comfortable chairs to curl up with a good book. P.T. Barnum Square honors the American showman who was born here in 1810.

Once a parish of Danbury, Bethel thrives with new construction and renovated homes in older neighborhoods on cul-de-sacs and intersecting streets. A renaissance is taking place in the village of Stony Hill with the opening of new shopping centers. The town has two industrial parks, which include headquarters for bicycle manufacturer Cannondale and battery manufacturer Duracell.

The 140-acre David W. Deakin Educational Park in the geographical center of town is home to Bethel's five schools. The district''s award-winning music department sponsors student performances at every grade level, and the adult education program offers more than 100 courses.

Commuters to southern Fairfield County, Westchester County in New York, and New York City will enjoy easy access to Interstate 84 and Route 7. There is also a Metro North Railroad stop downtown with direct service to Norwalk and connecting service to Grand Central Station.

Bethel's parks offer a network of walking and jogging trails. The parks department oversees youth and adult sports leagues, a skating pond and picnic areas. The 878-acre Collis P. Huntington State Park partially extends into Bethel, and is a destination for cross-country skiing, canoeing, fishing, mountain biking or a leisurely stroll through the woods. People also enjoy hiking and exploring caves at Putnam Memorial State Park.

Open House - You do not want to pass this deal up!

Cute Cape on Cul de Sac Road

Home offers hardwood flooring throughout, updated windows and a level lot. This quiet neighborhood is conveniently located near shopping, I-84 and train station.

Do you have First Time Homebuyer friend or family member? Tell them about this open house in Danbury.

Address:

1 Gloria Lane Danbury, CT 06811

Time:

1 p. m. - 3 p. m.

Date:

Sunday, August 16 2009

Click the picture above to see property details.  

First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit

 Frequently Asked Questions About the Home Buyer Tax Credit

The following questions and answers provide basic information about the tax credit. If you have more specific questions, we strongly encourage you to consult a qualified tax advisor or legal professional about your unique situation.

1. Who is eligible to claim the tax credit?
   First-time home buyers purchasing any kind of homes"new or resale"are eligible for the tax credit. To qualify for the tax credit, a home purchase must occur on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. For the purposes of the tax credit, the purchase date is the date when closing occurs and the title to the property transfers to the home owner. A limited exception exists for certain contract for deed purchases and installment sale purchases. See the IRS website for more detail.
   
   
2. What is the definition of a first-time home buyer?
   The law defines "first-time home buyer" as a buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase. For married taxpayers, the law tests the homeownership history of both the home buyer and his/her spouse.
   
   For example, if you have not owned a home in the past three years but your spouse has owned a principal residence, neither you nor your spouse qualifies for the first-time home buyer tax credit. However, unmarried joint purchasers may allocate the credit amount to any buyer who qualifies as a first-time buyer, such as may occur if a parent jointly purchases a home with a son or daughter. Ownership of a vacation home or rental property not used as a principal residence does not disqualify a buyer as a first-time home buyer.
   
   
3. How is the amount of the tax credit determined?
   The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home's purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000.
   
   
4. Are there any income limits for claiming the tax credit?
   Yes. The income limit for single taxpayers is $75,000; the limit is $150,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return. The tax credit amount is reduced for buyers with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of more than $75,000 for single taxpayers and $150,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return. The phaseout range for the tax credit program is equal to $20,000. That is, the tax credit amount is reduced to zero for taxpayers with MAGI of more than $95,000 (single) or $170,000 (married) and is reduced proportionally for taxpayers with MAGIs between these amounts.
   
   
5. What is "modified adjusted gross income"?
   Modified adjusted gross income or MAGI is defined by the IRS. To find it, a taxpayer must first determine "adjusted gross income" or AGI. AGI is total income for a year minus certain deductions (known as "adjustments" or "above-the-line deductions"), but before itemized deductions from Schedule A or personal exemptions are subtracted. On Forms 1040 and 1040A, AGI is the last number on page 1 and first number on page 2 of the form. For Form 1040-EZ, AGI appears on line 4 (as of 2007). Note that AGI includes all forms of income including wages, salaries, interest income, dividends and capital gains.
   
   To determine modified adjusted gross income (MAGI), add to AGI certain amounts of foreign-earned income. See IRS Form 5405 for more details.
   
   
6. If my modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is above the limit, do I qualify for any tax credit?
   Possibly. It depends on your income. Partial credits of less than $8,000 are available for some taxpayers whose MAGI exceeds the phaseout limits.
   
   
7. Can you give me an example of how the partial tax credit is determined?
   Just as an example, assume that a married couple has a modified adjusted gross income of $160,000. The applicable phaseout to qualify for the tax credit is $150,000, and the couple is $10,000 over this amount. Dividing $10,000 by the phaseout range of $20,000 yields 0.5. When you subtract 0.5 from 1.0, the result is 0.5. To determine the amount of the partial first-time home buyer tax credit that is available to this couple, multiply $8,000 by 0.5. The result is $4,000.
   
   Here's another example: assume that an individual home buyer has a modified adjusted gross income of $88,000. The buyer's income exceeds $75,000 by $13,000. Dividing $13,000 by the phaseout range of $20,000 yields 0.65. When you subtract 0.65 from 1.0, the result is 0.35. Multiplying $8,000 by 0.35 shows that the buyer is eligible for a partial tax credit of $2,800.
   
   Please remember that these examples are intended to provide a general idea of how the tax credit might be applied in different circumstances. You should always consult your tax advisor for information relating to your specific circumstances.
   
   
8. How is this home buyer tax credit different from the tax credit that Congress enacted in July of 2008?
   The most significant difference is that this tax credit does not have to be repaid. Because it had to be repaid, the previous "credit" was essentially an interest-free loan. This tax incentive is a true tax credit. However, home buyers must use the residence as a principal residence for at least three years or face recapture of the tax credit amount. Certain exceptions apply.
   
   
9. How do I claim the tax credit? Do I need to complete a form or application?
   Participating in the tax credit program is easy. You claim the tax credit on your federal income tax return. Specifically, home buyers should complete IRS Form 5405 to determine their tax credit amount, and then claim this amount on line 67 of the 1040 income tax form for 2009 returns (line 69 of the 1040 income tax form for 2008 returns). No other applications or forms are required, and no pre-approval is necessary. However, you will want to be sure that you qualify for the credit under the income limits and first-time home buyer tests. Note that you cannot claim the credit on Form 5405 for an intended purchase for some future date; it must be a completed purchase.
   
   
10. What types of homes will qualify for the tax credit?
    Any home that will be used as a principal residence will qualify for the credit. This includes single-family detached homes, attached homes like townhouses and condominiums, manufactured homes (also known as mobile homes) and houseboats. The definition of principal residence is identical to the one used to determine whether you may qualify for the $250,000 / $500,000 capital gain tax exclusion for principal residences.
    
    It is important to note that you cannot purchase a home from your ancestors (parents, grandparents, etc.), your lineal descendants (children, grandchildren, etc.) or your spouse. Please consult with your tax advisor for more information. Also see IRS Form 5405.
    
    
11. I read that the tax credit is "refundable." What does that mean?
    The fact that the credit is refundable means that the home buyer credit can be claimed even if the taxpayer has little or no federal income tax liability to offset. Typically this involves the government sending the taxpayer a check for a portion or even all of the amount of the refundable tax credit.
    
    For example, if a qualified home buyer expected, notwithstanding the tax credit, federal income tax liability of $5,000 and had tax withholding of $4,000 for the year, then without the tax credit the taxpayer would owe the IRS $1,000 on April 15th. Suppose now that the taxpayer qualified for the $8,000 home buyer tax credit. As a result, the taxpayer would receive a check for $7,000 ($8,000 minus the $1,000 owed).
    
    
12. I purchased a home in early 2009 and have already filed to receive the $7,500 tax credit on my 2008 tax returns. How can I claim the new $8,000 tax credit instead?
    Home buyers in this situation may file an amended 2008 tax return with a 1040X form. You should consult with a tax advisor to ensure you file this return properly.
    
    
13. Instead of buying a new home from a home builder, I hired a contractor to construct a home on a lot that I already own. Do I still qualify for the tax credit?
    Yes. For the purposes of the home buyer tax credit, a principal residence that is constructed by the home owner is treated by the tax code as having been "purchased" on the date the owner first occupies the house. In this situation, the date of first occupancy must be on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.
    
    In contrast, for newly-constructed homes bought from a home builder, eligibility for the tax credit is determined by the settlement date.
    
    
14. Can I claim the tax credit if I finance the purchase of my home under a mortgage revenue bond (MRB) program?
    Yes. The tax credit can be combined with the MRB home buyer program. Note that first-time home buyers who purchased a home in 2008 may notclaim the tax credit if they are participating in an MRB program.
    
    
15. I live in the District of Columbia. Can I claim both the Washington, D.C. first-time home buyer credit and this new credit?
    No. You can claim only one.
    
    
16. I am not a U.S. citizen. Can I claim the tax credit?
    Maybe. Anyone who is not a nonresident alien (as defined by the IRS), who has not owned a principal residence in the previous three years and who meets the income limits test may claim the tax credit for a qualified home purchase. The IRS provides a definition of "nonresident alien" in IRS Publication 519.
    
    
17. Is a tax credit the same as a tax deduction?
    No. A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in what the taxpayer owes. That means that a taxpayer who owes $8,000 in income taxes and who receives an $8,000 tax credit would owe nothing to the IRS.
    
    A tax deduction is subtracted from the amount of income that is taxed. Using the same example, assume the taxpayer is in the 15 percent tax bracket and owes $8,000 in income taxes. If the taxpayer receives an $8,000 deduction, the taxpayer's tax liability would be reduced by $1,200 (15 percent of $8,000), or lowered from $8,000 to $6,800.
    
    
18. I bought a home in 2008. Do I qualify for this credit?
    No, but if you purchased your first home between April 9, 2008 and January 1, 2009, you may qualify for a different tax credit. Please consult with your tax advisor for more information.
    
    
19. Is there any way for a home buyer to access the money allocable to the credit sooner than waiting to file their 2009 tax return?
    Yes. Prospective home buyers who believe they qualify for the tax credit are permitted to reduce their income tax withholding. Reducing tax withholding (up to the amount of the credit) will enable the buyer to accumulate cash by raising his/her take home pay. This money can then be applied to the downpayment.
    
    Buyers should adjust their withholding amount on their W-4 via their employer or through their quarterly estimated tax payment. IRS Publication 919 contains rules and guidelines for income tax withholding. Prospective home buyers should note that if income tax withholding is reduced and the tax credit qualified purchase does not occur, then the individual would be liable for repayment to the IRS of income tax and possible interest charges and penalties.
    
    In addition, rule changes made as part of the economic stimulus legislation allow home buyers to claim the tax credit and participate in a program financed by tax-exempt bonds. As a result, some state housing finance agencies have introduced programs that provide short-term second mortgage loans that may be used to fund a downpayment. Prospective home buyers should check with their state housing finance agency to see if such a program is available in their community. To date, 14 state agencies have announced tax credit assistance programs, and more are expected to follow suit. The National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) has compiled a list of such programs, which can be found here.
    
    
20. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development has announced that HUD will allow "monetization" of the tax credit. What does that mean?
    It means that HUD will allow buyers using FHA-insured mortgages to apply their anticipated tax credit toward their home purchase immediately rather than waiting until they file their 2009 income taxes to receive a refund. These funds may be used for certain downpayment and closing cost expenses.
    
    Under the guidelines announced by HUD, non-profits and FHA-approved lenders will be allowed to give home buyers short-term loans of up to $8,000.
    
    The guidelines also allow government agencies, such as state housing finance agencies, to facilitate home sales by providing longer term loans secured by second mortgages.
    
    Housing finance agencies and other government entities may also issue tax credit loans, which home buyers may use to satisfy the FHA 3.5 percent downpayment requirement.
    
    In addition, approved FHA lenders will also be able to purchase a home buyer's anticipated tax credit to pay closing costs and downpayment costs above the 3.5 percent downpayment that is required for FHA-insured homes.
    
    More information about the guidelines is available on the NAHB web site. Read the HUD mortgagee letter (pdf) and an explanation of the FHA Mortgagee Letter on Tax Credit Monetization (pdf). An FAQ about monetization (pdf) is available at the NAHB web site.
    
    
21. If I'm qualified for the tax credit and buy a home in 2009, can I apply the tax credit against my 2008 tax return?
    Yes. The law allows taxpayers to choose ("elect") to treat qualified home purchases in 2009 as if the purchase occurred on December 31, 2008. This means that the 2008 income limit (MAGI) applies and the election accelerates when the credit can be claimed (tax filing for 2008 returns instead of for 2009 returns). A benefit of this election is that a home buyer in 2009 will know their 2008 MAGI with certainty, thereby helping the buyer know whether the income limit will reduce their credit amount.
    
    Taxpayers buying a home who wish to claim it on their 2008 tax return, but who have already submitted their 2008 return to the IRS, may file an amended 2008 return claiming the tax credit. You should consult with a tax professional to determine how to arrange this.
    
    
22. For a home purchase in 2009, can I choose whether to treat the purchase as occurring in 2008 or 2009, depending on in which year my credit amount is the largest?
    Yes. If the applicable income phaseout would reduce your home buyer tax credit amount in 2009 and a larger credit would be available using the 2008 MAGI amounts, then you can choose the year that yields the largest credit amount.

Maybe you did not know about Danbury

Connecticut's Favorite Milk Run

You are a lean, mean cruising machine - a biker of stature among your peers. When you and your crew get ready to go on a run on a sunny Sunday afternoon, where are you going to go?

Well, if you are like a lot of other New England bikers, you want to aim your headlight towards some smooth, curvy scenic roads, that ultimately take you to a place where refreshments are cold and the crowds are motorcycle types like huge ice cream sundae, a cold shake, or some chocolate milk really hits the spot after a long, hard day of carving up the road with the thunder of your mighty steed. Right?

In the case of Marcus Dairy Bar Restaurant in Danbury, absolutely. What started as just a simple Sunday ride by a few guys from New Canaan has become the most popular weekend motorcycle hangout in New England. But how the heck did a milk for nearly a century grow into a two-wheeler mecca?

"It actually started in the late '60's, explains Marcus Dairy's Sean Marcus. "Guys started riding here because the roads to the dairy were great, and the restaurant had big glass windows out front so that wile they got a bite to eat, they could make sure nobody would mess with their bikes."

Now on Sunday (when the weather is decent) the dairy's parking lot is filled with hundreds of motorcycles from all over New England. Three times a year, vendors are brought in, bike shows are held, and upwards of 10,000 motorcyclists visit on these "Super Sundays" which bring so many machines into Danbury that the bikes spill over into the Danbury Fair Mall parking lot. Awesome.

The Hardware Store as Historical Treasure

Ah, the neighborhood hardware store. It's not just a vanishing fixture of small town America, or just a place to find that elusive solid-copper toilet valve you have been searching for like it was some sort of plumbers' Ark of the Covenant. No. if you are lucky (or just live in Danbury) your hardware store is a registered National Historical Place.

Meeker's Hardware at 86 White Street is such a store; in fact, it's the only hardware store in the country that is certified as a historical treasure. This is largely because it has been in its present location since 1889, and the family (through five generations now) has been taking care of the feed, hardware, and tool needs of the working community for more than a hundred years.

The monument in the front of the store is a part of the building's heritage, for it used to be found on the fourth store facade of the building as it stood until 1896. A fire that year destroyed the top two stories, and the stone was buried in the rubble and wasn't discovered until an excavation of the basement in 1976. The original two stories remain to this day, and despite the aura of historical holiness Meeker's is still a down-home place where you can score that evasive nut or bolt.

"My husband's grandfather built this store in 1883" explains Lucille Meeker, "and it was feed and grain mostly. We still sell hay and birdseed, but when the farms left we evolved almost completely into hardware. We still sell wood stoves, honey, whatever people need, like a general store. You can still buy nails and things by the pound here, too. You go into a modern hardware store and you have to buy them by the package."

Strangers at the Station

At first glance, the Danbury Railway Museum looks like an appealing little facility that chronicles the history of rail travel in this charming Connecticut city. That's exactly what it is, too.

But there's something a little weird about the place. In fact, you might get a creepy feeling that you've somehow seen it before. Lest you think this is a genuine case of deja vu, you should know that your strange feeling of unspecified remembrance is cinematically derived (especially if you are a Hitchcock fan).

Today the historic Danbury Station at 120 White Street may be the location of the Railway Museum, but fifty years ago it was a key location for one of Hitchcock's most memorable films, Strangers on a Train.

The year was 1950, and Hitchcock renamed the station Metcalf for the film, which starred Farley Granger and Robert Walker. The train station was critical to the story, as Granger and Walker meet on a train and this chance encounter results in murder with a very original version of blackmail thrown in. Toward the end of the movie, an important scene featuring Walker trying tho fish Hitchcock's Maguffin (in this case a cigarette lighter) out of a storm drain was also shot right in front at the station. Hitchcock also carefully chose the garbage placed in the drain for the shot.

The museum has a display with some great production photos from the film in addition to some great exhibits of railroad memorabilia, including a huge selection of lanterns. A tour of some classic railroad cars is available as well.

Should Buyers Use a Real Estate Professional?

With just the stroke of a few keys, you can find myriad resources on the Internet to help you in your search for a new home. Besides property listings, you can find out about specific communities, schools and mortgage options. Prudential Real Estate has made three great resources - Environmental Profile, Property Profile and Value Range Estimate - available on prudential.com/realestate that provide detailed real estate information just by keying in a U.S. property address.

With this wealth of information at your disposal, do you really need a real estate professional to represent you? Absolutely.

Think of it this way, when you go to an unfamiliar place, sure you could do a self-guided tour. However, your tour is much more rewarding and enriching when you have someone who is familiar with the location to guide you along because he or she has inside knowledge on the history, culture and stories that you may not have otherwise received.

The same can be said about sales professionals. Their role is more than someone to drive you around from property to property. They can be a great resource, especially to homebuyers relocating from other communities. He or she knows the local area including home values, taxes, utility costs, and school data, and may even be knowledgeable about resources pertaining to your special interests or needs. For instance, should you require help relocating an aging parent with you, your real estate professional may be able to direct you to local services or organizations for the elderly.

A sales professional can familiarize you with the processes involved in buying a home, alert you to potential risks, help you determine how much house you can afford, explain alternative financing strategies, as well as provide tremendous moral support.

Another benefit is having a strong advocate during the negotiating process. Sales professionals can help you objectively evaluate an offer then work to negotiate a favorable contract. During the process, he or she will review the contract and obligations before you sign, explain how contingencies and release clauses work, and so on.

And something easy to overlook is our familiarity with the complexity and risks inherent in the process.  When complex questions arise, a sales professional can help you quickly locate an attorney or other licensed professionals whose services you may require, such as home inspectors, engineers, surveyors and lenders.

As your single point of contact, a sales professional can manage the entire transaction including coordinating inspections, keeping in touch with the other real estate professionals, managing the documentation for the loan process, monitoring deadlines associated with contingencies, providing applicable paperwork, estimating closing costs, and helping prepare for a smooth and uneventful closing.

If you're about to begin the process of buying or selling a home, consider involving a real estate professional. When the stakes are high, it's comforting to have a specialist by your side.

By Andrea Kramer

Danbury in Connecticut

Danbury's Official Town Information and Demographics

Nestled in northern Fairfield County and at the foot of the Berkshire Mountains, Danbury lies next to the New York State border and is often referred to as the "Gateway to New England." The hub of the Housatonic Valley Region and its close proximity to metropolitan centers, natural surroundings, many lakes and ponds, excellent school systems, cultural opportunities, health care facilities, low crime rate, quality of life, and real estate values make this a wonderful place to call home.

It's been said that Danbury began when eight families came from the Norwalk and Stamford CT areas in 1685. They came to settle in Danbury which the Indians then called "Pahquioque" or "Paquiaqe" meaning open plain or cleared land. Though the settlers had chosen the name "Swampfield" the general court in October 1687 decreed the name "Danbury" which came from the English word Danebury.

Danbury was known as the Hat City of the world and it is said that the first hat made in U.S. was made in Danbury. Danbury shops led the country in fur hat production and were exporting 20,000 hats annually. All the hats were hand made in small shops. Between 1808 & 1809, there were 56 hat shops in operation selling hats.

In 1849 a machine was introduced, which could form fur hat bodies, nearly eliminating all the small shops  which gave away to larger factories increasing production levels to cover 5,000,000.

Danbury is rich in history and while it has become a modern thriving city, it takes great pride in remembering the past. The Danbury Fair was the state's larges fair running from 1869 - ending October 12, 1981. In the late 50's, the stock car races at the Race Arena attracted up to 10,000 fans weekly and lasted till the summer of 1981 as with the Danbury Fair. In order to remember how the "Great Danbury Fair" helped put Danbury on the map, the Danbury Fair Mall was constructed on the grounds that the fair was once held on. The mall opened in the mid-80's with Wayne Newton on hand to celebrate its opening. It boasted 250 stores and was the largest mall in Connecticut at the time.

Today, it hosts numerous special events including antique, home, boat, car, college fairs, and bridal shows.

History lives on in Danbury High School, Home of the Hatters, which is one of the state's largest high schools and proudly displays the Danbury Mad Hatter as its mascot. Danbury High School offers one of the newest and finest multi-purpose stadium complex in the area. The school newspaper is The Hatter's Herald and the school cafe is Hatter's Cafe.

The Charles Ives Center for the Arts. Inc. is a private, non-profit organization founded in 1974 and incorporated in 1976 to honor the memory of Danbury native Charles Edward Ives, who is one of America's greatest music composers.

The Ives Center produces the highest quality music and other arts-related programming at Ives Concert Park, a unique outdoor amphitheater situated on a beautiful area of state-owned land which includes 40 wooded acres, a pond, breathtaking gardens and public hiking trails.

Danbury's long tradition as a cultural and education center makes it a desirable place to live and raise a family. It continues to attract new residents with the quality of life it offers through its natural attributes of the Housatonic Valley, location, museums, performing arts, and shopping.

Parks

* Danbury Candlewood Park overlooks Candlewood Lake. Swimming, picnicking, and a boat launch are available in the 11.1 acre (45,000 m2) park.

* Elmwood Park

* Hatters Community Park - 32 acres with a bowling alley, recreation building, picnic pavilion, 3 softball fields (field permit required from Parks & Recreation Dept), pond, banquet hall, and playground.

* Kenosia Park - 25 acre park with 100 yards of beach front, benches, playground, 3 soccer fields, non-motorized boating, and tables.

* Richter Park - Connecticuts Hidden Jewel. Situated in the heart of Fairfield County, Richter Park Golf Course encompasses over 180 acres of gentle rolling terrain.

* Rogers Park - is a baseball field in Danbury, Connecticut, at the end of Main Street and South Street.[1] The field is home to the Danbury Westerners of the New England Collegiate Baseball League

* Tarrywile Park

Helpful Links

Schools in Danbury Ct

Danbury Chamber of Commerce

Danbury Museum and Historical Society

Danbury Hospital

Danbury Ice Arena

Danbury Public Library

Danbury Community Network

Western Connecticut State University

Do you want to know? It's not a secret that The Real Estate Market Report - 2nd Quarter 2009 is ready for you. Are you selling or buying? Are you interested what’s happening with real estate in your neighborhood?

The Real Estate Market Report for Fairfield County, Windham County, Litchfield County, Tolland County, New Haven County, Middlesex County, Hartford County, New London County. Only for you.

Buying a Home

What You should know

1. Types of ownership
2. Working with a real estate professional
3. Investigating the property
4. New Construction
5. Choosing a lawyer
6. Offer and contract
7. Appraisal and inspection
8. Title search and insurance
9. Homeowner's warranty
10. Types of mortgages
11. Loan Application Checklist
12. Final Steps to Closing
13. Terms to know

1. What Type of home do You want?

 You will probably look at many homes before you make an offer on one. But even before you begin house hunting, it helps to have in mind the type of home ownership you want and features that you consider most important.

2.Types of Home Owneship

• Single-family: This is the most popular type of home ownership. As the owner of a single-family dwelling, you are totally responsible for paying the mortgage, property taxes, and any other carrying expenses, including all maintenance costs.
• Condominium, Planned Unit Development (PUD), Time-Shares and Cooperatives: As the owner of a condo or PUD, you own your living quarters (apartment, townhouse, or other unit) in the same way that a single-family homeowner does. As the owner of a co-op, you buy a share or a number of shares in the cooperation that owns and manages the building your apartment is in and the land it is on. Under any of these forms of ownership, you also own a share of the common space, such as gardens, parking areas, and community facilities (e.g., pool, golf course, recreation hall, and tennis court). You pay a monthly maintenance fee for common expenses. The owners' association, which you belong to, makes decisions about how the condo, PUD or co-op is run. The association may provide a variety of services and extra features that single-family homeowners often can't afford. However, you must obey the by-laws and rules of the association.
• Multi-family:This style of home has separate living quarters for two or more families to rent. The owner may be able to use rent from the tenants to cover his or her own housing costs. These homes are often restricted to certain areas by zoning laws.

3. Working with a Realtor

A Realtor can save you time and assist you in house hunting by:

(This list may vary by agreement between you and Realtor)

• Pre-selecting homes that are within your price range and meet your requirements for size, type, etc.;
• Scheduling appointments for you to view homes, even when the owners are not there;
• Advising you about financing options;
• Giving you current selling prices for houses similar to those you are considering as a basis of comparison;
• Guiding and directing you in obtaining up-to-date information concerning taxes, school districts, and other information in areas that are of interest to you;
• Handling negotiations regarding the amount and terms of your offer;
• Scheduling a house inspection and other inspections that you have requested;
• Obtaining a Property Condition Disclosure Form and Title x Lead-Based Paint Disclosure where required of the seller;
• Explaining representation options;
• Providing you with a choice of professionals, such as attorneys or surveyors, when appropriate; and
• Providing you with sources for the information that you wish to obtain.

Not all real estate licensees are Realtors. Membership in the National, State, and Local Associations of Realtors means that the Realtor has subscribed to a strict Code of Ethics which is generally more strict than State real estate licensing regulations. Complaints concerning Realtors who have violated the Code of Ethics may be filled with the local Board of which the Realtor is a member.

There is more to come.....

Welcome to Woodland Hills! - Open House in Danbury Connecticut this Sunday

Danbury's newest luxury neighborhood completed in the summer of 2005 - elegant townhomes situated in an attractive hilltop environment. With panoramic vistas, exceptional amenities and imaginatively designed interiors, Woodland Hills is truly a community that will meet all your expectations. Welcome home!

Woodland Hills is located in the southern part of Danbury along the Bethel line.

Shopping is minutes away on Newtown Road. Call Woodland Hills your home and you will enjoy the community amenities such as a swimming pool, tennis courts, health club, club house, playground, fitness center, walking trails. 

7 Crestview Lane

SOUGHT AFTER FENTON MODEL ON 4 LEVELS. SPACIOUS AND GRACIOUS LIVING WITH OPEN FLOOR PLAN, LOTS OF GLASS. LIGHT BRIGHT AND AIRY. COOK'S EAT-IN KITCHEN: GRANITE COUNTERTOPS, STAINLESS APPLIANCES WITH ISLAND, HARDWOOD FLOORS. FINISHED LOWER LEVEL PLAYROOM WITH GARAGE ACCESS, LOFT OFFICE WITH VAULTED CEILING. 9 FT. CEILINGS, HUGE PRIVATE PATIO. GREAT LOCATION, MANY AMENITIES.

Click on the picture below to see more information.         

Address:

7 Crestview Lane Danbury, CT

Details:

Sunday - August 9 2009

1 PM - 3 PM

 See this event on Facebook.

Feel free to contact me andreakramer@prudentialct.com for more information or come to an Open House this Sunday, bring your friends to see this beautiful Townhouse.

Danbury, CT

City of Danbury information click here.       

Public Schools   Western Connecticut State University

The hatting industry put Danbury on the map in the 20th Century as "The Hat City of the World." Danbury also drew attention in 1988, when Money Magazine named it America''s top place to live. The city continues to thrive economically with one of New England''s largest shopping malls and the headquarters of large companies like Praxair, Ethan Allen Interiors, Scholastic Library Publishing and Cartus.

A cultural melting pot, Danbury is one of the fastest growing cities in Connecticut due to its low cost of living relative to other communities within commuting distance of New York City. The city offers a diverse selection of new single- and multi-family homes, apartment complexes and condominiums, and a collection of historic homes, including elegant estates near downtown and small weekend getaways on Connecticut''s largest body of water, Candlewood Lake, a man-made in 1929.

Educational opportunities abound in Danbury, which is particularly proud of its preschool program. The city also has numerous private secular and parochial schools, vocational and alternative high schools, and an elementary magnet school for international studies. Western Connecticut State University, which offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, has two growing campuses in Danbury.

Candlewood and Kenosha lakes offer fishing, boating, swimming, bird-watching and a multitude of other seasonal outdoor pleasures. Richter Park has one of the top public golf courses in the nation and a center for the arts.

The city has a stop on the Metro North rail line. The station has a small railroad museum, which occasionally offers rides around the rail lot to children and families.


Educational, recreational and entertainment opportunities abound within the city.

Danbury is particularly proud of its special pre-school program for handicapped children. Numerous private secular and parochial schools are also found in town, including vocational and alternative high schools. Fishing, boating, bird-watching and a multitude of seasonal outdoor pleasures are enjoyed at Danbury''s two lakes - Candlewood Lake, featuring 96 miles of shoreline and Kenosha Lake. Richter Park is the home of a superb golf course - one of the top 50 city courses in the nation, and a center for the arts.