See the clip!
Testimonial Tuesday! Nothing means more to me than making my clients happy 🤗! This card and thoughtful gift came from clients who I secured a rental 🏡 for after meeting with them only twice! 😍
Get ready Fairfield sellers, these lovely clients will be buyers next year!
#testimonial
#testimonialtuesday
#lindaraymondrealtor
#yourcastlemymission
See the sneak peek 60-second video!
Welcome to a sneak peek behind the scenes of a truly remarkable restoration project in the heart of Downtown Rowayton, Connecticut. At 6 Crockett Street, a majestic antique Victorian home is undergoing a meticulous restoration process, breathing new life into its authentic antique windows and preserving the charm of a bygone era.
Behind the Restoration
Restoring a historic home is no small feat; it’s an art that requires passion, dedication, and the skilled hands of experts. At 6 Crockett Street, the team at R. J. Aley Building Contractors, based in Westport, is weaving their magic to bring this antique gem back to life. One of their best practices is to gently steam the windows to preserve the original glass and remove the old paint instead of chipping and sanding. This prevents lead dust and particles from getting into the air and onto the ground. Their commitment to preserving the home’s historic character while incorporating modern amenities is truly commendable.
The Windows That Tell a Story
One of the most captivating features of this Victorian beauty is its stunning antique windows. Each pane of glass, every piece of intricate woodwork, tells a story of a time when craftsmanship was revered. The restoration process involves a delicate touch, a keen eye for detail, and a deep appreciation for the heritage of this home. Witnessing the transformation of these windows is like stepping back in time.
Why 6 Crockett Street Is Special
How to See It for Yourself
If you’re captivated by the idea of owning a piece of history and experiencing the beauty of this antique Victorian home firsthand, we invite you to get in touch. You can DM us here or call us at 203-912-4440 to schedule a showing. This is a unique opportunity to own a piece of Rowayton’s history.
To Sum it Up
The restoration of 6 Crockett Street in Rowayton, CT, is a testament to the love and dedication that goes into preserving our architectural heritage. We thank R. J. Aley Building Contractors for their exceptional work in bringing this antique Victorian home back to life. Don’t miss the chance to make this historic beauty your own – contact us today to arrange a viewing!
Hello Fairfield and Westport!
Here’s your September market report. If you are like many I know, you would like to make a move but are trying to figure out the best timing for your goals.
The charts below summarize what happened in August 2023 compared 2022. You can also view the What Sold Reports to see all the single-family homes that sold in August 2023 in Fairfield and Westport Connecticut. Additional metrics including the sale-to-list price ratio and number of cash sales are included from the MLS below.
FAIRFIELD SINGLE-FAMILY – AUGUST 2023
WESTPORT SINGLE-FAMILY – AUGUST 2023
William Raveis Local Housing Data
Low inventory and strong buyer demand continue to maintain upward pressure on prices.
Yes, mortgage rate increases have sidelined some buyers, but not enough to offset the low inventory. Here are six key points to understand about the market in August this year compared to last year.
When you are buying in this market, it is important that you are prepared to make an informed decision and to submit a competitive offer. This means that you have your mortgage pre-approval or proof of funds in hand, because an offer is not complete without this critical piece! The good news is that new listings are coming to the market each day, so you can look forward to having new options.
If you are selling a home for which you put down a solid down payment or paid cash for, you can look forward to enjoying a high sale price and maximum equity!
On average, homes sold 104-105% above the asking price in August, yet some homes also had price reductions. The market response to your listing depends on how compelling your asking price is for the property you are presenting and the demand for your property at the time you list it for sale. Your agent will guide you on the strategy to maximize the demand for your listing in the current market.
Bottom line: Now is a still a great time to sell! Buyer demand remains higher than the supply and inventory is still low. As a buyer in this market, you can anticipate increased equity from price appreciation that is expected to continue. New listings continue to come to the market each day offering new choices. Rates may also come down in the next year or so enabling you to refinance.
Embrace your dream lifestyle with the expert guidance of your agent to secure your new home. Reach out to me anytime with your questions about the market and to discuss your plans.
If you’re not ready to think about your move yet, please refer your friends to me using the form below. Referrals are a win-win!
It can’t hurt to check out a quick online home estimate to see what your house is worth, right?
Yes, and no.
Quick estimates from websites such as Zillow can be helpful as well as very misleading😳. As long as you understand that the number you get is a broad estimate based on an algorithm with limited capabilities you’re all good 🤩!
So what are four ways your agent’s analysis differs from a quick online estimate from Zillow?
So if you’re curious about an instant home estimate, check Zillow and the William Raveis Home Estimate Tool for comparison. When you’re ready to know where you stand so you can make informed decisions, give your agent a call. If you knew your home’s true value, what would you do next?
In the dynamic world of real estate, interest rates hold a significant sway over homebuyers’ decisions. Likewise, rates have an impact on homeowners’ ability to sell. As memories of the desirable 2.85% interest rate linger, the current market fluctuations have left potential homeowners pondering their next move. Of course, the unspoken value proposition in all of this is the impact that ‘home’ has on your lifestyle and quality of life. Each person needs to weigh how much they value their lifestyle relative to what they are willing to invest in a new home. In this discussion, we’ll delve into some strategic approaches that can help you navigate this uncertainty while awaiting the (unlikely) return of the coveted 2.85% interest rate.
1. Exploring Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs) for Lower Rates: Consider opting for an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) in a higher interest rate climate. ARMs often begin with a lower rate than fixed-rate mortgages, potentially offering more affordable initial payments. As interest rates are expected to fluctuate, ARMs can be a prudent choice if you anticipate rates to decrease in the future. It’s crucial to understand the terms and associated risks of ARMs before making a decision.
2. Seizing Opportunity: Buying Now and Refinancing for Lower Rates: Rather than endlessly waiting for the ideal 2.85% rate, consider purchasing a home now and exploring refinancing opportunities later. By securing a home at current rates, you can build equity and enjoy the benefits of homeownership. Keep a vigilant eye on market trends to identify the optimal time for refinancing to secure a more favorable rate.
3. Negotiating Seller Concessions for Reduced Costs: Leverage negotiation skills when making an offer on a home by requesting a seller concession. This concession can be used to buy down the interest rate or cover closing costs. Keep in mind, that sellers typically have more leverage than buyers in the current market, but if a home has been lingering on the market longer than the average market time, the homeowner might be willing to work with you for a win-win agreement. This approach provides a means to mitigate the impact of higher interest rates, enhancing short-term affordability and financial flexibility.
4. Diversifying Investment Strategies: Exploring Real Estate Investment: For those hesitant about primary homeownership due to interest rates, diversifying into real estate investment can be an attractive alternative. Options like rental properties and real estate investment trusts (REITs) allow you to benefit from market dynamics while potentially bolstering your investment portfolio. Thorough research is essential to navigate each avenue’s nuances and risks.
5. Seeking Expert Guidance: Partnering with Financial Professionals: To effectively navigate the intricate interplay of interest rates and real estate, consult financial advisors, mortgage experts, and real estate professionals. Their insights and tailored advice can help you make informed decisions aligned with your financial goals and market projections.
Conclusion: In the pursuit of the elusive 2.85% interest rate, remember that the real estate market’s complexity extends beyond rates alone. By exploring ARM options, capitalizing on current opportunities and planning for future refinancing, negotiating for seller concessions, and diversifying investment strategies, you can confidently navigate today’s real estate landscape. Stay informed, seek professional counsel, and make choices tailored to your financial situation and aspirations.
It’s a pleasure and an honor to work with William Raveis Real Estate, the best real estate company in the United States!
Since 1998, the Inman Innovator Awards have honored companies, individuals and new technology that increases productivity, efficiency and transparency for consumers and real estate professionals alike. Out of more than 150,000 real estate firms in the country, only 50 or so finalists will meet the set of criteria to qualify. This year’s slate of winners was announced live at Inman Connect Las Vegas on August 10, 2023. The highest honor of “Top Brokerage” was bestowed upon William Raveis, a title that is well deserved after 50 years in the real estate industry.
Why William Raveis is continually named #1 locally, nationally, and globally every year? Read more on the Raveis Blog!
If you want your moving plans to be guided by an agent who has the best resources in the country, just give me a call to discuss your plans.
If you’re dreaming of Barbie’s Castle, now’s the time to make the practical, savvy, grown-up choice! 🙂
Step into History and Luxury: Discover 6 Crockett Street, Rowayton’s Charming Victorian Gem! Welcome to this enchanting home on coveted, historic Oysterman’s Row along the harbor. It boasts a walk-to-everything location, charming wrap-around porch, idyllic gardens, new stone walkways, & delicate wrought iron gates. Bright & airy with 9-ft ceilings & tall windows, the gracious foyer leads to a spacious family room & elegant fireplace. Save energy with propane, tankless hot water, spray foam insulation, new Anderson windows upstairs, & maintenance-free Azek on the porch. Gaze at the water from upstairs before exploring the charming maritime community. Walk to the beach, quaint eateries, & Pinkney Park. Explore bustling SONO, or hop on a train to NYC in under an hour. Enjoy covered parking for 2 cars in the garage & carport. Experience the joy of history, luxury, & serenity in this one-of-a-kind home.
Call for more information. Linda Raymond, Realtor®
2 0 3 – 9 1 2 – 4 4 4 0
William Raveis Real Estate 2525 Post Rd – Southport, CT 06890
In the meantime, there’s no harm in channeling your inner Barbie! An enthusiastic group from our Southport office sure did! ….We saw the movie too! 🙂
#BarbieDreamsToReality
#GrownUpSavvyLiving
#PracticalLuxuryChoice
#RowaytonCT
#Rowayton
#CTRealEstate
#HomeForSale
#VintageHome
#ComingSoon
#DowntownMarina
#HistoricHome
#DreamHome
#HomeSweetHome
#HouseHunting
#RealEstate
#HomeBuyers
#HomeDecor
#RowaytonLiving
#VintageCharm
#HomeInspiration
#HouseGoals
#DreamHouse
#RowaytonLife
#Yourcastlemymission
#LindaRaymondRealtor
Prices went down a little bit in July… Because the rates are high, and all the buyers left the market, right? 🤨
-Ah…No. Prices were up again in July and we still have an imbalance ⚖️ of supply
and demand.
Why are Prices Still Going Up when buyers are sidelined due to interest rates?!
I want to read a quote to you from Lawrence Yun, who’s the Chief Economist
for NAR. This puts it in perspective He says, “We need 50% more listings to reach pre-pandemic
2019 housing inventory levels. And we need 100% growth in listings to reach an adequate
supply.”
So as a result, the average sale price was 104 to 105% of the listing price in Fairfield
and Westport in July. And the accepted offers compared to the total available listings were
also way higher than pre-pandemic levels. It has gone down a little bit from the past two years,
but compared to 2019, accepted offers accounted for 27% of the active listings in Fairfield,
which was DOUBLE what it was in 2019 (13%), and 15% of the available listings had accepted
offers in Westport, which was TRIPLE what it was in 2019 (5%). So there is still extreme demand relative to the supply.
What’s the Good News?
🏡 The GOOD NEWS is that rising prices mean that, on the sale side, you
enjoy a high sale price. On the buy side, when you get into your new home, you can enjoy equity
from the continued appreciation ↗️ in prices.
🏡 New listings 🎉 are also coming on the market each day. We have 46 new listings on the market in Fairfield and Westport as we speak.
🏡 And the market time ⏰ is a little bit longer. Instead of just a few weeks before something flies off the shelf with an accepted offer, now listings are staying on the market for an average of one to two months before going to contract, so you have a little bit more time to make decisions 😅.
🏡 And who knows, MAYBE RATES WILL COME DOWN at the end of this year or next year 🙏!
So, send me a note now, and when you come back from your summer vacation, think about making your move! You can also see all the July stats here.
Hello Fairfield and Westport!
If you are like many I know, you would like to make a move but are trying to figure out the best timing for your goals.
I am seeing some buyer resistance to prices due to the added expense of current interest rates. However, the imbalance of supply and demand still keeps us in a seller’s market despite the rising rates. Here’s the latest market update.
The charts below show a summary of what happened in July 2023 compared to last July. My What Sold Reports include a list and summary of all the single-family homes that sold in July 2023 in Fairfield and Westport Connecticut.
FAIRFIELD SINGLE-FAMILY – JULY 2023
WESTPORT SINGLE-FAMILY – JULY 2023
William raveis Local Housing Data
Low inventory and strong buyer demand continue to push prices of many homes higher and also limit the overall market pace in Fairfield and Westport.
Here are six key points to understand about the market in July this year compared to last July.
When you are buying in this market, you want to be prepared to come in with a competitive offer. This includes being prepared with a mortgage pre-approval or proof of funds in hand so you can make an offer quickly when you see a home you want! Remember, there’s a 36-38% chance you may be competing with cash offers, so you will want to do everything you can to present a competitive offer. The good news is that new listings are coming to the market each day.
If you are selling a home that you paid cash for, you can look forward to a high sale price and maximum equity!
There are multiple offers on some properties, while others receive just one, and some will even have a price reduction if the initial price was too ambitious. Homes on average were still selling above the asking price in July. Some are selling for full price, some above, and some are selling below. It depends on the demand for the individual property.
Bottom line: Now is a still a great time to sell! Buyer demand remains high. Inventory is still low. As a buyer in this market, you can anticipate increased equity from price appreciation that is expected to continue. New listings continue to come to the market each day. Rates may also come down enabling you to refinance. Committing to the process will get you to your new home!
Reach out to me anytime with your questions about the market and to discuss your plans.
Not ready to think about your move yet? Please refer your friends to me using the form below. Referrals are a win-win!
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Connecticut is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, close-knit communities, and idyllic small towns. Among its gems are two charming coastal neighborhoods: Darien and Rowayton. For decades, Darien has been a sought-after destination for families and professionals alike, boasting top-notch schools and an affluent atmosphere. However, an increasing number of people are packing their bags and making the short move to Rowayton, a neighboring haven with its own unique appeal. Let’s explore the reasons behind this migration, uncovering the allure that draws individuals to Rowayton’s shores.
Rowayton’s waterfront location is one of its most alluring features. Nestled along the banks of Long Island Sound, this quaint village exudes coastal charm and tranquility. The serene beaches, breathtaking sunsets, and calming sea breeze create an ambiance that is hard to resist. Compared to Darien, Rowayton’s seaside lifestyle offers residents a greater sense of peace and connection to nature, making it a magnet for those seeking a more relaxed pace of life.
While Darien has its own strong sense of community, Rowayton takes it a step further. The village’s smaller size fosters a tight-knit and welcoming environment where neighbors know each other by name. Rowayton’s community events, such as the annual River Ramble and Shakespeare on the Sound, bring residents together, fostering friendships and creating a real sense of belonging. For many, this close community spirit is a major factor in choosing Rowayton as their new home.
Rowayton’s artistic flair sets it apart from its neighboring town of Darien. The village boasts a thriving arts and culture scene, with several galleries, studios, and creative spaces. The Rowayton Arts Center, for instance, hosts exhibitions and workshops, providing a platform for local artists to showcase their talent. For art enthusiasts, this lively cultural environment can be a significant draw, making Rowayton a haven for creativity and self-expression.
Rowayton’s charm is undeniable, with its picturesque streets lined with historic homes, charming boutiques, and cozy cafes. The village’s quaint and welcoming atmosphere is a stark contrast to the more suburban feel of Darien. Residents can stroll along Rowayton Avenue, admiring the picturesque architecture and stopping for a coffee at the local cafe. The town’s small size also means that everything is within walking distance, contributing to its intimate and laid-back ambiance.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Rowayton offers a wealth of opportunities to embrace nature fully. Residents can enjoy a leisurely paddle along the Five Mile River, take scenic walks in the local parks, or go sailing in the Long Island Sound. The abundant green spaces and proximity to the water attract nature lovers and outdoor adventurers who find solace in Rowayton’s natural beauty.
While Darien, CT, has long been a symbol of affluence and suburban living, the draw of Rowayton speaks volumes about the allure of this charming coastal village. From its coastal charm and strong sense of community to its vibrant arts scene and quaint village charm, Rowayton offers a unique lifestyle that is capturing the hearts of many. As more people make the move from Darien as well as from other Connecticut and New York towns to Rowayton, this delightful village continues to shine as a hidden gem along Connecticut’s coastline. Whether it’s the call of the sea, the sense of belonging, or the artistic vibe, one thing is clear – Rowayton has certainly carved out its place as a desirable destination for those seeking a different pace of life.
If you’re looking to join the Rowayton community, one of the featured homes newly listed for sale is 6 Crockett Street on Historic Oysterman’s Row.
Fairfield and Westport CT Real Estate Guide 