Dan Cummings - The Running Realtor: June 2007

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 trying to cool rising hot air on a second level during the hot summer months.  This is especially attractive to older adults as they contemplate retirement living on a fixed income.  The lack of stairs to a second floor is also a plus for the aging population.

The median sales price this year is $275,000 for ranches in NORTH HAVEN.  Less expensive homes can be found in EAST HAVEN where the median sales price so far in 2007 has bee $225,000.  Branford, Guilford and Madison, The SHORELINE towns also have a variety of Ranches available in the $300-$400 thousand price range.

In today's competitive market it makes more sense than ever to have a Real Estate Agent working for you. When you decide to search for a home don't go it alone. Contact DAN CUMMINGS of William Raveis Real Estate for a free no obligation buyer's consultation.

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 run with the heart rate monitor showed I was pushing to hard with 153 beats per minute.  According to the calulation for my age the maximum training rate of 85% should not exceed 146 and the recommended training zone of 65-75% for most runs would be 112-130.  I slowed down but this seemed like a snails pace so I programmed the monitor with my age 10 years younger.  During races my average heart rate is around 172.

Researching pace and speed I have read articles that indicate your body learns by doing so if I train according to the heart rate and go slow my times will not improve.  I'm not expecting to be a gold medalist but I don't want to finish last either...  Any Suggestions?

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 need brains, the systematic program gives you every step.
• You do not need to investigate,  we provide plenty of testimonials.

Being in the Real Estate Business I'll stop and watch the show wondering if people fall into a hypnotic state and purchase the program.  Is it really that easy?  Could I be the only Non-Believer?

• The only thing you need to do is make a phone call to become wealthy.
• Proven system to make thousands of dollars on your first transaction.
• Better than nothing down - you can walk away from the closing with cash.
• Increase your net worth, develop an income stream and retire early.

In all my years as a Real Estate Agent I cannot recall ever running into a real live success story from one of these programs.  At open houses I meet all kinds of people but no one has ever said Carleton Sheets or Russ Whitney showed me the way.  Certainly millions can be made selling a dream, wonder how many are living the dream. 

I am curious, Anyone have a story of failure or success from these type of programs?

When you are Coming to Connecticut -  Contact Dan Cummings - The Running Realtor for help with Real Estate.

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 the beach I expected relatively flat topography but there were some decent hills. Below is an elevation profile of the course.

I am not a speed runner so I decided to carry a camera in case I wanted to snap a few shots along the way. My first look back was about the 5k point just after mile three.  Noticed a follower approaching so I decided to pack up the camera and head on my way, nothing like a little inspiration to help on the long climb from mile 3 to 5.

Weather was absolutely perfect today. Temp must have been in the mid 70's with no humidity and a slight breeze.

My finish time was not very exciting in position number 1637 but I did complete the run with 6 minutes to spare from my goal of 2-1/2 hours.

When you are Coming to Connecticut -  Contact Dan Cummings - The Running Realtor for help with Real Estate.

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 Haven at $399,000.

7/1/06 Assessment : 193.853 x 28.70 = $5563.58

7/1/07 Assessment : 245.606 x 26.26 = $6449.61

Listening to town officials and political cheerleaders talk about maintaining services and just getting by with another bare bones budget is all smoke and mirrors from my viewpoint.  Whenever more money shifts from the taxpayers pocket to the town coffers it should be consider it a tax increase. 

Here is the Article from the New Haven Register.  The 26.26 Mill Rate is projected so it may be adjusted but it appears to be a huge tax increase to me.  Government needs to be brought back to reality instead of enjoying the monopoly it has of squeezing the taxpayers to quench the endless thirst for cash.

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 few times a week.  He is also the type that likes to multi-task. He'll bring out his leaf blower on wheels and leave that running while he rakes or cuts or whatever he does. Guess his definition of a real man is someone that can make noise with machines.

Down the street we have the fireworks nut, every year from mid-June thru July he'll be lighting off his explosives.  What a thrill I wonder.... standing in your driveway in the middle of the afternoon... bang... bang... bang...  Grow Up...  To top it off our dog is afraid of explosives so it paces around the house whimpering.

At the moment we don't have any underage bikers but that is another common occurrence in my area.  A kid on a dirt bike riding up and down the street for hours with the ear piercing whine of a two-cycle engine.

While I'm on a roll I might as well mention the pets.  Woof..Woof...Yip..Yap.. No one wants to hear a whining animal all day long.  Shut it up or shoot it... either way works for me!

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 but I think there is something about "aiding and abetting"  that sounds gray enough to lock up the mayor. 

Follow me for a minute.... 

Assuming an ILLEGAL is a fugitive that the mayor is harboring within his city limits can he be charged?  Mayor John Jr. is nothing more than a publicity hound. He has stood tall and defied federal immigration law,  I say round him up with the next batch of illegals....

It is unfortunate that people striving for a better life wind up being pawns for political kings but the direction of this country has been deteriorating for decades.  It is time to say enough is enough - Learn the language, get legal paperwork or get  Deported.

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 - 40'-6" x 132'

Property Taxes :  $2020

When you are Coming to Connecticut -  Contact Dan Cummings - The Running Realtor for help with Real Estate.

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 I set my running Goal for 2007.  The plan was to increase mileage and run a half marathon ( 13.1 miles ).  The selected event is quickly approaching and my training has slacked off quite a bit since finding ActiveRain. Looking back at my log during the winter I was running 4 or 5 times a week for a total of about 30 miles. 

Once I was infected with Blob-Butt my running dropped to about 15 miles a week.  Memorial Day weekend I picked up the pace and tried my first long distance training run of almost 12 miles.  It felt ok and I completed the same course today so I should ready for the Fairfield Half Marathon.

Wondering how I should proceed during the next two weeks. My thought is to continue with 5 miles runs every other day and go into the long race with 3 days rest.  Any words of wisdom are welcome.

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 out on my long run last weekend I carried a camera to snap some shots.  My first picture was a dual pole bungee cord supported white mailbox.  There were several others along my 11 mile route that were in sad shape. Duct Tape is another favorite that homeowners use to keep their mailboxes attached to the post.

Of all the mailboxes I passed on the two hour run the traditional style set in the stone base with a few flowers was the most appealing to me.  The work at that home went well beyond the mailbox, the lawn also registered in my mind as being a lush weed free green and finely trimmed.  That is exactly what you want the buyer to see.

If you are planning to sell your home take a look from a buyers eye.  Drive down the street and look at your mailbox.  What do you see?   Next take a minute to look at the house, would you call to make an appointment to see the inside or drive away? 

You do not need a fancy or expensive mailbox but strong and straight makes a difference. Numbers also help, make your house easy to find and inviting so prospects will want to look inside.

When you are Coming to Connecticut -  Contact Dan Cummings - The Running Realtor for help with Real Estate.