As many of you readers (do I flatter myself?) already know: Michael and I have been engaged in an unending search for a suitable permanent home for the past two years. Our real estate agent is a saint, and is very patient with us. She’s shown us, well, I’m embarrassed to tell you how many houses, but it’s in the three digits.
Since our return from Canada, we’ve been frustrated by watching the end of the real estate bubble (which we predicted back in 2004) and the mortgage/credit crisis. We are holding firm, only making “low ball” offers, on houses, most of which will never sell anywhere near the asking prices.
Are we cheap? Well, we are on a strict budget, and we are looking for something that isn’t so large. No McMansions. Also, why should we bail out someone else, and over-pay on a house that isn’t worth it? If a bank wouldn’t loan it, then a buyer shouldn’t pay it.
Soon, we predict, house prices in Connecticut will be back to the levels they were at or around the year 2000. We hope.
I’d rather “throw my money away on rent” a little while longer if need be. Besides, when something breaks, I get to call “the man” to fix it! And by the way, no property taxes either.
Hopefully though, if everything we’ve been reading comes true, this fall will be panic time for the average person with a house that has been sitting on the market too long. Either they pay up on heating bills (who wants to view a house that is unheated, assuming there is anyone looking at it anyway?) or “winterize” it, which is a process that fails sometimes, resulting in broken pipes, hence making the house worth even less.
Therefore, the theory is that when those leaves turn color, the prices will come down big time, finally, here in Connecticut. They’ve already been coming down gradually on most properties all spring and summer — something I had never seen before (I’ve been passively watching real estate for years)
Well, I read an article in the New Haven Register today, written by Maria Garriga. It talks all about how the use of solar power is growing in Connecticut and mentions how your electric meter can actually spin backwards and UI credits customers who generate enough power with their systems to surpass what they need — and hence receive credit on their bills. They are forced under state law to pay you, for extra electricity that you give the grid. I like the concept.
“Dude, I want this” thinks David Cappiello! I noticed in the article, that a system could cost around $30,000 (I figure ours would be around this much, as we’d only be buying a small house) and there is some sort of rebate scenario that provides the incentive to go solar.
If we get a ranch, we’d have more roof, hence more space to add solar panels?! Now, this assumes we can afford a decent ranch, and have enough left over for cheap IKEA furniture, appliances, and then the solar panel system. But I’m optimistic.
I’ve seen stories of people living in houses that are under 300 square feet, because they get tired of all the bills. Now, we can’t go that small…..but my brother and family does own a house that is 800 square feet( +/-) He does complain he wishes he had another 200 square feet (1 extra room?) So, safe to say, for Michael and I, we could easily manage living in a 1000 square foot ranch if Bryan and his crowd can survive in 800. Personally, I’d be more comfortable around 1400, but we’ll see what we find.
Now, can I have a windmill please?
Really, I’d like one. Not just for decoration either. Is there anyone out there who can build me one (as a gift of course) when we finally find a house? That’s assuming of course that we have a little land, rather than the average postage stamp lot that most houses we’ve seen come with.
I’m sick and tired of big oil, driving us into needless wars, half way around the globe, and polluting the environment. It’s time that Michael and I find a way to do our part, to reduce our carbon footprint on this precious blue sphere.
Becoming cheap bastards and reducing spending is one way, and we’re on top of that already.
We’re also considering a gas-electric hybrid. We need a new car (and we are both ashamed to admit to driving an old Cadillac, gas guzzler)
So far though, I’ve been put off by a few facts:
1. Hybrid can’t be plugged in (new models in a few years WILL have this option) to extend electric-only mileage.
2. No one tells you how much the electricity costs if you do get a plug in version.
3. The price tag is outrageous. Why should people have to pay more, to help their environment?
4. Unproven technology under limited warranty: Those special batteries generally have an 8 year or 80,000 mile warranty (whichever comes first). Well, anyone who drives a little bit more than the average Connecticut resident will probably reach the 80,000 miles, sooner than the 8 years.
So, we’ve held off on the hybrid until now. Hopefully, we’ll get into the swing of things and junk (or donate?) that old clunker in favor of something that does a little less damage to our environment!
I watched a documentary, The 11TH HOUR by Leonardo DiCaprio (he’s still pretty hot!) in which he showed that basically, we’re on the verge of extinction and the governments and corporations aren’t doing anything to stop it. They are actually making things worse. Surprise surprise! Greed, not green 
We should have been working hard the past 30 years, and the fear is now (according to experts like Stephen Hawking) that we are reaching a “tipping point” in which global warming/climate change will accellerate and become self sustaining. In a worst-case scenario, our planet would become like Venus, which is as hot as hell, or hotter, and unfit for human habitation. In a moderate scenario, which will likely occur within the next 20-50 years, Florida will be underwater (now is that such a bad thing?!)
Having traveled all around North America, I can tell you that the evidence of global climate change is so obvious it smacks you in the face. Anyone denying it, is either being paid by the devil to say so, or they are deaf, dumb, blind and stupid.
The west coast cities, which are normally very moderate in temperature, have seen scorching heat waves. The Pacific Northwest (State of Washington) and the Lower Mainland and Islands (British Columbia, Canada) are losing all their trees because of the weather change. What was once a rainy, northern rainforest climate is turning into a hot, desert.
Meanwhile, the average American worries about what to buy at the grocery store, and the average Canadian is busy smoking a joint!
Until next time…..
David B. Cappiello
