How to Help Spot a Home Repair Scam

Clouds aren’t the only things that roll in with severe summer weather. Contractors who attempt to cash in during the aftermath of a storm by promising low prices for home repairs and delivering substandard or incomplete work may also arrive on the scene.

Help protect yourself, your money and your home from repair rip-offs by learning to spot these red flags:

Some Warning Signs of a Scam

Be alert if contractors:
·    Offer unsolicited services for such projects as driveway sealing, chimney rebuilds and roof repair – projects that are commonly “pitched” to homeowners.
·    Quote a reduced price on the work because of “materials left over from a job down the street.”
·    Offer a discount for using your home as a “demonstration.”
·    Employ pushy door-to-door sales tactics or advertise through flyers or newspapers.
·    Appear to be from out of town or working out of a pickup truck.
·    Demand immediate payment in full.
·    Accept cash only.
·    Provide no written contract.
·    Are not willing to produce references.
·    Fail to provide proof of insurance and proper licensing.
·    Suggest financing or recommend financing through someone they know.
·    Ask you to secure any required permits.
·    Promise insurance compensation for their repairs.

Ways to Help Protect Yourself

These tips can help you hire a reputable contractor:
·    Get multiple quotes from local established businesses.
·    Take time to make your decision.
·    Do your research. Look into professional affiliations and Better Business
·    Bureau reports, and follow up on references from previous clients.
·    Check for up-to-date licenses, and verify insurance protection.
·    Insist on written estimates and a written contract that includes contact information, important dates and a breakdown of costs. According to Federal Trade Commission rulings, you may be able to cancel a contract of more than $25 within three business days of signing it at your home or in a seller’s temporary business location.

The National Association of Home Builders offers additional tips for hiring a dependable professional contractor on its site. For storm repair tips, visit the Better Business Bureau website. And before you hire any contractor for storm-related repairs, always contact your State Farm® agent, to be sure repairs will be covered.

The information in this article was obtained from various sources. While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. The information is not intended to replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. Nor is it intended to effect coverage under any policy. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information. We assume no liability in connection with the information nor the suggestions made.

Article submitted by Brennan Purdy of State Farm Insurance

My vision is to be an insurance professional whose actions are driven by keeping the customer's best interest as my primary goal. My staff will treat all my customers in a caring, friendly, and professional manner. My office will provide warm, efficient, and seamless services to our customers at all times. I expect my business to be comprised of knowledgeable, multiple-line customers who see my office as their first and best choice for all their insurance and financial service needs

For more information on these and other home safety tips, stop by my office or visit www.brennanpurdy.com. My office is conveniently located in downtown Bethel. 203-798-7300.                   211 Greenwood Avenue , Bethel, CT 06801

 And a note From Judy: If you have a question about buying or selling Real Estate in Fairfield County, and are in need of an Realtor to represent you, I invite you to contact me, and if you have an idea for a topic that you would like to see on The CT Realty Blog, please include it in the "Post a Comment" section link below this post. We appreciate the feedback and look forward to providing you with the best real estate content, advice and service in Fairfield County, Connecticut.

Connecticut Magazine Ranks Easton the Best Small Town in CT for 2012

... and we definitely agree.  Every year, Connecticut Magazine ranks the state's 169 towns and cities, places each town in its appropriate population category, and then ranks them on the quality of schools, the local economy,  cost of living, crime rate, and local leisure.

Easton comes in at Number 1 in  the 6,500 -10,000 population category.

Connecticut Magazine said it best- "The small Connecticut town is a cherished American icon", and anyone who lives anywhere near Easton  would definitely agree that this town is the epitome of that icon.

Here is some more information about this lovely town,  and if you are looking to buy or sell a home in Easton,  we are here to help.

Easton, Connecticut Quick Facts: Land area is approximately 27 Square miles and the elevation is 393 feet. Incorporated in  1847, Easton currently  has about  7,600 residents in 2,550 households, 93% of which are owner occupied.  Approximately  25.4%  of the housing stock was built prior to 1950. The 2011-12 Property tax rate for Easton is 22.95 mills.

Check out our 12 page detailed demographic report HERE.  

OUR INTERVIEW WITH THE DAILY EASTON PUBLISHED ON JANUARY 12, 2012

The town of Easton, Connecticut is one of the most beautiful and quaint towns in Fairfield County. There is no real commercial development, except for a village store, one gas station, and a number of older working farms. The well-known Aspetuck and Hemlock Reservoirs are just two of three, formerly owned by The Bridgeport Hydraulic Company, which is  now known as the Aquarion Company that service many of the surrounding towns. This watershed area comprises almost 40% of the entire town of Easton. The area surrounding these reservoirs is as picturesque as a postcard. On your scenic drive in Easton, expect to see an old barn, many historic homes, and plenty of stately manors. 

The town of Easton  boasts over 7500 acres of preserved land, and you will encounter old-style colonial stone walls everywhere you go. It would not be uncommon to see someone riding a horse here, either privately owned, or from one of the local stables like the Lion Hill Riding Academy. The eighteenth century charm and seclusion is evident throughout the town, which has masterfully planned a mix of vintage homes with newer regal homes, while maintaining its rural beauty.

Founded in 1757, but not incorporated until the 1847, Easton's beginnings were brought upon by men from the Parish of Fairfield. Easton was favored by Redcoat and Colonial troops during the revolutionary war. In 1797, Samuel Staples founded the first 'free' school in Easton, so that rich and poor could both receive an adequate education. The fund for the poor exists today, and is known as the Easton Town Deposit Fund.  

This town's current ambience is that of a quiet residential community. The rural character of Easton has been steadfastly maintained over the years, while still allowing minimal residential growth. Zoning still requires 3 acres lot size in over 90% of the town. Housing is strictly single family residences, with no apartments, condominiums, or industry.

The Connecticut Golf Club and the Aspetuck Valley Country Club offer a low key social setting in town, while bordering towns offer varied social happenings.

If you have a question about buying or selling Real Estate in Easton, and are in need of representation, I invite you to contact me. I know the market like the back of my hand, know marketing inside and out, am a skilled negotiator- and I'd love to be on your side :) - Judy

Protecting Your Connecticut Home and Property From Water Damage

Water may be essential to life, but, as a destructive force, water can diminish the value of your home or building. Homes as well as commercial buildings can suffer water damage that results in increased maintenance costs, a decrease in the value of the property, lowered productivity, and potential liability associated with a decline in indoor air quality. The best way to protect against this potential loss is to ensure that the building components which enclose the structure, known as the building envelope, are water-resistant. Also, you will want to ensure that manufacturing processes, if present, do not allow excess water to accumulate. Finally, make sure that the plumbing and ventilation systems, which can be quite complicated in buildings, operate efficiently and are well-maintained. This article provides some basic steps for identifying and eliminating potentially damaging excess moisture.

 

Identify and Repair All Leaks and Cracks

 

The following are common building-related sources of water intrusion:

• windows and doors: Check for leaks around your windows, storefront systems and doors.
• roof: Improper drainage systems and roof sloping reduce roof life and become a primary source of moisture intrusion. Leaks are also common around vents for exhaust or plumbing, rooftop air-conditioning units, or other specialized equipment.
• foundation and exterior walls: Seal any cracks and holes in exterior walls, joints and foundations. These often develop as a naturally occurring byproduct of differential soil settlement.
• plumbing: Check for leaking plumbing fixtures, dripping pipes (including fire sprinkler systems), clogged drains (both interior and exterior), defective water drainage systems and damaged manufacturing equipment.
• ventilation, heating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems: Numerous types, some very sophisticated, are a crucial component to maintaining a healthy, comfortable work environment. They are comprised of a number of components (including chilled water piping and condensation drains) that can directly contribute to excessive moisture in the work environment. In addition, in humid climates, one of the functions of the system is to reduce the ambient air moisture level (relative humidity) throughout the building. An improperly operating HVAC system will not perform this function.

Prevent Water Intrusion Through Good Inspection and Maintenance Programs

 

Hire a qualified InterNACHI inspector to perform an inspection of the following elements of your building to ensure that they remain in good condition:

• flashings and sealants: Flashing, which is typically a thin metal strip found around doors, windows and roofs, are designed to prevent water intrusion in spaces where two building materials come together. Sealants and caulking are specifically applied to prevent moisture intrusion at building joints. Both must be maintained and in good condition.
• vents: All vents should have appropriate hoods, exhaust to the exterior, and be in good working order.
• Review the use of manufacturing equipment that may include water for processing or cooling. Ensure wastewater drains adequately away, with no spillage. Check for condensation around hot or cold materials or heat-transfer equipment.
• HVAC systems are much more complicated in commercial buildings. Check for leakage in supply and return water lines, pumps, air handlers and other components. Drain lines should be clean and clear of obstructions. Ductwork should be insulated to prevent condensation on exterior surfaces.
• humidity: Except in specialized facilities, the relative humidity in your building should be between 30% and 50%. Condensation on windows, wet stains on walls and ceilings, and musty smells are signs that relative humidity may be high. If you are concerned about the humidity level in your building, consult with a mechanical engineer, contractor or air-conditioning repair company to determine if your HVAC system is properly sized and in good working order. A mechanical engineer should be consulted when renovations to interior spaces take place.
• moist areas: Regularly clean off, then dry all surfaces where moisture frequently collects.
• expansion joints: Expansion joints are materials between bricks, pipes and other building materials that absorb movement. If expansion joints are not in good condition, water intrusion can occur.

Protection From Water Damage

• interior finish materials: Replace drywall, plaster, carpet and stained or water-damaged ceiling tiles. These are not only good evidence of a moisture intrusion problem, but can lead to deterioration of the work environment, if they remain over time.
• exterior walls: Exterior walls are generally comprised of a number of materials combined into a wall assembly. When properly designed and constructed, the assembly is the first line of defense between water and the interior of your building. It is essential that they be maintained properly (including regular refinishing and/or resealing with the correct materials).
• storage areas: Storage areas should be kept clean.  Allow air to circulate to prevent potential moisture accumulation.

Act Quickly if  Water Intrusion Occurs

 

Label shut-off valves so that the water supply can be easily closed in the event of a plumbing leak. If water intrusion does occur, you can minimize the damage by addressing the problem quickly and thoroughly. Immediately remove standing water and all moist materials, and consult with a building professional. Should your building become damaged by a catastrophic event, such as fire, flood or storm, take appropriate action to prevent further water damage, once it is safe to do so. This may include boarding up damaged windows, covering a damaged roof with plastic sheeting, and/or removing wet materials and supplies. Fast action on your part will help minimize the time and expense for repairs, resulting in a faster recovery.

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

And a note From Judy: If you have a question about buying or selling a home in Fairfield County, and are in need of an Realtor to represent you, I invite you to contact me, and if you have an idea for a topic that you would like to see on The CT Realty Blog, please include it in the "Post a Comment" section link below this post. We appreciate the feedback and look forward to providing you with the best real estate content, advice and service in Fairfield County, Connecticut.

Connecticut Financing Update and Today's Mortgage Rates 4/20/12

Rates are at their best levels since late February, however, rates were in similar territory on Tuesday 4/10.  The late February levels in question contained all time mortgage rate lows.

Any time we talk about "lows" or "best levels," it's important to keep in mind that we're constantly assessing BOTH the interest rates AND the costs associated with them.  In actuality, the interest rate you'd be quoted today may very well not be different from what you would have been quoted on Friday, although the lender's costs are likely somewhat lower.

The consideration of both RATES and COSTS is central to our determination of a "Best-Execution" rate, which can generally be thought of as the most efficient combination of payment vs. costs.  Today, the Best-Execution rate for 30yr Fixed Conventional Loans remains at 4.0% for many scenarios and is increasingly available at 3.875% for some scenarios.

Last week we noted a relatively indecisive attitude in the markets that underlie mortgage rate movements.  From Friday's commentary:

We're generally viewing next week as relatively inconsequential in the big picture given that the following week includes the next FOMC Announcement (you know... where the Fed puts out their official statement every month and a half or so...).  We could certainly see some level of improvement or deterioration in mortgage rates, but there's greater potential for bigger moves in the following week.  Keep in mind that "less volatile" and "less consequential" don't connote an absence of risk.  Unexpected market-moving headlines can happen any time.

This was evident today as markets reacted more to general concerns over the Spanish debt situation (some point to Spain as the next Greece) than to the stronger-than-expected Retail Sales report out this morning.

Once again, we want to be very careful about making any sort of assumption of stability in financial markets.  There's no way to guarantee that this will continue to be the case this week.  Whatever happens though, it does seem increasingly possible that markets are most focused on next week's FOMC, while still keeping an eye out for European concerns and to a lesser extent, any major surprises in this week's economic data.

Today's BEST-EXECUTION Rates

30-year fixed 3.875% APR-3.924% 0 points

20 year fixed-3.625% APR-3.692% 0 points

15 year fixed-3.250% APR-3.333% 0 points

10 year fixed-3.000% APR-3.123% 0 points

5/1 ARM-2.625% APR-3.091% 0 points

7/1 ARM-2.875% APR-3.127% 0 points

FHA

30 year fixed-3.750% APR-4.659% 0 points

15 year fixed-2.875% APR-3.319% 0 points

Jumbo- over $602,000 (Fairfield County)

30 year fixed-4.000% APR 4.117% 0 points

15 year fixed-3.500% APR 3.574% 0 points

5/1 ARM-3.125% APR 3.419% 0 points

7/1 ARM-3.500% APR 3.818% 0 points

Pat Leary is  a mortgage banker with over 12 years experience as a lending specialist in Connecticut. Her passion is to guide her clients through the mortgage process. Pat takes pride on providing great customer service, through communication, trust and integrity, and strives to offer the best mortgage products and service in the industry. We're confident that you will receive the personal attention that you deserve. As a leading Mortgage Banker in Connecticut, Pat  is responsible for structuring your financing with the expertise to answer any questions you may have on rates, fees and products.

Pat Leary

NMLS #99279
Atlantic Home Loans
830 Post Road East

Westport CT 06880
203-645-1037 cell
203-691-9788 ext 226
1-203-413-5647 fax

And a note From Judy: If you have a question about buying or selling Real Estate in Fairfield County, and are in need of an Realtor to represent you, I invite you to contact me, and if you have an idea for a topic that you would like to see on The CT Realty Blog, please include it in the "Post a Comment" section link below this post. We appreciate the feedback and look forward to providing you with the best real estate content, advice and service in Fairfield County, Connecticut.

100 Things to Make Your Home Safer in One Minute or Less

Safety doesn’t take a lot of time, but it does take thought and planning. Not sure how to Commit a Minute to Safety? Pick one, 10 or 100 of the things below and get started today. You’ll see that sometimes it just takes a minute to avoid what could be a lifetime of regret.

1.    Test each smoke alarm in your home
2.    Replace the batteries in each smoke alarm
3.    Count how many smoke alarms you have in your house. If you do not have one on every level and near sleeping areas, purchase additional smoke alarms
4.    Designate an outside meeting place for your family (for example: the mailbox) in case of a fire or emergency
5.    Blow out candles before leaving the room or going to sleep
6.    Use a sturdy candle holder or hurricane lamp
7.    Turn down your hot water heater to 120 degrees or less to prevent burns
8.    Roll up your sleeves before you start cooking
9.    Have oven mitts nearby when cooking
10.    Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove
11.    Store all matches and lighters out of reach of children
12.    Put hot food and drinks near the center of the table only
13.    Put down your hot drink when carrying your baby
14.    Test hot water with an elbow before allowing a child to touch
15.    Post your fire escape plan on your refrigerator
16.    Put water on cigarette butts before throwing them away
17.    Unplug small appliances such as hair dryers and toasters after using them
18.    Use flameless candles
19.    Move anything that can burn, such as dish towels, at least three feet away from the stove
20.    Practice “Stop, Drop and Roll” with your kids
21.    Schedule an appointment to have your furnace cleaned and inspected
22.    Look for the UL Mark when you buy appliances
23.    Tell kids to stay away from the stove/oven
24.    Turn space heaters off before going to bed
25.    Remove any gasoline from your home
26.    Put non-slip strips in your tub and shower
27.    Install night lights in the hallway
28.    Put a flashlight in each bedroom
29.    Wipe up spills as soon as they happen to prevent slips and falls
30.    Use a sturdy Christmas tree stand
31.    Water your Christmas tree every day
32.    Keep your Christmas tree at least three feet away from any heat source
33.    Inspect your Christmas lights for signs of damage
34.    Flip over large buckets so water cannot accumulate and become a drowning danger
35.    Store cleaners and other poisons away from food
36.    Post the Poison Control hotline number (1-800-222-1222) next to your phone
37.    If you have young children, use cabinet locks on cabinets that have poisons such as antifreeze, cleaners, detergents, etc.
38.    Keep medicine in its original containers
39.    Purchase a carbon monoxide detector for your home
40.    Test your carbon monoxide (CO) alarm
41.    Put your infant to sleep on his/her back
42.    Remove any soft bedding, stuffed animals and pillows from your infant’s crib
43.    Cut your toddler’s food into small bites
44.    Use safety straps on high chairs and changing tables
45.    Check www.recalls.gov to see if any items in your home (including cribs) have been recalled
46.    Move cribs away from windows
47.    Use safety covers on unused electrical outlets
48.    Test small toys for choking hazards – if it fits in a toilet paper roll, it’s too small
49.    Remove all plastic bags from the nursery
50.    Pick up any small items, such as coins or buttons, that can be choking hazards for infants and toddlers
51.    Write down emergency contact information for your family and make sure everyone has these numbers
52.    If young children live in or visit your home, move furniture away from windows so they don’t climb up to look out and accidentally fall
53.    Tie window cords out of a child’s reach
54.    Check your child’s bath water temperature (use your wrist or elbow) to make sure it is not too hot
55.    Remove drawstrings from your baby’s clothing
56.    Keep the toilet lid shut to prevent little fingers from getting slammed by a falling lid
57.    If you have toddlers, install a toilet seat lock
58.    If you have young children, install door knob covers on bathroom doors
59.    Use a fireplace screen
60.    Put toys away after playing
61.    Don’t refer to medicine or vitamins as “candy”
62.    Put on safety glasses before any DIY project
63.    Put tools away after your DIY project is complete
64.    Post emergency numbers near your phone
65.    Pick up one new thing for your family’s emergency preparedness kit
66.    Use a ladder, not a chair, when climbing to reach something
67.    Use plastic instead of glass near the pool
68.    Cover any spa or hot tub when it is not in use
69.    Purchase a first aid kit
70.    Drain the bath tub immediately after bathing
71.    Remove clutter from the stairs
72.    Use the handrail when you are walking up or down the stairs
73.    If the power goes out, use flashlights instead of candles
74.    Ask smokers to smoke outside
75.    Wear proper shoes when climbing a ladder
76.    Check your home for too many plugs in one socket and fix the problem
77.    Install baby gates at the top and bottom of stairs if you have young children
78.    Never leave food cooking unattended
79.    Make sure pools or spas are properly fenced to keep out small children
80.    Teach kids to tell you when they see matches or lighters
81.    Turn out the lights when you leave the room
82.    Unplug appliances that aren’t in use (especially in the kitchen)
83.    Take your hair dryer off of the bathroom counter and store it safely
84.    Check your electronics for the UL Mark
85.    Identify two exits from every room with your kids in case of fire
86.    Check your holiday decorations – keep breakable decorations out of reach of young children
87.    Replace an old light bulb with a new energy-efficient option
88.    Check the walls for loose paint chips and re-paint with low-VOC or VOC-free paint
89.    Check all the outlets in your home for overloaded sockets or extension cords
90.    Remove any extension cords that are pulled under rugs or tacked up
91.    Place fire extinguishers in key areas of your home
92.    Place an escape ladder in an upstairs room that might not have an easy exit
93.    Remove any painted furniture that is pre-1978 to avoid possible lead exposure
94.    Lock medications safely in a cabinet
95.    Consider low-flow toilets
96.    Check that all major appliances are grounded and test your GFCIs
97.    Clean the lint trap and hose on your dryer
98.    Check your swing set for sharp edges or dangerous S-hooks
99.    Take a tour of your home from your child’s perspective looking for hazards
100.    Hold a family fire drill.

Article submitted by Brennan Purdy of State Farm Insurance

My vision is to be an insurance professional whose actions are driven by keeping the customer's best interest as my primary goal. My staff will treat all my customers in a caring, friendly, and professional manner. My office will provide warm, efficient, and seamless services to our customers at all times. I expect my business to be comprised of knowledgeable, multiple-line customers who see my office as their first and best choice for all their insurance and financial service needs

For more information on these and other home safety tips, stop by my office or visit www.brennanpurdy.com. My office is conveniently located in downtown Bethel. 203-798-7300.                   211 Greenwood Avenue , Bethel, CT 06801

 And a note From Judy: If you have a question about buying or selling Real Estate in Fairfield County, and are in need of an Realtor to represent you, I invite you to contact me, and if you have an idea for a topic that you would like to see on The CT Realty Blog, please include it in the "Post a Comment" section link below this post. We appreciate the feedback and look forward to providing you with the best real estate content, advice and service in Fairfield County, Connecticut.