Dan Cummings - The Running Realtor: October 2007

A little mood music for the Old Timers or the young at heart.... Come the think of it today it's called classic.

This morning I was laying in bed thinking it's just to early to start my day.  At 9:05 the Halloween 5k begins so I waited until 5:30 to get moving....  Well... Modern Technology becomes obsolete quite fast and my atomic clock threw me a curve.... Daylight Savings Time was extended a year or two ago but my clock decided to FALL BACK on the wrong Day...    Now I gotta RUN because I lost an hour..

Sorry to disappoint but this is not as provocative as some of the posts I have written.  Today I decided to explore FACEBOOK in search of a better understanding of its use.

Several months ago my morning mailbox was filled with a ray of sunshine from the south inviting me to join another social site.  Since Colleen has never lead me astray I joined that day.

Now I see notifications that someone waved, hugged or poked me but still do not have any real knowledge of the application other then it is useful to keep friends in mind.  I read the writing on my wall but haven't sprinkled any graffiti around myself but I getting ready to unload the next time an artistic idea strikes.

The preliminary conclusion is that facebook is a cute application for passing notes and nudging friends. It has plenty of activites to spend hours goofing off but not very useful for business.  Did I miss anything?   

Anyone looking for real estate along the Connecticut Shoreline can feel free to drag me away from Facebook.  Whether you are Buying or Selling a home in my territory give me a call or drop me an email.  Dan Cummings, The Running Realtor is always ready to work.

Email:  Dan@CummingsTeam.com      24 Hr. Access Line:  203-672-2455

The Playwright in New Haven will be the start and finish point for the Halloween 5k again this year.   

What:  Playwright Halloween 5k & Kids' Fun Run

When:  Sunday - October 28, 2007 -  9:05 am

Where:  144 Temple St,  New Haven, CT

Strangely I do not recall the details of last years race course but think the area has changed for this run. The race starts on Crown Street traveling south on to State Street then Northeast past Christopher Martins until the turnaround at Eagle & Nash Street.

This is a festive event hosted by the New Haven Rugby Club and will bring out a cast of characters.  Awards will be given to the top three finishers in each division as well as for individual & group best costumes. 

Come early and be ready to walk, run or just relax and have fun!  Temperatures have been unseasonably warm so it should be a great day.

Feel free to approach me before or after the run with your real estate questions. I'm always running around the New Haven County so if you need assistance Buying or Selling a home in my territory just remember to google  Dan Cummings, The Running Realtor.

Email:  Dan@CummingsTeam.com      24 Hr. Access Line:  203-672-2455

Not sure why but my viewpoint seems to be opposite most people on many subjects.  Halloween is one of those special days where I tend to be heading in a different direction and this year I am questioning my own logic.

The background on this story goes back 15 years or maybe more.  I cannot help but notice trends and I was amazed at how "cheap" the people got year after year with the candy.  Full size went to half size that lead to fun size which ended with what to me looked more like spec size.

Those that know me also realize I have a hefty appetite.  Since I enjoy eating and like to have fun I decided to take my treats in another direction.  For a few years I gave out the full size Hershey Bars, that was like the jackpot when I was a kid.

As candy got smaller I went larger... It dawned on my that beyond the "jackpot" were GIANT SIZE bars that were only sold individually in the supermarket for about a buck a bar.

Chocolate has skyrocketed and last year the cost was about 1.39 each and I'd toss in 10 a week while food shopping until I had 50-60 in stock.... This year my usual bars were 1.69 but they had 8-packs of fun size on sale for a dollar.  Figured I give an entire package to each Trick-or-Treater.

Now my table is filling up with treats and I am second guessing my logic.  All these years my personal protest to miniature Halloween candy has been to go larger...  This year a nagging little voice, actually an imaginary voice since I've never heard the fitness queen coo, is in my head questioning whether I am being nice to the children giving them candy or helping feed obesity by overindulging them.

So.... Am I sweet provided a jackpot for the children or an I foolishly feeding them fat?    Now that I'm more aware of the fun of fitness I may change the treats.  Wonder if Granola Bars will get me egged....

In the meantime I'll be running around the Connecticut Shoreline.  If you need assistance Buying or Selling a home in my territory give me a call or drop me an email.  Dan Cummings, The Running Realtor.

Email:  Dan@CummingsTeam.com      24 Hr. Access Line:  203-672-2455

The 14th Annual United Technologes Greater Hartford Marathon,  Half Marathon and 5k race has etched it's place in history.  Arriving at Bushnell Park around 7:00 am the sun was just starting to rise and take the chill off the crisp October morning.  With temps in the 40's it felt exceptionally cool after our much warmer than usual fall but it was a welcome treat compared to having rain.

***   The Full 26.2 Mile Marathon had 1571 Runners crossing the line.

***   Largest attenance was the 13.1 mile Half Marathon with 2471 Runners.

***   In the 5k ( 3.1 Miles ) run there were 705 Runners finishing.

Overall Hartford is a great event.  The city was shutting down many roads so we were told to arrive by 7:15.  I was a little ahead of schedule and traffic was very light parking was only $5 at the corner of the park.

The race moved fast through the city streets and even up onto the interstate. It isn't very often you see the highway closed for runners but it made for a peaceful outing without the noise of traffic or stink of diesel fumes filling the air.

Finish Line photos will be available for ordering at Island Photography.

For those planning ahead you can mark your calender for October 11, 2008 for the 15th run of the Hartford Marathon.

My achievement goal for my first year of running was the 5 Mile Turkey Trot that I ran last year in the wind & rain.  My second year got me to the Half Marathon level with a pace of just under 10 minutes per mile.  Not sure if I should continue to pursue longer distances or work on improving speed. After some research I will decided whether to tackle the full marathon next year or challenge myself to complete the half with nine minute miles.

In the meantime I'll be running around the Connecticut Shoreline.  If you need assistance Buying or Selling a home in my territory give me a call or drop me an email.  Dan Cummings, The Running Realtor.

Email:  Dan@CummingsTeam.com      24 Hr. Access Line:  203-672-2455

Who really wins when a buyer seeks out a FSBO home without the guidance of a real estate agent?

We all know the theory,  a savvy seller can place a little classified ad or a free on-line listing to save thousands of dollars in real estate commissions.  From the brainy buyers standpoint they are confident and capable of using all the resources to negotiate a great deal and pocket the thousands for themselves.

When I was traveling through Massachusetts last weekend a catchy jingle played on the radio quite often for I Sold My House Dot Com.  As often happens I found my mind wandering while driving north to Maine and wondered how many people really believe this propaganda. I never run into any real success stories.

This post is geared towards consumers with some experience.... I'd like the truth!  You can comment below and just sign the response as Buyer or Seller if you want to remain anonymous.

• Does the Savvy Seller find Success?  
• Does the Brainy Buyer get a Bargain?  
• Is it a Win-Win Deal for Buyer & Seller?                     

I have always advised my buyers that in the event they notice a FBSO that they must see let me know so I can arrange to see it with them.  In Connecticut we have buyer agency agreements that deal with commissions but many FSBO's will consider covering the agents payment if it gets their home sold.  The sellers realize within a few weeks that just planting a sign with an little ad doesn't bring a stampede of ready, willing & able buyers.

Since my real estate office is located in GUILFORD I decided to take a look at the offerings listed for sale on I Sold My House Dot Com.  Of the four homes showing as active the two lower priced properties decided to list with a traditional Real Estate Agent and both closed in July. 

The two more expensive homes are presumably still on the market. Doing a quick search revealed the house on Bluff View Drive has already had 3 owners since it was built 5 years ago. With a list price of $719,000 it is priced 10% higher than the most expensive sale on the street.  Not exactly a bargain for an unsuspecting buyer.

If you are planning to buy a house along the Connecticut Shoreline there are are a variety of Homes For Sale. For a custom search just email your criteria to Dan@CummingsTeam.com  or give me a call (203) 672-2455.

Sellers interested in assistance can Contact Dan Cummings - The Running Realtor for a consultation.

I have always been somewhat of a dreamer but in a realistic way.  Quick Story.... Going back about 30 years when I got married my wife's favorite band was Fleetwood Mac.  Fast forward 13 or 14 years and Fleetwood Mac was coming to town on our anniversary.  I was up early and at the box office the morning tickets went on sale,  Got great seats!

Next, my crazy thought of an elaborate plan to make this an exceptional night... One of those memories that Money Can't Buy. I hopped on the phone to find out who books shows at the venue.  That led me to NYC and to the name of Mick's agent in Hollywood.  Being driven and confident my call wasn't caught up in the screening bureaucracy and made it through to the man.  After a few minutes to hear me out he said something like.... Dan, I appreciate what you're trying to do but that is impossible..... It can't happen.

Well.... If you don't know me I'll fill you in, impossible means challenging in my world, I like to make things happen. Since I'm getting long winded let me just say that when the band came back for their encore on our anniversary my wife and I were asked to stand for a little presentation and the dedication of John Lennon's song... Imagine performed by Fleetwood Mac!  I recall Mick rising up from behind his drums to give me a nod and thumbs up... I did good!  The band did great!

Back to Real Estate....  Working in this business allows me the opportunity to make things happen.  The transition and upheaval of moving can be stressful for people but whatever the situation I rise to the challenge.  Each client is a new adventure and my goal is to create fond memories of the process that leads to your Dream Home.

So if you are planning to buy a house along the Connecticut Shoreline there are are a variety of Homes For Sale. For a custom search just email your criteria to Dan@CummingsTeam.com  or give me a call (203) 672-2455.

Contact Dan Cummings - The Running Realtor for help with all your Real Estate needs.

Three months after my First Half Marathon in Fairfield with evidence of the run still visible on my toes I have decided to go for my second half. This afternoon a fall sailing adventure with a few colleagues from my office was finalized and the time does not conflict with  the 14th annual United Technologies Greater Hartford Half Marathon so I signed up for the race.

This is a huge event compared with the usual 5k races I enter and my previous half marathon that drew about 3000 participants.  The Hartford Marathon brings an estimated 7000 runners from all 50 states and the route will be lined with about 30,000 spectators.  The economic impact offers a weekend boom for Connecticut's poorest city. Forecasts anticipate the combined spending from runners and visitors to top 3.3 million dollars.

Any out-of-state Rainer's Running?  If so stop by and say hello before the race. 

Hartford is north of my Real Estate Territory but if you are interested in homes along the Connecticut Shoreline Contact Dan Cummings - The Running Realtor  (203) 672-2455.

As we move out of the summer season and into fall along the Connecticut Coast it offers ideal weather for house hunting.  The crisp cool air and colorful trees make October a great month to market or purchase a home.  Sellers relocating to a warmer climate are anxious to wrap things up before the snow flies and buyers want to settle into their new home prior to the holidays.

Contrary to the media hype the housing market in my 5 primary towns is doing fine.   Certainly it's evident that inventory has grown and most homes take longer to sell due to the large selection of properties but if you want to relocate don't let the media discourage you.  Contact me and we can look at the facts as they pertain to you.

Today the 4th quarter of 2007 begins and I have already complied the results of housing sales for the 3rd quarter. Looking at the MLS ( Multiple Listing Service ) data for the towns of Branford, Guilford, Madison, North Branford and North Haven shows that 284 single family homes closed in the 3rd quarter of this year verses 298 during the same time last year.  Total number of sales is only down 5%.  The median sale price is slightly ahead of last years prices,  combining data from all 5 towns shows a median sale price of $400,200 this year compared to $395,800 during the 3rd quarter of 2006. 

Here are a variety of Homes For Sale, if you'd like a custom search just email your criteria to Dan@CummingsTeam.com or fill out the Home Search Form on my web site.

Contact Dan Cummings - The Running Realtor for help with Real Estate - (203) 672-2455.