NEWS BITS

12.04.07

There is nothing like attending a high quality real estate meeting to confirm that all is not horrible in this business, at least in the better areas of CT. I attended an annual CRS ("certified residential specialist") Monday and heard lots of good things about the market from people like me, who sell in places like here around the State. Yes, the pace has slowed, but all feel, as I do, that the under- structure of the market it sound. However, as I said last week, the key to "action" right now is correct pricing, or at least "correct responses" when offers are made.

Heating oil is currently well over $3.00 per gallon in the NW corner; this is significantly higher than last season, so I really blew it by not recommending pre-purchase plans back in August. It appears that oil users will pay approximately 20-25% more this year than last. Last year spot pricing declined from the pre-pay plans. Not so this year!

Programmable thermostats, tightly fitted windows, properly positioned storm sashes, and closed dampers when fireplaces are not in use, will all help mitigate some of this painful cost. Of course wood stoves are another means of saving on oil.

The false storm-start of Winter this last Sunday into Monday, did nothing but result in mostly slushy ground conditions around the NW corner. Salt was the solution and, when spread liberally as it often is, made driving more or less normal, once the trucks got it onto the pavements.

Finally, Chives, a new restaurant in Lakeville has opened, and it is very nicely done with the early reports of good to excellent food. I ended up there Monday evening - yes, they are open on Mondays - and had an excellent meal. Try it.

©:2007 R Leech features