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The final analysis of sales of residential properties in Waterbury for the 2009 year shows a definite decline from the values of 2008.

Being the 5th largest city in Ct and having a tradition of an old New England manufacturing town, it carries a negative stigma which is not deserved. The history of the town is the reason for property values being among the lowest in the state, and therefore is a starting point for many first time buyers not only within the state, but with New York City only an hours train ride away, many people found their way up here to but a home that would never be available to them in the boroughs. 

The sales numbers carry over as follows:

	CY 2009		CY 2008		Current active		Mos of Inventory	Currently under contract
RESIDENTIAL	562		602		404		8	105
CONDOS	153		168		193		15	29
MULTI-FAMILY	267		231		176		8	63

Not surprisingly the figures reflect app a 10% drop from the previous year, which would have been lower had it not been for the Fed Tax Rebate program. This program will carry the market through July, when it ends again.

Having the highest unemployment in the State at 10.9% does little to assist the growth of the town. The fact that the town's property values are typically 20-30% lower than neighboring towns allows first time buyers an affordable home. This uniqueness can trace itself back over 70 years to the hey day of the brass manufacturing done in the town, from which it earned it's name as the Brass Capitol of the World. During the war years the plants operated at maximum capacity, providing goods such as fuse times, bomb shell components, uniform buttons, etc. If it was made in brass, then in all likelihood it was made in Waterbury.  With such a large base needing employees, who in turn needed affordable housing, numerous multi-families were built around the center core of the town. Providing cheap housing kept the people in the town.

With the advent of plastics and other synthetic materials, eventually the need for brass goods waned, and with it the base for the large factories. Today there are still numerous smaller manufacturers around the town, but with efficiencies and automation the need for large volumes of workers is small. The Waterbury market creates many opportunities for first time home buyers that can recognize the opportunity to get started with home ownership.