Lavanya's Connecticut Real Estate - Without the Hype

As a seasoned real estate investor with over a decade of experience managing rental properties across the Northeast, I've seen firsthand how state policies can make or break the viability of rental investments and still dealing through the process. Lately, there's been a lot of chatter online and in the media about skyrocketing rents in Connecticut, with many pointing fingers at "greedy landlords" for pricing people out of the market. While I empathize with tenants facing affordability challenges—especially in a state where homelessness has surged 45% in recent years—the narrative often overlooks the crushing economic pressures on property owners. In this post, I'll dive deep into evictions in Connecticut, drawing from my own cost-benefit analysis of rental ownership here. We'll cover the eviction process and timelines, pros and cons from both landlord and tenant perspectives, and the raw math behind making a deal profitable (or why many aren't). My goal? ...

The end of the year has a way of slowing everything down. And for a lot of people, that creates space for a question that’s been sitting in the background for a while: “Should we make a move next year… or stay put?” If that thought has crossed your mind—even casually—you don’t need to decide anything right now. But asking the right questions can give you clarity without pressure. Below are seven simple questions to walk through before making any real estate decision in 2026. 1. What’s Actually Driving the Thought of Moving? Most people don’t think about moving “randomly.” Something usually triggers it. Ask yourself: Are we reacting to a lifestyle change (space, location, family needs)? Is this more about finances or monthly costs? Are we feeling stuck or just curious about options? One of the most important distinctions is whether this thought is coming from discomfort or opportunity. Those lead to very different decisions, timelines, and outcomes. 2. Is This a Timing Question… or a Re...

  What if I told you that, over 30 years, the average homeowner will spend over $180,000 on repairs and maintenance? Sounds crazy, right? But when you break it down, it’s simple math: Homeowners spend an average of $6,087 per year on unexpected fixes, according to a recent survey conducted by Real Estate Witch. That’s more than most people’s annual property taxes or homeowners insurance. From HVAC failures to foundation cracks, home repairs aren’t just expensive—they’re inevitable. Yet almost half of homeowners admit they don’t actively budget for them. That’s why, of those surveyed, 59% said they wouldn’t be able to cover a $5,000 emergency repair without going into credit card debt. And 23% would need to use credit for a $1,000 repair. So, how much should you save? And what can you do today to avoid going into debt when disaster strikes? Let’s dive in. The Cost of Home Repairs Homeowners spend an average of $6,087 per year on maintenance and repairs—and that doesn’t include plan...