Saturday, November 28, 2020

3Q2020 New Haven Milford Metro Ct Real Estate Market Report

Nov 28, 2020 -- The Third Quarter of 2020 delivered a unique summer market due to the  continuing burden of COVID-19  that shutdown our economy beginning March 12, 2020. Although things were relaxed in the summer we are witnessing increased reports of C19 cases for multiple reasons, mostly people refusing to maintain social distance protocols. Sadly, the USA has one of the highest per capita rates of infection in the world in November  2020,  while enjoying some of the greatest access medical and informational technology    

 Connecticut surpassed USA Average National Appreciation Values ending 3Q2020 --

  Connecticut (CT) is currently in 25th position  delivering an impressive (based on previous performance)   one year  appreciation of 7.84% (relative to four quarters ago),  one quarter appreciation of 4.18%,  five year appreciation of 16.35% and total appreciation since 1991 of 89.35%

  The  Connecticut real estate market powered through Summer 2020 with virtual open houses, electronic documents, and social distancing protocols that enabled motivated parties to complete transactions. Remote Socially Secure Technology has rapidly accelerated and reshaped the Metro NYC commuter economy due to the hyper quick forced implementation of social distancing, and , *IMO* has forever changed the definition of work and commuting. 

My Milford New Haven Metro  has seen an increased presence of New York license plates which may support reports of a NYC outbound migration, which has driven up prices in my market with less inventory. We may see people moving remote location out west to capitalize on  short ter, ,migration and lower prices, however my Milford New Haven CT Metro Market will continue to appreciate and retain value based on the multiple vales of our location, location location. Your personal real estate market is hyper local as defined by my PALCompReport (Price Amenities & Location) 

 

2.72% FHFA 30 year fixed rates have continued their exploration of  historic lows  (2020-11-25 2.72%)

 New Haven County 3+ bedroom w/ 2 or 3 baths homes for sale/ month has dropped from 1409 in Jan2019 to 1311 in Jan2020 to 1078 in Oct2020,

 New Haven County 3+ bedroom w/ 2 or 3 baths (price per square foot) has risen from $137/sqft in Jan2019 to $141/sqft in Jan2020 to $148/sqft in Oct2020,

 New Haven County 3+ bedroom w/ 2 or 3 baths Closed Transaction have ranged from from June2017 (3752), to a March 2020 precovid low (3645), the dropping to the June2020 (3459) social distance low then displaying a COVID19 Oct2020  (3842) recovery, the most transactions available in this resource since 2003, which may support my position that Connecticut is undervalued based on our vast resources of location, climate, recreation, art,  bioscience, manufacturing, technology, financial services, education, healthcare and well known quality of life.

 It will be interesting to see if this matrix of less property, more transactions & higher prices are sustained in 2021 with news of a COVID19 vaccine on the horizon.

 The FHFA House 3Q2020 Price Index for my Milford New Haven Metro (All-Transactions Indexes estimated using Sales Prices and Appraisal Data)) value went up  4.67  to 197.01  (a value comparable to 195.05 in 2Q2009).  Remember my Carr Value Shelf identified the range of 173 (4Q2014) to 178.06  (3Q2017)  as a probable range of statistical stability comparable to the 1991-1997 Connecticut value shelf. As a real estate professional, I must say that past performance does not assure future results however housing is a leveraged quality of life acquisition as well as an investment. If you have to pay to live somewhere, I believe it is wise to consider the financial benefits provided by ownership of real property.

 At this point in our history the only people who are technically "underwater in my Metro are ones who purchased after 4Q2004 in the period leading up the great recession, which peaked in 1Q2007.  People who purchased after 2Q2009 now have positive equity in their homes if they stayed the course. Many people who stayed the course were supported with HAMP and HARP programs which addressed the irrational exuberance period no document lending     

          

My market has finally attained the Highly Respectable Inclusion of the Top 20 Metropolitan Areas Ranked by Annual Appreciation !!

 Our New Haven-Milford Metro CT home attained 8th position of the top 100  with one year appreciation of 10.9%,

one quarter appreciation of 7.47% 5 year appreciation of 20.82% and 91.69% appreciation since 1991

 Hartford-East Hartford-Middletown moved out of the bottom 20 with 7.08 annual appreciation,  2.87% one quarter appreciation, 13.25% five year appreciation and 68.39% appreciation since 1991

 Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT  remained in the national  bottom 20, improving to 85 (up from 89 in 2Q2020) of 100 with 5.99  annual appreciation, 2.94% one quarter appreciation, 12.97% five year appreciation and 120.34% appreciation since 1991

 The FHFA House Price Index (FHFA HPI) is a broad economic measure of the movement of single-family house prices in the United States. The production of the FHFA HPI is statutorily mandated (12 U.S.C. 4542) but it began in 1995 with one of FHFA's predecessor agencies, the Office of the Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO).

 A  1Q2014  Residential Purchase of  $100,000  with a  3Q2020 Valuation is Estimated around $126,000  (a 6.5 year appreciation of 26%)  in my "Greater New Haven Milford Ct Metro."   I bet your rent went up a bit since 2014, and you probably spent at least $2000 a month plus plus. That $156,000 (2000x78) is gone with no equity, compared to the leveraged appreciation you might have recognized. This is why I teach people that #HomeOwnershipBuildsWealth and cash out refis are a bad solution for unsecured debt.

 Connecticut and my Milford New Haven Metro remains underappreciated despite our proximity, climate and high quality of life. This unprecedented 2020 Hot Summer COVID-19 market has created new financial opportunity (  lower interest rates and higher sales prices )  and logical challenges, ( home bound school, remote employment, social distance restrictions on businesses)  in a locally lateral market for qualified participants in Connecticut. I am confident our location, climate, quality of life and infrastructure will continue to make Connecticut an excellent place to live in 2021 and beyond. The Connecticut fiscal recovery continues as tax cuts are withheld, allowing the Rainy Day Fund to surpass it's $3.000.000.000 cap, which could allow fiscal conservation and sustainable, long term municipal debt retirement. Connecticut has a history of debt creation to fund tax cuts which has proven to be an ineffective long term management program, as evidenced in other states with potentially bankrupt national municipalities.

 

Since 1996 I am here to help you discern value and quality of life when the time is right for you.  People move because it’s the right time more than anything else. People complete home purchases with higher interest rates in more challenging historical environments than today. Is there anything I can do to help you make a good decision?  I am here to help. Copyright©11/28/2020 All Rights Reserved. My opinions are mine, my facts are authentic, my attention to your success is relentless.   Follow me on twitter @ctrealdavecarr


Wednesday, May 20, 2020

CT-COVID-Opening-Day-May-20-2020


Greetings,
 I hope this finds you doing good on this May 20th, COVID Opening Day CT 2020. It has been a strange and challenging springtime,

(1) My   New Haven Milford Metro and Greater Connecticut real estate market scheduled property showings still show definite decline in buyer requests to view property through the month of March into April. This trend began to correct however there is still a difference between the number of showings this year compared to 2019

 There are multiple reasons, however the most obvious are buyer’s apprehension and seller reservations about either moving or having strangers in their home. This has created a unique Spring 2020 Market in Southern Connecticut which I anticipate will a deliver a vigorous recovery in June and July 2020.  New Listings in New Haven County are down 54% ending April 2020, while pending sales in the same cohort are down only 11%, days on Market are down while Median sales prices are up from $230K to $255K. I provide market specific data for my fiduciary and past clients

(2) The homebased compounding, virtual employment, virtual commute factor in my New Haven Milford Metro and greater Connecticut Market is only beginning to be understood as New York City residents have experienced a possibly life-changing event that may motivate some of them to reconsider residency, methods and means of employment. 

Aetna recently stated “...all Connecticut-based employees who are currently working from home will continue to do so through the end of the summer.”  The COVID-19 has allowed employers to implement home-based operations, debug, and experience the effectiveness of this business model. Before social distancing protocols web-based meetings were available however their application was just being appreciated.

On March 27 2020 NPR ran a story the claims Working From Home Has Rewards The Office Can't Offer, then  on May 21, 2020  Facebook announced "many" of their Employees are going to to work from home permanently, This list goes on an on when your search "survey-home-office-2020"

(3) The financial effect on qualified home buyers is questionable as information suggests 70% of the working population was not directly impacted by COVID-19 due to home-based employment and other contractual obligations provided by employers. It seems to me a majority of the financial devastation is being endured by small business owners retail and service industry employees, especially those in the restaurant and childcare industries. I have no information to discuss what percentage of this cohort would have been a home buyer in this market.

 (4)  Mortgage financing remains very affordable 30-year fixed mortgages in the middle to low 3% for qualified applicants.

Home ownership is a lifestyle and investment made by people who recognize these values and are able to consistently support the obligation with financial income. Now more than ever, people are considering their lifestyle and work balance after 2 months of social distancing and restricted movement in traditional shopping venues.

Looking ahead I anticipate Connecticut and My d New Haven Milford Metro to be an extremely attractive destination based on our quality of life, affordability, proximity to New York in New England, the availability of Metro-North rail to New York City, and our interstate highway system.

 I remain committed to help my fiduciary clients make the right choice at the right time, and will continue to deliver timely information to help you make the right choice, at the right time regarding real estate as a lifestyle and investment. Original Content by David Carr, Licensed Agent and Professional Standards Certified Specialist.  Copyright 5/20/2020 - All Rights Reserved  T@ctrealdavecarr

Saturday, May 2, 2020

Milford New Haven Metro CT HPI Report ending 1Q2020

April 30, 2020 -- While requests for property showings have decreased in March, we have seen recovery in mid-April (according to ShowingTime).  Overall, we have less inventory ( 976 SFR comprising 1000-3200 sqft priced $200,000-$700,000) in all New Haven County  with anticipation of a May 2020 buying surge as 30-year interest rates remain around 3.5% for qualified borrowers with over 1800 closed transaction in the previous six months.
The FHFA House Price Index for my Milford New Haven Metro (Purchase Estimated Sales Price Data) Seasonally adjusted value went up 1.64 to 175.51 (a value comparable to 3Q2009) while the Non-Seasonal value corrected 1.23 to 174.39 (a value comparable to 3Q2010). This continues to support the history of the Carr value Shelf (PONSA 158-164) (SA156-163)
As we reflect on 4Q2019  we remember " comparing the All Transactions (AT) cohort to the “Purchase Only Not Seasonally Adjusted (PONSA)” Values we see Year To Date (YTD)  Growth  of 6.57 in my New Haven Milford CT Metro of 6.57 and a one quarter decline of 0.43.  Looking back to 3 Q 2017 we see a net NSA growth of 9.71.  The PONSA is a quarterly decrease in value compared t the 2.29 increase in the All Transactions (AT) dataset. It's important to understand the distinction between these two datasets as previously discussed in my market analysis and FHFA materials.
Connecticut and my Milford New Haven Metro remains underappreciated despite our proximity, climate and high quality of life.This unprecedented 2020 Spring market has created new financial and logical challenges for this market adding opportunities for qualified participants in Connecticut. 
Since 1996 I am here to help you discern value and quality of life when the time is right for you.  People move because it’s the right time more than anything else. People complete home purchases with higher interest rates in more challenging historical environments than today. Is there anything I can do to help you make a good decision?  I am here to help. Copyright©04.30.20 All Rights Reserved. Follow me on twitter @ctrealdavecarr

Carr New Haven County Residential Real Estate Price Reduction Report for May 2020



May 1, 2020 -- 82% Sellers of 976 single family homes in my Carr New Haven County CT Residential Real Estate Price Reduction Report (c)  are maintaining their price as lack of inventory may increase demand for homes priced from $200,000 to $700,000 which offer 1000 to 3200 sqft. The confidence in my market is greater than a national average reported below.   When I review the last 45 days of MLS market activity, I see 89 sellers reducing their price since April 17, 2020. There 52 reductions between 04/16/2020 and 04/01/2020,  34 reductions between 03/31/2020 and 03/17/2020, 41 reductions from 03/17/2020 to 03/03/2020 and only 25 eduction from  03/02/2020 to 02/17/2020 a period when the general public not knowingly impacted by COVID19. To provide broader definition for this  May 1, 2020  Carr New Haven County CT Residential Real Estate Price Reduction Report (c) there were also  831 Single Family Residential (SFR) houses and condominiums identified by REALTORS as pending sales and 643 closed transactions from 05/01 /2020 to 03/03/2020 making a total of 2449 comparable SFR components for this measurement.
The Months of Standing Inventory (MSI) indicates three months of inventory, a historical shortage, because  there are 976 properties available for purchase in the sample with 321 properties closing per month since May 3, 2020 with a broader measure of 1857 ( 309.5 per month)  closing  between 05/01/2020 to 11/04/2019.  Traditionally a real estate market is balance when a six month inventory exists  
 “Nearly 70% of Americans have secure employment and those interested in purchasing homes are looking at the enticing mortgage rates,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun (nar.realtor; 4.30.2020). “One in five potential buyers has dropped out of the market due to job-loss concerns, hopes are the massive financial stimulus package can help replace a good portion of lost income until the economy steadily reopens. More home sellers are needed to relieve the acute inventory shortage.”  The 04-27-20 NAR Flash-Survey of 95,688 REALTORS nationwide provided 2,508 responses. Agents responding said 51% of buyers are delaying their home buying “a couple of months.”  36% of responding agents said buyers are not expecting lower prices. 76% of their sellers were not lowering prices.
  My Milford New Haven Metro Connecticut neighborhood has been undervalued nationally in the Greater New York Metro since 2014 when one considers our exceptional quality of life. The rising interest in compounding and virtual workspaces makes commuting on the Metro North railway in proximity to New York City a better value than ever. 2020 is virtually a unique time to buy or sell your home when you work with me, David Carr, Professional Standards Certified Specialist, licensed in Connecticut since 1996.  I am here when the time is right for you. Follow me on Twitter @ctrealdavecarr.   NOTE:  The  Carr Residential Real Estate Price Reduction Report (CRREPRR) (c) is an original presentation of verified facts presented to help consumers interpret possible trends in specific 2020 COVID19 Real Estae Markets ( defined by price, location, ammenity and time).  The  CRREPRR(c) is a unique lens of interpretation and data  measurement that can be reproduced by any consumer using verifiable data.  The CRREPRR(c) is not intended to be a predication since there are numerous factors that effect individual motivation to buy or sell real property at any time, and is not endorsed by my affiliated colleagues or brokerages as of May 1, 2020   

May 1, 2020 -- As your fiduciary agent, I am prepared to complete all aspects of real estate transactions while complying with social distance directives. I can provide my qualified clients live video to support an online offer, then arrange a physical showing. I will complete all “paperwork” using secure, authenticated, state of the art electronic document platforms. I can allow my clients to “attend” the home inspection via live video feed, asking questions and clarifying concerns in a secure, real time environment. I can arrange full document presentation for mortgage approval and appraisal, then walk you through before you execute your final closing documents

April 30, 2020 -- As we work to keep our neighbors safe, the responsibility of Social Distancing continues to challenge the real estate industry for a variety of reasons. While requests for property showings have decreased in March, we have seen recovery in mid-April (according to ShowingTime).  Overall, we have less inventory with anticipation of a May 2020 buying surge as 30-year interest rates remain around 3.5% for qualified borrowers.
This unprecedented Spring market has created new financial and logical challenges for this market adding opportunities for qualified participants in Connecticut. The FHFA House Price Index for my Milford New Haven Metro (Purchase Estimated Sales Price Data) Seasonally adjusted value went up 1.64 to 175.51 (a value comparable to 3Q2009) while the Non-Seasonal value corrected 1.23 to 174.39 (a value comparable to 3Q2010). Connecticut and my Milford New Haven Metro remains underappreciated despite our proximity, climate and high quality of life.
Since 1996 I am here to help you discern value and quality of life when the time is right for you.  People move because it’s the right time more than anything else. People complete home purchases with higher interest rates in more challenging historical environments than today. Is there anything I can do to help you make a good decision?  I am here to help. Copyright©04.30.20All Rights Reserved.

Sunday, March 8, 2020

Carr Value Shelf continues All Transaction appreciation ending 4Q2019

4-Q-2019 New Haven Milford  CT Metro FHFA HPI Continues All  Transactions Value Appreciation  +1.93  points

Happy Spring Time 2020

My Metro New Haven Milford Connecticut neighborhood has continued to appreciate for thirty three months since   
1-Q-2017.  in the past 90 days our FHFA All Transactions index rose  to 191.78. ending 4Q2019

It's important to note that since June 30, 2012 my market has maintained  stability with appreciation, while trailing the national averages, a condition that may present deferred appreciation value. This  pattern of deferred appreciation I have previously discussed can be examined in the 1991- 1997 period following the Saving and loan debacle that followed the late 1980's expansion. My observations of professional data are presented to help you gain perspective and identify potential value. There are "Multiple Values of Home Ownership" besides appreciation, since most people have to spend money for shelter.

My observations are not intended to be a statement of future value as I only report what happened in a specific market defined by time, inventory, and economy. My experience in Comparable Market Analysis enables me to integrate a multitude of value indicators to deliver an accurate present and historical representation of a specific property.



"New Haven-Milford, CT" 35300 2014 2 171.55 -1.27
"New Haven-Milford, CT" 35300 2014 3 172.49 -1.25
"New Haven-Milford, CT" 35300 2014 4 172.92 -1.25
"New Haven-Milford, CT" 35300 2015 1 175.42 -1.28
"New Haven-Milford, CT" 35300 2015 2 175.84 -1.29
"New Haven-Milford, CT" 35300 2015 3 174.77 -1.3
"New Haven-Milford, CT" 35300 2015 4 175.61 -1.34
"New Haven-Milford, CT" 35300 2016 1 175.06 -1.36
"New Haven-Milford, CT" 35300 2016 2 177 -1.34
"New Haven-Milford, CT" 35300 2016 3 177.94 -1.3
"New Haven-Milford, CT" 35300 2016 4 177.85 -1.32
"New Haven-Milford, CT" 35300 2017 1 176.55 -1.47
"New Haven-Milford, CT" 35300 2017 2 177.05 -1.4
"New Haven-Milford, CT" 35300 2017 3 178.33 -1.4
"New Haven-Milford, CT" 35300 2017 4 180.38 -1.42
"New Haven-Milford, CT" 35300 2018 1 180.57 -1.56
"New Haven-Milford, CT" 35300 2018 2 180.55 -1.41
"New Haven-Milford, CT" 35300 2018 3 183.21 -1.44
"New Haven-Milford, CT" 35300 2018 4 183.49 -1.43
"New Haven-Milford, CT" 35300 2019 1 183.76 -1.53
"New Haven-Milford, CT" 35300 2019 2 187.77 -1.47
"New Haven-Milford, CT" 35300 2019 3 189.85 -1.41
"New Haven-Milford, CT" 35300 2019 4 191.78 -1.4






FHFA Purchase-Only Indexes (Estimated using Sales Price Data)  Select Metropolitan Areas—Distress-Free Measures (Developmental Index; Seasonally Adjusted and Not Seasonally Adjusted/Unadjusted)



This index shows only purchases ( excluding refinance values) presenting 1.64 appreciation  in the Seasonally Adjusted Values with a 0.53 Not Seasonally Adjusted reduction over the past six months. 


Please understand the difference in these two data points and how they compare to the All Transaction Value. My duty as a fiduciary agent is to present relevant market information from credible sources for my clients 

                                            
                                      N.S.A  S.Adj  
35300 "New Haven-Milford, CT" 2016 1 156.57 158.92
35300 "New Haven-Milford, CT" 2016 2 163.79 162.63
35300 "New Haven-Milford, CT" 2016 3 161.57 159.15
35300 "New Haven-Milford, CT" 2016 4 161.86 162.85
35300 "New Haven-Milford, CT" 2017 1 160.62 162.88
35300 "New Haven-Milford, CT" 2017 2 163.33 162.04
35300 "New Haven-Milford, CT" 2017 3 165.52 163.37
35300 "New Haven-Milford, CT" 2017 4 164.77 165.8
35300 "New Haven-Milford, CT" 2018 1 167.56 169.74
35300 "New Haven-Milford, CT" 2018 2 169.29 167.76
35300 "New Haven-Milford, CT" 2018 3 170.63 168.76
35300 "New Haven-Milford, CT" 2018 4 168.83 169.88
35300 "New Haven-Milford, CT" 2019 1 168.89 170.95
35300 "New Haven-Milford, CT" 2019 2 175.92 174.22
35300 "New Haven-Milford, CT" 2019 3 175.62 173.87
35300 "New Haven-Milford, CT" 2019 4 174.39 175.51



Please understand the difference in these two data points and how they compare to the All Transaction Value.

Quarterly Purchase-Only Indexes The standard indexes reported in quarterly news releases. Use prices from sales transactions of mortgage data obtained from the Enterprises     
Quarterly All-Transactions Indexes Build on the purchase-only index data by adding prices from appraisal data obtained from the Enterprises.
Quarterly Expanded-Data indexes Build on the purchase-only and all-transactions index data by adding prices from FHA and county recorder data.  
Purchase-Only Indexes Volatility Parameters The standard deviation of house price growth (accounting for the time between repeat sales). Use prices from sales transactions of mortgage data obtained from the Enterprises.    
All-Transactions Indexes Volatility Parameters The standard deviation of house price growth (accounting for the time between repeat sales). Build on the purchase-only volatility data by adding prices from appraisal data obtained from the Enterprises.
 My duty as a fiduciary agent is to present relevant market information from credible sources for my clients.


It seems to me people purchase real property when they are at an intersection of time and life place with the resources and confidence to invest in making a commitment to a community, compared to renting. 


I look forward to helping you make the right move, when the time s right for you.


Sincerely,

David Carr
Copyright (C) March 8, 2020 All Rights Reserved

















Thursday, February 6, 2020

Owner Occupied Housing Trusts: A Connecticut Solution


+++Owner Occupied Housing Trusts: A Connecticut Solution    By David Carr    

This February 2020, Governor Lamont proposed bonding $300,000,000 for affordable housing construction, (40% was already approved but never spent).  We have the 5th highest average homeowner expenses and 10th highest renting costs nationwide, according to the census.

+++My contribution to this problem is the creation of an original financial management. process I have named the Owner Occupied Housing Trust, a service delivered by nonprofit trustees on behalf of the owner-occupant. The owner-occupant will authorize all rent payments to be made to the trustee, who will disburse the funds according to the agreement, preventing the owner-occupant from undermining their home equity growth by assuring responsible use of available financial leverage.

+++After reading the Wednesday, April 24, 2019 article “Greater New Haven leaders to form regional affordable housing committee,” real estate professionals can work with other leaders to deliver the opportunity and reality of homeownership to all who desire, and are willing to maintain their homestead. REALTORS are called to this duty by the Code of Ethics Preamble which states 

+++ “Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS® should recognize that the interests of the nation and its citizens requires the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing, the building of functioning cities, the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment.”

+++Connecticut needs more pathways to make home ownership attainable and sustainable for people who can’t afford market-rate housing.  New Haven had a April 2019 wait list exceeding 10,000 people for space in its 6,000 units, with about 400 families (1600 people) leaving each year. 58% of renters pay more than $1,000 a month while 2% pay $750 a month or less (*1). The median 2019 rent in New Haven is $1,090 while the HUD Free Market Rent for 2019 is $1,403 for a two-bedroom apt and $1,788 for a three bedroom (*2). Where are these 10,000 people on the wait list living now, and how are they currently paying their expenses? How is the housing choice program assisting very-low-income families maintain safe, secure homes, and how are specific neighborhoods improving or reducing their quality of life? 

+++On March 18, 2022 I have an opportunity to add about seven hundred 2 - 3 Bedroom  rental usits to our prospective New Haven owner occupants in collaboration with  philanthropic investors in our future

+++To make owner-occupied housing affordable there is a need for Owner Occupied Housing Trusts, to manage the income from rental parties on behalf of the owner-occupant.
.
+++For owner-occupied rental housing to provide enduring value the owner needs to commit to aggressive financial management of their resources to build confidence for lenders considering the rental income as a means of loan repayment.

+++ For an owner-occupant to claim rental income there needs to be a consistent flow of income with reserves to pay for scheduled maintenance and improvements which may be tax credits.

+++The owner-occupant will need reserves for vacancy and unexpected expenses. . Ideally, the owner-occupant will have 6 months of principal interest tax and insurance payments in reserve.

+++The successful owner-occupant also needs to accept the premise of equity in the property as a wealth-building tool. To assure the security of  generational home ownership the owner-occupant must agree to achieve and maintain 80% free and clear equity. The cushion will prevent foreclosure in the event of sighted refinance cash out that leads to negative equity in a hypothetical  cash value adjustment.  The owner-occupant will pay a full market rent, investing all the income to accelerate mortgage repayment.

+++Owner Occupied Housing Trusts will provide a foundation of confidence for owner occupants and the state of Connecticut to guarantee mortgages Owner Occupied Housing Trusts can make housing affordable while providing opportunity and stabilization for a wide rage of neighborhoods in different communities in the face of upscale rental development.
+++Five variables that directly influence housing affordability are: 1 -economic opportunity, 2- personal ability or disability, 3- transportation, 4- food security, and 5-financial dexterity.  These systemic variables determine the annual expenses that must be managed to maintain housing security for any individual or family. To focus on one variable while ignoring others can create instability. 

+++The variables of transportation and food security compound the cost of housing. A person with access to more efficient transportation and cost-effective food can designate more housing dollars from the same income base.  A person that can walk, bike, rideshare or ride a bus to work or food shop will have a higher percentage of spendable income than a car owner who lives in a rural setting driving farther to work and shop. 

+++A person, family or group who can make food from raw ingredients will have more servings that are probably healthier than the fast food convenience store shopper. When residents can make bulk food purchases they can save (earn) even more money that can be leveraged by preparing high protein low fat entrees instead of carry out ready to eat choices. We make our own bead, so I can have 100 loaves for about $20 compared to $2-$4/ loaf in the store. I can make two large pizzas from 1 lb. of Mozzarella  ($4-), flour ($0.50), sauce and toppings ($2-$3) or buy two pizzas for $15-$30. This goes on and on.  If you choose to add SNAP or community farming the matrix shifts again. 

+++Lack of Economic Opportunity is the local inability of an individual to find employment that produces the income necessary to sustain one’s self and family. To remediate lack of income there must be more demand for the labor quality and skill sets available from New Haven residents seeking affordable housing. To suggest an existing business could simply pay more wages can trigger the economic reaction of relocation, or higher prices since many economies across the nation are thriving. Another part of my research can be types of income producing opportunity can be added to the job menu here. 

+++As we look around, we see all the once bustling factories turned into offices, apartments, stores, condos and small work share centers, with less hourly wage opportunity for shift workers and laborers.  A solution is job creation with wage allocation for housing costs. The CT- DOL recently funded two regional job-skill development initiatives northwestern and south-central Connecticut with $5 million, part of $50 million former Gov. Malloy apportioned to train 10,000 citizens to fill job shortages in manufacturing, health care and construction. If the jobs were here, could everybody afford to be an owner occupant? Housing costs as a whole number (Principle, Interest, Tax, Insurance) remain low in Connecticut cities compared to many national metros.

+++Personal ability or disability, directly affects vocational and housing security, which is why “affordable” housing is such a difficult problem. For people seeking subsidized housing, what is unique, critical or common must be determined about each individual in order to prioritize access. An assessment of need could be done every year, because getting on a list should not be the prime reason to get subsidized housing.  Many types of disability, which are not going to be explored here, can prevent a person from being willing and able while people with disabilities frequently obtain financial assistance.  One person may find a way to earn income with a disability, while another person may not want to work at all. 

+++Other personal ability factors are not limited to continuing education for skill set development, financial dexterity, resources, task tolerance and lifestyle choices. A person can buy a 7" 8GB WiFi Tablet for $77 that can access all kinds of educational resources today, or something else.  My position being that a community cannot look at a problem from the same place on the circle to see new solutions unless all the systemic precipitants of the problem are on the table.

+++Financial Dexterity is the unique personal skill set necessary to manage a specific level of income. We see very wealthy people go bankrupt while other people maintain their home with a constant supply of minimal food and domestic necessities. It’s not what you make that makes the difference, it’s what you do with whatever you have, and how much one can save for a rainy day. Teaching residential financial dexterity is a complex process involving expectations, entitlements and desires, all balanced in a competitive, credit based consumerist culture. For some people, life may be about style and trend chasing in search of a desired moment. Is identity an acquisition, a cultivated state of mind, or both? 

+++ People are faced with endless choices about what to buy, where to purchase, and what to expect in a consumerist culture. Making decisions about what we wear, drive or eat, how much climate control we want at home, or how much technological entertainment we need are all choices that require thoughtful consideration as people allocate sometimes scarce resources. Housing may never be compatible with a choice to overspend, engage in compulsive behavior or addictions, and is further complicated by the need for medical care.

+++A family needs about $21,000  Basic Annual Key Money to rent a $1300 two-bedroom apartment in Greater New Haven, CT. comprising $16,000 in rent payments, $2400 for electric, maybe $2200 for heat (750-gals heating oil @$3.00) and $200 for renter’s insurance. Then add food, transportation, health care furnishings and personal needs which I will refrain from estimating in detail other than a $200/week for ($11,000 per year) for food and a bus pass to total $32,000 for the household.

T+++he Housing task force has proposed the creation of accessory dwelling units(*3), construction of housing on abandoned lots that are now owned by the city, and that new buildings with 10 units or more provide 10- 20% of the units below 2018 Fair Market  (Low= $1258 /3BR)(High=$1630 /3BR) Rent (*4), but who will make that investment and how will it be returned? None of these solutions work if an individual does not have consistent means and ability to maintain financial solvency. 

+++People suggest 50 city-owned lots in residential areas that could support housing if the lot size were lowered when recently the city was demolishing abandoned property to create sliver lots shared between neighbors because it was determined less density increased quality of life and neighborhood value. 

+++If a person were to owner occupy a three unit building and apply a rental value of $800 x 3= $2400 x 12 month =$ 28,800/year  x .95 vacancy the GRI (gross rental income) would be $27,360.  Expenses include property tax of $8000, Water of $800, Sewer of $600, Electric of $2400 and Insurance $3000 which totals $14,400  the remainder of $12,000 divided by 12 leaves about $1000 per month net income for the owner occupant who has contributed $800. At 5% over 30 years each $100,000 borrowed costs $537.00 per month, so $998.82 pays a $186,000 mortgage. If the rent collected changes to $1000 per month x .95 = $34,200 minus $14,400 expenses there is $19,800 ( $1650/month) which is enough to pay a $360,000 mortgage ($1933 principle and interest).  These numbers are for discussion and will be different under unique conditions including tax treatment. That being said, I believe controlling variables in cash management remains the foundation to successfully maintaining a residence. 
+++As a local resident and licensed Professional Standards Certified Specialist since 1996, I have experienced a variety of multifamily properties causing me to become well acquainted with the process of investment, financing, and challenges faced by property owners and occupants who inhabit rental housing.  These conditions are unique to each property, the occupants, neighborhood and the owner who controls it
+++The answer is more owner occupants, yet were are currently only fourteen (two family) buildings listed under $200,000 and ten (three family) buildings listed under $300,000 in my New Haven, Hamden, East Haven & West Haven  MLS inventory on Feb. 6, 2020, a total of only 64 units.  I have previously identified 91 residential units in various stages of foreclosure in New Haven on 5/6/19 of which 63 are titled to banks, LLCs and the City of New Haven, the remaining 28 in the names of individuals, yet I am not fully researching this now because the data set changes daily. As I commented in the New Haven Register on 4/24/19, “I help my clients (with good, slow or no credit) who earn consistent income to afford housing. If you are not using credit cards you are not building credit. Real Estate is the best leveraged path to financial independence.”

+++Housing and food security remain critical issues for our communities to resolve. The Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness reports  1) 3,383 total individuals were counted as homeless in Connecticut as of January 2018, a 24% decrease from 2007, 2) The number of chronically homeless individuals (experiencing long-term homelessness and living with disabilities) decreased 69% since 2014 in Connecticut; down 15% since 2017. 3) 370 families were experiencing homelessness in Connecticut as of January 2018, a decrease of 6% from 2017. 4) 38 vets were found in emergency shelter: an increase of 11.6% since 2017; yet only 13 Veterans were unsheltered — a decrease of 7.1%  
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+++Other communities are considering 420-square-foot tiny homes that cost around $60,000 which take 90 days to complete, as well as prefabricated small houses. The construction standards of travel trailers have been established for decades.  Trailers can build out to a maximum of 400 square feet of floor space like a 240 square Foot 2019 Coleman 263BH for $18,000 or a 248 sqft 2017 Hartland M325 for $19,000. A travel trailer could be financed for one year’s rent of $1400 ($15,800) and installed in a location supported with water, sewer and electric. Mobile homes are the next step up, where one could buy a 659 sq foot unit for $49,000 today with no site work needed but water, sewer and electric, while Tacoma is building tent cities.
+++In closing, I desire, and am available, to work with people who are committed to creating innovative, respectful solutions to make Greater New Haven a better place to live, work and build community by developing space, opportunity and ability. Controlling variables in cash management remains the foundation of successfully maintaining a residence. These ideas and the content of this letter are my original work as a licensed real estate professional and independent contractor. My original assessment and proposal are my own unless affirmed by others. My intent is to do well by doing good. Contact Me at my office (203) 877-2704 x 400826, follow me on Twitter @ctrealdavecarr  or make an appointment to stop by and visit me at  54 Broad Street, Milford, CT  ….   © David Carr 2020 All Rights Reserved