Litchfield Real Estate

Updated, well constructed 3-4 Bedroom Cape with views! Spacious first floor master bedroom with large closets, hardwood flooring and a full bath; charming eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances and a pantry; formal dining room with built in cabinets; large living room with hardwood flooring; comfortable den with fireplace and built in bookshelves; 2-3 bedrooms on the upper level with updated bath; screened-in deck with gorgeous views; one-car garage; beautiful flower gardens and a white picket fence situated on .92 acre. A fine value! $324,900

Move right into this immaculate seven room Torrington east side ranch with two-car garage on a quiet cul-de-sac. A grand entry leads to a bright open floor plan with hardwood flooring. The kitchen has a breakfast bar and leads to the dining room with French doors that open to an oversized deck. A great place for those summer barbeques. The spacious living room is comfortable and has a gas fireplace. The private master suite, two bedrooms and full bath are located on the main level. The lower level provides a large family room with gas fireplace, a full bath for guests and the laundry area. The .48 acre slightly wooded lot has a level, private backyard with a shed for storage. A truly comfortable home for busy lifestyles!

Litchfield: A nature lovers delight! This 3 bedroom 2 bath ranch style home is set on 5 peaceful acres with small orchard and pond. The great room boast a cathedral ceiling, Jotul gas fired wood stove, and a wall of windows perfect for dining by while taking in the views. Private yet close to town. Possible subdivide.
Offered at $289,000

Litchfield Housing Trust announces available home
The Litchfield Housing Trust is happy to announce the availability of a home in our land lease program. This two story Victorian house has three bedrooms, two full baths and is approximately 1300sf. It is in excellent condition with all new, or nearly new, appliances. It has electric baseboard heat and a gas fired log stove in the Living Room. The property is well maintained and has a detached storage shed.

The price of this home is $122,500. To be eligible to purchase this home the applicant must have a gross family income below 80% of the Median Family Income for this area and be able to secure a mortgage for the purchase of the home. See below for the income requirements. To make this home affordable, the Trust retains ownership of the land. The new homeowner owns the home and has a 99-year lease on the land. Thus, the owner needs to secure a mortgage only for the price of the home without the land.

If you are interested in this home, you can visit LitchfieldHousingTrust.org, write us at our Post Office Box, or contact me by email or phone. To begin the application process, you should complete a Statement of Interest, available on-line or by contacting me.

Bob Berson
Administrator
Litchfield Housing Trust
860-567-4465
Email: info@litchfieldhousingtrust.org

2010 Income Requirements
(Gross family income must be below these amounts)
Family Size - Family Income
3 - $58,000.00
4 - $64,400.00
5 - $69,600.00

Litchfield Housing Trust
P.O. Box 1121
Litchfield, CT 06759-1121

At some point in time most people are faced with the decision to either buy a home or continue renting, and with the expiration of the home buyer tax credit, that choice may be on many people’s minds these days.

Renting can make sense for those not yet ready to take on the responsibility of homeownership, but for those in a position to purchase a home it can offer immediate benefits and long-term value. According to Litchfield County Board of REALTORS®, Inc., the benefits of owning a home go beyond financial considerations.

“Homeownership is an investment in your future,” said Maria Bonetti, President. “While financial considerations are certainly important, a lot of today’s buyers are motivated by things beyond just dollars and cents. For many of them, homeownership is a lifestyle choice. They want a place of their own to raise a family, build memories, and be part of a larger community.”

For many people, owning a home is part of the American dream. It continues to be a goal of individuals and families from all walks of life. The NAR 2009 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers survey reveals buyers most often cite the desire to own a home as the primary reason for their recent home purchase.

Research suggests that homeownership also strengthens communities. Homeowners are more likely to be involved and engaged in local issues, and they move less frequently than renters. This helps prevent crime, improve childhood education and support neighborhood upkeep. According to the National Association of REALTORS® study, Social Benefits of Homeownership and Stable Housing, homeowners are more likely to vote and they volunteer time for political and charitable causes more frequently than renters.

“Buying a home provides families the opportunity to establish roots in a community. It’s also proven to be one of the best ways to long-term wealth, with equity accumulation and tax benefits over time,” said Bonetti.

Data from the Federal Reserve Board shows a typical homeowner’s net worth is 46 times that of a renter’s. Bonetti says would-be homeowners should also consider the incredible opportunities offered in the current market.

“The truth is, today’s buyers have a lot of advantages. Inventory is high, prices are affordable and mortgage rates are near 50-year lows,” said Bonetti. A buyer who’s ready to take the next step should contact a REALTOR® in their area who can help them begin to build their future through homeownership.”

To locate a REALTOR® in Litchfield County please visit www.litchfieldboard.com.

Respectfully submitted by,
Marilyn Relva-Papcun, Executive Officer
Litchfield County Board of REALTORS®, Inc.
(860) 482-9816

Litchfield Housing Trust
The Litchfield Housing Trust has an affordable house for sale in Borough of Litchfield for $127,5000. This is available only to people who meet the income requirements. The gross family income needs to be at or below 80% of the median family income for the area.
Continued

Contact:
Bob Berson
Administrator, Litchfield Housing Trust
Box 1121, Litchfield, CT 06759-1121
860-567-4465
bberson@optonline.net
http:.//www.LitchfieldHousingTrust.org

HouseLogic.com: The Logical Source for Homeowners
Homeowners who appreciate the long-term value of owning a home have a powerful new online resource at their fingertips. HouseLogic.com, developed by the National Association of REALTORS®, aims to help homeowners maintain and enhance the value of their home.

“HouseLogic takes owning a home to the next level, partnering with consumers to encourage more empowered and responsible homeownership – something REALTORS® have been doing for more than 100 years,” Maria Bonetti, President, said. “The Web site leverages NAR’s resources to provide insights, wisdom and tools to help homeowners make informed decisions about their home and the communities in which they live.”

HouseLogic is different than most of today’s home-related Internet resources in that it allows homeowners to plan and organize home improvement projects and track estimates of added value. Homeowners can customize the Web site to match their home project ambitions as well as their geographic location.

The free Web site provides timely articles and news; home improvement advice and how-to’s; and tax, finance and insurance information. Registered users can save important information, create to-do lists and set project reminders. They can decide how much money they want to spend or save on their projects and set their priorities, such as increasing the value of their home or improving their neighborhood. Users can also share their own insights and experiences.

HouseLogic also empowers homeowners who want to become more actively involved in shaping their communities. The site provides tools and insights into how to effect change and address community concerns, like establishing a neighborhood watch program, building a community playground, or participating in city or county planning efforts.

In addition, Bonetti explained that HouseLogic will keep homeowners informed of national issues that may affect them.

“From time to time, NAR may ask homeowners on the site to lend their voice and support to legislation or policies that may impact them as homeowners, on issues like mortgage interest deduction, eminent domain or green initiatives,” she said. “They can choose whether or not to partner with us – it’s up to them. Whatever the scope of their interest – whether big picture or closer to home, so to speak – consumers can use HouseLogic to make the most out of homeownership.”

courtesy of Litchfield County Board of REALTORS®, Inc.

Tenants & Landlords
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITES
Press Release (4-6-10)
Tenants and landlords will have the perfect opportunity to educate themselves and have questions answered regarding their rights and responsibilities at an Equal Opportunity in Housing Program on Thursday, April 15, 2010 with registration and crudités/coffee & tea beginning at 6:30 pm and the program at 7:00 pm at Cornucopia Banquet Hall located on 371 Pinewoods Road in Torrington.

The following speakers and topics relevant to Equal Opportunity in Housing in Connecticut will be presented during the program: Senator Kevin Witkos, District 8th, Laws on Fair Housing; Greg Kirschner, Esq., Connecticut Fair Housing Center, Update on Fair Housing Laws-Changes Since 2009; Claudia Sweeney, Executive Director of Torrington Housing Authority, Answer Questions from the Audience; Bruce Mochan, Executive Director of Winchester Emergency Shelter, Answer Questions from the Audience; Robert Zamlowski, Esq., Fair Housing Unit Supervisor, State of CT Commission on Human Rights & Opportunities, Examples of Cases Filed Including the Investigatory Process & the Outcomes; Jeffery Sussman, Equal Opportunity Specialist, Dept. of Housing & Urban Development Office of Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity, Fair Housing Laws Beyond the Fair Housing Act. Each presentation will be followed by a short question/answer period.

This public service program, designed to educate Connecticut tenants and landlords regarding their rights and responsibilities, is offered without charge to members of the public. Crudités, coffee and tea will be available during this program.

The program is presented by the Equal Opportunity in Housing Committee of Litchfield County Board of REALTORS®, Inc. without charge and is free and open to the Public. Limited seating available; reservations are STRONGLY encouraged! Seating is limited to a first come first served basis!
To register please visit http://www.litchfieldboard.com/?rm=lp&pg=EOHP or contact 860-482-9816.

Respectfully Submitted,
Marilyn Relva-Papcun, Executive Officer
Litchfield County Board of REALTORS®, Inc.
860-482-9816