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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?...

You Ask, We Answer: How Can I Keep My Countertops Clutter-Free? No matter how much counter space we have in our kitchens, somehow, it never feels like enough. This is probably because the kitchen truly is the heart of any home: a place to eat, to socialize, to do homework or jump on a work call. With all the ways kitchens meet our needs, it makes sense that our countertops become catch-alls as we move...

You Ask, We Answer: What Are 5 Things First Time Homebuyers Should Know? Buying a home for the first time can feel thrilling at some moments, and overwhelmingly stressful at others. But there are a few ways to help tip the balance so the stress of it all takes a backseat to one of the most exciting decisions of your life–and with a little preparation beforehand, you may even come to enjoy the process of...

You Ask, We Answer: Which Flowers in My Garden Are Edible? Ah, summertime! The flowers are in bloom, fresh fruits and veggies are available in abundance, and cookouts and picnics are a regular and welcome occurrence. If you love to entertain friends and family but find you’re in a rut when it comes to wowing them with your table, take heart: You can create a stunning summer spread by accenting your food...

You Ask, We Answer: What’s the Best Way to Move in the Summer Heat? With a summer heat wave making its way across much of the country, our thoughts are turning to moving in the hot weather. While summer is a very popular time for people to move, especially for those with families, moving in the heat can present unique challenges that should be taken seriously to ensure you, your movers, and your...

You Ask, We Answer: When Is the Best Time to Water My Garden? You’ve planted your flowers and veggies, trimmed your shrubs, and coaxed that particularly finicky plant back to life. In short, your Connecticut garden is starting to really thrive, and to keep it that way, you’ve been watering it regularly. But did you know that when you water your garden matters? To help keep your plants healthy this...