Fairfield and Westport CT Real Estate Guide

Local insights on buying, selling, and living in Fairfield County


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Happy Holidays from My Family to Yours!

(Blooper photo below)

Reach out to me anytime using the form below or via phone at 203.912.4440 or on my website.  Feel free to set up your own home search in the MLS here.
Happy Holidays! 🤗🎉❤️

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Christmas Eve 2020 Was a Great Beach Day at Penfield in Fairfield, CT!

Who would think that Penfield Beach was the place to be at around noon on Christmas Eve 2020?

The temperature was mild but the winds were high, so the walkers, dogs, and sea gulls were there along with about a dozen kite boarders in wet suites. The scene was festive and vibrant as always, and a great way to kick off the holiday week!

What a fabulous town to call home! If you are thinking of making a move, you can set up your own search here to browse homes in any areas that intrigue you. If you are thinking of moving cross-country or overseas, I can refer you to the perfect agent through my elite brokerage network and oversee your satisfaction with them. Give me a call at 203.912.4440, visit my website, or send a note in the form below, and let me lead the way!

#penfieldbeach #Christmas2020# christmasathebeach #fairfieldct #lovethebeach

 

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FAIRFIELD BEACH REALTOR LANDS IN THE CREEK: HILARIOUS PHOTO FAIL!

Pine Creek Waterway, Fairfield, CT

My listing meeting at the lovely home on the Pine Creek waterway was scheduled for next week. I had met with the homeowners, completed my market analysis, and created a comprehensive custom marketing plan that included professional photos, aerial views, and twilight views. But I needed a nice photo to use in my presentation materials, and as always, I set out to take my picture.

The home was gorgeous from every vantage point, but the money shot had to combine the dramatic walls of glass facing the water, the fabulous dock, and of course, the water views!

I could not capture everything in one view from the edge of the property. But there was a ramp extending into the water just next to the property that I set out towards to capture my shot. Here’s what happened.

Photo showing scraped knee and shin.
Scrapes!
Photo showing mud all over my legs and shoes.
Dirt!
Photo showing a big bruise on my leg!
Bruses!
Photo showing low tide and the mud at the bottom of the creek.
Mud!
Beautiful photo of the home!
….And the winning photo! (Even the professional photographer didn’t capture this angle!)

Here’s what my client had to say-

That’s my story with a happy ending! Here’s a little more info about this property

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Fairfield Beach in Review: August 2020

Market Activity on
Fairfield Beach Road –  Pine Creek Avenue – Old Dam Road

What’s On the Market?

Active Beach Listings

Fairfield Beach Road

  • 12 single-family homes are for sale.
  • Four are new construction listings priced from $1,500,000 to $3,200,000. Three are complete and sit across the street from the water. Two are under construction, one on the creek, and one on the beach with a creekside parcel and a dock.
  • Seven of the listings are on direct beachfront and priced from $1,700,000 to $5 million.  Two of these have additional creekside property, and one also has a dock on the creek.
  • There are three creek-front listings priced from $2 million for a home with a dock to $2,570,000 for a new home under construction.

Pine Creek Ave

  • There is one waterfront property for sale for $2,495,000.

Old Dam Road

  • There is one property for sale on about a third of an acre that is not on the waterfront for $875,000.

What Sold, Mid-June to Mid-August?

Sold & accepted offers since mid-June

  • Four single-family homes sold since mid-June including three on Fairfield Beach Road, and one on Old Dam Road.  Two were on the beachfront and two on the waterway.
  • One condo across the street from the water sold on Fairfield Beach Road for $715,000.
  • Single-family sale prices ranged from $700,000 for a home not on the water on Old Dam Road to $3 million for beachfront renovation/new construction on Fairfield Beach Road.

What About Accepted Offers?

  • There are currently two homes under contract, a three-years-young beachfront home on Fairfield Beach Road listed for $2,795,000 and a beachfront condo on Pine Creek Avenue on the market for $1,135,000. 
  • Three homes on the beach have accepted offers with list prices ranging from $1,695,000 to $2,395,000.

1690 Fairfield Beach Rd - Sold

There have been nine sales so far this year through August 15 compared to 14 last year during this timeframe, however the five accepted offers should catch us up. One improvement we have seen this year is the beach homes selling closer to the asking price. On average the nine sales this year closed at 96 percent of the asking price compared to 94% last year.

Still, this year’s beach market has been a bit slow compared to other blazing markets driven by the pandemic. For example, in the entire Fairfield Beach Area (including homes closer to town), there were 95 sales year to date that sold for an average of 97 percent of asking compared to 78 sales YTD in 2019 selling on average for 96 percent of asking.

So the word on the street is that we may be in the dog days of summer at the beachfront, but the market overall is still hot!

 If you have any questions about this market and what it can mean for you, please reach out to me at 203.912.4440, Linda.Raymond@raveis.com , or using the form below.  I’m here to help!

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Fairfield Beach in Review: June 2020

Market Activity on
Fairfield Beach Road –  Pine Creek Avenue – Old Dam Road

What’s On the Market?

Fairfield Beach Road

  • 13 single-family homes are for sale.
  • Four are new construction listings priced from $1,500,000 to $3,200,000. Two are complete and sit across the street from the water. Two are under construction, one on the creek, and one on the beach with a creekside parcel and a dock.
  • Eight of the listings are on direct beachfront and priced from $1,350,000 to $3,775,000.  Five of these have additional creekside property, and two also have a dock on the creek.
  • Two listings are on the creek priced at $2,195,000 for a home with a dock, and $2,269,000 for a new home under construction.

Pine Creek Ave

  • There is one property for sale, a penthouse condo at Kensie Point, 10 Pine Creek Avenue, 501S for $1,135,000.

Old Dam Road

  • There is one property for sale on a 0.72-acre creekside parcel with a dock listed for $1,980,000.

What Sold So Far in 2020?

  • Four single-family homes sold in April and May including one on Fairfield Beach Road, one on Pine Creek Avenue, and two on Old Dam Road.
  • Sale prices ranged from $580,000 for a home off the water at 57 Pine Creek Avenue to $1,375,000 for a home at 2087 Fairfield Beach Road.

What About Accepted Offers?

  • There are currently two homes under contract, (my listing), a creekside home with a dock at 1690 Fairfield Beach Road listed for $1,095,000 and a newly raised home that is currently under construction on the beach at 1092 Fairfield Beach Road listed for $3,000,000. 
  • Two non-waterfront properties have accepted offers. One condo on Fairfield Beach Road and one house on Old Dam Road, listed for $729,000 and $700,000 respectively.

Sales activity on the waterfront this year has some catching up to do to match 2019 activity. Last year there were seven sales in February through May with sale prices ranging from $980,000 on Old Dam Road to $2,455,000 for (my listing), a large home on the beach with a creekside garage and finished space above it.  The late start of this year’s beach market is not surprising given the onset of the pandemic. However, the real estate market overall has seen an influx of activity from low interest rates and swarms of people leaving New York City, so the word on the street is that ‘summer is the new spring‘, and many anticipate a busy beach market ahead!

 If you would like to discuss the value of your property in this market and how I would market it for you, please contact me at 203.912.4440, Linda.Raymond@raveis.com , or using the form below.

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Summer 2020: 5 Things You Should Know About the Real Estate Market Right Now!

It’s a very dynamic time right now in real estate and a great time for anyone interested to jump into the action.  Here are five things you should know.

  1. Inventory Is Low! – There are fewer homes for sale resulting in a limited choice for buyers right now which creates competition for the homes on the market and can push up the selling price. May Inventory is Down!Look at the difference in the number of homes for sale in Fairfield and Westport in May compared to May of 2019! The marketplace is in need of more homes for sale. This creates a huge opportunity for sellers!
  2. Interest Rates are at an All Time Low!Mortgage Rates At an All Time Low!Although there has been daily fluctuation in interest rates, they have remained extremely attractive.  In fact, this week the rate for a conforming loan up to $510,400 has dipped to 2.85% for purchasers with high credit scores and a twenty percent downpayment. So there’s an excellent opportunity for buyers to finance a purchase at an amazingly low rate. This is great news for sellers as well because these low rates make their homes more affordable! Click the image from your phone and download the mortgage app!
  3. Summer is the New Spring! Summer is the New Spring!The real estate marketplace is very busy right now for a few key reasons. Realtors and everyone else in the industry have adapted to working in safe mode, there is pent up demand from the initial pandemic slowdown, and it’s a great time to buy and sell! If you are thinking of buying a home and want to take advantage of the low interest rates and increased home affordability, reach out to me so I can help you get that perfect new home.  Sellers, take note of the sample prep list above and the new Raveis Refresh program that’s here to help you with it. Reach out to me, and I will help you to make the process seamless!
  4. Raveis Refresh Is Here for You!

    Linda Raymond Explains Raveis Refresh

    Quick Video explaining Raveis Refresh

    If you have thought about selling but feel overwhelmed by what needs to happen to get your house ready, fear not! Raveis Refresh is a new service that is here to provide you with nearly anything you need, from help packing, to staging, painting, kitchen or bathroom renovations, and repairs, small to large.  The cost is completely deferred until closing, so no worries about that either.

  5. Real Estate is Expected to Drive Economic Recovery! Did you know that a recent study by the National association of Realtors indicates that the sale of just one home in the US results in an economic boost of $88,416?  Because of this, many experts are predicting real estate to lead to the country’s economic recovery.

Economic Impact of One Home Sale - NAR

So there are exciting opportunities for everyone right now, and you can even boost the economy when you make a move to help yourself.  Reach out to me anytime so I can help you with your next steps.

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Beach in Review: Fairfield 2019 into 2020!

Market activity on
Fairfield Beach Road –  Pine Creek Avenue – Old Dam Road

What’s On the Market?


On the Market: 1690 Fairfield Beach Road

Fairfield Beach Road

  • 10 single-family homes are for sale.
  • Three are new construction listings priced from $1,900,000 to $3,200,000. One is nearing completion and sits across the street from the water. Two are proposed new construction on direct beachfront.
  • There are two listings on the creek with a floating dock, 1690 and 1522 Fairfield Beach Road, priced at $1,150,000, and $2,350,000 respectively.
  • Seven of the 10 listings are on direct beachfront and priced from $1,699,000 and $3,775,000.

Pine Creek Ave

  • There is one property for sale at 57 Pine Creek Avenue for $599,000.

Old Dam Road

  • There are three properties for sale on the creek with a dock with prices ranging from $649,000 to $1,099,000.

Source: SmartMLS Updated 2/12/2020

What Sold in 2019?

  • 20 single-family homes sold including 15 on Fairfield Beach Road, four on Pine Creek Avenue, and one on Old Dam Road.
  • The highest sale price was $2,900,000 on Pine Creek and the lowest was $549,000 for an antique cottage on Fairfield Beach Road.
  • Two condominiums sold, one in the Burr Court complex on Fairfield Beach Road, and one at Kensie Point on Pine Creek Avenue.
  • There is currently one home under contract on Fairfield Beach Road listed for $3,000,000. 

The 2019 waterfront market enjoyed a higher median sale price of $1,527,500 compared to $1,460,000 in 2018. Twenty single-family homes sold in both 2019 and 2018, and there was one condominium sale in 2018 and two in 2019.  As we begin 2020 with low interest rates, a nice selection of active beach listings, and one home already under contract, I’m optimistic for a great year ahead.  If you would like to discuss the value of your property in this market and how I would market it for you, please contact me at 203.912.4440, Linda.Raymond@raveis.com , or using the form below.

Linda Raymond at Penfield Beach
2020 should be great, and I can’t wait!

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Enchanting 33 Pansy Circle!

Your home is your castle, and enchanting 33 Pansy Circle in Fairfield, is ready to make some dreams come true.  Take a look at the trending story…! 

33 Pansy Circle Photo

Perhaps you or a friend are the perfect addition to this coveted enclave? Everyone here is friendly and supportive of one another. It’s a warm and festive neighborhood atmosphere, and when the weather’s nice, everyone likes to be outside.  The basketballs and soccer balls have been known to bounce around the circle! Other times there’s a peaceful retreat to respective back yards for a relaxing barbecue. The residents can’t wait to greet their new neighbors!

This grand colonial finished on 4 levels is a gem on the university cul-de-sac! Amazing Teen-Suite/NannyQuarters/Office/Yoga Studio or 6th Bedroom with a full bath sits Possible Yoga Studioabove the charming peaked garage. Better than new, and much bigger than it looks from outside, this home features 9-foot ceilings and open flow.

It also offers incredible custom high-end details, including extensive millwork, Klaff lighting, Italian Bertazzoni stove, and even a garage with a gleaming epoxy floor and a Wifi door opener that magically responds to your smartphone commands! The elegant gourmet Eat-In-Kitchen and Breakfast Area open to the generous Family Room with stone fireplace.

Open Kitchen

The second floor includes a Master Suite with luxury bath and jacuzzi tub, three additional bedrooms, a large hall bath with a granite double-sink vanity and separate water closet and bathing area, and a Laundry Room.

Vaulted ceilings top the 3rd level with a large bright Bonus space, 6th Bedroom, & full bath.

The partially finished Lower Level with high ceilings adds 717 sq ft of living space featuring a huge Rec Room/Home Gym with a wall of built-ins, another large room (now the Ping-Pong room!) that can easily be finished, plus tons of storage.

The stylish Mudroom with stone floor leads to the patio and private fenced yard. Sunny Patio

Twilight Patio

This special abode also features in-ground utilities and sprinkler system, energy efficiency, and room for a pool. Walk to Osborn Hill, around the corner from Black Rock Turnpike amenities, minutes to town, train, beaches, and highways from this excellent location.

Take a virtual tour, watch the video walk-through, and check out the listing. Elegant & enchanting! Make 33 Pansy Circle your new home, and let your dreams come true!

As featured in the Connecticut Post!

33 Pansy Cir Hot Property          33 Pansy Cir Hot Proeprty 2

If you have any questions or comments about this post or would like to arrange to see this property, enter your note below, and you will receive a quick response.

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How’s the Spring Housing Market Doing this Year, 2018?

The 2018 spring real estate market has been hot so far!  I have been busy helping people sell properties, search properties, and make their moves.  I’m ready to help you and your friends too.   Let’s connect on social!

Facebook.com/LindaRaymondRealEstate

LinkedIn

Instagram

I also invite you to click the graphic below to visit my website and learn more.

What have I been up to this spring?

Click Image to Visit My Website and Learn More

Now is the time to stay abreast of the housing market in your Connecticut towns of interest. You can do this by subscribing to the concise monthly housing newsletter pictured below as well as by setting up a property search or mortgage rate watch for yourself.  Click the image to view the selections, and opt-in!

Preview of Local Housing Newsletter

Click Image for Free Newsletter and Home Search Options

As always, feel free to reach out with any real estate questions or comments you may have. Call/text me any time at 203.912.4440 or submit your note below.  Happy Spring!

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Hiking Trails, Water Park, Lake Mohegan- Take Tours!

One of the many super amenities in the town of Fairfield is Lake Mohegan and all the great stuff right around it.  Take tours around the park with our friendly Portuguese Water Dog, Splash.  He will preview some of the fun for you, and then you should come and see for yourself!

The park is open for year-round enjoyment.

Splash in for a swim!There are short and long hiking trails offering gorgeous natural scenery and great exercise for both you and your dogs. The long trail goes all around the lake and takes about an hour to complete.  There are many dramatic views along the way including a deep stream where dogs can jump in from the rocks above.
Splash jumps from a rockThe terrain varies from level to steep and smooth to rocky with exposed tree roots, so don’t go in your flip-flops!

People watching Splash Jump

The short trail doesn’t go as far into the woods and more or less follows the edge of the lake.  It leads to a wonderfully entertaining swimming beach for dogs.
Whether you come with a dog or not, just standing there and watching the action will ensure you witness an upbeat social dynamic among our four-legged friends!

During the summer, the official public swimming beach is open, complete with lifeguard, sandy beach, and marked off swimming areas with ropes at different depths.  Lake Mohegan SummerThere are picnic tables, swings, a snack bar, and restrooms. For the little ones, there is also a water park area to supplement the beach.  It’s an exciting fountain playground with multiple intermittent water-sprays that are sure to delight and surprise its guests.

Splash on trail in winter

The lake and surrounding area comprise 170.4 acres managed by Fairfield’s Conservation Commission and the Parks and Recreation department. Lake access and the parking entrance are at 960 Morehouse Highway.  The park is easily accessed from exit 44 off the Merritt Parkway. Parking is free, and there is a small entry fee for the swimming beach in the summer.

 

Looking to move into this area? Check out another nearby Neighborhood Secret, the Lake Hills Association! Click the next link to view a lovely home on the market just around the corner from the Lake Mohegan neighborhood at 345 Steiner Street.  Or send an inquiry in the form below for more information about the lake, more Fairfield amenities or other homes for sale nearby!

345 Steiner Street, Fairfield

Cul-de-Sac Charmer! Click image for video

 

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Splash Photos Courtesy of Karen Kallins

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