You Ask, We Answer: Do I Need to Waterproof My Basement? Though we’re only a week into fall here in Connecticut, it’s already been a wet one–and with all the rain we’ve had, some Connecticut homeowners may have noticed their basements are feeling more damp than usual. What’s more, some may have seen water seepage or standing water in their basements. If you’ve been noticing your basement...
You Ask, We Answer: Why Do I Need to Have My Chimney Professionally Cleaned This Fall? This weekend marks the fall equinox, and we here at Calcagni Real Estate couldn’t be more excited. Autumn in New England is a magical time; between the stunning foliage, pumpkins and mums, fall festivals, and the first fires in our fireplaces, it’s hard not to love this cozy season! But if you haven’t had a...
You Ask, We Answer: How Can I Tell What the Property Lines Are for My Connecticut Home? From building a fence to installing a swimming pool or planting trees, knowing where the property lines are for your Connecticut home can not only help you decide the best places to add these items, but they can also help you avoid disputes with your neighbors when you do. Here’s how to tell what the property lines...
You Ask, We Answer: What’s the Best Way to Move at the Beginning of the School Year? Moving at any point during the year can be a challenge, but moving at the beginning of the school year can be disruptive to the entire family. While many parents try to put off uprooting their children in the middle of the school year, sometimes, it just can’t be helped. But with some careful planning and...
You Ask, We Answer: How Can I Get My Home Ready for Back-to-School? Summer is nature’s way of giving us permission to skimp on daily chores. Isn’t that how the saying goes? Between vacations and beach days, summer camp and happy hour outdoors, it’s easier–and more fun!--to let the everyday tasks of homeownership take a back seat. But if you’re like us here at Calcagni Real Estate, come...
You Ask, We Answer: How Can I Protect My Home From Heavy Rains? You’ve probably noticed that our rain storms in Connecticut have become more powerful, dumping a large amount of rain in a short amount of time–and that can lead to flash floods, leaky basements, and water damage in your home. As we head into autumn with indicators pointing to a strong season for hurricanes and tropical storms, we here at...
You Ask, We Answer: How Do I Know It’s Time to Downsize? Your Connecticut home has served you well over the years. You’ve made countless memories within those walls and made seemingly endless improvements both large and small to make your abode yours—but lately, you’re wondering if perhaps there isn’t an easier way of living in your future. If you’ve been mulling over whether or not a smaller...
You Ask, We Answer: How Can I Make My Home More Climate-Safe? Soaring temps, skyrocketing energy bills, storms that deliver a month’s worth of rain: Climate change is bringing rapid shifts to the doorsteps of our Connecticut homes, but you can take some simple steps to make your home more climate-safe. Here are our favorites–and rest assured, some of them don’t cost a thing (and may save you money,...
You Ask, We Answer: What Is an Eco-Friendly Yard? This summer has been a scorcher, and with so much focus on climate change, it’s no wonder more of us are considering what we can do to make a difference. Creating an eco-friendly yard is a great place to start, but it doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch. Whether you implement one of the ideas below or all of them, taking the time to allow them...
You Ask, We Answer: Can I Make a Big Purchase Prior to Closing? Your Calcagni Real Estate agent found you a Connecticut home you fell in love with and you’re finally in contract to buy it. Congratulations! Now that you’ve secured your mortgage lender and are waiting for the closing, it’s important to know what to do to keep your deal together–-and what not to do. At the top of the “not” list?...