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The State of Ct has $3.4 million to distribute over the next few months to consumers who replace their old energy eating appliances with new energy-efficient versions. The CT Recovery Appliance Program launched on Monday, Jan 25 and continues through April 30. This rebate program is part of a national $296 million stimulus program administered by the US Dept of energy. Rebates ranging from $50 to $500, are available for specific types of Energy Star rated appliances that are installed in Ct residences. Appliances may be purchased from any retailer, but they must replace an existing appliance to qualify for a rebate.

The rebate dollars are expected to go quickly. Once the funds are depleted, it's unknown whether it will be replaced. State officials estimate the funds should provide rebates for more than 42,000 new appliance purchases.

Appliance	Rebate level	Minimum Efficiency
Refrigerators	$50	Energy Star
Clothes Washers	$100	Energy Star ---CEE Tier 2 and up
Freezers	$50	Energy Star
Room Air Conditioners	$50	Energy Star
Central A/C	$500	Energy Star AHRI---Rated CEE Tier 2

The program is not retroactive, so no rebates will be given for appliances bought before Monday. Each Ct resident is allowed one rebate for each qualifying appliance and up to three room air conditioners. The rebate cannot exceed 50% of the cost of the appliance.

Here's what is needed: 

• For additional information and rebate forms, go to: http://www. ct. gov/opm/cwp/view. asp?a=2994&q=451596#RebateForms  Information can also be obtained by calling 1-877-947-3873
• Applications are also available from Ct utility companies which have partnered with the state to administer the program. Rebate forms will be available in stores Feb 1.
• Fill out and mail the rebate application within 30 days of purchase.
• Provide a copy of the dated invoice or sales receipt showing the price, purchase date, manufacturer model no
• The application must be filled out completely. Consumers must sign and submit the application, provide a copy of the sales receipt and include a copy of the recent electric bill. Expect to receive your rebate within 60 days.
• Alll rebate forms must be postmarked by May 15.

The Town of Cheshire can trace it's roots indirectly from the town of New Haven by way of Wallingford, 2 generations removed. Today it is still a home to many people who commute daily to the new Haven area for work. Originally founded as the West Farm area of Wallingford, if got it's official name of Cheshire from a the Brooks family who emigrated here from Cheshire in England.

The early settlers were not only farmers but also were extensively into the mining of copper and barium sulfite, which was used extensively in the production of glass, paint and cloth. The first manufacturing company to start up in Cheshire, was aptly called the Cheshire Mfg Co, which produced ivory combs and buttons. Part of the original company, which was called the Ball & Socket Co, has been merged with the Waterbury Co, but still produces military buttons for our armed services.

 Sales data for 2009  is as follows:

	CY 2008	CY 2009	Current active	Mos of Inventory	Currently under contract
RESIDENTIAL	205	187	136	11	33
CONDOS	59	75	44	6	15

In 2009, 205 residential properties were sold with a range in value from $ 80,500 to $1,350,000 with a median sales price of $373,000.  Days on market avg of 56

By comparison, there were 187 units sold in 2008 with a range in value from $184,000 to $1,270,000 with a median sales price $380,000. Days on market avg of 51.

Cheshire still enjoys somewhat of a manufacturing base in the north end of town. There are still several active truck farms in town. In addition, Cheshire is known s the bedding capital of New England with many nurseries located throughout the town. The old trolley line, once know as the Farmington line has since been cleaned, cleared and paved and servers as a walking and activities trail running almost 8 miles through the town.

 

 

As we reached the end of 2009 in Prospect, Ct the market was showing a modest increase from the previous year in terms of total residential units sold.

As Prospect, Ct is a small town to begin with the bulk of the inventory of available housing would be in residential sales. The only condominiums complexes in town are 55+ communities.

In 2009, 78 properties were sold with a range in value from $190,000 to $589,000 with a median sales price of $335,000.

By comparison, there were 66 units sold in 2008 with a range in value from $172,000 to $589,000 with a median sales price $329,000

Currently there are 46 properties on the market, representing an 8 month inventory which definitely demonstrates a buyer's market. In addition, 8 properties are currently under contract and going through the closing process. 

We are an ideal community of 12,000 people and the 7 degrees of separation is too many to connect with all the people in town.

The final analysis of real estate sales in Naugatuck for the 2009 year showed remarkable stability from the previous year. Like many of the smaller towns in the Naugatuck Valley, this town shows the proportionate increase in property values the further the distance from the river basin.

Also like other towns along the river, this town started it's gradual decline when the Naugatuck river flooded in 1955 wiping out a great deal of the inner core of the city.

This town was once home to the manufacturing operations of Uniroyal Footwear and Uniroyal Chemical, operations that at one time employed over 5,000 people. The 9 acre space they occupied has been vacant for years and is awaiting a resurgence by the development of a commercial, residential, and cultural development called Renaissance Center. This has been stalled due to various problems, not just the economic slowdown.

The sales comparison analysis is as follows:

	CY 2008		CY 2009		Current active		Mos of Inventory		Currently under contract
RESIDENTIAL	228		224		126		10		30
CONDOS	57		67		46		4		11
MULTI-FAMILY	21		19		22		2		6

The analysis is relatively consistent for this town of app 35,000 residents. It also demonstrates that a property priced properly, has an excellent chance of selling within a reasonable amount of time.

The final analysis of sales of residential properties in Waterbury for the 2009 year shows a definite decline from the values of 2008.

Being the 5th largest city in Ct and having a tradition of an old New England manufacturing town, it carries a negative stigma which is not deserved. The history of the town is the reason for property values being among the lowest in the state, and therefore is a starting point for many first time buyers not only within the state, but with New York City only an hours train ride away, many people found their way up here to but a home that would never be available to them in the boroughs. 

The sales numbers carry over as follows:

	CY 2009		CY 2008		Current active		Mos of Inventory	Currently under contract
RESIDENTIAL	562		602		404		8	105
CONDOS	153		168		193		15	29
MULTI-FAMILY	267		231		176		8	63

Not surprisingly the figures reflect app a 10% drop from the previous year, which would have been lower had it not been for the Fed Tax Rebate program. This program will carry the market through July, when it ends again.

Having the highest unemployment in the State at 10.9% does little to assist the growth of the town. The fact that the town's property values are typically 20-30% lower than neighboring towns allows first time buyers an affordable home. This uniqueness can trace itself back over 70 years to the hey day of the brass manufacturing done in the town, from which it earned it's name as the Brass Capitol of the World. During the war years the plants operated at maximum capacity, providing goods such as fuse times, bomb shell components, uniform buttons, etc. If it was made in brass, then in all likelihood it was made in Waterbury.  With such a large base needing employees, who in turn needed affordable housing, numerous multi-families were built around the center core of the town. Providing cheap housing kept the people in the town.

With the advent of plastics and other synthetic materials, eventually the need for brass goods waned, and with it the base for the large factories. Today there are still numerous smaller manufacturers around the town, but with efficiencies and automation the need for large volumes of workers is small. The Waterbury market creates many opportunities for first time home buyers that can recognize the opportunity to get started with home ownership.

Let's cancel the appointment, it's snowing is something we New Englanders here all too often this time of year. Common sense says it's the right thing to do especially as we live in an area of numerous hills, narrow streets with lots of cars parked on the streets and road crews that can't be everywhere at once.

Many New Englanders are well prepared for this snow and know that the best response is to wait it out.

I have had visitors from down south for the last 10 days and they are forever out shopping. One of the things I cautioned about in the snow is driving too fast. They had a rental so I was sure that it was in condition for the season, but for those that are not sure here are a few winter reminders.

1. Have the vehicle checked early to make sure all the hoses and belts are fine; brakes are good.
2. Check fluid levels particularly the washer fluid as it can be needed real quick, especially when the weather warms up enough for the snow to start melting. Make sure the fluid is alcohol based so that it doesn't freeze
3. Try to start the winter with good wiper blades
4. Make sure the tires are all weather and have proper treads designed to handle snow
5. Make sure all the turn signal, brake and headlights are working properly
6. Keep emergency supplies in the trunk, such as a shovel, a small supply of sand, a windshield brush and some gloves
7. Keep the gas tank full at all times. Not only is this necessary to prevent water from fouling th elines, but an accident on the road that shuts everything down can claim more people that just run out of fuel.
8. Turn over the car mats so that the mud and snow will rest on the back side, which will not only allow for better personal traction, but will also keep the mats cleaner
9. And finally, if you don't need to go out, then don't

For those of us that are UConn grads and sports enthusiasts, this day could not have been better

Our 3 major sports teams were all in action with a great deal at stake for all.

At noon, our men's basketball team, still trying to find an identity for themselves were facing Notre Dame at their Hartford home. Although not ranked, Notre Dame was a tough game because of their senior experience and the depth of their team. At the end of the game, however, it was UConn 82 Notre Dame 70

Almost immediately after, the UConn football team was waiting for opening kick off of the PapaJohns Bowl in Birmingham, AL against the Univ of S Carolina. This was a match up of a team from the best football conference in the country against the fledgling Huskies. UConn dominated the game in every way and came away with the 20-7 win

Simultaneously, in South Orange NJ, the only predictable game was underway with the UConn women's team against Seton Hall. The only mystery here was the final score, UConn 91 Seton Hall 24.

My real estate obligations got in the way of the mens basketball game, but I had the TV to myself for the other 2 games. No fingers ever clicked faster than mine did today.

What a great way to start the New Year and the real weekend.