the running realtor: The Running Realtor's TNT Update - 02/19/08 06:34 AM
My first month with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training has been hectic.  Being in the Real Estate Business gave me one big advantage over some of my other teammates.  Since being a Realtor involves a fair amount of marketing I already had systems in place to deal with mass mailings.  The first week I spent composing a letter and printing my initial mailing to 150 friends and past clients.  Concurrently I submitted a press release to a few local newspapers and both acted fast in publishing the news.
Since I am so heavily involved in on-line activities I was surprised by … (14 comments)

the running realtor: Running Realtor joins Connecticut Chapter of Team in Training - 01/18/08 11:09 AM
On January 1st when I sat in my office waiting to run the Frosty 5k in Guilford my thoughts of a running goal for the year was not well defined.  At the end of my first year running I did a 5 miles, my second year's goal was completion of a half marathon and at the beginning of my third year a full 26.2 mile marathon seemed huge. Initially my idea was to call it a plateau year and just stick to my 5k events and try another half hoping to improve my time.
One of the first pieces of mail I received in … (18 comments)

the running realtor: Running Realtor Extends Real Estate Boundaries - 01/15/08 06:00 AM
In our expanding world economy Real Estate is still primarily a local business. Many people remain tied to the same geographic area where their friends or family reside and typically limit their search territory for a new home to a handful of towns. When people need to relocate they normally don't think of their local agent as a resource in the new destination.
As part of my ongoing effort to deliver service above and beyond the average agent I have been expanding my network of Realtors around the country. Unlike many agents that offer to toss your name into a Relocation companies … (37 comments)

the running realtor: Races for The Running Realtor in 2008 - 01/14/08 11:44 AM
 
This year has started out great for Running and Real Estate.  New Year's Day I spent an hour or so in my office on the Guilford Green waiting for the start of the Frosty 5k. Last year I opted not to run this event in the cold pouring rain but the morning showers paused just in time for the run.  It turned out to be a personal record for me, my fastest 5k.
Real Estate is also looking very good after only two weeks of the new year.  Mortgage rates are near the historic lows and both buyers and sellers are accelerating … (20 comments)

the running realtor: Branford, CT 06405 - 2007 Home Sales - 01/12/08 11:34 AM
After hearing all the media hype during the past year concerning home sales consumers must be confused. One day you read how terrible the market is and a week later you may notice an article stating home prices have rising. The truth is Real Estate is local and data covering a broad geographic area can be misleading.
On the first day of the new year I gathered my facts based on sales recorded in our Multiply Listing Service and posted the results for my 5 primary towns. Many towns saw a decrease in sales price and volume but in Branford the median … (4 comments)

the running realtor: Madison CT, 06443 - 2007 Home Sales - 01/05/08 07:34 AM
Do you ever wonder what those homes are worth when you're driving around town?  Below are a sampling from the roughly 230 single family properties that sold during 2007. To give you an indication of Madison's diverse housing stock I have chosen 30 homes from each end of the spectrum. 
Modest homes start in the low 200's and several million dollars can be spent in prime neighborhoods.  The median sales price in 2007 for the town of Madison was about $525,000.  Half the residential properties sold for less and half for more.  Madison remains one of the most affluent towns in … (4 comments)

the running realtor: How much is my home worth? - 01/04/08 09:47 AM
Welcome to the Prime Spring Market in Real Estate for 2008!
You may be thinking the frigid temps outside are better suited for winter hibernation but time truly flies and if you are considering a move this year now is a good time to get started with the groundwork.  Many homeowners in the early stages of considering a move are reluctant to seek the knowledge they need to make an informed decision.  There always seems to be one more repair or a bit more cleaning that should be done before talking to "The Realtor"  Now is the perfect time to request a free … (12 comments)

the running realtor: Guilford CT, 06437 - 2007 Home Sales - 01/02/08 10:36 AM
Many buyers and sellers like to spend their time poking around on the internet long before they decide to seek the help of a Real Estate Agent.  Many sites will get you information about homes currently on the market but finding actual sales prices involves a little more work.  Below is a sampling of single family homes in Guilford, CT that closed during 2007 to give you an idea of prices based on the size and location of the home.
Many factors contribute to the sales price, if you are a homeowner within my market area and would like a no obligation … (6 comments)

the running realtor: Connecticut Shoreline Year End Home Sale Prices - 01/02/08 07:42 AM
Single family home sale prices show mixed results for 2007.  Although the real estate market has not seen the gloom and doom that was widely speculated during the boom years it has been adjusting and the number of homes sold during the year dropped in most areas.  The shift in sales has been towards lower priced homes so the demand for upper level properties has cooled and as supply exceeded demand the price drifted lower.
The most affordable towns in my primary market remain North Haven & North Branford where prices have been fairly stable in the low $300's for the … (8 comments)

the running realtor: Guilford Frosty 5k - 2008 - 12/31/07 07:06 AM

 
How many of you are starting the year with a resolution to get into better shape? You can begin at the Guilford Rotary Club's FROSTY 5k.   The 3.1 mile road race might be a little ambitious if you have not been exercising but there is a 2k Walk that should suit any fitness level. Registration opens at 9:30 at the Church Street Community Center and the race will start and finish on the Guilford Green.
Event:   Guilford Frosty 5k
When:  January 1, 2008 at 11:00 am
Where: Guilford Green - Exit 58 off 95 and go south on Route 77
Last year a cold rain was pouring down so I decided … (18 comments)

the running realtor: Connecticut Property Tax Appeals - 12/26/07 12:02 PM
During the final week of the year many people will pay their property taxes due in January so they can take a tax deduction off this years income.  While you focus on the April 15th filing deadline for your income taxes you might want to consider a faster approaching deadline on February 20th to appeal property taxes.
Have you felt the pinch of skyrocketing property taxes?  According to this recent article property taxes have soared 50% nationwide from 2000-2006.  During that same time frame inflation has increased 17% while household income has dropped 2%.  
Being in the real estate business we see … (4 comments)

the running realtor: The Gloom and Doom of Foreclosures - 12/18/07 12:42 AM
Welcome to Tee'd Off Tuesday!   This may actually be the last one of the year unless Santa leaves me a lump of coal next week on Christmas morning!
I'm a man of routine and part of my morning ritual includes reading the newspaper with a few cups of coffee.  Today the front page headlines screamed more gloom and doom in the real estate world.  While reading the paper I also have the TV tuned into the morning news. One of the field reporters was live in West Haven with the camera panning a few for sale signs talking about the hard … (15 comments)

the running realtor: Tis The Season.... I'm Gonna Shop... - 12/15/07 01:44 AM
 
I'm Trying.... I'm Trying....  This year I just can't seem to kick myself into the mall. Ten days til Christmas so this morning I slipped into my Holiday Undies and grabbed my stack of Christmas Cash with a mission.... Shop Til I Drop!
Well.... I'm still here....  The thought of aimlessly wandering around on a Saturday just doesn't seem to get me in the Holiday Spirit.  I am defeated before I begin.  
Being in the Real Estate business we must learn to self-motivate ourselves.  Consumers hear the gloom and doom that the media sends everyday and we as agents feel the results … (28 comments)

the running realtor: Oh Danny Boy You Think Too Much - 12/13/07 08:56 AM
I'm sitting here this afternoon finally addressing all my "Holiday Cards" as the snow accumulates outside my window and as usual my mind begins to wander.  The first thing I realized as I glace from my Excel list to the envelope is the fact that I never heard the CD included with the card. 
I pop it into the computer and as I listen to the songs I begin to and think of all the politically correct baloney I have read this season. Remember not to say Ho! Ho! Ho! because it may offend some women.  Santa needs a slimmer look because after … (25 comments)

the running realtor: Christmas Shopping Crunch Time - 12/10/07 04:57 AM
The final two weeks have arrived.... It is Crunch Time for Christmas Shopping!
This year I am way behind schedule, could be the warm weather this fall or just the usual dread of aimlessly wandering around looking to spend money of "stuff" that I know we don't need. 
Maybe I'm a bit more cynical than most but I am tired of the excessive commercialization of holidays.  This is nothing new and a discussion I have had with my wife over the years but I have never successfully figured out how to reverse the trend for MORE.... It's not just about money,  It's about having to … (16 comments)

the running realtor: Christopher Martins Christmas Run for the Children - 12/08/07 09:49 PM
 
Today is race day!  The Christopher Martins 5k was my first running event when I started my latest fitness routine back in 2005.  After spending several weeks walking in preparation for a 2k Thanksgiving Day Event I enthusiastically took on running and made the rookie mistake of cramming my training into just a few weeks.
After that first 5k which I completed with a time only 23 seconds per mile faster than my walk I hobbled around for a week.  Severe knee pain slowed me down as I continued to train and realized the importance of stretching. 
In 2006 this race … (7 comments)

the running realtor: Holiday Happy Hour in Hamden - 11/30/07 11:50 AM
 
We're Having a Party!!!  Nothing real organized so maybe party is a little strong but I was talking to Maggie the other day about doing lunch or grabbing a drink before the holidays and it evolved into Friday Night at Aunt Chilada's in Hamden.
After a little more discussion we figured we'd toss out an open invitation to anyone that wants to swing in and join us.  Whether we have 4 people or 40 I'm sure we'll have a great time upstairs in the happy hour lounge.  
Who:  Rainers, Realtors, Mortgage Brokers or friends.
What: An Unorganized Holiday Happy Hour - Drinks on you!
When:   Friday … (12 comments)

the running realtor: Cyber Monday Marketing Myth - 11/25/07 12:47 AM

The Cyber Monday Marketing Myth began with the 2005 shopping season to create media frenzy and brainwash the masses into thinking they should be sitting at work spending money instead of doing their job.  As it turns out there is no basis for calling Cyber Mondayanything other than media hype.  Looking back at on-line sales for 2005 cited data the shows the first two Mondays in December were actually busier then Cyber Monday.
So... With Black Friday behind you and Cyber Monday approaching are you finding the bargains?  From what I have heard and seen Black Friday may be one of the biggest … (16 comments)

the running realtor: Friday Fun for the Fitness Fanatic - 11/23/07 01:57 AM
Just stumbled into this video and thought it might bring a smile to the face of all the fitness fanatics as you beat yourself up over the calories consumed on Thanksgiving Day and will most likely continue to devour in the coming months.    Tis the season to be Jolly....   Enjoy your workout! 
I will continue to run around New Haven County this winter but feel free to contact me if you need assistance Buying or Selling a home in my territory.  Email:  Dan@CummingsTeam.com      24 Hr. Access Line:  203-672-2455
 
… (20 comments)

the running realtor: Understanding Real Estate Services for Home Buyers - 11/18/07 10:31 AM
Home buyers are often confused as to the role a real estate agent plays in making their dream of homeownership a reality.  With the vast resources on the Internet in this day and age many feel they can "go it alone" to gather data and educate themselves.  But... Why?
The answer is usually because they are in the early stage of considering a move and don't want to feel pressured or waste an agents time. Since most real estate and mortgage professionals are paid by commission it is true that unless the prospect ends up at the closing table we are not … (17 comments)