A new public access television show, The Real Estate Forum, premiered July 3 on channel 77.

The show produced by Richard Maybruck, a local realtor, discusses issues that are very pertinent for those who are selling or buying a home in Fairfield County. The show’s mission is totally public service to help buyers and seller adjust their strategies to the changing real estate market in Fairfield County. The show does not solicit sellers or buyers . According to Richard Maybruck, “we do not sell homes or seek out buyers. We never mention our firms. In fact, Ann Meyerson, co-host, and I work for different firms. There are so many issues in play right now, that we felt an unbiased report would be extremely useful for both buyers and sellers”. The first show featured, as a guest, Jim Bremm a local mortgage banker. Future shows will have buyers, sellers, home inspectors and a green home consultant as guests.  According to Ann Meyerson, “Fairfield County is in a unique situation mainly because of it’s proximity to New York City and our hope is to provide substantive information for the local community on how to successfully navigate our real estate market”. The show has a blog,

www.RealEstateForumBlog.com providing an internet forum to discuss real estate issues in Fairfield County. The show can be seen on Channel 77, Thursdays at 6:30 PM

In its simplest form, a geothermal heat pump works by using the earth’s constant temperature that is found 8 feet under the ground.  That temperature in CT. is about 55ºf.  In a process that is similar to the workings of a refrigerator (an operation that involves evaporation, compression, condensation and expansion) geothermal transfers heat to or from the earth and brings it into the home.

To do this, geothermal uses a loop system of flexible pipes that are filled with a water/glycol mix and buried in the ground. Geothermal uses NO fossil fuels. A highly efficient electrical pump, compressor and fan run the whole system. It provides 100% of your heat through your air duct vents or through radiant heat and100% of your air conditioning. In also it provides free hot water in summer.

Geothermal is long-lasting, clean, very safe and virtually maintenance free,  There is no fuel combustion (associated with oil and gas), so there is no chance of Carbon Monoxide poisoning in your home, no smelly oil tank, no greenhouse gases either. Just cleaner, fresher air.

There are many different types of loop systems, some even designed for ponds and streams. Because no drilling is required, this is a much less expensive option. Your location determines which one is right for you. Geothermal can initially be more expensive to install than oil or gas fired systems because of the cost of the pipes, but it is much more efficient and will save you 70% on your total utility bill. If you have a deep pond – then installing geothermal a no-brainer!

Learn how to save 70% on your home energy costs by using Geo-Thermal energy & other cost saving options.

Fairfield to Woodbridge CT

Thur. Aug. 7, 2008 - 5:30pm

Greenwich to Westport

July 31, 2008 - 6:30PM - CHANNEL 77

August 7, 2008 - 6:30PM - CHANNEL 77

August 14, 2008 - 6:30PM - CHANNEL 77

Nick Goodwin Self, Eco Consultant will let you know:

• What is geo-thermal energy?
• How can geo-thermal energy reduce your heating costs?
• How much does an installation cost?
• How much will I save?
• What are other cost saving options?

• Overall single family home average of sales in Fairfield County for the month of June ’08 compared to June “07 were down about 35%. In June ’07 there were 426 closings compared to 277 closings in June ‘08*

• Inflation is increasing. The cure of choice is to raise interest rates. However, the Fed may be in a bit of a conundrum since the big banks that support our economy need the liquidly that lower rates provide.

• “The sky is not falling. Keep in mind that the economy is cyclical and it will turn around. Interest rates will eventually tighten. Those who need to buy in Fairfield County should do so now while interest rates remain low and prices could be very reasonable.

* Statistics from the CMLS

Rob Daley

Daley construction was founded in the 1950’s by John Daley Jr. and was run strictly as a remodeling company. In 1974 John Daley III took over the business and launched the new home construction division.

Today the third generation of Daley’s have joined the business and continue to work closely with John Daley III (Jack).
With a crew of 25 and over 100 sub-contractors Daley construction builds all types of quality new construction from high end homes, condominium complexes and commercial buildings. In addition to the new construction business, the renovation arm of the business continues to thrive.

Daley construction’s success is based on quality and knowledge. The company’s business is focused in Fairfield County Connecticut and having experience and extensive knowledge of this market enables Daley construction to build the right product at the right time. Daley construction prides themselves on getting projects done on time and within budget!

Bottom fishing (making a very low offer) really doesn’t work. If a seller is so desperate to sell, they would have reduced the price of their home a few times already. With buyer representation, your agent can do a comparative market analysis for you to determine the value of the home you are interested in, so that you can make a reasonable offer. Because listing agents represent only the seller, they cannot do a buyer analysis for you except, if they get the seller’s permission, they can show you the comps they used in pricing the house.

On our show on Mortgages July 2 & 3, 2008

Jim Bremm , mortgage banker well let you know:

• Will mortgage rates go up?
• Is this a good time to buy a home?
• When is it a good time to get an adjustable rate mortgage?
• Can first time buyers get a mortgage?
• Can you still get a 10% down mortgage?

Tune in on July 2^nd and 3^rd to find the answers to these question and more.

CHANNEL 77

MORTGAGES
Fairfield to Woodbridge CT
Wed. July 2, 2008 - 6:30pm & 10:30pm

Greenwich to Westport
Thur. July 3, 2008 - 6:30pm

Many sellers in Fairfield County are complaining to their agents that their home is not selling because their home is not sufficiently marketed either through print advertising or on the internet. The truth is, it is not advertising on the internet or in print that sells a home. It is the price that sells a home. If your property is not priced correctly than no matter how much marketing there is, the house won’t sell until it is priced correctly.

Unfortunately, many sellers see their home as an extension of themselves and a lower price would mean that they feel diminished in some way. Forget narcissism. It has nothing to do with your worth as a person. A home is just like any commodity. It is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it and nothing more. Sadly, some agents will try to “buy a listing” by telling their potential client that their home is worth more than it is worth, appealing to a homeowners sense of what they feel their home is worth. The agent that gives me the highest price is the one who will get my listing. Big Mistake!! My advice is to obtain several price opinions from different agents and make them explain in detail how they came to their price.

If you don’t have to sell, don’t. Keeping a house on the market at a non-competitive price will only hurt the home’s sale prospects by letting the listing become stale. It also keeps the supply of homes high which will have a depressing effect on the market. It’s only a matter of supply and demand.