SHORT TOPICS

04.24.08

The sudden, steep, cost increases at the gas pumps and heating oil billings are going to change a lot of ideas about home ownership, as well as costs of year round rentals.

Interest rates are delightfully low, as I mentioned last week, however other factors are now entering into buyers' thoughts about purchasing property in our area.

There are some overloaded (with inventory) property categories putting significant pressure on sellers seeking buyers.

The summer season rental market is proving to also be a challenge as inquiries are coming later with prospects making lower offers against the prices being asked for those available for rental.

"Average" homes are of no interest to most rent seekers currently looking for a place in the NW CT corner and vicinity.

On Spring maintenance, re-set your screens and storms, if you have combination windows allowing such adjustment.

Pre-start your AC system to see that it has "wintered" without developing a start up problem.

Finally, if you are seller, be reasonable if blessed with any offer not initially satisfactory, but do receive a serious offer. If you are a buyer, you may have a lot to choose from, but the "best property" of any category’ may still be hard to "get", especially if its asking price has already been adjusted for current conditions.

©2008, R. Leech features.