If you are planning to move or simply want to have a house that others envy, it’s important that you pay attention to your homes curb appeal.  A home’s curb appeal is the first impression that onlookers will have on your home. Whether you are trying to sell your home or simply want to impress your guests, making sure that your home has a picturesque exterior is key.

Curb appeal is important as the overall appearance of your home from the street can make or break a sale or opinion on your home.  If you were looking to buy a home, you would likely do a drive by to see what the exterior of the home looks like. You are immediately judging the entirety of the home and it’s value based on what the outside looks like. This is why it is so important to make sure your home has curb appeal.

The way to give your property more curb appeal would be by making your home look picturesque and low maintenance. To make a good impression, you want to make it so anyone would be able to imagine themselves living there. Two main ways to achieve this is with landscaping and updating/upgrading.

Landscaping

• Make sure your house looks clean and neat
• Your lawn should be mowed & trimmed
• Gardens should be weeded and have an edging on it (try to avoid plastic edging if possible)
• Get rid of any clutter in the yard such as kids toys, bikes, and garden tools.
• Add low-voltage landscape lighting to add safety & security

Update & Upgrade

• Put a fresh coat of paint on the house & front door. (Make sure the front door complements your home’s exterior and landscape.)
• Update an outdoor space such as a porch, deck, or garden by installing more furnishings to make it more of a living space.
• Replace the house numbers to make it look fresh and new.

Updating your land to make it have more curb appeal doesn’t have to be an expensive activity. Just a little bit of effort can turn your home into one that has a “WOW” factor.

There are mixed reviews on whether or not joining a homeowners association, also known as HOA, is a good thing.  Some people like the rules and structure that goes along with it, while others detest being told that they can’t do something with their own property.  It’s important to know exactly what you’re getting into when you decide to live somewhere that is part of a HOA.

The Basics

There are a few basic things you should know about HOAs that can be seen as a pro or a con, but are more based off one person’s opinion than a general consensus.

1. When you decide to buy a property such as a condo, townhouse, or a home that is part of a gated community, you are required to join that community’s HOA and pay monthly fees to maintain the upkeep of public areas.

2. HOAs set rules that all residents must follow. These rules are called CCRs or covenants, conditions, and restrictions.  Some of these rules can include what color your front door must be painted or the size and types of pets permitted.

3. The HOA is likely to enforce the rules. If you were to break them, you will likely be fined.

 

For a brief breakdown, here is a list of the pros and cons of living in a home that is part of a homeowners association.

Pros

• HOAs maintain the quality of life for everyone that is part of it.
• They protect property values for all owners.
• HOAs provide amenities.
• They reduce your home owning responsibilities.

Cons

• There’s little you can do if you don’t like a rule.
• If you choose not to follow a rule, you’ll likely be fined.
• HOA dues can be raised at anytime.
• An HOA can evict you or foreclose on your home if you repeatedly don’t pay your dues.

Historical neighborhoods are all over the United States and they’re easy to fall in love with.  They have a unique beauty and style that gives the entire area charm. These districts are architecturally interesting and visually appealing, as they stand out from the norm and are generally well preserved.  Many homes in historical districts are envied due to their look, but you should make sure you know the facts before you think about moving to one.

The benefits of living in a historical district are numerous. Your home would be the envy of many history buffs and something important or interesting in the past might have happened in your home.  Your neighborhood will likely stay the same or not change too much structurally due to federal codes and regulations. There is generally a strong sense of community in historical districts.  These districts bring an economical value to the city, besides just the cost to buy one of these homes.  Historical districts tend to attract tourists, which can bring more tax dollars into the community.  Homes and buildings are to be preserved as best as possible to keep the history and the charm alive, which has some visual appeal.  Historical homes also get the added benefit of possible local and federal tax credits in order to help cover the costs for preservation and renovation.

While there are numerous benefits to living in a historical district, there are some obvious drawbacks that you should be aware of.  Living in a historical district, you can expect is to be a bit more expensive.  It may be more expensive to purchase than a home of the same kind outside the district, but it is also a bit more expensive to restore.  For example, if you were going to restore a window, you would need to replace it with one that is historically accurate.  This could be harder to find and more expensive to purchase.  You are forced to stick to strict guidelines as far as building and renovating that you would not otherwise have living elsewhere.

There are plenty of benefits to living in a historical district, but if you are more interested in tailoring a home to your needs instead of living in a home that was a part of history, living in a historical district may not be for you. 

Have you ever gone on vacation and pictured what it was like to live there all the time? If you're thinking about moving to a touristy area, please read on to see a few of the pros and cons.

 

PROS

Easy Access To Attractions
One of the best things about living in a tourist town is that there’s never a shortage of things to do. The location depends upon what is offered, but there’s always going to be something to do. If you need a break from the typical attractions, fear not! Living in a touristy area means certain attractions (concerts, carnivals, circus, etc.) might travel to you! In addition, there will likely be plenty of good restaurants of several varieties that you can choose from!

Thriving Local Economy
With many tourists visiting the area, your local economy will get a huge boost.  This goes beyond just the hospitality and tourism industries.  Tourists will have an affect on a plenty of stores, gas stations, restaurants, and more. A tourist location can help provide more jobs for the locals.

Better Transportation Options
This may not be true with all touristy areas, but many of them will have better transportation options due to the influx of tourists. Want to go to an attraction or to the airport and not bring your car? There is sure to be public transportation, cabs, or Uber drivers available.

People Will Visit You
Instead of spending money on flights to visit your family or friends in various parts of the country, they are going to want to vacation near you! This will help save you money and catch up with people you haven't seen in a while.

 

CONS

Large Crowds
Because you live somewhere popular with the locals, there will likely be a lot of crowded places. The beach, the ski slopes, hiking, amusement parks etc. will always draw a bunch of people, which also means traffic, which nobody likes. If you enjoy running into people you know often when you go to town, moving to a touristy town is not for you.

Seasonal Ups and Downs
Some tourist areas have more ups and downs depending on the season. In the winter, ski-towns are thriving if the area gets a lot of snow.  However, in the warmer seasons, some businesses may shut down until the next winter. If your job is a seasonal job, this could seriously affect you.

Higher Prices
Expect higher prices whenever you go out.  The closer you are to the main tourist attractions in your town, the more expensive things will be.  This includes dining, gas, and home prices! 

The holidays are here and throughout Connecticut, people are celebrating with different festivals, events, or decorations to help put residents and visitors in the holiday spirit! Check out this list of things to experience in Connecticut during the holiday season.

December 4 – Holiday Stroll & Tree Lighting Ceremony
Walk Elm Street and enjoy festivities including singing carols and musical performances. Spot holiday characters like Frosty the Snowman, the Grinch, and Rudolph roaming around.  See the arrival of Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus who will light the tree in New Canaan’s shopping district.

Time: 5pm – 9pm

Address:
91 Elm Street
New Canaan, CT

Admission: Free

 

December 4 – Firelight Festival
Enjoy outdoor fires, popcorn, roasted marshmallows, s'mores, hot cider, and hot chocolate while visiting Connecticut's oldest house after dark. See the exhibit Holidaze: The Real Story of Halloween, Thanksgiving & Christmas, a reading of The Night Before Christmas and holiday ornament crafts.

Time: 4pm – 8pm

Address:
248 Old Whitfield St
Guilford, CT

Admission: $8 Adults; $6 Seniors & Students; $5 Children; under 6 Free

 

December 5 – Holiday Stroll & Tree Lighting Ceremony
Have your picture taken with Santa at Ralph Lauren Children's Store. See a magician, many holiday characters, and a brass ensemble bringing live music to the streets. An ice sculptor will be on hand at three different locations where you can see several characters being created from a block of ice.

Time: 10am – 4pm

Address:
115 Elm Street
New Canaan, CT

Admission: Free

 

December 5 – Winter Stroll
Enjoy an evening of music and chorus singers, a visit with Santa, activities for kids and more. There will be free samples of holiday treat and drinks as well as entertainment. At the Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center (300 Main St.) at 5:30pm - there will be a lighting of the "Heroes Tree" where those gathered around the tree will pay tribute to the deceased, the injured, and currently active members of our armed forces from Connecticut

Time: 5pm – 8pm

Address:
 310 Main St.
Old Saybrook, CT

Admission: Free

 

November 27 – December 12 - Gingerbread House Festival
The library will be transformed into a winter wonderland as local artisans and bakers show off their talents with an incredible array of candy covered houses. Many creations will be for sale along with other holiday themed gifts and treats in the Gingerbread Shoppe. Musical performances and decorating demonstrations will be scattered throughout the festival providing patrons with an uplifting and creative break during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

Time: Monday, Thursday, Friday - 10am - 8pm; Saturday & Sunday - 10am - 6pm

Address:
Wood Memorial Library and Museum
783 Main St. 
South Windsor, CT

Admission: Free

 

November 27 – December 20 – Holiday Lights
Witness a spectacular light show every half hour at the main gate with tens of thousands of dancing lights set to holiday music. Have fun on Kiddieland rides and family themed rides, including a train that is transformed into the North Pole Railway. Find strolling carolers, ice carvings, and festive entertainment along the grounds. Some indoor activities include cookie decorating, gingerbread house making, writing a letter to Santa and children listening to story time with Mrs. Claus.

Time: Friday - 4pm - 9pm; Saturday & Sunday - 5pm - 9pm

Address:
Lake Compounce Theme Park
186 Enterprise Drive
Bristol, CT 06010

Admission: Adult $14; Seniors & Children - $12. Children under 3 FREE

 

November 27 – December 20 – Santa’s Trolley Winter Wonderland
Take a ride into the past and enjoy complimentary cookies and hot chocolate. Children can visit with Santa and will receive a small gift from him.  The museum transforms itself into a wonderland of festive holiday lights.

Time: 10:30am - 7pm

Address:
Shore Line Trolley Museum
17 River St
East Haven, CT

Admission: Adults - $10; Seniors - $8; Children (2-15) $6

 

November 27 – December 20 – Santa Express
Take a train ride aboard the daytime Santa Express with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and friendly elves, along the Naugatuck River in the warm and comfortable 1920s vintage coaches. Each child on the train will receive a gift. Santa will spend time with each family during the ride.

Time: Depart at 2pm

Address:
Railroad Museum of New England
242 East Main St
Thomaston, CT

Admission: Free Parking; Adults $18; Seniors and Children (3-12) $16

 

November 27 – December 22  - Northern Lights Limited
Enjoy an evening train ride with a festival of lights both inside and outside the train. Journey to Santa's Train Workshop where Santa will board and greet everyone during the 80-minute train ride.  Santa will spend time with each family. Elves on the train will lead you in sing-alongs, while there is live music at the station and holiday decorations everywhere. Kids will receive a gift from Santa

Time:  Depart at 5pm & 7pm

Address:
Railroad Museum of New England
242 East Main St
Thomaston, CT

Admission: Free Parking; Everyone - $25. Under 3 – Free

 

December 5-6; 12-13; 19-20; 23; 26-27 – Santa Special
All aboard the Santa Special for a one-of-a-kind holiday experience. Little ones can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus during the 1-hour journey. Relax with family and friends aboard the decorated railway cars. Rudolph and Pablo the Penguin will spread some holiday cheer. Each child will receive a small holiday gift from Santa's elves.

Time: Depart at 11:30am; 1:00pm; 2:30pm

Address:
Essex Steam Train
1 Railroad Ave.
Essex, CT

Admission: Parlor Car - $40; Coach - $20

 

December 1-6; 8-13; 15-23; 26-29 – North Pole Express
Board the sleigh for a magical nighttime journey to the North Pole. Every coach becomes a stage for a life music performance of The Night Before Christmas. Celebrate with Santa and Mrs. Claus, sing-a-longs, hot chocolate, and sugar cookies. Take a trip to the North Pole to pick up Santa and Mrs. Claus and witness trackside displays. Children will receive a small gift from Santa. Children are invited to wear their favorite pajamas.

Time: Depart at 5pm; 5:30pm; 7pm; 7:30pm

Address:
Essex Steam Train
1 Railroad Ave.
Essex, CT

Admission: Parlor Car - $65; Coach - $32

 

November 27 – December 30 – Winter Fest & The Tunnel of Lights
Dress warm and bring blankets so you can enjoy a trolley ride on the open "electric" sleigh. Sing traditional Christmas carols as you travel down the track. Inside the Visitors Center, there are model trains, hundreds of decorations, and entertainment. Santa will be there until December 20th and will give a gift to each child. Enjoy the holidays with warm cocoa and music.

Time: 5pm - 9pm; December 26 - 30 - 6pm - 9pm

Address:
Connecticut Trolley Museum
58 North Rd
East Windsor, CT

Admission: Adults - $12; Seniors $10; Children (2-12) - $8; under 2 - $3

 

November 26 – January 1 – Holiday Light Fantasia
Enjoy a two-mile light show that transforms Goodwin Park into a drive through wonderland of holiday spirit with a beautiful collection of more than 1 million lights. There will be holiday scenes with familiar characters and local tributes that shine bright in over 200 individual displays. The lights celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, New Years and Three Kings Day.

Time: Sunday - Thursday - 5pm - 9pm; Friday & Saturday - 5pm - 10pm

Address:
Goodwin Park
1130 Maple Ave
Hartford, CT

Admission: $15 per car

 

November 10 – January 6 – Fantasy of Lights
Drive through more than 60 attractions including animated and LED light displays. See over 100,000 lights and show it off on social media using #fantasyoflights. 

Time: Sunday - Thursday - 5pm - 9pm; Friday & Saturday - 5pm - 10pm

Address:
Lighthouse Point Park
2 Lighthouse Road
New Haven, CT

Admission: Vehicles $10; Minibus - $25; Bus $50

 

November 24 – January 6 – Festival of Silver Lights
Illumination of more than 350,000 twinkling white lights with over 200 figures and building that are decorated.

Time: 5pm - Midnight

Address:
Hubbard Park
1000 West Main St.
Meriden, CT

Admission: Free