Sullivan Real Estate Group

Your Connecticut Outdoor Space

Barbara — Thu, 16 May 2013 21:41:16 +0000

While the weather in Southeastern Connecticut has been getting warmer and you’ve started to spend more of your time outside, your outdoor space might not be entirely ready yet. While you as a homeowner believe the inside of your home is perfect, that doesn’t mean your outdoor space should be any less. In fact, improvements to your outdoor spaces can actually prove to be great investments when the time comes to sell. A recent study showed more than 75% of potential homebuyers pay attention to curb appeal and reported it makes a difference in their decision to buy. So take note from the following tips to turn your outdoor space into a place you’ll enjoy spending the summer season and a spot your neighbors will envy.

Make an Entrance
Pay attention to fences that need a fresh coat of paint this season or pathways that need replacing. You’ll also want to wow guests with the very first feature they’ll set their eyes on— the door. The entrance to your Connecticut home‘s outdoor spaces is just as important as the entrance to your home’s interior. Perhaps incorporate glass inserts into a wooden fence to allow in light during the day and add a glow when the yard is lit at night.

Lounge Area
This season, you might decide to invest in a larger patio to function as an outdoor gathering space for friends and family. Add seating for chairs, sofas, and lounge essentials to create an outdoor oasis. Outdoor cushions create seating in every space and can be a fun alternative to furniture. A water element like a fountain can be calming— a great place to spend summer evenings.

Eye Candy
Around the entrance to your home’s outdoor spaces, you’ll want to plant a wealth of greenery to catch your guests’ eye. A fence set back in the yard allows for native plants and flowers to become a focal point for passersby and later on, potential buyers. The natural elements you add here should serve as a quiet backdrop to the vibrant outdoor spaces you create.

The Visuals
For an outdoor space that serves both a calming and entertaining purpose, think about installing an LCD projector, outdoor speakers, and a movie screen. A screen that rolls for storage can be hung on your garage or an alternate side of your Southeastern Connecticut home and outdoor speakers can be mounted on an enclosing fence. Think of how your home will become the envy of the neighborhood with this tech element installed and the many backyard movie nights you can host.

Installing these elements and features outside your home will quickly turn your backyard from standard space to the epitome of luxury living— and bonus, yield a great response when the time comes to sell your property.

Barbara Sullivan
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Connecticut Homebuyer Behaviors

Barbara — Thu, 09 May 2013 16:21:17 +0000

This cool new infographic from the KCM Crew attempts to explain homebuyer habits— the top reasons people purchase homes— and includes recent study findings that may surprise Connecticut homebuyers or confirm their beliefs that now is a great time to purchase in the Southeastern Connecticut area. A resounding 73% of homebuyers believe now is a good time to buy for reasons either financial or non-financial and 8 out of 10 own a home or plan to buy one in the near future.

Just by taking a look at this graphic, it is evident that the American dream of owning a home is alive and well. This survey finding is evidenced by the fact that most Americans do already own homes and plan to continue to do so and if not, plan to buy one in the coming years. As it turns out, very few Americans have no desire to own a home. According to Gallup, over 62% of Americans own their primary residence and of those surveyed, the vast majority admitted they had no desire to give up homeownership.

Why are the results of this survey so strong? An additional survey found that U.S. homeowners’ reasons for purchasing a home do often go beyond the financial aspects of owning. In fact, the main reason cited for purchasing homes is that many believe homes are a good investment as they will appreciate in value. Next up was building equity and boosting credit scores. The most frequently cited, non-financial reason to purchase a home in one’s local real estate market was that Americans simply believe in owning their homes or have always done so. Along with that comes the family component, the freedom of homeownership, pride of maintaining one’s home, and location— much like that of our beautiful Southeastern Connecticut area.

Does this infographic match your reasons for purchasing your Connecticut home?

Barbara Sullivan
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This Weekend in Southeastern Connecticut

Barbara — Thu, 02 May 2013 12:00:52 +0000

This weekend in Southeastern Connecticut is a great time to connect with family and friends as well as experience new locales and local vendors. Below is a roundup of events happening over the weekend to give you a chance to head out and experience your surroundings in our Connecticut area.

May Day’s Night
May 3, 2013; 5 PM to 8 PM
Chester Center
Chester, CT
The Annual May Daze Night of the Merchants of Chester will host receptions in the galleries, shops, studios, and restaurants to visit this quaint Connecticut town. Come stroll the streets to see the latest paintings, photographs, sculptures, fashions and jewelry, sample fine food, and discover handcrafted accessories and furnishings.

Mystic GeoHistorian Project
May 4, 2013; 11 AM
Mystic River Park
Mystic, CT
The Mystic River Historical Society and collaborators are launching their GeoHistorian Project at the Mystic River Park in historic downtown Mystic. The project celebrates the Society’s 40th Anniversary and Mystic’s historic and colorful past. This is a great opportunity to explore and learn more about the Mystic community.

Florence Griswold Museum Day
May 4, 2013; 10 AM to 5 PM
Florence Griswold Museum
Old Lyme, CT
On their 10th annual Community Day, the Florence Griswold Museum is opening for free to all who wish to come enjoy art for the afternoon. It is a great time to gather family and friends for a day of exciting programs, great art, and beautiful views. Visitors can explore new exhibitions of art, tour the Griswold House, and explore the historic gardens. There will be light refreshments, ice cream from the Old Lyme Ice Cream Shop, and mini concerts.

A Taste of the Cove Gala
May 4, 2013; 6 PM to 12 AM
The Pond House
Glastonbury, CT
This 9th Annual Gala Fundraiser will support the local area with a gala beginning at 6 p.m. The event will begin with cocktails, followed by dinner and dancing at 7 p.m. Tickets are $100 per person or $1,000 for table of 10. For tickets, contact covect.org/a-taste-of-the-cove-gala.

Kentucky Derby Day
May 4, 2013; 4 PM to 8 PM
The Tasting Room at the Gourmet Galley
North Stonington, CT
This Kentucky Derby Day Event will benefit the programs provided at Horses Healing Humans, a charitable organization in Stonington and therapeutic riding center with that provides horsemanship lessons for children and adults with physical and emotional challenges. There will be cocktails, hors d’ouvres, a silent auction, and live-streaming of the Kentucky Derby, all followed by a sumptuous buffet. Tickets are $100 per person, limited to the first sixty sold. For tickets, contact www.horseshealinghumansct.org.

Taste of the Lymes
May 5, 2013; 3 PM to 6 PM
Old Lyme Country Club
Old Lyme, CT
Many Southeastern Connecticut businesses will be represented at this year’s 13th Annual Taste of the Lymes event. Foods from member restaurants will be sampled and Ken Turcotte of The Divine Wine Emporium is selecting a sampling of wines for tasting. Tickets are $20 per person at the door. For more information, visit www.visitoldlyme.com.
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Barbara Sullivan
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Real Estate Growth in Southeastern Connecticut

Barbara — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:21:00 +0000

It’s no secret that the real estate market has experienced some obstacles over the past few years, but with recent signs showing promise and growth, potential homebuyers and even sellers in Southeastern Connecticut can be assured it’s a great time to jump back in. While the economy may not be entirely back just yet, the real estate industry is experiencing signs of recovery across the board. If you weren’t convinced before, the two strong signs below should encourage you to hop off the sidelines and back into pursuing your dream of owning a luxury home in the Connecticut area.

1. Loan Demand is on the Rise
According to Realtor Magazine, mortgage applications for home purchases rose .03 percent this week— it’s highest level since May 2010. And with that high, comes a good low. Mortgage rates are at all-time lows, which ensures you can get a great deal on your dream home in Southeastern Connecticut. But don’t assume they will be around forever, the record-low mortgage rates are bound to begin to rise as the economy and real estate market grow stronger. So don’t sit back, you will want to jump on these great signs of the housing recovery.

2. Housing Prices Rising
Another sign of real estate recovery is the increasing prices of existing and new construction luxury homes. According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency, home prices rose 0.7 percent in February, which marks the largest gain in over six years. New home sales are also on the rise, edging up to 1.5 percent between February and March. A new report from the U.S. Commerce Department indicates that new home sales have inched up 18.5 percent for the year.

To summarize the state of the housing market, Trulia’s Housing Barometer reports that housing starts, existing home sales, and mortgage statuses make up a winning combination to show that the recovery is now 56% back to normal, up from the 33% just one year ago. So if you’re considering purchasing a primary or secondary home in Connecticut, take these signs that now is the time to act! Contact The Sullivan Group today to help make your dream home a reality.

Barbara Sullivan
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Things to Do In Southeastern Connecticut – 2013

Barbara — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 17:23:49 +0000

Southeastern Connecticut – Things to Do – 2013 – Another cold day here in Niantic, Connecticut. Are you feeling the need to get away? Perhaps a vacation. Well – thanks to CT Out and About…they have put together a great list of Things to Do right here in our own state of Connecticut.

So whether you are new to the area, visiting, here to purchase your new home with Sullivan Real Estate Group – lol….. You are in the right place!

Check it out. Southeastern Connecticut really is the place to “live or play”! Gorgeous Shorelines and Quaint Country Towns – we have it all!

Enjoy your day!

Motivation

Barbara — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 04:02:16 +0000

Tax Season is upon – I don’t know about you, but this time of year, I reflect on where I have been and where I want to go. All of this requires motivation!

I saw this great video and thought I would share.

If you are dreaming that 2013 is the year that you are ready to purchase your dream home in beautiful Southeastern Connecticut – give me a call!

http://addicted2success.com/motivation/video-great-motivation-to-climb-the-highest-mountains-summits-of-my-life/

What’s in store for 2013?

Barbara — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 22:50:10 +0000

Well…we are ending 2012 with quite a snowstorm in the Southeastern corner of Connecticut!

Beautiful – Cold – Work ….It’s been a tough year but we are hopeful that 2013 will show progress. Although we will still have the work – hopefully we will all see the long anticipated change in the real estate market.

There are still some terrific buys out there – and the interest rates couldn’t be better – BEAUTIFUL!

The sellers have had to wait longer than anticipated to have their homes sell which can be discouraging and COLD. Especially if in order to sell they needed to do a short sale. However, the market is picking up a bit and once the inventory improves, we are sure the prices will start to increase.

We are all working harder these days. Some have had a tougher struggle – losing their jobs and having to make unanticipated changes.. Hopefully, the hard WORK will pay off in 2013.

I am hoping that everyone has a HEALTHY, HAPPY, FULFILLING 2013!

10 Hillcrest Dr. Waterford, CT

Barbara — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 19:54:49 +0000

10 Hillcrest Dr, Waterford, CT 06385 (MLS # E262748)

(all data current as of 5/18/2013)

View Virtual Tour

Price	$324,900
Beds	3
Baths	2.0 baths
Home size	2,297 sq ft
Lot Size	24,829 sq ft
Days on Market	166;

Totally Remodeled after July, 2005. One floor living - Not a drive by. Must be seen! Gorgeous Kitchen with Granite, Stainless, 3 fireplaces, Hardwoods, Sunroom, New windows, roof and driveway - Neighborhood but only .8 miles from I-95. Call Today

Property Type(s): Residential

Last Updated	5/8/2013	Tract	n/a
Year Built	1965	Community	Waterford (86)
Garage Spaces	2.0	County	New London
Total Parking	2	Walk Score ®	15

Schools

Elementary School	Quaker Hill
Middle School	Clark Lane Mid
Jr. High School	Clark Lane Mid
High School	Waterford

Additional Details

Taxes	5135

Features

2nd Bedroom Description	First Floor
3rd Bedroom Description	First Floor
Active Adult 55+ Community	No
Appliances Included	Central Vac, Dishwasher, Dryer, Oven/Range, Refrigerator, Washer
Asbestos Information	No Knowledge of Its Presence
Attic	Hatch Opening
Basement	Concrete Floor, Full Basement With Hatchway
Basement Finish Info	Unfinished
Cooling System Type	None
Dining Room Description	Combination Living/Dining Room
Driveway Type	Asphalt, Circular
Electrical	Circuit Breaker
Energy Features	Full Storm Windows
Exterior Siding	Brick
Flooring	Slate/Stone, Tile, Wood
Fuel Type	Oil
Garage - Type Of	Attached
Gated Community	No
Heat Type	Baseboard
Hot Water Source	Oil
Interior Feature	Granite or Corian Countertops, Open Floor Plan, Slider
Kitchen Description	Eating Space Kitchen, Remodeled
Laundry Room Location	First Floor
Lot Description	Corner, Level Topography, Neighborhood
Master Bedroom Description	First Floor
Mechanical Equipment	Central Vacuum, Intercom, Smoke Detector
Miscellaneous Feature	Public Trash Pickup
New Construction	No
Oil Tank Desc	Above Ground Tank
Property Type	Residential
Radon Information	No Knowledge of Its Presence
Sewage System	Public Sewer Connected
Style	Ranch
Water Source	Public Water Connected
Year Built Desc	Town Records

Location

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

(view all details for MLS #E262748)

Interesting Article from CNNMoney

Barbara — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 02:37:51 +0000

Foreign buyers scooping up U.S. homes

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) — Hey, wealthy foreigners! Want to live in the U.S.? Buy a home here.

International purchases of American homes are ramping up, and a new Senate bill designed to boost the ailing real-estate market would encourage globe-trotting investors to buy even more. Read the rest of the article here

If you are looking to invest in Coastal Connecticut – call us!

Barbara — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 21:11:31 +0000

Interesting Article by Brian Lewis – Bloomberg – 8/15/2011

New York Commercial Property May Beat Las Vegas

Commercial-property buyers may shift their focus back to big coastal cities in the U.S. as persistent economic weakness and Europe’s sovereign-debt crisis prompt a retreat to the safest investments.

Investors have been moving into secondary markets such as Dallas and Minneapolis amid growing confidence in the recovery and soaring prices that drove down yields on office buildings, shopping malls and apartments in prime cities including New York, San Francisco and Washington. READ MORE

If you are looking to invest in luxury real estate instead of gambling in other markets – give us a call!