Is it Yet Another Snow Holiday?  With another snowstorm looming, I know that many children are anxiously awaiting the "no school" call.  I think even the teens who sleep until the last possible second on a normal school day wake up early to check for cancellations!  After all, school has been back in session for almost a whole week after the holidays, so isn't it time for a break? My kids always rejoiced when they received the gift of a snow day, even when they knew they would have to make it up at the end of the year.  Their favorite way to check for school delays or cancellations was Connecticut Weather Inc. because they could refresh the page and watch the list grow until Cheshire High School finally showed up on the list.  Then they could go back to sleep.  Other places to check for... 01/06/2011

This Winter has been Murder on Real Estate Signs! Don't you just hate it when you are driving down the street and see a real estate sign that is hanging on by just one hook?  Well, maybe it doesn't affect everyone that way, but it certainly gets on my nerves--especially when they are my signs!  This winter, with all the snow and wind, has done a number on my signs! Yesterday I went to check one of my listings only to find that the post was there, but no signs at all (they are all set up like the one to the right).  I dug in the snow and found all the signs with the hooks pulled out of their "S" shape (do you know how hard that is?!).  Hopefully all my signs are back in shape and ready for the next storm that is threatening to hit tomorrow.  Can you do me a favor, though?  If you see a C... 01/06/2011

I am often asked about the classes that are required when one of my clients is using CHFA (Connecticut Housing Finance Authority) financing.  It is important that you get these classes done as soon as possible during the mortgage commitment period as they are a condition of your being able to qualify for the loan.  Here is a quick summary of the require education, depending on the loan type for which you are applying: 3 Hour - Homebuyer Education Class CHFA's three-hour class provides an overview of the financial and practical steps involved in buying and maintaining a home for CHFA loan applicants under the Downpayment Assistance Program, the Homeownership Program and the Home of Your Own Loan Program.  CHFA requires that applicants of the Downpayment Assistance, Home of Your Own Progr... 01/01/2011

Blizzard of 2010 - When You Get Back on the Road, Try to be Patient The arrival of the Blizzard of 2010 the day after Christmas has caused a unique situation that needs to be considered.  Many folks who traveled to the Northeast for the holidays now find themselves needing to get about in snow which they may not have encountered for many years.  Those of us who are used to the white stuff must bear this in mind when we hit the roads and highways over the next few days.  Remember that folks driving that car with "Enterprise" on the bumper may not know that it takes extra space to slow down in these conditions and that slamming on the brakes could send them into a tail spin. The roads near the airports (like Bradley International) will present even more of a challenge as many people get f... 12/27/2010

Do You know If Your Condominium Complex is FHA Approved? With so much financing being done today with FHA or CHFA (in Connecticut), it is imperative than your condominium complex has the necessary approvals to allow for this type of financing.  Once upon a time (prior to January, 2010), if a condo complex was not on the approved list, a spot check could be done; and as long as certain criteria was met, FHA financing could usually be completed.  However, this is no longer the case.  If condo complexes are not approved, sales of units can take a dramatically longer time.  Rather than the need for just 3.5% down and the closing costs for an FHA or CHFA loan, a buyer securing conventional financing would need to come up with 20% down plus closing costs.  This puts non FHA complexes out of t... 12/17/2010

Time to Trim the Trees with Care!! Okay, not the Christmas Tree (see below for more on that)--but just when you thought that it was safe to drive down the streets and not be delayed by construction, along come the Tree Trimming Crews in Cheshire to clear branches from around the power lines (don't they usually do this during the summer--maybe too much road construction this year). This morning while having breakfast, I heard large trucks pulling up in front of my house.  Of course it wasn't a total surprise as this year (for the first time) Cheshire residents had to sign a permission slip for them to be allowed to trim trees in front of our homes.  I went out to have a chat with the tree trimmers on this cold icy morning (I was glad I wasn't the one working out there) to let them know t... 12/14/2010

Santa Claus is Coming This Weekend to a Train Station Near You! Want to do something a little different this holiday season?  Take a ride on the Santa Express!  This weekend (December 18 and 19) is your final chance to join the fun from the Thomaston Train Station.  The train departs at 2 P.M. on Saturday and Sunday and runs along the Naugatuck River for one hour 20 minutes while your group visits with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their trusty elves!  The warm and comfortable coaches in which you will travel are part of a 1920s vintage train.  Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit each child. Tickets are free for age 2 and under (but the child must be seated on an adult lap).  Children 3-12 are $12; Adults are $14, and Seniors are $12.  You can purchase tickets online or at the Thomaston Station on... 12/13/2010

Time is Running out to Donate to Toys for Tots! We all get caught up in the holiday season, and sometimes the best of plans fall by the wayside.  Don't let that be the case with your Toys for Tots donation! Some of the locations I reported on in my last Toys for Tots post have already stopped accepting toys, but below is the information on businesses that are reported as still accepting as of today.  You can drop off any new unwrapped toy during business hours. CPM Insurance Service - 90 Hinman Street, Cheshire - Drop Dates November 1 - December 15, 2010. In Touch Massage & Spa - 350 South Main Street, Cheshire - Drop Dates November 1 - December 19, 2010. ACS - A XEROX Company - 7 McKee Place, Cheshire - Drop Dates November 15 - December 13, 2010. Central Connecticut Chiropractic - 391 ... 12/10/2010

Festival of Silver Lights at Hubbard Park - Have you experienced the amazing display of Holiday Lights at Hubbard Park in Meriden yet?  This is a central Connecticut exhibit not to be missed!  The lights to over 300 displays were turned on November 23, and they will be lit every evening through the first week of January.    If you have ever been driving along I-691 after dark during the holiday season, you have undoubtedly noticed the snowflakes on the south side of the highway--these a just a tiny piece of the fantastic display of lights throughout the park.  Also along the north side of I-691, you really can't miss the lights outlining Castle Craig.  This is not part of the light display that you can drive to (the road to the castle closed at night), but it is a wonderful view for the... 12/07/2010

Back by Popular Demand - Cheshire's Technology Petting Zoo!  Did you miss your chance last month to get your hands on the latest and greatest technology at the Cheshire Public Library?  Well, all is not lost.  By popular demand, the Cheshire Library is once again offering to tell you all you want to know but were afraid to ask (a salesperson) about e-Readers not once, but twice, this month!  Cheshire Library Director Ramona Harten reports that last month's Technology Petting Zoo was quite successful, so she decided to offer it again this month; but demand was so great that she has to do it twice (lots of people want to get their hands on the e-readers before making holiday gift-giving decisions). This month's Petting Zoos are being held on Thursday, December 9, from 2:00 to 3:00 P.M., a... 12/06/2010

The Cheshire Community Chorus will be presenting their "Sights and Sounds of the Season" concert on Sunday December 13 at 3 pm.  This will take place at Dodd Middle School at 100 Park Place, Cheshire Ct.  It is always very entertaining, and great family fun.  They will be performing a large selection of songs that will entertain all age groups!  Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students.  If you would like additional info you can call 203-272-0669 You can also check out their Blog at http://cheshirecommunitychorus.blogspot.com/ 12/05/2010

Calcagni Associates was featured on RISMedia today – Every weekday RISMedia sends out about 1 million e-mails around the country with interesting articles about home buying and home selling, and all the associated parts of both. Today’s e-mail came through with the Broker Spotlight on Calcagni Associates Real Estate. For all of you who would like to know more about Calcagni Associates Real Estate and its philosophy, be sure to check it out. And for more information on Calcagni Associates, here is the website (no I am not always on that front page of this website--just my own)! 11/22/2010

Text for Instant Listing Information and Pictures - Today I went out to the first of my properties to install a new hang sign for instant text information on the listing.  As you can see, I haven't abandoned my Flyer Box, because not everyone has a text plan or internet connection (for the fullest experience), so you still have your choice.  But just remember, the next time it is snowing hard, you don't have to get out of the car to find out more about my listings!                 Above you will see the two texts that will be received.  The first is the basic information on the property with a link to photos if you have internet capability on your phone, and the second is my contact information if you want to call me for even more information or a showning.  (Please note:  There is a gl... 11/18/2010

I Met Allan Dalton Today!  After years of knowing Allan Dalton as the head of Realtor.com and a speaker around the country, today I finally got to meet him in person at a Calcagni Associates Regional Office function at the Farms Country Club in Wallingford.  Allan and RisMedia put on the presentation to all the Calcagni Associates offices, and what he had to say was quite enlightening and thought-provoking.  I will be reading his book, Leveraging Your Links over the next few days, and I look forward to putting his ideas to practice in my business. Aside from the fabulous speakers, another important take-away from this gathering was new hang signs that will be showing up on most of the Calcagni listings that will direct buyers and the curious neighbors to text us for more information abo... 11/17/2010

Have You Experienced Ted's Steamed Cheeseburgers Yet?  Be prepared to wait in line as it is usually out the door at lunchtime.  However, the line moves quickly, and it is worth the wait.  Seating is limited, so get there early.  I bring clients from all over to get a quick bite--all are intriqued by the "steamed" nature of the burgers; and then there is the special cheese and the home fries.  This all adds up to a rewarding lunch experience.  Ted's Steamed Cheeseburgers is conveniently located about 30 seconds off I-691 on Broad Street.  Easy on and off at 1046 Broad Street, Meriden.  It is open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. and Sundays from 11:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M., so you have plenty of opportunity! Ted's Steamed Cheeseburgers is no stranger to publicity!  They ... 11/16/2010

Blackie's Hot Dogs - A Cheshire Tradition for Generations! - Imagine a hot dog stand that your children love that their great grandparents used to frequent!  That's what you will find in Cheshire with Blackie's Hot Dog Stand!  And what is even more unique, this hot dog stand has always been in the same family since it opened in 1928!  Oh, and did I mention the relish?  Blackie's has the most incredible Hot Pepper Relish! That alone is worth the trip! So the next time you find yourself in the area, unless it is Friday, be sure to stop by Blackie's Hot Dog Stand at 2200 Waterbury Road in Cheshire.  Why not on Fridays?  Blackie's is closed on Fridays all year round.  Thank you to CToriginals (Comment 4 below) for bringing to my attention the documentary they did on Blackie's Hot Dog Stand:   11/12/2010

Is school called off today?  Yesterday's freak snowstorm brought to mind how exciting it is for the kids to get a day off from school due to snow (or the possibility of it).  My kids always rejoiced when they received the gift of a snow day, even when they knew they would have to make it up at the end of the year.  Their favorite way to check for school delays or cancellations was Connecticut Weather Inc. because they could refresh the page and watch the list grow until Cheshire High School finally showed up on the list.  Then they could go back to sleep.  Other places to check for school closings are Channel 16 on Cox Cable (dedicated to all things Cheshire) and the local news channels (but you have to watch the list at the bottom of the page, and they always break for ads when it gets... 11/09/2010

Sunny with a High in the 50s?  Sometime during the night I woke to the sound of ice hitting my windows.  What happened to the "week ahead" (according to the Weather Channel) of Sunny with Highs in the 50s?  I washed my car yesterday, so I guess it is my fault!  Right now it is snowing those amazingly huge flakes that you only see with the first storms of the year . . . 11/08/2010

Cheshire's Lights of Hope - Tonight was the annual Cheshire Lights of Hope, and many luminaries lined the streets of town.  A full mile of luminaries on both side of Route 10 was an impressive sight along with a beautiful display at the Cheshire Acadamy and the First Congregational Church.  Cheshire's Lights of Hope mission is to unite as a community by lighting up our town in hope of a better world.  It was established in 2005 to encourage our community to have hope in the midst of the darkness that often seems more prevalent in our world. I hope that all who experienced tonight's wonderful display will come a way with a little more kindness in their hearts.  11/06/2010

Cheshire's Own Kind of Petting Zoo - Did you always love petting zoos when you were a kid or do you love taking your kids or grandkids to petting zoos?  Cheshire has a new kind of petting zoo coming to town--a technology petting zoo! On Monday, November 22, 2010, at 7:00 P.M., the Cheshire Public Library will present a "Technology Petting Zoo," a hands-on demonstration of eBook readers and other devices.  Library Director Ramona Harten will be in charge of the presentation which is for adults ages 18 and up.  Registration is required, so be sure to check out their website!  Here is your opportunity to hold and inspect the new wave of technology so you won't be afraid anymore!  I have been assured that all of the technology presented will be tame and none will bite.  So now is your chanc... 11/03/2010