Mass. home sales slide in Nov.

There was a slight chill in the Massachusetts housing market last month.

November saw the first year-over-year decline in single-family home sales — and the fewest number of monthly sales — since April, driven by a tight supply of available properties and rising interest rates.

Sales fell 2 percent compared to November of 2012, according to data released yesterday by the Warren Group, the Boston publisher of Banker & Tradesman.

The median sales price for single-family homes, meanwhile, climbed 4 percent to $307,000, for the 14th straight month of year-over-year increases.

"The low inventory of homes for sale is affecting the number of sales, because people who are eager to buy are not finding much to their liking," Warren Group CEO Timothy M. Warren Jr. said. And while historically low, interest rates have been rising since May.

Single-family homes for sale as of Nov. 30 numbered 18,428, down 20.6 percent compared to the same month last year — marking the 21st consecutive month of inventory decreases.

And, unlike some buyers during the mid-2000s inventory shortage who purchased homes beyond their financial means, buyers today aren't willing to make that leap, according to MAR president Kimberly Allard-Moccia, broker-owner of Century 21 Professionals in Braintree.

"They're not interested in repeating past mistakes, and the lending requirements are far more strict now," she said. "Even if a buyer wanted to overpay for a property, or get involved in a multiple bid situation, their lender may not approve the loan."

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Drone research funds to fly into Bay State

The announcement of six states that will host testing areas for commercial drones is a significant step toward approving unmanned aircraft in U.S. skies, experts said, and will pay dividends for Massachusetts — even though the Bay State isn't on the list.

The FAA announced yesterday that Alaska, Nevada, North Dakota, Texas, Virginia and New York will host research sites for drones, but the New York site, at Griffiss International Airport, will be run by an alliance of organizations from New York and Massachusetts, including Joint Base Cape Cod.

"It's a great economic opportunity because it will mean jobs," said Missy Cummings, a professor at MIT and a drone expert.

"This selection recognizes the importance of Massachusetts' military installations and our special role as an innovation hub," Sen. Edward J. Markey said in a statement.

Markey has filed a bill that would require the FAA to enact privacy guidelines before allowing drones to take to the skies.

"These test sites will give us valuable information about how best to ensure the safe introduction of this advanced technology into our nation's skies," transportation secretary Anthony Foxx said in a statement.

The FAA is scheduled to put the regulations in place by 2015, but that is not likely to happen, Cummings said.

"The FAA is not known to move fast," she said.

The regulations, whenever they are finalized, will allow commercial drones like those that Amazon proposed to be used for package delivery, as shown in an attention-grabbing CBS "60 Minutes" segment, and would also have larger possibilities, like search and rescue and agricultural uses, Cummings said.

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What’s on tap for 2014

Local techies say 2014 is set to be another banner year for the Boston area. Here are some companies and trends to watch out for in the next 12 months.

Companies on the rise:

• Care.com filed for an IPO earlier this month, seeking to raise $80 million. The Waltham-based company has grown to 9.1 million members.

• Cambridge marketing software company HubSpot has long been the subject of IPO rumors while raising around $100 million. Executives have not been shy about their intentions to go public, and this could be the year.

Emerging trends:

• Bolt.io founder Ben Einstein: "It's going to be the year of hardware."

• Andy Palmer: "EHealth is erupting."

• John Harthorne: "There is huge excitement around 3-D printing."

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Don't overlook these apps

If Santa was kind this year and got you a smartphone or a tablet, chances are you're looking for a few good apps. And chances are you've already downloaded the ol' standbys — such as Kindle, Facebook, Skype and YouTube. But there's a wide world of mobile apps that awaits you, and what follows are 10 of my 
favorites (Windows Phone users who aren't feeling the love should search for third-party apps by Rudy Huyn, a genius developer who makes a career out of bringing Apple and 
Android favorites to 
Windows Phone):

• Avocado (iOS): This cute app is for couples, 
allowing you and the most important person in your life to share messages, 
photos and calendar 
appointments — so you can cut down on all that Facebook "PDA."

• Donna (iOS): My 
favorite personal assistant app tells you when it's time to leave for a meeting and 
otherwise helps busy 
people manage their day.

• HBOGo (iOS, Android) Every episode of (almost) every HBO show ever along with specials. The only catch is you have to enter your cable provider info to gain access.

• Hipstamatic (iOS): The coolest photography app nobody knows about will also allow you to 
order excellent prints in the mail for a reasonable price. (Looking for more great photo apps? Also try Piclab and Snapseed for iOS or Android.)

• iFont Maker: ($6.99 iOS, iPad only; $4.99 
Windows 8) Just what it sounds like — you can make your own fonts. 
Surprisingly addictive and fun.

• Instapaper ($3.99 iOS, $2.99 Android) A great way to save web pages and 
articles that you want to read offline later. Load up before a long flight or car ride!

• Perfect365 (iOS, 
Android): Give yourself a virtual makeover or touch up those blemishes in a bad photo. It's OK. I won't tell.

• Weather Flow ($1.99 
Android & Windows Phone): Possibly the most accurate and beautifully 
designed weather app around, and great for finding out whether you have a half hour to run to the store before a downpour.

• Whatsapp (iOS, 
Android, Windows Phone) Text anyone for free using this handy SMS alternative that includes group chat features and other customization options.

• Xbox Music ($10/month, iOS & Google; free for Windows) With a far larger catalog than Spotify and Pandora, this streaming music service officially bests the rest, including iTunes and its a la carte 
music downloads. An added bonus: excellent integration with your Xbox console.

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Is an older Cadillac a good candidate for synthetic oil?

I recently purchased a 2001 Cadillac Deville with 52,000 original miles. The service advisor at the dealership recommended using conventional oil or a synthetic blend. I was told there can be problems with synthetic oil causing gasket failure on older engines. Is this true?

I don't think you'd have any issues using full synthetic oil in your vehicle — it's not that old and has low mileage. The theory behind oil consumption or leakage issues using synthetic oil in older engines is based on the fundamental difference between "natural" petroleum oil and "manufactured" synthetic oil. Every molecule of synthetic is exactly the same size, as opposed to the random size of conventional oil molecules. It was thought that the larger of the random-sized molecules in conventional oil tended to reduce oil leakage past gaskets and seals by blocking the smaller molecules from escaping. Since synthetic molecules are all the same size, there's no "blocking" action to slow/stop/prevent oil leaks.

Do I think this is a serious concern? No. First off, no oil will cause "failure" of a gasket or seal. Secondly, if your engine doesn't leak oil now, it very likely won't with synthetic. And if it did, just switch back to conventional petroleum oil. However, if your engine already has an oil leak, it may leak more using synthetic. Again, the solution is to switch back to petroleum oil.

Remember, GM recommends 5W-30 "SJ" rated oil for any ambient temperature above 0 degrees F. Conventional and synthetic oils both meet these specs.

• • •

I have a problem with my 2009 Toyota Camry with the 3.5-liter V-6 engine. It is impossible to check the oil level using the dipstick. Oil is constantly smeared up the dipstick several inches, even after sitting for several days. I change oil myself every 5,000 miles and can only verify that the engine is not consuming oil by measuring the 6.5 quarts that end up in my drain pan. The engine now has 105,000 miles. Do you have a suggestion?

A check of my ALLDATA database and online found no information on this issue, which tends to tell me that it is unique to your vehicle. I'm sorry to ask such an obvious question, but do you pull the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it and then pull it again to check the oil level? In most cases, this will eliminate the excess oil that has splashed up into the bottom end of the dipstick tube from registering on the dipstick.

Assuming you've done this and still get smeared readings, the only things I can suggest are to pull the dipstick, wipe it clean and leave it only partially inserted in the tube overnight, then check the level in the morning. Also, try rotating the dipstick in 90-degree increments before reinserting into the tube and recheck. And finally, reduce the oil volume from 6.4 quarts to 6 quarts to see if the engine "likes" this slightly lower but still entirely safe amount of oil.

• • •

In 2003 we bought a Saturn Vue. We had a sheet of plastic film put on the front of the hood to deter chips from road debris. We are thinking of trading it in and it would look better without it as the years have made it look pretty bad. Do you have any thoughts on how to peel this off and not damage or peel off the paint?

Since your plan is to trade in the vehicle, I wouldn't bother trying to remove the protective film. Let the dealer's "detailer" do this. I've had some success using heat from a hair dryer or heat gun, or you could try a solvent like 3M's adhesive remover and surface cleaner.

I really don't think leaving the film on the car will have a significant effect on the car's trade-in value. In this case, I think the risk outweighs any potential benefit.

Paul Brand, author of "How to Repair Your Car," is an automotive troubleshooter, driving instructor and former race-car driver. Readers may write to him at: Star Tribune, 425 Portland Ave. S., Minneapolis, Minn., 55488 or via email at paulbrandstartribune.com. Please explain the problem in detail and include a daytime phone number. Because of the volume of mail, we cannot provide personal replies.

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Gaming foes await SJC decision

Attorney General Martha Coakley is pushing for swift action by the state Supreme Judicial Court on the legality of a ballot initiative to repeal the Bay State's two-year-old expanded gaming law, a question that looms large over the awarding of casino licenses.

Coakley rejected the initiative in September, arguing it would damage the contractual rights of those bidding for casino licenses. Those pushing the ballot question appealed Coakley's ruling to the Supreme Judicial Court, which is expected to hear arguments and make a decision in the spring, the same time the state Gaming Commission plans to award casino licenses.

"We expect to request that the SJC take up this matter promptly in order to reach a final determination," Coakley spokesman Brad Puffer said. "While our office determined that the question does not meet constitutional requirements, the most important thing is to get the right result."

If approved to go before voters on the November 2014 ballot, the question would pose huge problems for anyone looking to develop a casino in Massachusetts.

"It's an open question," said Matthew Cameron, an attorney for the repeal group. "I think, honestly, that the smartest thing would be an injunction (on casino development) if it clears the SJC. I think the industry's going to be pretty scared if they see that's going on the ballot."

The Gaming Commission has yet to take a stance on what would happen to casinos awarded licenses in the spring if it appears the law could be overturned in the fall.

"The commission has not taken up this topic yet," commission spokeswoman Elaine Driscoll said.

For now, casino companies are keeping a poker face about the potentially game changing ballot question.

"We knew that was out there when we went after this, we knew that was looming, but we feel that this is a project that is worth pursuing," said Mitchell Etess, CEO of Mohegan Sun, which is going for a license to open a casino on the Revere side of Suffolk Downs and reached a host agreement with the city last week. "I can't control what's going to happen, we can only just keep going, one foot ahead of the other, and get everything done that we need to get done. It has by no means deterred us."

The proponents — a collection of casino foes who played a key role in defeating a Suffolk Downs casino plan in East Boston in November — are proceeding as if they are in the clear. On Dec. 9, Secretary of State William Galvin certified 72,901 signatures they had collected, exceeding the 68,911 needed to get on the ballot.

Revere Mayor Dan Rizzo, a strong casino supporter, said the initiative is frustrating.

"That horse left the barn back in November 2011, expanded gaming is allowed here in the state," Rizzo said. "Now, it's not good enough for them that they're not going to have a casino in East Boston. It's really become a huge distraction to what the state's trying to do, and that's create jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in enhancements."

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Delta says it will honor man’s tix

Delta Airlines has reversed its decision — after repeated Herald inquiries — to deny a man planning a family vacation to Disneyland the rock-bottom fare he booked through Orbitz on Thursday due to a systemwide web glitch that also offered $68 Hub-to-Hawaii round-trip flights.

"I'm not so frustrated by losing the tickets, just more by the way they're treating me," said Abel Feldhamer of Long Island, N.Y., when he first contacted the Herald yesterday. "They're getting good press proclaiming they're honoring these fares when they're slapping some people in the face."

Feldhamer thought he had snagged six round-trip tickets using Orbitz between New York City and Los Angeles for a total of $152.46 during a Delta.com malfunction Thursday.

"Your flight and seats are confirmed," read an email from Orbitz. A Delta agent confirmed his reservation and seat selection over the phone. His credit card was even charged.

But five hours later — after he had booked a rental car and as his wife shopped for hotels — an Orbitz email arrived with the bad news.

"Due to limited availability, the airline was not able to confirm the flights you requested. As a result no tickets have been issued for this trip."

Feldhamer then called customer support lines for Orbitz and Delta — at one point even looping both in for a conference call. The Orbitz rep blamed Delta, which in turn claimed no tickets had ever been issued.

Feldhamer even filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

An Orbitz spokesman did not return a call or email from the Herald yesterday.

Delta spokeswoman Jennifer Martin yesterday afternoon insisted the airline would honor all incorrect fares "regardless of the channel booked" and urged people to call customer support if their booking agent incorrectly canceled the deal.

But moments later, Feldhamer received an email from Delta rep Sheri Lee, who wrote: "Upon review of your Record Locator ... it appears your purchase was not completed."

But when confronted with the seemingly conflicting messages, Delta spokeswoman Martin told the Herald the Feldhamer family would be able to take the Disneyland vacation after all.

"This customer is being contacted momentarily by Delta's Customer Care to correct this situation," said Martin. "The tickets they purchased will be honored."

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2014 Nissan Versa strikes right note

You know, for a little get-me-to-work-comfortably kind of car, I'll take the 2014 Nissan Versa Note SV hatchback.

I ventured up Interstate 95 to southern Maine thinking the Versa would struggle on the highway, but a pleasant surprise was in store. The ride was comfortable, compliant, relatively quiet, and the car moved calmly through traffic as long as you kept your foot heavy on the accelerator. Around town the car is quick and agile. It lacks some of the handling panache of other entry-level cars and you do get some rough road feel into the cabin, but the appointments in the upgraded SV trim with the optional technology package made up for the ride. Most of the surfaces were hard plastic, but the steering wheel was leather-wrapped and the multi-hued cloth interior was attractive.

The upgrades quickly rolled the base price of our tester from $14,800 to $19,545. But the extra touches turned this into more than a functional driver. The upgrades include some niceties such as a 5.8-inch touch display with voice recognition, Bluetooth telephone and streaming, Google connectivity and styling components such as 16-inch aluminum wheels, chrome trim and a push-button starter.

It's powered by a 1.6 liter, 109 horsepower four-cylinder motor mated to a continuous variable transmission. Although noisy under heavy acceleration, the CVT responds quickly without getting overly strung out like others. But the bonus is the stingy use of gas. Pumping out nearly 40 miles per gallon on the highway and roughly 30 around town keeps this runabout on the road for a long time between gas station stops, and that's a good thing because it only holds about 10 gallons.

I find the hatchback to have more curb appeal than the sedan. The short swept hood blends nicely into the styled body. The hatchback allows more rear legroom and a tidy storage area. Flip the rear seats down and the deck provides ample room for luggage or groceries.

The compact car field has many interesting offerings from the sexy and cute Fiat 500 and Mini Coopers to great drivers like the Ford Fiesta and Honda Fit to basic commuter cars like the Chevy Sonic and Hyundai Accent. All have good qualities, but I'd recommend this car based on its sturdiness and some of the standard features.

With good gas mileage, park-it-anywhere size — it's only 193 inches long — and don't-break-the-bank car payments, Nissan has clearly found a nice combination.

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Employment numbers spur Dow climb

The number of people applying for unemployment benefits last week dropped more than expected, another sign of continued growth in the economy that sent the Dow yesterday to a record high close.

"The underlying trend suggests job destruction continues to decline," said Sterne Agee chief economist Lindsey Piegza. "This is a welcome step in the right direction and further reinforces the Fed's assessment of a stronger labor market."

Initial unemployment claims — which are seen as an indicator of layoffs — dropped by 42,000 to 338,000 last week while the Dow Jones Industrial Average shot up more than 122 points to close at 16,479.88. It was the biggest decline in jobless claims in a year.

The jobless report was great news for Wall Street, but because trading slows in late December, any positive or negative news is magnified, said Christine Armstrong, Morgan Stanley senior vice president.

"It's very light volume. You can skew things," Armstrong said. "We're probably going to have the same thing next week."

Roughly 3.8 billion shares were bought or sold yesterday, 38 percent below the three-month average.

Although the numbers are heading in the right direction, this time of year makes jobless claims difficult to read, Piegza said.

"Claims are particularly volatile this time of year," she said.

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The Ticker

Twitter up 4.8 percent in continuing surge

Twitter stock jumped 4.8 percent yesterday to close at $73.31 a share on optimism by investors that the company has room to expand sales in advertising.

The stock has surged 32 percent over the past five days, 76 percent this month, and has nearly tripled since the microblogging social network went public at $26 a share in November.

Obama signs bipartisan budget deal

President Obama signed a bipartisan budget deal yesterday easing spending cuts.

Although the budget deal falls short of the grand bargain that Obama and congressional Republicans once aspired to, it ends the cycle of fiscal brinkmanship — for now — by preventing another shutdown for nearly two more years. But the rare moment of agreement may be short-lived.

Hanging over the start of the year is a renewed fight over raising the nation's borrowing limit, which the Treasury says must be resolved by late February or early March to avert an unprecedented U.S. default. Both sides are positioning behind customary hard-line positions, with Republicans insisting they want concessions before raising the debt limit and Obama insisting he won't negotiate.

McDonald's closes employee website

McDonald's Corp. has shut down a website intended to provide employees with work and life guidance after it generated negative publicity for the fast-food company.

The McResource program has been criticized for creating unrealistic budgets and offering advice that was out of touch with its workers' pay. The website, which was run by an outside company, also reportedly discouraged workers from eating fast food.

Amazon: Growth in Prime numbers

Amazon said yesterday it had signed up more than 
1 million new customers last week for its Amazon Prime membership program, which for $79 a year provides free two-day shipping on many items and a free streaming video service.

The company said the program continues to grow, with "tens of millions of members worldwide."

THE SHUFFLE

• Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in New England announced that it has hired Kevin Dumont, left, as a field trainer. He will serve as a trainer instructing affiliated sales associates in Southern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
• J Barrett & Co. announced that Andrea O'Brien, a full-time real estate agent, has joined the agency in its Beverly Farms office. O'Brien has extensive business experience in customer service, including management.
• M/A-COM Technology Solutions Holdings Inc., a supplier of high performance RF, microwave and millimeter wave products, announced the appointment of Robert J. McMullan as its chief financial officer.

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