In the past I have defined the Boomerang Generation as the post college adults who, instead of buying, choose to come back and live with parent.  There is now a new definition of BOOMERANG buyers.  They are now defined as those homeowners who, either through foreclosure or short sales, lost their home during the recession.  There past homeowners are slowly passing the milestones that allow them to reenter and qualify to buy once again.  For Short sale victims, the threshold is 2 years, for Foreclosure victims it is 7 years.  As long as these people have found jobs and re established credit, they will be starting to enter the housing market.  Below you will find the numbers entering the market by year.

Potential Boomerang Buyers Nationwide

2015                        551,359

2016                      1,019,303

2017                      1,125,827

2018                     1,324,803

2019                     1,112,584

2020                    972,875

2021                     721,005

2022                     455,489

TOTAL               7,283,345

This is just one of several factors that will be affecting the number of buyers in the market, but it is significant.  Other factors that I watch closely include household formation, job growth, student debt and of course mortgage availability.  At McCaffrey Professionals it is about KNOWING the market and future trends to help our buyers and seller make wise housing choices.

 

Alise Beccaria, LAc

Lotus Flower Acupuncture and Wellness Center

(203) 546-7117

499 Federal Road

www.LFAWC.com

Alise did not plan a career in Acupuncture.  Her family business was Asbestos, Mold and Lead Abatement.  Her schooling was in psychology and she was planning on becoming a chiropractor.  When she graduated from college she went to work, instead, in the family business learning skills that would be her keys to success later on.  Organization, corporate structure, dealing with the public and sales techniques is not part of the Acupuncture curriculum.  These skills along with her degree in psychology make for a unique and effective skill set when she deals with her business and her patients.

After meeting husband Pat, owner of New England Environmental Tank Service, and moving to Brookfield (also by accident in 2003) she began treatment herself and discovered her calling.  She commuted from Brookfield to New York City for four years studying Traditional Chinese Medicine and earning her Masters in Acupuncture. She later went on to become a certified Heath Coach to offer her patients even more options for wellness.

Lotus Flower Acupuncture and Wellness Center has been open since 2010.  As an acupuncturist she uses not only needles but also many other modalities like cupping to help relieve stress and pain by unblocking and balancing energy channels.  Alise believe that traditional medicine treats the symptoms while her treatment is about alleviating pain by treating the underlying imbalance whether it be emotional or physical.  By stimulating the production of endorphins and channeling energy to the appropriate location she treats many illnesses from insomnia to digestive problems, menopausal symptoms, headaches, golfers elbow, joint paint, stress and more.  She is introduced to her new client by way of a 2 hour counseling session where she assesses, diagnosis and recommends alternatives.

Alise is a student of Yoga and also enjoys reading and meditation.  She would like to expand her knowledge of Yoga to be able to help her clients quiet their minds and heal with stress related illnesses.

During the three months following the Sandy Hook Tragedy, Alise could be seen volunteering to treat trauma cases, seeing over 400 patients during that time at the free community clinic that was set up there by local Acupuncturists. She has a passion for giving back to the community and also volunteers her time treating at a free community clinic in the Bronx.

Dawn DeCosta

Tech Savvy

(203) 830-9673

www.techsavvyd.com

In 2013, after working for Apple both in their retail and business services group, Dawn  found that she really enjoyed the teaching aspect of her job and after several clients expressed interest in “taking her home”, she launched Tech Savvy.  With the mission to make technology less intimidating for those who are just getting started or have slipped behind the times in terms of mastering the latest technology tools, she has conducted numerous individual and group training sessions throughout the Danbury area.  Her clients follow two profiles: older adults who have not been brought up with technology and small businesses who need to learn to use technology more efficiently.

She also is passionate and gives classes about keeping  children safe on the internet.  She encourages parents of children of all ages to check what they are doing online and encouraging them to make good choices.

Dawn provides onsite,  one to one coaching,  in areas such as iPhone and iPad tutorials, PC and Mac training, Email file customization and how to integrate multiple pieces of technology to work together.

Previously, Dawn worked as a technology consultant and database administrator for the Brookfield Public School System.  She, and husband Mike, are the parent of two teenagers and she  has been an active volunteer in the community.   She has served a the Co-President of Brookfield Neighbors and Newcomers and  was a long time member of the Brookfield PTO Cultural Committee.

Dawn graduated from Marist College with a degree in marketing and attended Boston University’s Graduate School of Communications.

Besides loving all things “techy”, she also enjoys times with good friends and escaping to NYC.  Her key to success is when you give you get back 10 fold.  Life is about balance but also about helping others.

The entire country has reason to be optimistic about the housing forecast for the coming year.  In a recent seminar, including Realtor.com Economist Jonathan Smoke, all were on the same page with a view of a strong recovery beginning.  With 2.75 million new jobs created last year (up 8% from 2013) it is the best year since 1999.  The experts are also seeing the Milennials (ages 25-34)  coming of age and coming into the market in record numbers.  Here are their top 5 predictions.

You will see that NOW is the most affordable time to buy.  We are looking forward to several years of increasing prices and interest rates and thus decreasing affordability for Buyers.

RETURN OF THE FIRST TIME BUYER-  The new job creation benefits this group more than others. While college graduates were stressed to find jobs in the past and moving back home with parents, this trend is reversing. There are more milennials finding jobs (up 16%), getting married and starting families than in the past decade. This age group is 80 million strong and their #1 financial goal is home ownership.

EXISTING HOME SALES WILL INCREASE ABOUT 8%- This number should exceed 5 million sales of existing homes. It will include about 400,000 more homes sold this year over last year due to the improving economy and the milennial effect.

PRICES WILL INCREASE AN AVERAGE OF 5%- There is currently a tight supply of homes on the market and with the increased demand, the experts predict that this is a conservative number. Traditionally, price increases have outpaced the rate of inflation by about 2+%. Factors such as the % of millennials in a population, household formation, the current affordability, and the recovery of lost jobs will cause the fluctuation between markets. The HOTEST markets are predicted to be Denver (14%), Atlanta (11%), Dallas, DeMoines, Houston, Phoenix, San Jose and Washington DC. For the first time in recent years NO markets should see a decline in prices.

INTEREST RATES WILL RISE TO 5%– Everyone is expecting a SLIGHT increase in rates and those of use that bought when rates were 12-18% can’t figure out why people are worried about this slight shift. However, it does increase the payment and therefore decreases affordability. With oil prices down and a strengthening economy this is inevitable.

AFFORDABILITY WILL FALL 5-10%- This is a metric tracked by the National Association of Realtors and is a relationship of median price, median household income and interest rate. With BOTH interest rates and median pricing predicted to increase the % of household income spent on housing will increase.

If you know of anyone THINKING of buying next year please have them call Linda or Kevin McCaffrey for a free/ complimentary pre buying counseling session.

Stephanie Papa

Brookfield Chamber Advertising

(203) 770-0808

spapa@brookfieldchamber.org

Meet a face that you may be seeing a lot going forward as a member of the Brookfield Chamber  of Commerce.  Stephanie will be the person providing visibility opportunities to our Members. She is currently developing ad packages for the Inner Chamber Newsletter, the newly launched Chamber Website as well as for the Annual Directory.

Coming from a marketing background, Stephanie was a Marketing Analyst for Combe Incorporated (Grecian Formula, Clearasil, Vagisil, Just for Men Hair Color, Lanacane and others) where she interfaced with Wal-Mart and other outlets.  From that position she migrated to selling advertising and websites for Advertising Agencies and Chambers of Commerce throughout the country.  As part of her sales job for Chamber of Commerce she traveled extensively setting up and selling the advertising to support their initiatives.  The Ridgefield Chamber was one of her clients and when her family relocated from Florida to Brookfield 6 years ago she stepped into the position of advertising for that Chamber and as a result has been recruited to handle the advertising for the Brookfield Chamber as well.

It is interesting to speak with Stephanie about the focus of the various Chambers that she has worked with throughout the country.  The Nantucket Chamber, for example, focused on tourism.  The Arkansas Chamber (where Wal-Mart in located) has a paid full time staff of over 10.  The Chamber in the Catskills serves such a large area that it does not have a storefront but rather uses as mobile van.  Stephanie will be able to increase Chamber revenue,  free up some of our overworked volunteers, aid our Executive Director as well as provide some outside insight into Chamber workings and focus.

Stephanie, husband Richard, and 12 year old son Andrew,  enjoy all sports activities but especially  hiking and wrestling.  Stephanie’s keys to success include always learning and improving her skills.  She stays current and is not afraid to change with the times and industry trends.  Flexibility and an open mind are traits that she sees important to personal improvement.

For information about increasing your visibility within the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce and thus the community give Stephanie a call.

Jim Setaro

Vanguard Logistics

(203) 501-9514

Jim.Setaro@vanguardlogisticsct.com

Jim was determined not to follow his Father into the moving industry but after college, married with a young child and facing a recession he found himself working in the family business.  Years later he bought his own moving company where he went on every single move for 25 years before selling out and looking forward to retirement.  With the reputation he had earned he was recruited by Dave Anton, owner of Vangaurd Logistics, and has now worked for Vanguard Logistics for the past 3 years.

Although he no longer travels with the trucks or manages the packing crews, he is the point of contact from the initial quote to managing expectations and overseeing all of the details of the move for the clients.  He points out that they have kept the scope of the business manageable so that he knows every crew personally and can attest to the professional level of every contractor who touches the move.  The packers travel with the job so that it is the same group that packs and unloads.  The goal of the company is to provide a hassle free move.  They know the ins and outs of the process so stay flexible with closing dates and holdovers for delays. Having worked so many moves, Jim knows and can anticipate every detail and potential issue.

Jim points out that they never book a move from a phone estimate but spend considerable time with every client,  making sure that they understand any potential surprise.  He explained that they quote “worst case” scenarios so that the final bill may be lower but never higher.  They take into consideration if a shuttle truck might be needed or any special packing.  Instate pricing is based on hourly fees while the interstate moves are based on weight, zip code and mileage.  They are affiliated with National Van Lines for their interstate moves.

Jim lives in New Milford with his wife,  Karen,  of 43 years.  They have 2 children and five grandchildren.  Jim’s key to success is to be a resource for his clients, never selling but offering consultative interactions.  He believes that it is important to protect his honesty at all cost.

Rick Tedesco

Guitar Hangar

(203) 740-8889

sales@guitarhangar.com

Guitar Hangar is NOT just guitars. From keyboards, instrument repairs, lessons and PA systems, the location also offers a recording/mixing studio.  Originally located on Candlewood Lake Road,  Rick moved into this new location at 270 Federal Road in August of this year to attract local traffic and to tap into different music related outlets.  In past years Rick has relied on high end guitar sales through the internet. The storefront has allowed him to incorporate other options and now it is a full line music resource destination.  One of his most recent projects was to overhaul the PA sound system at the Brookfield High School auditorium.

Rick has been in music for decades, beginning his professional career by playing at the Zebra Lounge (now Bagelman) at 15 years of age. Almost totally self taught, he has toured with such legends as Alice Cooper and Ian Hunter and is still performing regionally, producing and mixing for local and national artists.  As with many of the local music professionals, Rick worked at the East Coast Music Mall on Hayestown Road in Danbury from 1994-1999 as their Sales Manager.

The word HANGAR in the store name comes from Ricks love of high end model planes. At his original site on Federal Road his guitars were displayed in a hanger like building behind his residence.  He and his wife (a project Manager with Halas Construction) and 3 children (twin boys 14 and daughter 17) enjoy time on their boat on Candlewood Lake.  His key to success is never to look back but always FORWARD.  He believes that he needs to be visible or as he put it, “Opportunity only happens when you are in the room.”

Thesa Vaughan

Babu’s Jerk Joint

537 Federal Road, Brookfield, CT 06804

(203) 448-5720

www.babusjerkjoint

Thesa was spiritually drawn to her location on Federal Road.  Working as a Nanny, in NYC, she was spending week ends in the area with a lifelong friend when she stumbled across what is now Babu’s Jerk Joint.  With a network of support from friends, she undertook the greatest challenge of her life.  Along with her partner and Mother, Patricia, they have recreated her Grandfather’s (Babu) favorite recipes from her Mom’s home in Clarendon, Jamaica.  Her mentor and business coach remains her former employer in NYC.

Thesa was raised in Kingston, Jamaica and came to the US when she was 22.  As an immigrant, she noted, you have to let go of all preconceived ideas and realize that all work is honest work.  She has put her training in journalism on hold to concentrate on the business of business.  Initially setting the menu and refining the flavors, she is now concentrating on plating, portions and marketing her business through social media as well as at street fairs and festivals.  She is finding that she is developing a loyal following of a diverse clientele and attributes her success to the generous spirit of the people in her church (Faith Church) as well as the community.

In the coming year, she hopes to increase her staff to accommodate outside catering as well as being able to hold events on the property, which includes a large field and miniature golf course. Her vision includes game boards under tented areas for people to relax or have afternoon tea as well as live music.  As much as she would like to modernize the venue, she wants to keep the authentic family run hut feel that you would find in Jamaica.

In addition to the wonderful array of jerk spiced entrees, she is proud of their pastries including pineapple upside down cake, fruit cake marinated in wine, potato pudding and gizzada (coconut pie). They will cater and are open 11:00am-8:00pm Mondays thru Wednesdays, 11:00am-9:00pm on Thursdays and 11:00am-9:30pm Fridays and Saturdays.

 

Robert Durr

Hand and Stone Massage

143 Federal Road, Brookfield

(203)775-2241

www.handandstone.com

Conveniently located in the Shoprite Plaza, Rob Durr has created a respite from the stress of our daily lives.      At Hand and Stone Massage, Rob’s goals include the improvement of health, pain management, stress  reduction and just making the day better for his clients.

After having spent 25 years as a computer programmer in the Norwalk area he felt he had missed too many important family events and high school football games with his three sons. Thus began his search for a way to control his own destiny. A chance post from a college friend on LinkedIn about franchise opportunities started his journey to become a entrepreneur.

Rob and wife Marianne opened in 2 locations in 2013, Brookfield and Poughkeepsie. At the Brookfield facility they oversee 9 treatment rooms from which 4 estheticians and 12 massage therapists provide facials, massages and hair removal. The unique model focuses on regular, affordable treatments.  Services may be purchased a la cart or, for just one low price each month, the Healthy Lifestyle Program, offers a choice of a One Hour Massage or a Signature Facial plus additional services throughout the month at the low member rates. Product lines offered for sale include Dermalogical and Clarity. They believe that their services contribute to a healthful quality of life and should be scheduled on a regular basis, not just as a luxury while on vacation,

 

Pat Riska

Riska Insurance LLC

(203) 775-1481

www.riskainsurance.com

Love of learning and personal growth are what keeps Pat current and led her to her present business model. Attending a conference in Boston,  she reconnected with past business partners and has joined with them as affiliates in a joint venture.       Still an Independent Insurance Agent,  she now has the resources to handle the complete suite of insurance      products including her main focus on health, life, Medicare and Disability but extending into Property and Casualty, Auto  as well as all business insurances.  With weekly experts instructing the agents on various topics,  the firm has developed targeted questionnaires to assist the practitioners in gathering the complete and relevant information to assist their clients with any type of insurance.  The individual agent then stays, for the most part, as the hub of information distribution and is the support contact.  Instead of having multiple agents for different types of required insurance, there is one lead agent with access to information and pricing from a team of carefully selected partners.

Pat’s passion for protecting her clients from catastrophic financial losses came through her initial career as a nurse where she saw the devastation of poor insurance planning. She then became a consultant for attorneys where she would read and analyze medical cases including questioning witnesses.  In the aftermath of 9/11 and the impending class action law suits she interviewed first responders and volunteers whose health had been compromised by their heroic actions in order to get restitution for chronic health issues.  It was an obvious transition into insurance.  Her medical background enables Pat to advise her clients from her own experiences.

Moving to Brookfield 9 years ago she credits the move as one of her keys to success. She finds that the community spirit and friendliness of the residents influence her energy and outlook towards her work.  She also points to her love of just getting to know people, and developing meaningful relationships.  Pat is an avid Lake person, living in Candlewood Acres with her Party Barge moored nearby.  She is very active in numerous Chambers and networking groups.  She and her partner have recently made the commitment of dog ownership and have adopted Callie.