The Tech Savvy Realtor

I just love life hacks

2012-01-04T08:46:00.001-05:00

Lifehacker (lifehacker): Before you throw away the dryer sheet you pulled out of your laundry, use it to polish up your fixtures: http://t.co/dAbWEXKc http://twitter.com/lifehacker/status/154558050416599040 (Sent via Seesmic http://www.seesmic.com)

Fixing America | Need to Know | PBS

2011-12-15T13:01:00.000-05:00

Is there any chance that we can actually accomplish any of these creative ideas?

Fixing America | Need to Know | PBS:

'via Blog this'

Why Daylight Saving Time Should Be Abolished | Observations, Scientific American Blog Network

2011-11-05T00:44:00.000-04:00

Why Daylight Saving Time Should Be Abolished | Observations, Scientific American Blog Network:

'via Blog this'

Senators Urge Innovative REO Rehab-to-Rent Strategy

2011-11-01T23:20:00.000-04:00

Senators Urge Innovative REO Rehab-to-Rent Strategy:

Insider’s Guide to Success with Short Sales | Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market Stats, Celebrity Real Estate, and Zillow News

2011-10-30T18:33:00.000-04:00

Insider’s Guide to Success with Short Sales | Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market Stats, Celebrity Real Estate, and Zillow News:

'via Blog this'

S&P/Case-Shiller August 10-city, 20-city indices up 0.2% from July « HousingWire

2011-10-25T19:28:00.000-04:00

S&P/Case-Shiller August 10-city, 20-city indices up 0.2% from July « HousingWire:

'via Blog this'

Housing refinance program offered by federal agencies - Oct. 24, 2011

2011-10-24T15:52:00.000-04:00

Housing refinance program offered by federal agencies - Oct. 24, 2011:

'via Blog this'

Foreigners are buying U.S. homes - Oct. 21, 2011

2011-10-24T15:44:00.000-04:00

Foreigners are buying U.S. homes - Oct. 21, 2011:

'via Blog this'

Woman Admits Role In City Mortgage Fraud

2011-10-16T21:05:00.000-04:00

Woman Admits Role In City Mortgage Fraud:

'via Blog this'

Boomers Are Betting on Real Estate | RISMedia

2011-10-15T15:25:00.000-04:00

Boomers Are Betting on Real Estate | RISMedia:

'via Blog this'

What (New) Homes Will Look Like in 2015 | Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market Stats, Celebrity Real Estate, and Zillow News

2011-10-05T10:48:00.001-04:00

What (New) Homes Will Look Like in 2015 | Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market Stats, Celebrity Real Estate, and Zillow News:

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We spend 14 more hours per year in traffic now than in 1982

2011-09-28T13:44:00.000-04:00

We spend 14 more hours per year in traffic now than in 1982:

'via Blog this'

Allow underwater borrowers to refinance, Fed's Rosengren says « HousingWire

2011-09-28T13:30:00.000-04:00

Allow underwater borrowers to refinance, Fed's Rosengren says « HousingWire:

'via Blog this'

How Will America Handle Its Senior Moment? | Endless Innovation | Big Think

2011-09-27T16:24:00.001-04:00

How Will America Handle Its Senior Moment? | Endless Innovation | Big Think:

Big , Big Picture kind of stuff. The idea that older people will want to live closer to one another is common sense. That providing them cheaper and superior services by aggregating a geographic area is pretty obvious as well. This is something that I will be proactive with going forward for my community.

Getting Going: Six Mistakes Housing Investors Make - WSJ.com

2011-09-27T16:22:00.000-04:00

Getting Going: Six Mistakes Housing Investors Make - WSJ.com:

All pretty basic stuff, and definitely things you do not have to worry about if your working with the TechSavvy Realtor !

Lifehacker Pack for Android: Our List of the Best Android Apps

2011-09-26T16:25:00.000-04:00

Lifehacker Pack for Android: Our List of the Best Android Apps: "

More and more of my clients have a better phone than I do ! But do they have as many apps on their phone?

Use Silicone Baking Molds to Bake Single-Serving, Easily Frozen Meals

2011-09-22T09:33:00.000-04:00

Image via WikipediaThis blog covers several topics. As a Realtor there will be posts about real estate and home purchasing, the state of the economy. As a History and Public Policy major in college there is stuff on culture and behavior. I like to cook so cooking, so on and so forth.

This is a new tag, Living, will have I presume mainly LifeHack re postings. There are other sources for cool things that help get along in the world, in a modern way. Shortcuts, tips and tricks for saving money and or time. Hacks, LifeHacks, check them out here http://lifehacker.com

To the link, this looks like a neat way to answer the problem of cooking for me and my family. The kids are are a bit particular and though I do not cater to their demands, a parent has to be sensitive to them. My wife is a vegetarian and I try to respect that. I am a meat and potatoes kind of guy with a lot of adventure mixed in.

So how to take care of every one at the dinner table could be handled with this kind of technique. Combine this with the Rachel Ray technique where you cook a weeks worth of meals over the weekend. You could then mix and match the entries during the week.

Use Silicone Baking Molds to Bake Single-Serving, Easily Frozen Meals:

Bad news for Red Heads, Finally

2011-09-17T12:56:00.000-04:00

I live with three red heads, and they do a get a lot of attention. My wife and kids are gingers, and sometimes it is an issue. ;)

Sperm Bank to Redheads: Keep Your Semen to Yourself - New York News - Runnin' Scared:

'via Blog this'

US Housing: Flood of Foreclosures Heading to Housing Market - CNBC

2011-09-16T15:39:00.000-04:00

US Housing: Flood of Foreclosures Heading to Housing Market - CNBC:

CT is a judicial foreclosure state, which means a judge is involved in the process. Add the fact that our State Attorney General has a historic reputation for Consumer Advocacy, and foreclosures have been slowing in our state. The homes are vacant and they will have to be sold by a REO process. These are different from the 10' of thousands of delinquent homeowners that could get a rent back option, short sale, auction, or mortgage modification.

The Vacant Foreclosed homes represent a very good opportunity for the consumer. The prices of these homes are generally 40% lower than Short Sale transactions. The homes that are foreclosed and classified as REO are in bad condition and need some significant repairs. In the past these homes were scooped up by cash buyers and investors. (By the past I mean in 2009 and early 2010) The landscape has changed, federal programs that require properties owned by FNMA use a First Look program for owner occupied sales priority. 203k Express loans are now at $35,000, and available to owners who already own a property.

These are just two examples of the differences with 2009, there are tweaks for investors as well.

'via Blog this'

Cell Phones and Children

2011-09-16T15:28:00.000-04:00

At What Age Should Jr. Get a Cell Phone:

Another thing for my wife and I to disagree on, maybe. The safety and convenience arguments are compelling. I like the middle school litmus test, elementary school is way too early.

'via Blog this'

Improve Frozen Pizza by Punching Holes in the Dough (and Other Tricks)

2011-09-16T13:55:00.000-04:00

Improve Frozen Pizza by Punching Holes in the Dough (and Other Tricks):

You don't have to settle for the way frozen pizza tastes according to the box's directions. To improve your frozen pizza's flavor, the ManMade blog suggests punching holes in the dough to reduce the crust's limpness, adding your own toppings, and other tricks. More »

Renters: How to Get Your Security Deposit Back

2011-09-16T13:43:00.000-04:00

Renters: How to Get Your Security Deposit Back:

By Salvatore Friscia, San Diego Premier Property Management

In order to make sure you get your security deposit back when you move out, you have to take steps before you move in.

In today’s rental market, most security deposits are equal to the amount of the first month’s rent and depending on where you live, that can amount to a nice chunk of change. To make sure that the majority — if not all — of that security deposit is returned to you upon move out is strongly dependent upon the request and use of a “Move-In/Move-Out” checklist. Many landlords fail to provide such a checklist and that’s when the responsibility falls in the hands of the renter to guard against unnecessary security deposit deductions.

To accomplish this, each tenant should be provided, or should provide themselves a written “Move-In/Move-Out” checklist. The “Move-In/Move-Out” checklist allows both parties to identify in writing the initial “Move-In” condition and the final “Move-out” condition of the apartment or property. These checklists will eliminate any misunderstandings regarding which party will pay for non-normal wear and tear repairs throughout the tenancy and upon move out.

Prior to receiving the keys from the landlord, the tenant should completely inspect the property and document the existing condition on the “Move-In” side of the checklist. It is necessary to document the condition of the appliances, windows, screens, blinds, doors, walls, lighting, flooring, a/c, heating, toilets, faucets, ceiling fans, and any other necessary interior and exterior areas. During the initial walk-through with the landlord, it is important to review the findings and have them sign and date the document. Even if you initiated this process, be sure that you provide your landlord with a copy of the agreement.

Document Everything With Photos

The use of a digital camera is also recommended upon both “Move-in” and “Move-out” to capture images or video of the property if the condition is challenged at a later time. The “Move-In” checklist also helps to avoid the common “It worked or was that way when you moved in” argument. Furthermore, if an area or appliance shows signs of damage or heavy wear and it is necessary to request a repair, the repair can be justified by referencing the initial condition.

The use of the “Move-out” side of the checklist comes into play after notice has been given to vacate. The landlord should advise the tenant in writing that they are entitled to a voluntary pre-move out inspection approximately 2 weeks prior to the move-out date, but if they fail to do so, the tenant may also request the pre-move out inspection in writing. This is a voluntary inspection and participation is not necessary but it would be in the best interest of the tenant to allow both parties to openly inspect the property and compare the condition to the already completed “move-in” checklist on file. The pre move-out inspection is an opportunity for the landlord to revisit the property and advise the tenant, based on the current condition, of possible withholdings, if any, from the security deposit. The pre move-out inspection will also allow the tenant an opportunity to be aware of and make the necessary repairs or cleanings to avoid such security deposit deductions.

If the necessary repairs and/or cleanings are not performed prior to move out, they can and most likely will be documented on the “move-out” checklist as a deductible item and withheld against the tenant’s security deposit funds. Comparing the “move-out” checklist against the “move-in” checklist will help evaluate the necessary deductions. It is important to know that any repairs held against the security deposit should be itemized along with a receipt for services and copies should be given to the tenant along with the remaining funds within 21 days of vacating (check your local laws).

These lists are for the protection of both parties and should be taken seriously. Having the proper written documentation regarding the “Move-in/Move-out” condition of the rental will help offset unnecessary security deposit deductions and can offer peace of mind knowing that if the rental is maintained the majority if not all of the security deposit will be returned. It is a win-win for both parties and is strongly suggested to avoid unnecessary headaches and expenses.

Salvatore Friscia is a seasoned real estate investor and a residential property management specialist, focusing on single-family homes, condos, and small apartment complexes. He is the founder of San Diego Premier Property Management as well as The Friscia Group One, an investment group focused on distressed properties. He is a regular contributor to Buildium’s All Things Property Management blog.

Having kids can lower your manliness

2011-09-13T12:50:00.001-04:00

Scientific American is reporting on a recent study of men's testosterone levels that shows that having children can result lower levels of the hormone. Men are affected by our environment and nature. The stereotype of men being men, in some monolithic pre conception prevales. There has not been the type of evolution in the understanding of the male spectrum that has evolved for women since the 60's. There is also the old whipped little man stereotype in place of a more PC sensitive male, that the survey confirms.

Yep, Spontaneity is the key. I feel great...

2011-09-09T14:24:00.001-04:00

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Yep, Spontaneity is the key. I feel great, got the kids up at 5am and headed to the beach. I took some of my awesome video here

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD1CBAF48986DAE1F

You can official video of the awesome NYC World cup surfing action at

http://quiksilverpro.com/videos

It was great, and the turn out was impressive. I hope they come back soon!

Quikpro NY Longbeach (8 photos)

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8 Star Trek Gadgets That Are No Longer Fiction

2011-09-08T21:23:00.000-04:00

8 Star Trek Gadgets That Are No Longer Fiction

This is has to have been the birth of my geek. My adaptation to technology as a 47 year old born in 1964 of Baby Boomer could have, should have positioned me as a harbinger of this new software economy. Regrettably I associated tech with computers, but it is so much more than that now.

"New normal" means a lot more pain to come: Fed economist « HousingWire

2011-09-08T08:57:00.001-04:00

Image via Wikipedia"New normal" means a lot more pain to come: Fed economist « HousingWire

How am I supposed to deal with articles such as this, as a Realtor? Ignore and pretend that things aren't shite. This article really takes off the varnish. The lost decade is on it's way.

Westport Estate Sale for local readers

2011-09-08T08:45:00.001-04:00

Image via WikipediaReminisce with Kathy Westport Estate Sale 9-9-11 and 9-10-11 (302 Wilton Road, Westport, CT): Westport CT Estate Sale

Must sell the ENTIRE contents of a very large interesting home. . ..all tasteful, unique and excellent condition. ASOLUTELY LOADED!!

Sale includes: pristine stunning mid-century modern large slinky sectional sofa set, Antique walnut Victorian parlor table, mid-century modern hand wrought sculptured coffee table (chrome and glass), pair of M.C. modern lamp tables (good form), 44" Mitsubishi TV, pair of cozy Arm chairs (mint and tasteful), set of tray tables, large gorgeous Oriental rug 16'6" X 12', plus more rugs, loads of electronics (some vintage), phenomenal dining room suite Mid-century modern of Teakwood Heltborg Mobler Company-Kurt Ostervig Danish designer consisting of a banquet table, 2 leaves, 11 leather seat chairs and triple unit buffet.

Marc Andreessen on Why Software Is Eating the World - WSJ.com

2011-09-07T23:41:00.000-04:00

Marc Andreessen on Why Software Is Eating the World - WSJ.com:

Health care and education, in my view, are next up for fundamental software-based transformation. My venture capital firm is backing aggressive start-ups in both of these gigantic and critical industries. We believe both of these industries, which historically have been highly resistant to entrepreneurial change, are primed for tipping by great new software-centric entrepreneurs.

Connecticut Pays UBS $20 Million To Stay « Dealbreaker: Wall Street Insider – Financial News, Headlines, Commentary and Analysis – Hedge Funds, Private Equity, Banks

2011-08-24T12:28:00.000-04:00

Image via Wikipedia

Absolute Good News for Connecticut Real Estate

Connecticut Pays UBS $20 Million To Stay « Dealbreaker: Wall Street Insider – Financial News, Headlines, Commentary and Analysis – Hedge Funds, Private Equity, Banks

CT Post Article

I was confident in June that there was no way the Governor was going to let this fall apart. In one of the article it talks about a Manhattan employee of UBS that was happy to move. Says it saves him $300 a month and time on the train. Well I hope there were more homeowners employed that appreciated being out of the city and the higher cost of living there.

Clothes Dryer energy use & cost * Gas vs. Electric dryers

2011-08-23T15:04:00.000-04:00

Clothes Dryer energy use & cost * Gas vs. Electric dryers

Paper towel vs. rag: Which is cheaper? - CSMonitor.com

2011-08-23T15:03:00.001-04:00

Paper towel vs. rag: Which is cheaper? - CSMonitor.com

MBA sees 2012 residential mortgage originations at 15-year low « HousingWire

2011-08-20T22:22:00.000-04:00

MBA sees 2012 residential mortgage originations at 15-year low « HousingWire

US Real Estate: Home Sales Fall on Credit, Cancellations, Confidence - CNBC

2011-08-18T14:48:00.000-04:00

US Real Estate: Home Sales Fall on Credit, Cancellations, Confidence - CNBC

Linkage in Income, Home Prices Shifts - WSJ.com

2011-08-18T00:07:00.000-04:00

Linkage in Income, Home Prices Shifts - WSJ.com

The 2011 Great Debate — Rent vs. Buy

2011-08-18T00:06:00.000-04:00

The 2011 Great Debate — Rent vs. Buy

Misunderstanding the Rent vs. Buy Dynamic | The Big Picture

2011-08-18T00:05:00.000-04:00

Misunderstanding the Rent vs. Buy Dynamic | The Big Picture

States Perform

2011-08-17T22:14:00.000-04:00

States Perform

Top ten highest earning towns across America - small towns with big incomes

2011-08-17T22:06:00.000-04:00

Top ten highest earning towns across America - small towns with big incomes

Pentagon: We Cannot Account for Trillions in Budget | The Big Picture

2011-08-14T12:47:00.001-04:00

Here is the reason that we will never get things running correctly. I understand the debate du jour that one side says services need to be maintained, and the other that says taxing revenue is high enough. Services, and the pensions of the providers that go along with them, are pretty well distributed to the needy IMO. On the other hand it appears that the level of taxation of is at historic lows as a percentage of the economy.

Both sides over simplify to say either raise more money or redistribute a skewed economic spectrum. Regrettably neither side moves very far from these positions. Perhaps their hearts are in the wrong place, that is the protection of constituents and special interests. The bottom line is accountability, fairness, and results...... all deficient in my life time by government.

We need to get what we are paying for. Corporations and individuals that usurp, distort, shortcut, or in any way take advantage of a centralized distribution of taxpayer money or services need to be punished.

Not accounting for $1 Trillion dollars is unethical and an abuse of trust. How about we cut the budget for every unaccounted for dollar?

Pentagon: We Cannot Account for Trillions in Budget | The Big Picture

2011-08-14T12:47:00.000-04:00

Not accounting for $1 Trillion dollars is unethical and an abuse of trust. How about we cut the budget for every unaccounted for dollar?

Pentagon: We Cannot Account for Trillions in Budget | The Big Picture

Intellectual property: Patents against prosperity | The Economist

2011-08-13T16:09:00.001-04:00

Intellectual property: Patents against prosperity | The Economist

When I hear about the concept behind this type of business plan it sounds morally wrong. The companies that engage in this type of patenting behavior grow in number and revenue for a reason, it makes them money. Regrettably at the cost of the consumer and innovation. So when I hear about raising taxes or user fees for education and transportation infrastructure it sounds great. I am a believer in the pay to play paradigm. My problem is that we as a nation, and a citizenry are not getting what we are paying for. Unions, management, contractors, I am not sure who to blame. The truth is that there will be someone who will attempt to short circuit the process, be financially successful, and go unpunished in the name of "market forces of supply and demand".

The upside down / underwater / Short Sale policy decisions have yet to set the future landscape for the Real Estate Market

2011-08-13T16:02:00.002-04:00

BUSINESS DAY

Sometimes, Inflation Is Not Evil

By FLOYD NORRIS

Published: August 11, 2011

Easing monetary policy has worsened the housing bubble and has not done much to revive the debt-choked economy over the last two years.

There are not enough ideas circulating when you consider the depth of the problem and the consequences to just about every property owning citizen of the United States. There needs to be equity for all parties when the final solution is settled. The idea of writing down principal just does not seem so fair to folks who did not upgrade there real estate or take cash re-fi's.

10 Budget friendly ways to improve your home's value - Trulia Voices

2011-08-13T13:05:00.002-04:00

10 Budget friendly ways to improve your home's value - Trulia Voices

From our friends at Trulia. I like the washing ideas, a weekend with a power washer is a good investment for a seller. $70 for two days at Home Depot, wash the house instead of painting, get the exterior of the windows, the sidewalks, and driveway. I can tell you it makes a difference as a homeowner. My wife is much happier with the condition of our exterior when things are cleaned up. Even a better deal...... borrow a washer from a friend!

Developers Bank on Young Singles - In the Region/Connecticut - NYTimes.com

2011-08-13T12:59:00.001-04:00

Developers Bank on Young Singles - In the Region/Connecticut - NYTimes.com

They are talking about the trend of single professionals and their real estate preferences. They are inclined to live alone, and developers offering 1 BR luxury living are finding success throughout the State of CT. I think I have bumped into this demographic myself. I recently showed the luxury condo in Stamford called Trump Parc. They have lots of two bedroom units, several penthouse configurations, but only 9 (guestimate) were single bedroom and they were the first to sell out.

How will our Government respond to Social Unrest?

2011-08-13T12:34:00.003-04:00

http://bit.ly/qaNaDm

The original link was the report that the Prime Minister and Police were looking at how to disrupt the protesters in England by restricting social services. Are Americans a different breed of citizenry? Would a question like this ever come up. How would you feel as an American if the Internet was shut down by the Government to quell social unrest?

Update: There have been quite a few. There have been several posts and detailed analysis by Jeff Jarvis (audio) and here.

Secretary of State H Clinton has detailed the position that online communication and assembly is protected.

Chart: Credit Market Debt as a Percentage of GDP, 1923-2011

2011-08-09T13:01:00.000-04:00

Chart: Credit Market Debt as a Percentage of GDP, 1923-2011

Deep inside I just love looking at economic charts that tell horrific stories. A kind of online rubbernecking?

Guest Blog: Scientists Discover That Antimicrobial Wipes and Soaps May Be Making You (and Society) Sick

2011-08-08T14:39:00.000-04:00

There has always been the the threat that germs would become immune to antibiotics in hand soap. Just like they do for internal medicine, it is just common sense really. So sell the stuff anyways, who cares if there are negative societal impacts. "We can make it cheaper than soap and charge more" said the CEO to the laboratory technician.

Guest Blog: Scientists Discover That Antimicrobial Wipes and Soaps May Be Making You (and Society) Sick

US Real Estate: Don't Let Falling Foreclosure Numbers Fool You — CNBC Realty Check - CNBC

2011-08-08T14:35:00.000-04:00

The requests by banks for price evaluations from Real Estate Agents is one third what it was last year at this time. There was some discussion about things coming back online with an umbrella liability agreement negotiated between the banks and the Federal Government through the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, but a June 14th deadline appears to have been extended indefinitely. If you have not paid your mortgage this year, there appears to be no reason to start.

US Real Estate: Don't Let Falling Foreclosure Numbers Fool You — CNBC Realty Check - CNBC

There is only one way to Balance the Budget. Guess who pays?

2011-07-13T12:05:00.000-04:00

The lean and suffering Middle Class

Three Slashing Pigs Cartoon - OtherWords

Senior Buffett sounds pretty smart in these interviews with CNBC

2011-07-08T10:59:00.000-04:00

The interviewer always comes across well, a combination of friendly, respectful, and pulls out his personality. These two have been exclusive to each other for about two years, and I think they are getting better with each interview.

It is really satisfying to hear him talk about "enough blame to go around" in Congress and the Presidency. They need to get the job the done.

There's Still Value in Homeownership, Hint : It isn't Monetary

2011-07-07T13:29:00.000-04:00

Well if you are going to borrow at 6% and the asset, your home, appreciates at anything less you are losing money.

There's Still Value in Homeownership | LinkedIn

Your Home Won’t Sell? Rent It! | Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market Stats, Celebrity Real Estate, and Zillow News

2011-07-06T21:52:00.000-04:00

Your Home Won’t Sell? Rent It! | Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market Stats, Celebrity Real Estate, and Zillow News

Your Cheatsheet for Talking to the Police

2011-07-06T20:53:00.000-04:00

I am feeling empowered these days. Considering how the State of CT has been one of the first states, in the entire Euuunited States, to protect a citizens right to photograph or video a policeman in the process of performing his duties. I support the Police and understand the value of an orderly society and the risks Officers take while on duty. That said when the first instinct of Law enforcement is to incorrectly threaten photographers and citizens with confiscation or arrest perhaps we as citizens need to understand what is right and wrong. Where our rights are supreme, kind of like Buyer and Seller Agency for a Realtor. ;)

Your Cheatsheet for Talking to the Police

CT Legislation

Become a Stand-Up Guy: The History, Benefits, and Use of Standing Desks | The Art of Manliness

2011-07-06T11:36:00.000-04:00

Become a Stand-Up Guy: The History, Benefits, and Use of Standing Desks | The Art of Manliness

BBC News - Impact - Japan's rare earth minerals

2011-07-05T14:50:00.000-04:00

BBC News - Impact - Japan's rare earth minerals

Japanese scientists discover massive rare earth deposits, China bristles -- Engadget

2011-07-05T14:49:00.000-04:00

Japanese scientists discover massive rare earth deposits, China bristles -- Engadget

Rules for Deducting Travel Expenses While Looking for Work

2011-07-05T14:43:00.000-04:00

Rules for Deducting Travel Expenses While Looking for Work

Delinquencies Outnumber Foreclosure Sales 50:1

2011-06-30T10:26:00.001-04:00

LPS is reporting what Realtors in the Northeast already know, foreclosures are down in our area. The numbers for deliquency and foreclosure are hard to understand. The article mentions

"more than 33 percent of borrowers in foreclosure not having made a payment in over two years".

Which is astounding, I figure there must be individuals who have not paid for an even longer period of time. Where is the direction of the market, and how will these numbers affect prices? It appears that the states that require a Judicial resolution for foreclosure have a continuing increase in foreclose inventory. This could be related to a the class action suit by the AG's of several states regarding the robosigning scandal of last fall. A deadline was set for the banks on June 15th, and it was extended. There is talk that a settlement is forthcoming and may speed up the foreclosure rate in the State of CT.

Learning to Can seems like a money saving and health idea.

2011-06-28T09:07:00.001-04:00

CTBites.com Blog Recently promoted this event about canning fruits and vegetables. This makes sense for health and money reasons. There is no way I could create as good a post as they did so head on over for the details. I made jam from Strawberries two years ago and found the process fun and educational with the kids.

Am I subsidizing my Cable Company? Are you?

2011-06-27T13:38:00.001-04:00

Hidden costs are everywhere, and this one really surprised me. I guess I new the boxes needed to be turned off at night, along with the TV. I had heard that the only real way to save electricity was to unplug something, so when they mentioned in the article that these DVR devices stay on full tilt 24 hrs a day, even if turned off...... and cost the same to run in electricity as a Refrigerator! I was shocked, then consider that the Cable company charges me $5 to even have a second box in the home and I will just have to cancel it. Just another example of corporate America looking out for themselves at the expense of their customers.

Atop TV Sets, a Power Drain That Runs Nonstop

By ELISABETH ROSENTHAL

Published: June 25, 2011

Television cable boxes and DVRs have become the single-largest electricity drain in many American homes.

Foreclosure numbers continue to confuse

2011-06-25T14:47:00.000-04:00

Howerver you look at these numbers, there is a lot of Red. The positive take away is more families looking at the option of Strategic Foreclosure less favorably. Earlier this winter it felt to me, no science here, that the option of walking away was more of an option. Low employment and decreasing prices appeared to be a vice that families could not avoid. It is important for prices to stabilize to a more modest decline, work pressures to remain the same and more families will try to do the right thing..... pay the mortgage.... even if it is a sacrifice.

US Real Estate: Don't Let Falling Foreclosure Numbers Fool You — CNBC Realty Check - CNBC

"And then there's this other report from Lender Processing Services (LPS), which also reports a drop in newly delinquent loans, but gives the actual, mind-numbing numbers of loans in trouble:

Number of properties that are 30+ days past due, but not in foreclosure: (A) 4,187,000
Number of properties that are 90+ days delinquent, but not in foreclosure: 1,921,000
Number of properties in foreclosure pre-sale inventory: (B) 2,164,000
Number of properties that are 30+ days delinquent or in foreclosure: (A+B) 6,350,000"

New Office Location in Stratford

2011-06-24T16:26:00.002-04:00

Great Location, Close to Downtown

Keller Williams Realty Alliance

Fears of Japan Fallout Are Overblown, Experts Say - NYTimes.com

2011-05-03T09:38:00.000-04:00

Wow, I looked at the graph in this article and said to myself, " Those folks in the 60's were exposed to a lot of radiation". I was born in '64, perhaps it is a good thing breast feeding was promoted. Still it makes my generation, post Baby Boom and Pre Generation X, the Radioactive Generation.

Fears of Japan Fallout Are Overblown, Experts Say - NYTimes.com

Testing the mobile Blogger app on Android

2011-02-19T09:43:00.001-05:00

Photos and pictures seem easy enough to attach.

photo example

2010-10-11T23:57:00.001-04:00

there are only 3 required, front,street,address the others are extra

Going Google across the 50 States: Connecticut-based ice cream franchise decides to ‘gofer’ Google Apps - Google Small Business

2010-09-24T18:35:00.000-04:00

Going Google across the 50 States: Connecticut-based ice cream franchise decides to ‘gofer’ Google Apps - Google Small Business

Is there a Google flavor in the future :)

First Rate Realty is a Google Apps user and now we are a Gopher Ice Cream user as well. The owners comments about Google Apps are spot on and we agree with everything Mr. Ragusa comments on. The best thing is knowing, if just a little bit, that Google is in your corner. Call if you have any questions or need help getting started.

John Sembrot

Technologist

It is true, House Prices Are Still 10% Too High | The Big Picture

2010-09-03T10:20:00.000-04:00

Unrealistic pricing, shadow inventory, lack of jobs, slow economy, tough credit approval, negative consumer sentiment.

Can add one or two?

House Prices Are Still 10% Too High | The Big Picture

Ansonia realtor gives foreclosure bus tour | WTNH.com Connecticut

2010-08-31T00:35:00.000-04:00

Ansonia realtor gives foreclosure bus tour | WTNH.com Connecticut

What's it gonna be boy ......

2010-08-28T16:31:00.000-04:00

More of the same or a down trend?

I am not sure any market could sustain with the types of pressures detailed in this article. The moving averages seem like a consistent approach and the middle forecast of down 9% for the next 24 months seems logical.

Housing's Second Leg Down « HousingWire

Real Estate Real Estate What is going to happen in Real Estate

2010-07-15T09:38:00.000-04:00

This is how the internet is supposed to work right? I find something interesting and pass it on to people that I know. Now that whole premise starts to get a bit wonky IMO when I am recommending the recommendation by second party of a third party's source material. I like it because the initial blog I follow, The Big Picture, gives a some bio on why he likes it. His family was in Real Estate and he follows it, I think the Real Estate game is unique, and the opinions of people who do the business have more weight with me. Then I like the analysis, clear and to the point.

Take a Look

The $4 Trillion Dollar Question | The Big Picture

Say Hello to my next phone

2010-07-14T20:14:00.000-04:00

I am using the Motorola Backflip on ATT, because I am a google fan boy. The Backflip is a good phone and I am glad to see it in the hands of more people. I believe it will convert a lot of folks to the Android Operating System. There have been some issues, the screen is small, it lags a bit, sidedoor apps are not allowed, no navigation.

But a lot of apps are available that do a whole bunch of neat things, and honestly we all do not need so many apps. The processor does a good job making phone calls and texting and well that is what it is supposed to do. So all the poo poo 'ers out there for the Backflip take that. All that being said and being the industry shaker that needs the best tools available to man (.sic) I am getting a Captivate

Samsung Captivate (AT&T) Review - A Review of the Samsung Captivate (AT&T)

Amateur unearths 52,000 Roman coins worth $1m - CNN.com

2010-07-11T09:42:00.000-04:00

Lottery winners have nothing on this guy. I can only imagine the hours and hours of combing beaches and farms looking for artifacts. The article that mentions how he called the local archeologist instead of destroying the sites integrity. There is also a real live quote using the word "Gobsmacked"

Amateur unearths 52,000 Roman coins worth $1m - CNN.com

Why the housing recovery will slow - May. 25, 2010

2010-05-25T12:01:00.000-04:00

Why the housing recovery will slow - May. 25, 2010

Foreclosures Still on the Horizon

2010-04-28T13:24:00.000-04:00

Here are some details on the number of foreclosures in the pipeline. I have a sinking feeling that somehow the market forces will not be brought to bear on this situation. Consequently we may end up with a backwards, non progressive, un imaginative economy without innovation. A lost decade like Japan that coddles consumers instead of the banks. Why saddle the banks with all the debt, they are a protected class of the government. Have the homeowner stay in the home at a lower payment, without debt forgiveness. Sounds like the best deal for big business.

"Huge overhang of unsold houses. As of March, banks and investment trusts had an inventory of about 1.1 million foreclosed homes, up 20% from a year earlier, according to estimates from LPS Applied Analytics. Another 4.8 million mortgage holders were at least 60 days behind on their payments or in the foreclosure process, meaning their homes were well on their way to the inventory pile. That “shadow inventory” was up 30% from a year earlier." The Big Picture by David Rosenberg

2010 Top 100 Places to live from Relocate America

2010-04-28T09:38:00.000-04:00

2010 Top 100 Places to live from Relocate America

Whoot ! Whoot ! There ya go Hometown ! I do not see any other Fairfield County towns on this list. Way to go Trumbull.

FORECLOSURE ACTIVITY INCREASES 7 PERCENT IN FIRST QUARTER

2010-04-15T14:13:00.000-04:00

It has been too long since I put up any bad news. And there is so much of it. I do not believe the hype that there is any type of recovery. Aren't the comparisons just looking good against last year?

FORECLOSURE ACTIVITY INCREASES 7 PERCENT IN FIRST QUARTER

Case Shiller Home Price Index showing no decline in prices

2010-03-30T14:22:00.000-04:00

This a link to the actual Standard and Poors Website with the data from the release. The whole year over year thing is confusing really. Last month the year over year was -3% now it is 0% ? Does that mean last February was a really bad month?

This is the best Real Estate index and was 6 mths ahead of the pricing declines back in June of 2005. Make a bookmark for the site for follow up visits.

Nation’s Report Card finds CT achievement gap still country’s worst - Jonathan Kantrowitz - Connecticut News

2010-03-24T16:24:00.000-04:00

Nation’s Report Card finds CT achievement gap still country’s worst - Jonathan Kantrowitz - Connecticut News

This is just the worst possible news. I blogged when they missed the Federal dollars mentioned in this article and I should have done more. How can we assume that government will do the right thing for our children in education. When they have failed our banking, finance, health, food, and defense systems. The first thing to be taken away from the government should be education. Unfortunately it will be the last.

Realty Times - Credit Consequences of Home Loss

2010-03-23T08:39:00.000-04:00

Are people in the unfortunate circumstance or foreclosure or short sale getting all the information they need? Are the consequences down the road clear? As a Realtor my budget has been shot for a while, and a "Bunker" mentality is difficult to avoid. Decisions sometime seem cramped and immediate, a reaction to a certain situation or need. This article talks about the credit damage done by the three outcomes of an upside down mortgage; Foreclosure, Short Sale, and a Deed in Lieu transactions.

Credit Consequences of Home Loss

The Tech Savvy Realtor: The music is so soothing, predictable, and calm

2010-03-22T22:28:00.000-04:00

The Tech Savvy Realtor: The music is so soothing, predictable, and calm

The music is so soothing, predictable, and calm

2010-03-22T21:52:00.001-04:00

You missed the Revolution ! We are now experiencing the Entropy of civilization. So just sit back and watch the music.

Sonar from Renaud Hallée on Vimeo.

20GB in 1980 vs. 32GB in 2010 (pic)

2010-03-21T17:20:00.001-04:00

20GB in 1980 vs. 32GB in 2010 (pic)

Ummmm, I do not even know what to make of this. Truly a revolution, it just seems amazing that there could be that kind of change without society being torn apart. Maybe it has been but the pieces are still too close together. Amazing.

Generation I: Middle Children of the Information Age

2010-03-17T20:51:00.000-04:00

Generation I: Middle Children of the Information Age

Too busy to read deeply but the concept of the generational relabeling is a long time coming. The chart around half way down is hard to tell if it is tongue in cheek.

Will read later, but you can read now.

Radically rethinking agriculture with genetic engineering - SmartPlanet.com

2010-03-10T23:16:00.000-05:00

Radically rethinking agriculture with genetic engineering - SmartPlanet.com

Toxic inputs mentioned here in this video means Fertilizers. Funny how you never hear Al Gore, or any of the Global Warming Alarmists, who are all worked up about the carbon cycle, have an equal concern about the even more precarious, and farther out of balance "Nitrogen Cycle" !

Fairfield County does not make the top 25 Richest Counties

2010-03-09T08:45:00.001-05:00

Honestly I do not know when they fell off the list. In the eighties the area was promoted as being one of the richest in the country. Perhaps even #1 for many years. Our community is more Urban than we think, and perhaps cities like Stamford, Norwalk, and Bridgeport skew the top average income.

The health of Real Estate values have always been a plus for this area. During the crashes of '87 and '96 the common belief was that this area was the last to depreciate and the first to appreciate. Things are not as confident these days. The 2,000 traders that are still making money in the state are not enough to prop up real estate values for the rest. Middle Management for the vaunted "Fortune 100" that Fairfield County made its reputation on are under employed, squeezed by corporate efficiency and high unemployment. Statistics are often mentioned by pundits that the spread between CEO's and workers have expanded from 30% differential to 300%. I just have a feeling that top management at those highest levels are an elite and small group and growing smaller.

Bottom line is I wonder if Fairfield County will recover as well as it has in the past from this cycle of real estate values.

America's 25 Richest Counties - Forbes.com

Updated: Went to Forbes and did a quick Fairfield County search to see if old lists would show the areas past position and I found this link on Income Inequality, we are number 1. http://www.forbes.com/2009/11/30/americas-most-unequal-cities-business-beltway-unequal-cities.html

Housing is ”in a precarious state” yale’s robert shiller says: Tech Ticker, Yahoo! Finance

2010-03-04T18:10:00.000-05:00

housing is ”in a precarious state” yale’s robert shiller says: Tech Ticker, Yahoo! Finance: ""

San Francisco's Alternative Online Daily News » Brown Should Follow Connecticut AG’s Lead: Go After Banks, Realtors and Lawyers that Violate Tenant Rights

2010-03-02T08:48:00.000-05:00

Connecticut being progressive and getting credit for it. The latest shortfalls by Hartford regarding the missed opportunities for Federal Grants/Dollars being sent to CT for Transportation, Health, and Education really make you wonder if the boys in the Capitol have their eyes on the ball. Here is an example of some good press for the State. I have been working foreclosures for the last 3 years and can say this law did make a difference, but is not, like most things, strictly adhered to or enforced. A little more public bilingual community promotion would help.

BeyondChron: San Francisco's Alternative Online Daily News » Brown Should Follow Connecticut AG’s Lead: Go After Banks, Realtors and Lawyers that Violate Tenant Rights

Labor Unions shift focus towards getting more from taxpayers

2010-02-20T21:21:00.000-05:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/23/business/23labor.html

http://www.heritage.org/research/labor/wm2773.cfm

Transformation of the Labor Movement

This shift has transformed the labor movement. Some historians argue that unions were created to prevent profit-minded employers from exploiting workers and to win workers a share of business profits.[10] However, neither of these purposes makes sense in government. As former AFL-CIO President George Meany wrote, "It is impossible to bargain collectively with the government."[11]

Collective bargaining gives government employees the power to tell voters how to spend their tax dollars instead of the other way around. That is why early labor leaders rejected it as undemocratic. As recently as 1959 the AFL-CIO Executive Council stated that "government workers have no right [to collectively bargain] beyond the authority to petition Congress--a right available to every citizen."[12]

Not until the 1960s did federal, state, and local governments change the law to permit government employees to collectively bargain with taxpayers. Now unions primarily represent the government--a development that has shifted the labor movement's focus from redistributing business profits to getting more from taxpayers.

Simple Math for the Cash for Clunkers program

2010-02-20T20:37:00.001-05:00

Think of it this way:

A clunker that travels 12,000 miles a year at 15 mpg uses 800 gallons of gas a year.

A vehicle that travels 12,000 miles a year at 25 mpg uses 480 gallons a year.

So, the average Cash for Clunkers transaction will reduce US gasoline consumption by 320 gallons per year.

They claim 700,000 vehicles so that's 224 million gallons saved per year.

That equates to a bit over 5 million barrels of oil.

5 million barrels is about 5 hours worth of US consumption.

More importantly, 5 million barrels of oil at $70 per barrel costs about $350 million dollars

So, the government paid $3 billion of our tax dollars to save $350 million.

We spent $8.57 for every dollar we saved.

I'm pretty sure they will do a great job with our health care, though.

skiin' for the first time

2010-02-19T12:07:00.001-05:00

some trepidation fot the littlest one

speedracer

Innovation Technology can make a difference

2010-02-12T22:38:00.000-05:00

I believe the hype, America can get the job done. We are not China, or Japan, or Germany, and they are not us. This nation has the ability to change our lives, and the lives of the citizens of the world. We are leaders, we are fighters and all that. I know a lot of people are going to see a military gone wild and see a waste of money. I see technology, pure and hard, cutting edge tech. Shooting down two incoming Inter Continental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM , remember that one from the eighties) in under two minutes is harder than landing on the moon today. Maybe not as hard as it was in 1964, but then again I do not think they had lasers back then. Let's do it ! Lets innovate our country and the world out of this mess. Forget who is right and who is wrong, who is greedy and who is lazy. Go to work tomorrow and invent the next idea no one has even heard of today...... Or...Do the extra homework with your child so he can go to work some day and ...........

Video link from Wired.com

One More from a different angle. Same Source Wired.com

'Walking away' not immoral

2010-01-31T12:56:00.000-05:00

'Walking away' not immoral, prof says

There is more to walking away than just the money. That is why banks are so hard on homeowners that are upside down. They know that the homeowner is concerned about stigma, family stability, and perception of impropriety. The cost of moving, the relationship of the home to friends, family, and schools are all big reasons folks hang on. Now I do agree that there must be a time to "let go". Hard, Hard decisions that need real professional input and recommendations. Who is best qualified, an agent, an accountant, or your own family. However people make the decision there will be plenty of them making one just like it this year.

New Home Sales Fall 7.6% But it’s Not All Bad News

2010-01-28T23:46:00.000-05:00

New Home Sales Fall 7.6% But it’s Not All Bad News

The year over year price comparisons are always hard for me to translate to any individual market. Some economists say that this type of year over year comparison does not take seasonal adjustments in to consideration. The national average for price declines from the peak in 2005 is about 34%.

Cher Biography - Biography.com

2010-01-28T21:45:00.002-05:00

Cher Biography - Biography.com

Everybody now, from the backseat or your parents Ford Galaxy 500 "Cherokee People, Cherokee Pride So nice to meee eet you now you have to ........" She was loved and hated at the time as much as Mohammed Ali. We appeared in retrospect to have accepted people as they were, just a little bit more at least, back then, in the 70's. I was about my sons age now when I remember begging my parents to let me stay up to watch Sonny and Cher, and her persona grabbed me. She was a role model for me for Feminism, what did I just say, Feminism what is that?

Short Sale Incentives Coming in 2010, Treasury Says : HousingWire || financial news for the mortgage market

2009-12-02T21:39:00.000-05:00

Isn't this whole program assuming a good breadth in the market? Where will people go? Say you are in nice suburban town and things went the wrong way on your $500k purchase and you want to downsize? Are you going to change towns? Is it near your work still? Is the step down to $400k or $300k? There is not that much inventory at $300,000 to meet the demand of massive short sales!

Short Sale Incentives Coming in 2010, Treasury Says : HousingWire || financial news for the mortgage market

Short Sale Incentives Coming in 2010, Treasury Says : HousingWire || financial news for the mortgage market

2009-12-02T02:02:00.001-05:00

Short Sale Incentives Coming in 2010, Treasury Says : HousingWire || financial news for the mortgage market

2009-12-02T02:02:00.000-05:00

Hunker down or Move in Out ! for 2010. Sadly either outcome can be equally painful.

Short Sale Incentives Coming in 2010, Treasury Says : HousingWire || financial news for the mortgage market

Short Sale Incentives Coming in 2010, Treasury Says : HousingWire || financial news for the mortgage market

2009-12-02T02:00:00.000-05:00

Hunker down or move out, and either way could be painful.

Short Sale Incentives Coming in 2010, Treasury Says : HousingWire || financial news for the mortgage market

Deep-Underwater.png (PNG Image, 955x397 pixels)

2009-11-24T08:25:00.000-05:00

Not as bad as most, for CT, but not unscathed either. Considering the cost of living around here could make things even harder for folks.

Deep-Underwater.png (PNG Image, 955x397 pixels)

Realty Times - Short Sale Sellers Need To Guard Against "Double Whammy" By Bank and I.R.S.

2009-11-24T08:13:00.000-05:00

You can take his word that often times the left hand of the bank, does not know what the left is doing. Making sure these two issues are tracked through the process can only save headaches down the road.

Realty Times - Short Sale Sellers Need To Guard Against "Double Whammy" By Bank and I.R.S.