One of the best things about Fairfield is that the beach, town, and train, are all in the same part of town!
If you’re looking for this kind of convenience and the lowest-priced new construction in the neighborhood, come to the OPEN HOUSE tomorrow, Saturday, August 13, 2022 at 56 Rugby Rd in Fairfield CT. List price $1,295,000. See you there. 🙌 🏖 🏘 🚊
Call with questions or to talk about your plans, 203-912-4440.
Special thanks to our guest writer, Sharon Wagner for this article! As a senior herself, Sharon Wagner understands that an older body and mind impacts the daily lives of many seniors. She created SeniorFriendly.info to offer advice geared specifically toward seniors to help them make healthier choices and enjoy their golden years.
After experiencing the painful loss of a parent, partner, sibling, friend, or another loved one, you may feel as if you’ll never fully recover from the grief — especially if nearly everything in your home or everyday life reminds you of the loved one you’ve lost. And while it’s best to delay any major life decisions within six to twelve months of losing a loved one, according to Psychology Tools, moving into a new home and/or relocating to a new city or state could be the change you need in order to cope with the grief you’re experiencing.
Moving provides a fresh start, and in some cases, it allows you to be closer to friends and family during an emotionally challenging time in your life. But whatever your reasons may be for moving after the loss of a loved one, this guide from real estate pro Linda Raymond will help you to make the change of scenery you need in order to move on with your life — as painful as it may be.
Get Ready to Move
If you lived with the loved one you’ve lost, selling the home you shared can be an incredibly painful experience. You’ll need to sort through your loved one’s belongings, decide which items to keep or donate, and handle the logistics of buying and selling a home. And when preparing to list your home, you’ll need to make any necessary repairs or improvements, such as fixing cracked windows, leaking pipes, or anything that could turn away potential homebuyers. You’ll also need to start saving for a down payment on a new home unless you plan on renting.
As time-consuming as moving can be, the process can be a much-needed distraction when you’re grieving the loss of a loved one. Just refrain from getting rid of your loved one’s belongings too soon, or you may regret it later. You can always move everything into your new home and sort through them at a later time. Consider storing them in a garage, basement, or rented storage space, and sort through them when you’re ready.
To reduce stress on moving day, you may also wish to hire professional movers. As Consumer Affairs notes, movers can help with packing, loading, and unloading your belongings, allowing you to focus more on creating a fresh start.
Connect With Friends, Your Community, and an Online Therapist
Whether you’re moving into a new area where you don’t know anyone, or you’re looking to connect with others who’ve experienced grief, resources are available to help you navigate your grief. Some ways to meet people in a new area include:
● Volunteering in the community.
● Attending Meetup events in your new city.
● Finding a roommate with similar interests as you.
● Connecting with friends on social media.
For most, therapy is key to working through the various phases of grief. Busy lifestyles, however, may not make it possible to attend regular therapy sessions. Instead of forgoing time with a counselor until you can carve out a few hours, there’s now telehealth options, which allow you to meet with a mental health professional from your computer or smartphone. And when it comes to costs associated with therapy, online therapy is more affordable. What’s more, you can find a therapist who fits your needs and schedule a same-day appointment.
Make Your New House Feel Like Home
As you settle into your new residence, incorporating old memories, decor, and keepsakes can help to make your new house feel like home. Try turning some of your loved one’s clothing into a memory quilt, creating a photo collage to display in your new house, or repurposing furniture from your former home. Doing so will allow you to start anew while keeping your loved one with you as you enter the next chapter of your life.
Moving for a change of scenery isn’t the right choice for everyone who’s coping with grief, but it could be a good option for you if remaining in your home feels unbearable after the passing of a loved one. Selling your home and starting over in a new city, state, or country isn’t a step you should take immediately following the death of a loved one, but it’s something to consider several months or years down the road. Everyone copes with grief in their own way – including finding emotional support via online therapy – and for you, that may mean selling your home and starting anew in an unfamiliar place.
Linda Raymond’s real estate blog is loaded with insights and advice on the home-buying and selling process. Reach out to Linda today for more info! 203-912-4440.
This beach house just went to some excited folks who are settling in and ready for summer!
Look no further than the beaches in Fairfield if you want to find a beach house in Fairfield County. It has one of the longest stretches of beach with beautiful homes sitting right in the sand or on the Pine Creek Waterway. It is also happens to be an area that is under five minutes from Fairfield’s vibrant downtown area with chic cafe’s and shops, as well as the downtown train station! Did someone say location, location, location?!
Thank you to @nearandfaraid for a lovely luncheon at La Plage in Westport to thank the fundraising volunteers! Near and Far Aid is here to help change lives and give everyone in Fairfield County a fair shot by supporting programs that support Fairfield County families.
The newest fundraising event kicked off the summer at Fairfield beach’s Penfield Pavilion: Soirée of Summer with music, dancing, food and drinks!
If you would love life at Fairfield Beach or nearby, reach out, and let’s have a conversation.
Looking for the best mortgage rates, options, and service?
Big News!! William Raveis Mortgage is once again named among Top 100 Mortgage Companies in America by Mortgage Executive Magazine!
What does this mean for you? There’s a reason why we are a top mortgage company nationwide, and it’s because we deliver the best rates, options, efficiency and service for you. If you want to make a move and are concerned about rates, the market, and how to navigate the process, reach out to me at the contact info below. I am here to help!
Thank you to all of our Bankers, staff, clients, and agent community, we are proud to be your home finance advocates!
For 17 years, our next door neighbors along with their two young daughters and their big dog were a steady presence on the street. We had seen Kelly’s parents come and visit fairly often and become familiar faces. We didn’t know until some time later, that this had been her parent’s house, and Kelly had grown up there.
They had made many improvements to the house over time- new kitchen, windows and doors, new siding, new covered front porch, new stone patio, etc. It never occurred to us that they might move some day. They never talked about the house not suiting their needs anymore.
We joined the neighborhood in 2004 just before I had become a Realtor after experiencing first-hand how emotionally charged making a move and buying a home could be- especially in a hot seller’s market! Steve and Kelly knew I was a Realtor.
But it seemed to come out of the blue the day Kelly called me and told me she had “never planned to stay in that little house so long” and that they wanted to make a move right away! Even more surprisingly though was that their oldest daughter was in college and the younger one was a senior in high school, and yet she said they wanted a bigger and newer home with a pool.
They “hit a wall” with the home they’d been in, and they couldn’t stand it another minute!
It was time to move on and get into that dream home that Kelly had planned to be in years ago but never got around to! They said that even though the girls wouldn’t be there all the time, they loved to have family visit, and they have a very big family.
Once she and Steve made that decision, it seemed like nothing about their current house worked for them any more. The four of them all shared one full bath, the only office they had was tiny, there was just the living room for company to hang out in, there was no AC, no garage, and the interior needed updating because most of the improvements they had done were on the outside.
With their timeline tight, I quickly crafted a plan to get them into their dream home within the shortest timeframe possible.
It was the end of March 2020, and the pandemic was just beginning to ramp up. Steve and Kelly wanted to purchase a home (with a mortgage) before selling their current home. The plan was to find their dream home and move in, so they wouldn’t have to worry about timing or dealing with showing their old house.
We got the pre-approval in place, and I set up a search to match the very specific criteria they were looking for: more space, more property, updated or new condition, a pool or room for a pool, in the same town, and possibly in the same neighborhood. We reviewed the options.
We looked at two top contenders, and they loved the second one, so we submitted a competitive offer right away. However, it had not been disclosed to us that the house had been tied up with seller issues, so the search continued. Very soon afterward, we looked at a gorgeous home that checked all the boxes and was even closer to the beach! That was the one, and the purchase went very smoothly.
Now happily settled into their exciting new home it was time to get the old one sold!
We did some minor staging, had the photos taken, and hit the market. Immediately there was interest from 10 prospects. Some were not local and couldn’t get there right away, some still had to sell their home before they could buy.
But one family had been looking for a long time, loved the neighborhood, and had a May deadline to move. They came to see the house but were unsure about it because they would need to add a master bath and finish the basement. They took a day to think it over and then made an offer. The negotiations went well, and we arrived at a deal. It turned out that this was the first buyer to see the house the first day it came on market!
Of course it couldn’t have gone that smoothly, right? Sure enough, all went well until the inspection. The inspector found an old pipe repair in the basement and decided to investigate further. He fed a camera through the pipe and discovered an underground sewer line repair that was not up to code.
This issue was unexpected, but in real estate, that’s what happens sometimes. It’s important to go in knowing that roadblocks occur. Nonetheless, I worked closely with the buyer’s agent to solve the unexpected issue so that we could reach the end goal for our clients. Steve and Kelly had the pipe repaired and the process was back on track. We sailed through a smooth final walk-through and closing.
One and Done!We sold their house in one day for 97% of asking.
They grew up there and then raised their own kids there. Generations of fond memories were there. And yet, one day, there was a driving force to move on. Stronger than the ties that kept them there was the urge for the excitement of a new chapter, a new space, new memories, a new castle , a new home.
Do you have a story you can share in the comments? Are you ready for your next chapter ? Let’s have a conversation, 203-912-4440.
How did I get Steve and Kelly out of their childhood home and into their dream home in record time?
With great care and understanding, a clear plan and strategy, creativity, technology, and abundant cutting-edge resources and solutions on hand, I guided them through the plan. I have managed many home sales for my clients in the last 16 years and was happy to include Steve and Kelly among them.
Selling a house is a big deal. It can feel daunting when you’re ready to let go of the family property and move to a home that’s more suitable for your current lifestyle. There are so many moving parts and potential roadblocks you can face on this journey, and you want to be prepared.
That’s why you deserve the guidance of a professional that can help you maximize your equity and sell in the least amount of time. A professional who can help you make informed decisions and avoid the common pitfalls of buying and selling. It’s my job to make this happen.
Thinking of selling in the next 12 months?
Call today to get started ==> 203-912-4440
We’ll discuss your goals and timeline, briefly cover how I work with clients, and if we seem like a match, we’ll discuss next steps from there.
After an exhaustive home search, my clients finally came upon the historic home of their dreams in Rowayton and put in an offer. But the pandemic effect was strong and so was the buyer competition.
We closed many weeks earlier on the sale of their home in Southport and had been targeting a new home in Darien. We sold their home to capture the sellers market and hoped to find their new home shortly thereafter. Searching for a special antique home with character and history, it took longer than expected, so they hunkered down in a hotel as their temporary residence and put their furnishings in storage while focusing on the hunt.
However, after losing a home they loved to multiple offers, nothing seemed to stack up to the benchmark my clients now had in their minds. Or nothing lasted on the market long enough for them to see with their busy work schedules. Or nothing matched the price they felt it was worth. After months of looking in Darien, we tried a new focus on Greenwich… and then Rowayton.
It turns out that this was the special day when the one-of-a-kind gem they had been searching for was found, AND their offer was accepted. After touring dozens of homes across three towns, this historic antique near the Long Island Sound, previously a sea captain’s home, was about to begin a new chapter. This vintage home was number 62 of their home search, but for them, it was new and exciting, and number one!
Thinking of buying or selling in the area? Set up your own MLS search here. Call me today 203-912-4440, or send a note in the form below. We will have a brief consultation about your goals, the market, and if I can help.
Most Fairfield locals have heard of the Lake Hills Association, but many don’t know much about it, as it remains one of those best-kept neighborhood secrets! -Until now. 🙂
Beach 2 on Samp Mortar Drive
If you are moving into the area and are looking for some special neighborhood amenities, ask your agent to alert you to homes for sale with deeded membership to this association. If you may want to sell in the future, track your home’s estimated market value in our ever-changing environment.
The Association encompasses five private beaches for members along the Samp Mortar Reservoir, each labeled with a sign.
Beach 1 – Tahmore Dr. Beach 2 – Samp Mortar Dr. Beach 3 – Mountain Laurel Rd. Beach 4 – Winnepoge Dr. Beach 6 – Sasapequan Rd. (not sure why this isn’t labeled “5” on the association’s website!)
In addition to fun member activities like live music and movies, five levels of swimming lessons are offered, starting with the beginner level. Swimming lessons are available for a separate fee for both members and non-members. Class sizes are limited to 10 participants and swim lesson sign-up day is June 9 at Beach 4 from 10 am to noon, so hurry up! Visit the association website at LakeHillsFairfield.com for a map of the beach locations and more info.
Eligibility to join the Association is part of the homeownership deed of nearby homes within the designated area in the association bylaws. Joining is optional for some owners and required for other parcel owners, and the membership fee runs about $400 per year at the time this article was written. Another Fairfield gem nearby that is open to all town residents also deserves a mention here, the park at Lake Mohegan.
One of the homes I sold with deeded Lake Hills Beach access is the totally reimagined home at 2654 Black Rock Tpk which sits just across the street from Beach 6! Keep in mind that there is something for everyone in Fairfield and the surrounding towns. You might also want to consider the area near the beach and town. Here’s a story about one of my recent seller clients in that neighborhood. As always, feel free to contact me with comments or questions using the form at the bottom of this post, and I will get back to you as quickly as I can.
Another client I helped sell nearby is 345 Steiner Street. Though not part of the Lake Hills association but it’s just a few blocks from the fabulous park at Lake Mohegan and just a short drive to all of Fairfield’s five beaches on Long Island Sound.
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If you’re worrying about how to navigate this market, here’s a post with Eight Must-Dos for Buyers and a Case Study for how one of my clients made a successful move to their exciting new home.
Call today with your questions, 203-912-4440, visit my website, or send a note below.
Hands down, one of the most fabulous features of Fairfield is the wide selection of chic eateries downtown. So, I thought I would share seven of my favorite picks for dining and ambiance.
The Chelsea is a funky and somewhat rustic place to have a drink and enjoy a meal. Rough wood accent walls and ornate wrought iron design elements are contrasted with neon green metal chairs. The cozy bar hosting stylish guests (the women always seem to wear great shoes, just saying) pulls it all together! Mark says that no one else in town can beat the Chelsea Burger. I personally cannot live without their octopus appetizer, a dish they tend to vary from time to time. It doesn’t look huge when it arrives, but there is so much protein in it, you are sure to be full when you finish. The flavors in my favorite version are spectacular! Large tentacles come with potatoes, greens, onions, and a pickled vegetable that adds a perfect punch! It’s a must-have in my book, with all the goodness and none of the guilt. Their Cobb Salad is fantastic too
One local favorite where regulars are made to feel like family is Gabagool. The owner, Antonio and his team always greet you with a warm welcome and seem genuinely thrilled you have arrived. The ambience is stylish, glamorous, cozy with plush chairs to relax in, and funny. Poking fun on the Soprano’s TV series, the restaurant is complete with The Family portrait and a mugshot backdrop where you can get an instant photo of your own! The covered patio is fully heated and decorated for service most of the year. The eatery offers gregarious people and fun food with a flare, featuring “bawls” of all flavors on their appetizer menu, a fabulous antipasto, and their signature Gabagool Pizza with spicy oil! The Crispy Calamari Salad is the best I’ve had anywhere, and for the must-have drink with cucumber tequila, ask about “Howyoudoin”!
For your classic tavern feel, visit the Old Post Tavern right on the corner of the Post Road and Unquowa. They have been known to have a fun band during happy hour, and the patio is lovely during the warm season. If you are a fan of French Onion Soup, look no further. Something about their blend of cheeses as well as some magic ingredients in the broth makes theirs unbeatable!
If it’s gourmet Mexican food in a festive atmosphere you’re after, Bodega is the place to go. There’s a location in Fairfield and Darien. Since it’s another tiny place, you may have to sample their top notch margaritas or other specialty drinks while you wait for your table or seat at the bar. One of Bodega’s delectables is the Ceviche, a deceivingly filling dish posing as an appetizer. The fish, in a specialty cocktail sauce, has a fantastic flavor and comes with some toasted plantains, that in my opinion, make a complete meal. If you prefer something hot, their Chicken Soup is hearty and delicious. You can have it mild or spicy depending on whether you opt to dump in the hot peppers served on the giant turquoise spoon. Burrito Tinga is Mark’s tasty favorite, and my daughter loves the Gombos Tacos.
Martel is on the Post Road in Southport and is a cozy place with a bit of a steakhouse feel. The ceilings are high, yet ornate, and there is always an art gallery adorning the walls. Always bustling, the place serves a warm, upbeat atmosphere. Although there are many excellent dishes here, my husband and I have gravitated toward sharing the Fondue for Two followed by Martel’s House Salad. The salad features marinated tomatoes and an aged Danish Blue Cheese that are fabulous together. If the fondue is off-menu for the summer, an equally rich and yummy alternative is the side order of creamed spinach! I have it as a meal, with wine, of course.
Last, but not least, we love the Grey Goose, also in Southport, where we once stood elbow to elbow with John Mayer before being seated. The atmosphere can be described as rustic and cozy with an eclectic crowd. Some folks go to hang out, others go for dinner. There’s always a flat screen at the bar featuring a sporting event as well as a crackling fireplace on the opposite wall. Penne ala Vodka, Grey Goose Style is Mark’s staple, while I go back and forth between the Lobster Macaroni and the Steak Tips small plate. The Lobster Macaroni is the absolute best here, with the secret ingredient of truffle oil to enhance the generous chunks of lobster and the crispy cheese topping. The Steak Tips are equally fantastic. Cooked to perfection, they come with a corn salsa and chipotle mayo dip that together, absolutely melt in your mouth!
The Sinclair commands space and attention downtown in the Brick Walk. The patio is great during the summer, surrounded by thick trees and protected by a multi-settings awning. The Mussels in a Pot Thai Style (5 additional styles to try!) are delicious, and Mark gave two thumbs up to the Steak Sandwich. Sometimes on a Thursday night, you can dance and sing along to the live music of the fabulous Tangled Vine!
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All this talk is making me hungry! Be sure to try out Fairfield’s fabulous eateries. Thinking of moving to the Fairfield and Westport area?
There are plenty of tough decisions to make when buying and selling a home, and choosing good movers is one of them. I often hear people ask for professional moving company recommendations. This post may provide some helpful information!To provide some insight on the options, I’m sharing ratings from some recent Connecticut area moves as well as a national moving company comparison. The Connecticut input comes from a few people who completed an informal survey about four movers that handled local moves in the Fairfield County area. You can search for more reviews and pricing information at mymovingreviews.com.
I asked a handful of people who recently moved for feedback about the moving companies they chose. A 10-question survey asked respondents to rate their moving company on a scale of 1 to 5, with one being terrible and five being excellent. They were asked to score based on their opinions of the quote process, price, range of services, scheduling process, efficiency and timeliness of the move, and care in handling their belongings. I received four responses, each rating a different mover. Keep in mind that every move is different with unique circumstances, but here is some feedback about one move with each company.
Braun The customer moved from a condo in Stamford to another condo in Southport for the price of $3,500. The company received a low overall rating of 2.2. Aside from satisfaction with the process of obtaining the quote (score of 4), the available services (score of 3), the customer was not pleased with the movers, giving the company a 2 for the scheduling process and timeliness and 1s for price and handling of belongings. Their comment was, “The movers just wanted to get it done quickly and they did damage to some of my furniture. They also did not pack the items as they had indicated they would in their estimate.”
Lippincott Van Lines
This move was from a house in Seymour to another house in Fairfield. The cost was $2,000. The overall score was 3.7 with ratings of 4 on price, quote process, their range of services, and timeliness/efficiency, and 3 for the scheduling process and handling of belongings. They said they would recommend this mover, and their comment was, “Actual movers were good, sales staff could be more responsive”.
All My Sons
This company was used for a move within Connecticut from a condo to a house for $750. The customer gave them an overall rating of 3.7 with ratings of 4 on all aspects except for price and care in handling belongings for which they gave a 3. They did not share a comment.
Junkluggers
The highest rating of the four went to Junkluggers with an overall score of 4.5. They handled a move from one house to another within Fairfield for $800. Although they received a 3 for their range of services and a 4 on their quote process, they received 5’s in all other categories. The customer said, “Junkluggers only does close moves, but they also will haul your junk away and give you a receipt for things that they bring to Goodwill. We used them for our move – you pay by the amount of things you have (how much space it takes in the truck). They were super quick and handled everything great!”
and then raised their own kids 
there. Generations of fond memories were there. And yet, one day, there was a driving force 
to move on. Stronger than the ties that kept them there was the urge for the excitement 
of a new chapter, a new space, new memories, a new castle 
, a new home. 
? Let’s have a conversation, 203-912-4440.
One local favorite where regulars are made to feel like family is 
To provide some insight on the options, I’m sharing ratings from some recent Connecticut area moves as well as a national moving company comparison. The Connecticut input comes from a few people who completed an informal survey about four movers that handled local moves in the Fairfield County area. You can search for more reviews and pricing information at 
Fairfield and Westport CT Real Estate Guide 