Connecticut Ranch Style Homes - 06/29/07 03:26 PM
Ranch style homes that dominated new construction during the 50's and 60's make up the bulk of entry level homes in today's real estate market.   These one-story homes were often developed in suburban locations on quarter to half-acre lots. Today they offer an affordable entrance into the housing market.
From the exterior home maintenance is relatively easy, painting, window washing and gutter cleaning is typically much more convenient than it is with two-story homes. With one level living interior upgrades are also much simpler.  Access from the basement or attic allows easy updates.
Operating cost can also be cheaper because you are not … (6 comments)

Heart Rate Training - 06/26/07 05:43 PM
It has been 6 months since Christmas when I received a heart rate monitor and began a more scientific approach to running.  Now I'm looking at my historical data without seeing improvement, actually it seems I slowed down.
During 2006 my training consisted of running against the clock.  For the first half of the year I'd do the same course around my neighborhood and by summer I developed a new route adding a few miles.  Once the cooler weather of fall arrived I combined both routes into a long run.  Training was up to 5 days a week with about 30 miles of running.
My first … (14 comments)

Real Estate Riches - Quick & Easy? - 06/25/07 03:08 PM
Quite often I wake up at night and aimlessly flip through TV channels in search of interesting content. Last night was one of those occasions where I stumbled into a Financial Guru's Infomercial.  This one is coming to the area and he was touting the millions he made in just 18 months. If one program isn't right just flip the channel because someone else may have years of experience teaching millions of people the secrets of success.
You do not need money, there are government grants to help you.You do not need credit, sellers will be happy to help with financing.You do not … (17 comments)

Fairfield Half Marathon 2007 - 06/24/07 06:21 PM
Welp.... My first one is DONE.  I was up early this morning and hopped the 6:55 train out of New Haven instead of battling traffic and parking around Jennings Beach.  Surprisingly there were not as many runners as I expected to see at Union Station.
I arrived about an hour before the start and got my paperwork done since I did not pre-register.  The crowd filled the beach and parking lot and if I recall corrrectly they announced a record number of about 3000 runners.
 
The Fairfield Half Marathon ( 13.1 Miles ) was a tougher course than anticipated.  Starting down on … (8 comments)

North Haven Town Budget : 2007-2008 - 06/20/07 07:36 PM
The second attempt to pass the North Haven Budget succeeded by 136 votes!  Since this is the second year of the property assessment phase-in you can calculate your new tax bill using the projected mill rate of 26.26
Here is an example of how the new budget will affect the first house on the list, it happens to be a Raised Ranch in the Montowese Section of North Haven.
7/1/06 Assessment : 203.280 x 28.70 = $5834.16
7/1/07 Assessment : 244.369 x 26.26 = $6417.13
Here is another example that I pulled from the MLS.  The house is currently the median priced active listing in North … (3 comments)

Are you a good neighbor? - 06/19/07 04:00 PM
While reading the newspaper this morning I noticed the Guilford Noise Ordinance passed.  Seems like a silly law that says commercial and residential property owners cannot exceed noise levels beyond their property lines.
The fact is we all need to step back and think about common courtesy. I contemplate this subject every year around this time.  The weather is nice and annoying neighbors constantly interrupt my peaceful existence.
The guy next to me is a lawn maintenance nut with more equipment than brains.  He pulls out his big commercial mower and stands on the back riding around his yard for hours a … (15 comments)

NO HABLO your rights - 06/12/07 08:52 AM

The latest controversy in New Haven has been Mayor Little John's brainstorm to provide ID cards to help enable ILLEGALS enjoy hassle free services.
If I recall correctly he proposed this foolish idea during his failed attempt to become Governor of Connecticut but backed off when he realized his big fish ideas were not widely accepted outside of his New Haven Pond.
Now he is whining because the Feds decided to have a little round up after the illegal ID program was approved 25-1 by the city aldermen.
I have a question - Any attorneys out there?   My understanding of the law is not very sophisticated … (4 comments)

108 Main Street Ext. - Middletown, CT 06457 - 06/10/07 05:31 PM
Excellent Entry Level Investment Opportunity!
Two-Family home just listed for $174,900. 
First floor unit has 2 bedroom and has been occupied by the same family for many years.  Rent is currently $520 month to month.
Second floor was originally the same layout as the first but one of the bedrooms was divided to create a 3-bedroom unit.  The monthly rent is set at $650.
Conveinent locations just off the East Main Street Extension Exit of Route 17.  Drive by and if you like what you see arrange a private showing.  24 hours minimum notice required.
List Price :  $174,900
2 - Family:   1803 s.f.
Lot :  0.13 Acre - … (3 comments)

Approaching my first Half Marathon - 06/08/07 07:28 PM
Do you have trouble finding time for your exercise routine? 
In the fall of 2005 I started walking and completed my first 2 mile event at the Madison Turkey Trot with the first snow of the season covering the ground. 
One year later my long distance goal was the 5 miler on Thanksgiving Day in Madison.  No snow at the 2006 race but instead we had a hard rain with 30 mph winds and a temp of 40. Even with the chilly conditions I ran in shorts and managed to maintain my 5k pace for the 5 mile rainy race.
Back in January before I discovered ActiveRain … (25 comments)

Home for Sale - Curb Appeal - 06/04/07 03:38 PM
Curb Appeal - Where does it begin?
The most attractive homes move quick so many agents will suggest homeowners brighten up the exterior of their property in order to make the best first impression.  I suggest clients literally start at the curb with their mailbox. 
As a real estate agent the mailbox is often the first thing I notice while driving down the street looking for a home. In my area they come in all shapes and sizes.  The majority of newer mailboxes seem to be the functionally molded plastic type that do a fine job but do not offer much character.
While … (6 comments)