lifestyle

The Pros and Cons of Buying a Fixer-Upper You've spent time scrolling #FixerUpper and watching your favorite Instagrammers remodel their homes, and now you're asking yourself, "Should I buy a fixer-upper?" If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. Before you grab your sledgehammer and start looking for the perfectly dilapidated home, read on. We're going through the pros and cons of buying a fixer-upper...

You Ask, We Answer: What are the Limitations of my HOA? Homeowners' Associations (HOAs) are organizations comprised of homeowners in a subdivision, planned community, or condominium complex that make and enforce rules for the properties and residents. People who purchase a property within a community with an HOA become members automatically and pay dues, known as HOA fees, that go towards the Association...

You Ask, We Answer: Is a Multigenerational Home Right for Me? If you’ve been thinking about purchasing a multigenerational home, the first step is to contact a Calcagni Real Estate agent. As they’ll tell you, there are many reasons to buy a multigenerational home, and just as many things to consider before you do. Here are a few things to think about when deciding if a multigenerational home is right...

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: How Can Solar Panels Save Money? Maybe it’s the cost of your utility bill. Or maybe it’s your passion to protect the planet. Whatever your reason for being curious about solar panels, you’ve probably heard that they can save you money on your household bills–and with inflation still being what it is, saving money sounds increasingly more appealing, doesn’t it? Here are a few...

You Ask, We Answer: How Can I Make My Holiday Guests Feel Welcome? The holidays are here! And that means welcoming out-of-town guests into your Connecticut home to share in all the joy of the season. If you’re feeling overwhelmed at the thought of entertaining overnight guests, take heart: With a few simple steps, you can make your guests feel welcome, cozy, and festive–and reduce your stress in the...

You Ask, We Answer: What are Accessory Dwelling Units?If you’ve been thinking about expanding the space you live in to accommodate your changing lifestyle while also expanding your privacy, we have good news. Whether you’re committed to staying in your current Connecticut home or are interested in investing in new construction, you can still make your dreams of extended space a reality. Get to know...

You Ask, We Answer: How Can I Make the Most of My Outdoor Patio? How you arrange the outdoor patio can go a long way to creating the perfect space for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying the summer. From where to place your fire pit to how to creatively divide eating and seating areas, the art of arranging furniture, plants, and lighting can all play an important role. If you’re wondering how to...

You Ask, We Answer: What Paint Colors Are Most Popular with Homebuyers? You may have heard that Connecticut homebuyers want to be able to picture themselves in the home you’ve just listed for sale. It’s one of the reasons your Calcagni Real Estate agent may have encouraged you to streamline or hide the amount of personal touches and photos you have around the house. But homebuyers are also...