Erik LaChapelle and his children settled into their new home in August. It was an arduous journey to get there. He'd been looking in Montville, Connecticut, for a home with a little land, between 1,400 and 2,000 square feet, and three bedrooms, but there were few homes for sale, and he was competing with other buyers. He put in six bids on properties and lost out, often to buyers who came to the table with cash.

The market challenges were less daunting with the help of his Realtor, Scott Pellerin of Coldwell Banker Realty. They felt certain the right home would come along, and it did. LaChapelle bought 12 Lochdale Drive, a three-bedroom colonial with a two-car garage and a pool. His offer was strategic, and it won the seller's nod. He said the transaction went smoothly from bid to closing table. They moved in right before the start of the school year.

"It's a good neighborhood for the kids to play outside and have a place to ride their bikes and enjoy the outdoors," he said.

LaChapelle is fond of his new home, and his kids especially enjoy the pool. "We're already looking forward to next summer," he said. "I couldn't have asked for a better house. It's a nice, quiet area, with a bit of privacy, and yet, it's close to everything."