West Hartford CT Real Estate Agent | West Hartford Realtor | Michael Chenkus

I'll make this one short ...

A fellow Realtor from my office went to one of his listings today to speak with the seller about the state of the market. His client offered him a piece of ginger cake and milk.

1 hour later, he came back to the office and slowly became numb, blood pressure up, and began having tremors.

After calling 911, the EMTs and police were able to figure out that his client had laced the cake with a marijuana concoction that sent his body into shock.

Sick joke by a sick individual that could have turned fatal.

Thank goodness he is ok now. I guess it's a lesson for all of us... watch who we trust!

Mortgage Rates Came DOWN this week..

This is information everyone should know! Pass this link around and share the news...

1 year ago - average rate of 6.31% + 0.5% in fees and points
1 week ago - average rate of 6.35% + 0.7% in fees and points
This week - average rate of 5.93% + 0.7% in fees and points

MORTGAGE RATES PLUNGE IN FREDDIE MAC WEEKLY SURVEY

McLean, VA - Freddie Mac (NYSE:FRE) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®) in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 5.93 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending September 11, 2008, down from last week when it averaged 6.35 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.31 percent.

The 15-year FRM this week averaged 5.54 percent with an average 0.7 point, down from last week when it averaged 5.90 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.97 percent.

Five-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) averaged 5.87 percent this week, with an average 0.7 point, down from last week when it averaged 5.97 percent. A year ago, the 5-year ARM averaged 6.17 percent.

One-year Treasury-indexed ARMs averaged 5.21 percent this week with an average 0.6 point, up from last week when it averaged 5.15 percent. At this time last year, the 1-year ARM averaged 5.66 percent.

(Average commitment rates should be reported along with average fees and points to reflect the total cost of obtaining the mortgage.)

"Interest rates for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages are down almost 0.6 percentage points over the past 4 weeks, which will help to spur home purchases and loan refinancing in coming weeks," said Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac vice president and chief economist. "This means that the monthly principal and interest payment on a new $200,000 loan is over $76 lower than a month ago.

"Lower rates have occurred at an opportune time, as the July pending sales data from the National Association of Realtors were off 3.2 percent from June. The Mortgage Bankers Association reported that refinance applications are up 18 percent over the past 3 weeks through September 5th, indicating that refinance activity has already begun to pick up."

Freddie Mac is a stockholder-owned corporation established by Congress in 1970 to provide liquidity, stability and affordability to the nation's residential mortgage markets. Freddie Mac raises capital on Wall Street and throughout the world's capital markets to finance mortgages for families across America. Over the years, Freddie Mac has made home possible for one in six homebuyers and more than five million renters.

Hi everyone! I'm back on my blogging box, and ready to roll.

Last week the Mrs. and I decided to take in a lovely summer evening in West Hartford Center and test out another of the new additions in Blue Back Square. There is nothing like a good summer movie in a brand new theater.

Criterion Cinemas sits directly in the center of Blue Back Square on South Main St. The facade is hard to miss, as it glows and welcomes you inside. (Not to mention Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Winebar is directly in front).

Step inside and you are transported to a modern spin on the classic feel of the studio days; days of Marilyn Monroe, Lucy and Dezi, and Gene Kelly. The color scheme is greys and deep reds mixes with chrome and stainless accents. It's a very modern look, while not pushing the envelope of a neon lit spaceship that so many cinemas go for.

There are only 6 screens at the theater, adding to it's charm. You don't feel overwhelmed by choices or screaming children with nothing to do on a Friday night... this is a place to simply take in a good film. First run films are the norm, with some indie flicks thrown in there from time to time.

I was suckered into a 'chic flick' so to speak -Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2- and had to endure for the sake of love. The Mrs enjoyed it thoroughly and even shed a few tears... and I actually enjoyed the film too! Here is info regarding the cinema. My suggestion is to park in/around the center rather than the Blue Back parking garages. Just remember to bring your quarters for the meter.

Bargain Matinees - All shows before 6PM Monday-Friday,and before 2PM Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays

General Admission - $7.50
Child (11 & under) - $7.00
Senior (62 & over, with valid ID) - $7.00

All Other Performances
General Admission - $10.50
Child (11 & under) - $7.50
Senior (62 & over, with valid ID) - $7.50
College Student (with valid ID) - $8.00 (Monday-Thursday only, excluding Holidays)

When making a financial decision as well as a life decision as important as a home purchase, you are best served to study data and details of the location you are considering.

West Hartford CT Real Estate has been strong throughout the past five years, dodging trends of other markets, and maintaining value as well as sales. (as show by the graph below)

This valuable data can help you determine what price range to shop in, how to best situate an offer, how to prepare for your move, among many other things. Your only chance to do your homework is BEFORE you go to contract. I encourage you to ask your Realtor the questions that matter. Have them provide the data you are looking for.

This is a fantastic market for both buyers and sellers (those priced right!). West Hartford CT Real Estate is a wonderful opportunity for growth, jobs, culture, children, and education.

I invite you to call me anytime. It will be my pleasure to assist in your real estate needs

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