Sandy Hook, CT

Darryl Gregory

One of the reasons that I admire Darryl Gregory I think, is because I'm a little bit envious. Most of you who know me well, know that although I am very passionate about my own business - helping people through the muck and mire of the housing market - my first love has always been music. Darryl has managed to capture the best of both worlds in that his love of music is also his livelihood.

For his "day job", Darryl is a Middle School Music Teacher. You gotta love teachers - especially music teachers. They not only pass their own musical knowledge to the next generation, they also somehow have learned to deal with the squeaks and toots of young musicians and not go absolutely nuts from it.

When not at School, you can usually find Darryl in his home-based studio -- BLUE CAVE STUDIOS in Sandy Hook, CT. He could be working on any number of projects. Blue Cave is a project studio that caters to just about anyone who wants to record anything. Singer-songwriters who want to produce a marketable CD of their music, Songwriters who need demos, Voice over tracks and Background music for films and web projects just to name a few examples.

The cool thing about working with Darryl is that he doesn't just "rent time" - he works closely with clients providing whatever level of technical expertise and personal support they may need to produce the best possible project.

It's not just musicians who need recording assistance, though. Keeping pace with today's businesses, another of Darryl's projects is EASY BUSINESS PODCAST. Here Darryl helps bloggers and Internet business folks with the creation, production and implementation of podcasts to help them get their own messages into cyberspace.

Speaking of podcasts, as an avid supporter of the Indie music scene, Darryl produces his own series of podcasted interviews he does with a wide array of independent musicians from around the world. He hosts these on the website UNSIGNED UNDERGROUND. the 26th Episode was just added this past week - an interview with Singer/Songwriter John Batdorf.

For a little peek into Darryl's thoughts on things, check out his Blog SLOW DRIP FROM AN EMPTY HEAD. You can also follow him on Twitter @darrylgregory which is actually where he and I first met. For the ultimate experience of all things Darryl though, you need to listen to his own music. You can find the hub at DarrylGregory.com

For live performances check his site and you'll find a list of local gigs and you'll have a link to his CDs. In addition Darryl is available for House Concerts - a venue that has been growing in popularity throughout the indie music world. It's a great way to hear some wonderful music and share it with your friends.

Check him out - it's worth the time.

This home located at 12 Bankside Trail in Sandy Hook, CT was

JUST SOLD by PETE TESTA

PETE TESTA is a Real Estate agent with Nationwide Homes in Danbury, CT. Pete, acting as representative for the Buyer and as EXCLUSIVE BUYER'S AGENT procured this home for his client-

A completely remodeled, from the ground up, waterfront on the Housatonic River. The Housatonic River leads into Lake Lillinonah and is a popular summertime destination for those seeking good times & relaxation on the water in Connecticut. Located directly across from the beach & only steps from the water this home has panoramic views from 2 floors. Featuring 2 Bedrooms and a New Kitchen & Bath this home will surely be a delight to live in for it's new owner.

If you are interested in a home on the water contact PETE TESTA at (203) 442-3873. Put to work the power of a seasoned Buyer's Agent with extensive knowledge of lakefront real estate.

Highlights: Sandy Hook experienced a 10% drop in average sales price for single family homes in 2008 over 2007, a 31% drop in sale volume, and a 21% increase in average market time. We fared better than the national averages, and better than some of our surrounding communities.

Whose market is it: This current market heavily favors first time and move up buyers.

The lowering of the FHA conforming loan limits will have an impact on properties in Sandy Hook primarily in the $510,000 to $730,000 range. In 2008, you could buy a home in Sandy Hook with 3% down up to a loan amount of $708,750 with a FHA loan, which mean that homes selling for up to $730,000 could easily, with good buyer credit and income, be purchased with government backed loans and fund within 30 days. The new conforming loan limit for FHA in Fairfield County has been reduced to $511,000 as of right now.

NAR is pushing to reinstitute the higher conforming loan limits. with lobbyists on the case. Without this, we will see even longer marketing times and more challenging finance conditions for properties selling above the new conforming loan limit.

On the positive side, interest rates remain near historic lows.

If you are on the sidelines about buying or moving up to a larger home, this is the time.

Sandy Hook Snapshot: Active Listings — 81, up 10% from last month

Pending and CTS Listings — 14

January 2009 3 Sales, 83 DOM, $416,667 Average Sales Price
December 2008 3 Sales, 147 DOM, $328,000 Average Sales Price
November 2008 3 Sales, 81 DOM, $365,000 Average Sales Price
October 2008 5 Sales, 79 DOM, $549,300Average Sales Price

Average Sales Price 3 Month Average— November 2008 to January 2009: 11 Sales, 105 DOM, $408,636
Average Sales Price 3 Month Average— November 2007 to January 2008: 27 Sales, 148 DOM, $485,665

Closed Sales 2008: 101 sales, 119 DOM, $442,282 Average Sales Price
Closed Sales 2007: 147 sales, 98 DOM, $491,228 Average Sales Price

Between 1/1/2008 to 12/31/2008, 301 Homes came off the market. - 101 Sold - 5 as Pending (3 CTS are still on the market) - 195 expired, withdrawn & canceled

This translates to a 33.5% Success rate for overall market for the year of 2008

Want to know how to buy a lovely home in Sandy Hook and all of Fairfield County with little or no money down?

Check out www.lovelyfairfieldhomes.com