Generator Safety for your Connecticut Home- Hazards You Can Avoid

After Hurricane Irene hit Connecticut a little over a month ago,  thousands of state residents were without power, and there was a BIG rush on generators. There are many types of generators, from small portable units to more involved systems that hook up right into your electrical system as an automatic back-up.

This type of  back up power supply should be treated with the same caution,  care,  respect, and diligence as any other power source coming into your home. That means, hire a licensed contractor for installation. Do not attempt to Do-It-Yourself, period.

This article written by our regular contributor, Nick Gromicko with Elise London as co-author, and has a lot of useful information every that homeowner who has an alternative power source should read.

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Homeowners may use a generator to supply electricity to their home in the case of a power outage, either out of necessity or convenience. Inspectors may want to know about generators and the potential hazards they present when improperly wired or utilized.   

Generator Types- There are two main types of generators:  permanently installed, standby generators; and gasoline-powered, portable generators.
 
Standby Generators- Standby generators typically operate on natural gas or liquid propane. They remain fixed in place outside the home and are designed to supply on-site power to specified circuits through a home's electrical wiring. These generators work in tandem with a manual or automatic transfer switch, which automatically detects an interruption in grid-powered electricity and subsequently transfers Standby generators are non-portable and may require a permit.over electrical input to the generator. The transfer switch suspends input from the generator once it senses that utility-powered electricity has resumed. Generators for small- to medium-size homes are typically air-cooled and employ fans to regulate the temperature inside the unit. Liquid-cooled units are used for the larger energy loads in larger homes.
 
Some advantages of standby generators are as follows:

    They may be turned on manually, or they may be programmed to switch on automatically in the case of a power outage even when no one is home.
    Power may be supplied for extended periods of time.
    Hard-wired systems, such as a home's furnace, well pump and air conditioner, may maintain continuous power.
    Uninterrupted power can be supplied to systems that must remain on continuously, such as medical equipment used for breathing, etc.

Disadvantages of standby generators are as follows:

    Installation may require a permit.
    A qualified technician, such as an electrician, is required to install the ATS and to determine the electrical load requirements for the circuits in a home.
    Routine maintenance is required.
    Standby generators may be prohibitively expensive.Portable generators are versatile and do not require a complicated setup.

Portable Generators- Gasoline-powered, portable generators are typically smaller in size and power capacity than permanently installed generators. They are designed so that corded electrical devices may be plugged directly into them.
 
Advantages to portable generators are as follows:

    Portable generators are versatile. They may be used at home or transported and utilized in remote locations, such as a campground or a construction site.
    They do not require complicated installation.
    They typically do not require permits.
    Portable units are generally less expensive than standby generators.   

Disadvantages of portable generators:

    Devices that are hard-wired into a home's electrical system cannot be powered by a portable generator if no transfer switch is installed.     

Hazards

    Portable and standby generators produce dangerous carbon monoxide (CO) gas, which can be deadly if inhaled.
    Inexperienced installers are exposed to the risk of electrical shock. Only qualified electricians should attempt to install a generator.
    Overloading a generator may result in reduced fuel efficiency, damage to appliances or fire.
    Standby generators or their required transfer switches that are incorrectly wired (or missing) may result in "back-feed" -- a hazardous condition in which an electrical current is fed back into the grid -- which could potentially electrocute and kill homeowners, utility workers, and others who are using the same utility transformer.
    Connecting a portable generator directly into a home's wall outlet can also cause dangerous back-feed.
    Generators that are exposed to water or that are not properly grounded can cause electrocution.
    Gasoline for portable generators is highly flammable and may cause a fire when exposed to an open flame or when spilled on the hot generator.
    Over-taxed cords attached to a portable generator may cause a fire.

Inspection- InterNACHI inspectors may want to check for the following:

    Generators should never be used anywhere indoors, even if the area is ventilated.
    Portable generators placed outside should not be near doors, vents or open windows leading into the home.
    Carbon-monoxide detectors should be installed in case CO is accidentally released into the home.
    Portable generators should not be plugged directly into a home's electrical receptacles.
    A standby generator hard-wired into a home should have a transfer switch installed to prevent backfeeding.  An inspector can locate this device situated between
    the generator and the main electrical panel.  An automatic transfer switch (ATS) required by a standby generator
    Generators should be properly grounded.
    Units should be dry and shielded from contact with liquid.
    Only heavy-duty electrical cords that are rated for outdoor use should be plugged into portable generators.
    Electrical cords should not have any punctures or exposed wiring.
    Cords running from portable generators should be kept out of the way of foot traffic and should not run underneath rugs.
    The total electrical capacity of the generator should exceed the power requirements of the devices that the unit is supplying.
    Fuel for portable generators should be stored away from the home and children in clearly labeled and durable containers.


In summary, generators can be lifesavers during a power outage, but they present serious health and safety concerns if they are not installed and used properly.

Nick Gromicko, FOUNDER. http://www.nachi.org
International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) is the world's most elite, non-profit inspection association.
President, ComInspect, www.cominspect.com
Director, Master Inspector Certification Board, www.certifiedmasterinspector.org
Author, 15 books and Co-Host of  http://www.NACHI.TV

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Third Quarter 2011 Real Estate Market Reports for Southwestern CT

We have just released 2011's third quarter's real estate market statistics for each of the towns that we service in Fairfield and New Haven Counties.

The easy to read reports are available in .pdf format.

Each town's first, second and third quarter report can be found  HERE . In addition, We also have posted Market Conditions, Forecasts and Advice for Easton, Fairfield, Norwalk, Trumbull and Westport on each of their respective Town Blogs.

Links to individual town information pages can be found below:

...In Fairfield County

Darien, Fairfield, Greenwich, Monroe, New Canaan, Newtown, Norwalk, Redding, Shelton, Stratford, Trumbull, Weston and Westport.

and New Haven County

Ansonia, Derby, Milford, Oxford and Seymour.

Statistics for Single Family Homes, Condominiums, and Multi-Families include:

• Number of sold listings on a townwide basis, and also by bedroom count. Average listing price and sales price , list price to sales price ratio and average market time.

We are pleased to present you these general statistics. Remember, they are townwide, so if you would like information on your home, we will be happy to provide you with detailed analyses specific to you.

As always, if you have any questions, please contact us, and when you are ready to buy or sell, we are here and available to get you the very best price for your home!

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Connecticut Mortgage Rates and Financing Update September 30, 2011

We are now easing back to the lowest rates in decades - that range is 3.75 - 4.125% for the best available 30 year fixed rates.  Those exact rates might not apply to you, but they're the barometer for the range.  We're getting back into territory that is so close to the all time lows.  It now becomes less worth the risk to try to shave another eighth off your rate.  If the extra eighth is important to you, and you have the flexibility, I'm still interested to see how markets and mortgage rates react when Fed buying starts on 10/3/11.  But as a general rule and as a hard and fast rule for anyone involved in a purchase or who can otherwise not afford to lose any ground, locking is always advised near these levels. This week more "float" of rate was recommended as rates backed up toward the higher side.

This Week's Financial News

Loan Servicing values directly impact mortgage pricing - and that is the cost to you for your rate. If you'd like to add your two cents on servicing, you can write to Servicing_Comp_Public_Comments@fhfa.gov.   The spread - or cost to you - charged in the mortgage rate is based on market competition, expected costs, and the expected returns on the investment, or your ability to pay and how long you will keep the mortgage debt.  The cost should cover the expected costs (or loss) of servicing non performing loans.  But perhaps servicing companies make too much on loans where there are no delinquency issues, and not enough on loans where there is delinquency.

Mortgage Fraud - The types of fraud reported have changed significantly over the last year.  Property fraud, which increased 4 percent between the first quarters of 2009 and 2010, skyrocketed  by 262 percent over the next four quarters. Property fraud includes flips and flops, and distressed sales remain the source of significant risk.  CoreLogic estimates that unrealized recoveries on short sale transactions may be costing lenders as much as $375 million a year.  Unscrupulous investors, real estate agents, and other actors are preying on delinquent borrowers and arranging same day flips through the short-sale process.

Today's Mortgage Rates

30 year fixed - 3.875% + .0 points for rate
20 year fixed - 3.750 % + 0  points for rate
15 year fixed - 3.250% + 0 points for rate
10 year fixed - 3.250 %  0 points for rate
5/1 ARM - 2.625% - 0 points for rate
7/1 ARM - 2.875%  + 0 points for rate

FHA/VA
30 year fixed - 3.75% +  0 points for rate
5/1 ARM - 2.875 +  0 points for rate
7/1 ARM - 3.250 + 0 point for rate

Jumbo - up to 2,000,000
30 year fixed - 4.750 0  points  for rate
15 year fixed - 4.250% + 0   points for rate
5/1 ARM - 3.250 % + 0 points for rate
7/1 ARM - 3.625 % + 0 points for rate

10/1 ARM -  4.375 % with + 0 points for rate

Jennifer Buchanan,  Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist at MetLife Loans is a seasoned veteran of the Mortgage, Banking and Broker Industry and specializes in mortgage loans throughout Fairfield County, Connecticut.
   Her attention to detail is unsurpassed, and her understanding of the marketplace makes it easy to find the right loan to fit her clients specific needs .  Jennifer's local processing and closing team are also known for their exemplary service.
   Understanding that the vast majority of mortgage brokers never discuss the long or short term  financial needs or goals with their clients, she set herself apart from the rest by obtaining the coveted CMPS  designation. (Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist)
    She is a member of the National Association of Responsible Loan Officers, and her commitment to ethics, understanding of the marketplace, and business acumen have earned her the respect of her peers and clients alike.

Jennifer Buchanan
Metlife Loans
203-341-6949

Jennifer Buchanan- Your certified expert
 on mortgages offering Free Unbiased
recommendations based on your needs.

Best Fairfield County Connecticut Towns and Cities - Trumbull CT

 

 

Trumbull, Connecticut - The real estate market here is outperforming many of its neighbors, and now is a great time to either buy or sell in this well priced community. Here are some facts, trivia and demographics about Trumbull.

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Incorporated in 1797
23 Square Miles
35,500 Residents
12,300 Households
89% Owner occupied
17.2% homes built prior to 1950

The town of Trumbull is located just a few miles inland off the coast of Long Island Sound in the mid-eastern section of Fairfield County. One of the many fine qualities the town of Trumbull has to offer is a very well planned mix of old and new, of residential and commercial, and of town and city.

Historic Nichols is a lovely enclave in town, and you'll hear townsfolk give directions based on the Bunny Fountain.  Play golf at Tashua Knolls, or go shopping at the mall. You'll be pleasantly surprised at how this comfortable town has many amenities that only larger cities generally offer.

Trumbull was named after Connecticut Governor Jonathan Trumbull, who was a widely respected figure during the revolutionary war.His second son, Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., also resided as Governor of CT. Brother John was one of our nations most noteworthy early American artists. Famous works include The Declaration of Independence, and other scenes form the American Revolution.Trumbull has two well known historic districts, Nichols and Tashua, and its Historical society is an active one. When you go into town hall you will see many photographs of the older homes in town.

Trumbull's great pride in its parks is evident as you drive through town. Over 1300 acres of preserved land include eight major parks in town, and each has its own claim to fame. You can go swimming or hiking, listen to a concert at the amphitheater, enjoy the BMX racetrack or go fishing, skating or picnicking-and the list just goes on and on.

Trumbull is also home to a vocational agriculture program where students learn to tend animals and plants. You can drive by the school's farm area and maybe catch a glimpse of a couple of cows or sheep, but don't let that fool you into thinking that Trumbull is a rural community. Trumbull is home to the immediate region's shopping plaza with over 200 stores. You will really find whatever you're looking for here, and that means whether you're shopping for a home or shopping for something for your home. . One of the greatest things about Trumbull is that you can feel like you're in the country, but everything is really only five minutes away!

TRIVIA: Trumbull has hosted the state's largest single day fair; The town is named for Jonathan Trumbull, a supporter of the American Revolution; A painting of Jonathan Trumbull hangs in the State Capitol building.

 View an interactive map of Trumbull and search the MLS for listings

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Main   Trumbull Blog  Property Search

Sellers: Your Home Shouldn't Be ON the Market

Being "on the market" is old school terminology. If your home isn't "in" the market, it isn't going to sell. Seems simple enough, but let me explain the difference between  "Being on the market" and truly "Being in the Market".

Being IN the market means that your agent is doing everything he/she possibly can do to make sure your home is visible to as many qualified buyers as possible. Being ON the market means that although your home is listed for sale, your home is NOT as visible as it can and should be.

I've been in real estate for over 26 years, and I have watched the industry evolve dramatically over that time.  Many agents still do things the old way, and newer agents may not have learned how to market your home as effectively as possible. Many agents still refer to putting your home "on the market". That's Old School thinking.

More on the Old School way of selling your home:

We all agree that the MLS is a fabulous tool to get the word out about your home's availability.

THEN: MLS Books were issued once every two weeks, with hot sheet inserts delivered once a week. There was no online resources. In fact, when the MLS first got computerized, it was through a 12000 baud connection from the telephone that printed out with no pictures on thermal fax paper. (around 1989 through the mid 90's)
NOW: The MLS is online and can be updated every minute of the day. Hotsheets can be accessed every minute of every day.

NOTE: A "hotsheet" is all the listing changes for a given period of time that including new listings, properties that came back on the market, price changes, deposits, and sales

THEN: A Comparable Market Analysis consisted of an 8.5 x 14"  handwritten pre-written piece of paper with filled in boxes containing tidbits of information on three active listings, three pending sales, three homes that didn't sell, and three sold properties.
NOW: To some agents, the three active, pending expired and sold property analysis still holds true.Some others include four or five of each in a fluffy  presention from a computer program which transforms the information to a printed presentation BUT four or five property comparisons doesn't even cut it anymore. Not in today's ever evolving market. Various analyses are important to arrive at the right price.  See our Article on Pricing Your Home Properly.

THEN: Marketing consisted primarily of the MLS, signage in front of your home,"Just listed" cards sent to your neighbors and surrounding areas, and an occasional ad in the newspaper
NOW: The Internet has changed all that. Besides all of the websites that your home should be listed on, and the amount of information that should be included in that listing, and the boom of  social marketing, it's now more important than ever to be diligent about everything that you can, including hiring the right agent, and your property information brochures to help get your home sold.

THEN: When you received an offer on your property, the only contingencies were  for the mortgage, and that your home be "in broom clean condition". There were no disclosures either  ... and yes, that broom clean clause was standard on all offers to purchase. There were no concerns about mold, underground oil tanks, radon, and  yes, even building inspections!
NOW: There are many disclosures  and much paperwork to fill out that must be done properly. If the buyers agent doesn't know how to do that (and it can get complicated for some newer or unexperienced agents) then it's up to your listing agent to make sure that everything is done correctly. Your  agent has to be a lot smarter these days and absolutely on top of their game in order to pick up the slack from another agent when needed.

Let me be perfectly clear. The one thing that hasn't changed over the years is the agents job of getting your home "IN the market" as opposed to just "ON the market". It's how it needs to be accomplished that has changed.

So what gets your home to being "off the market" in a good way?

The best choice clearly is to have your home "IN the market" and having your home be off the market because it sold, and the only way to do that is to list your home for sale with an agent who knows how to get your home "IN the market". That's me!

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