Local crime, especially auto-theft have been on the rise, and there is something we can do about it. After attending a recent meeting with the Greater Fairfield Board of Realtors, I learned that having a Neighborhood Watch program or process in place is a key strategy to proactively prevent crime where you live.
How to Launch a Neighborhood Watch Where you Live
If you may want to start a Neighborhood Watch Program 👀 in your neighborhood, here is what I did to implement our first meeting.
First I introduced the idea and proposed the date.
Happy, Saturday, I hope this email finds you all in great spirits! I recently attended a meeting with our local Fairfield police officers, and they shared some compelling insights on neighborhood safety. One of their top recommendations is to establish a Neighborhood Watch program here on Charles Street. I believe it’s an idea worth exploring, and I’d like to hear your thoughts on it.
Here’s a brief overview of what’s been discussed:
The Idea 💡: Starting a Neighborhood Watch Program
The Purpose: To enhance the safety and security of our cherished Charles Street community, especially considering with car theft on the rise and our proximity to the train and highway.
What We Can Expect: Officer Ed Nook will join us for a kickoff meeting. This program can range from simple communication channels to regular meetings and various safety initiatives.
Benefits: According to the National Neighborhood Watch website, the advantages include stronger partnerships with law enforcement 👮🏽, reduced crime rates, a more secure community, enhanced unity 👫👬 among neighbors, and improved communication.
Next Steps: I propose we meet on Wednesday, October 4th at 6 pm. Can anyone volunteer their home as the meeting location? We will make it a cozy gathering with some pizza 🍕 and wine🍷. 😊
But first, I’d like to gather your initial feedback. Please reply to this email with:
1. Your thoughts: Do you think this is a good idea? (Y/N)
2. Availability: Can someone from your household attend the meeting on October 4th at 6 pm?
3. Safety and Communication Concerns: Are there any specific safety or communication issues that concern you?
4. Meeting Location: Any thoughts on where 🏡 we should hold our initial meeting?
Let’s work together to make our street safer, more aware, and even more neighborly. I’m excited to hear your thoughts and get this discussion started. Looking forward to your replies!
Warm regards, Linda
If you would like to reach out to me with questions, send a note below.
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
A Prime Location: Situated in Downtown Rowayton, 6 Crockett Street offers the perfect blend of convenience and tranquility. You’re just steps away from local shops, cafes, and the scenic waterfront.
Historical Significance: This antique Victorian home is a piece of living history. It’s a testament to the architectural beauty of a bygone era.
Modern Comforts: While preserving its historical charm, the restoration project also ensures that this home is equipped with all the modern amenities you’d expect, making it a comfortable and stylish place to call home.
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!
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.
INVENTORY WAS DOWN 19.2% in Fairfield and 5.3% in Westport.
UNIT SALES WERE DOWN 11% in Fairfield and 20.4% in Westport.
MARKET TIME WAS DOWN to an average of 42 days in Fairfield and 39 days in Westport.
SALE PRICES AVERAGED 104% – 105% of asking in both towns.
ACCEPTED OFFERS VS ACTIVE LISTINGS WERE SIMILAR TO 2019 LEVELS with 13% of active listings having accepted offers in Fairfield and 8% in Westport at the end of August, (Compared to 11% in Fairfield and 6% in Westport in August 2019).
CASH DEALS DECREASED in August to 28.8% of sales in Fairfield and 26.8% in Westport. This is lower than in the previous month of July when 35.1% and 38.5% of the sales were cash in Fairfield and Westport respectively. These could be purchases that were committed to before the most recent mortgage rate increases.
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!
The day we met, she had flown from California to her second home on Long Island and taken the ferry across to visit open houses along the coast all the way from Westchester to Fairfield!
My open house in the Fairfield Beach area may have been town number five in her trek starting in New York, then Greenwich, Westport, and Norwalk.
… someone along the way told her she needed to take a look at Fairfield because it’s a great town.
From talking with her, I could tell she valued the charm and character of the cute cape. She also mentioned that she had never been to this town before, but someone along the way told her she needed to take a look at Fairfield because it’s a great town.
She was immediately drawn to the bustling yet easy vibe. The other major attraction was that the downtown, train, and water were all located in the beach-center area of town. How fabulous to be able to walk to all the cafe’s, shops, train, and beach!
After her day of researching homes and towns, she headed back to Long Island and then to LA where her primary home was. But she made arrangements to return and look at some other homes in the Fairfield Beach Area and Southport. She saw some new construction that was open, airy, spacious, and attractive, and also an incredibly adorable little vintage Victorian home in Southport. It was in Southport Village, a charming and picturesque historic district in Fairfield with its own train station, many old churches, and a beautiful harbor. All of these assets are also within walking distance in the Village.
The romantic charm of Southport Village, with the church bells and train sounds evoked such a nostalgic and comforting feeling, she was hooked.
She adored the antique home in the historic village, but it was small, so she revisited the new homes again and a few others. But the romantic charm of Southport Village, with the church bells and train sounds evoked such a nostalgic and comforting feeling, she was hooked. The renovated antique home fit right in, with its charm, history, character, and quality updates. This was the one!
So she listed her house for sale in California, got it sold, and made a successful offer. She researched storage facilities near Fairfield, got a mover, went on a few business trips, had a friend go to the inspection for her, made plans to drive her car from California to New York with her son, and then head to Connecticut. She wired funds for the house from her bank while en-route cross-country and arranged to stay at a nearby friend’s house for a night so she would be ready for the walkthrough and closing the next day. She got it done and couldn’t be happier!
When you fall in love with a home, anything’s possible!
If this little lady can come east to go house hunting a few times in Connecticut, sell her house in California, drive cross country, nail a purchase in a seller’s market, find the best storage in the area for her extra stuff, stay overnight at a friend’s house, and be ready to move-on-in on closing day…you can too!
Congratulations to my client who is thrilled to be one of the newest residents of Southport Village. 💕
We had a great dinner and fun night at the new Gabagool Wine Bar in downtown Fairfield!
I had the salmon piccata and Mark had chicken parmesan, both of which were very good. We had the blueberry lemon cheesecake for dessert which was also delicious.
You will love the new bar and a fun Sopranos theme. The new chairs are also cushy and comfy. The owner, Antonio is the best, so come by with your appetite and leave with your mug shot!
We went back for Super Bowl Sunday and had the antipasto and spicy pizza. Both were delish! Thank you, Antonio!!!
The restaurant is located at 70 Reef Road, Fairfield Connecticut 06824
Finally, the home you love just came on the market and you want to buy it.
But your existing house won’t be closing in time for you to make a competitive offer. In this market of tight inventory you need to be able to act quickly and come in with a complete and solid offer for the new home that you want to buy.
Did you know you can secure your mortgage pre-approval before you close on the sale of your home? Here’s a great tip you should know about!
If your dept-to-income ratio doesn’t allow for you to carry two houses, but you have an accepted offer for the sale of your house, this could be good news for you!
Have your downpayment ready.
Get the contingency-free loan commitment letter from the buyers for your house.
If the buyer for your house is financing and will give you their contingency-free loan commitment letter, you may be able to get your mortgage pre-approval to buy before you close on your sale.
With your buyer’s contingent-free loan commitment letter, your lender does not have to include your existing mortgage debt when figuring your debt-to-income ratio for your new loan. All you need is your down payment, and you are good to go.
During a recent meeting of the Greater Fairfield Board of Realtors, a panel of town officials from several departments presented updates and information for discussion among the group. I was struck by the new Conservation Director’s announcement that the volume of inland wetland violations has skyrocketed recently with all the new homeowners moving into town and being unaware about the presence and importance of wetlands. He asked if we could help him get the word out to people.
So (on an unseasonably hot day in November!) I met with Fairfield’s new Conservation Director, Tim Bishop over coffee to talk about how I can help homeowners in town learn how to protect our precious wetlands. Tim is an expert environmentalist with almost two decades of experience. He is an excellent resource for our town and truly wants to collaborate with homeowners to help them get their home improvements done while protecting our fragile natural resource, the inland wetland areas.
When meeting with Tim, I learned that most people are not aware of the importance of protecting wetlands. I learned that protecting our inland wetlands is critical to controlling flooding and stormwater run-off, maintaining our water quality, and preserving natural ecosystems that need still (vs. flowing) water to breed and live. Healthy wetland areas hold onto water which allows a natural cleaning process to occur and provides the environment necessary for wildlife survival, while controlling flooding.
People don’t realize that their actions could be permanently destroying this critical natural resource, and they don’t realize that what they do in their yard impacts other people. So I assembled the information below to address the key issues and also put it in a handout for people to use and share.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY PROPERTY IS REGULATED?
Call the Conservation Department. Ask your REALTOR® to check your deed.
Your property may have a water course, wetland soils, a buffer zone from adjacent wetlands, or a conservation easement to preserve another fragile natural resource.
Your property may have wetlands and be regulated even if it appears to be dry. Regulated activities include any “digging” (even 1 inch down) and “dumping” (depositing any material in wetland areas)
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF ACTIVITY ON MY PROPERTY IS REGULATED?
Call the Conservation Department to learn what impact your future plan would have on the environment and how it can be done safely. They will tell you if your project needs a “staff level permit”, a “commission level permit”, or no permit at all.
Be sure to come in for a Concept Review before submitting a permit application online! After your Concept Review, you can submit your online permit application.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?! Water Quality: Healthy wetlands hold onto water & enable a natural cleansing process for clean water. Flood Control: Healthy wetlands control flooding & prevent storm run-off.
Ecosystems: Healthy wetlands hold onto water that is critical to wildlife’s ability to breed & survive. Prevent Permanent Loss: Once a natural wetland area is damaged or destroyed, it can never be restored to its original natural integrity. Prevent Violations: Conservation violations are costly to the department, to you, and to the environment.
Resource to Help You: The Conservation Department is led by expert director, Tim Bishop who is here to help you plan your project and protect our inland wetlands.
Just Give Them a Call!
CALL BEFORE YOU START. Learn whether your property is regulated, what you can do, and where you can do it.
Tim Bishop, NEW Conservation Director 203-256-3071
FAQS:
Q. I’ve heard horror stories about getting Conservation involved in any projects. Why should I jump through hoops and pay the town extra money?!
A. Good news! There is a NEW director of conservation and new staff, all of whom are experts at protecting the inland wetland environments. They want to collaborate with Fairfield residents to ensure we can all enjoy the benefits of preserving healthy wetlands. They are very reasonable and are streamlining pricing, guidelines, and the way they work with homeowners. They truly want to connect with you to help you get your project done in a way that is safe for the environment and protects it for generations to come.
Q. Why would activity on my property be regulated by the Conservation department?
A. There are three possible conditions: 1) There are watercourses or wetland soils on your property. 2) There are wetlands or wetland soils on a nearby property with a protective buffer zone extending onto your property. 3) There is a conservation easement on your property deed (I.e. to protect a meadow). If any of these conditions exist, activity on your property is regulated by Conservation. This does not mean you will always need a permit or that you can’t implement your plans. It means that the experts in the department need to work with you on a plan that is safe for the environment.
Q. Why does conservation regulate my land?
A. The department only regulates activity that has an impact on the environment in regulated areas. It does not regulate your land. What you do in your yard impacts other people and the environment.
Q. What activities are regulated?
A. Any activity that involves digging (even an inch down) and dumping (depositing material in a wetland area) that disturbs wetlands. Some examples are: Installing pools, fences, patios, generators, sprinklers, koi ponds, dumping branches, brush, animal waste, etc.
Q. Can I plant stuff?
A. Check with conservation first if you have a regulated property to learn which species are native vs invasive. A permit will be needed for anything requiring trucks or heavy equipment, but manually planting native species might not even need a
Q. How long will it take to get a permit?
A. There are two types of permits, the CWC (Certificate of Wetland Conformance), and IWP (Inland Wetland Permit). CWC is a “staff level” permit which takes 1 to 1.5 months. It includes a 15-day waiting period for the public to weigh in on the applicant’s posting in the newspaper regarding their proposed activity. The template for the post is provided by conservation.
IWP is a ”commission level” permit which takes 3 to 4 months. The inland wetland commission is a self-managed group that adheres to regulations from the state. They meet monthly. Some projects may need discussion in more than one meeting.
Q. How much will it cost me to get conservation involved?
A. The new director, Tim Bishop is in the process of revamping the fees to make them much more cost effective. There will be a simple menu of activities, each with a very reasonable associated fee.
Q. How can I stay informed about inland wetland information?
A. Tim posts new information each month on the department homepage at Fairfieldct.org/conservation. But you can always call and ask your questions directly. Tim says, “Just give us a call!” Of course you can also stop in during office hours and visit the wetlands map.
If you are thinking of buying and/or selling a property and have questions, you can reach out to me below.
If you love great food and a cool, elegant vibe, you will want to try out Il Pellicano!
We enjoyed a fabulous dinner there Saturday night The Funghi (with papperdelle, brandy cream, wild mushroom, and truffle oil) was to die for and we loved the trendy vibe. Host, Colton and server, Fallon were the best!
Great food, service, and scenery!
The scenery outside the windows is just as pleasing as the interior, with the full downtown green and gazebo in view, all the passers-by, and during the holiday season, all the festive downtown lighting.
If you are looking for a place to go this New Year’s Eve, they are offering a five-course meal and three seatings!
You will need a reservation.
Whenever you do decide to go, be sure to call ahead, because they are generally booked up well in advance.
If you would like the scoop on this and other area restaurants, (my take anyway), reach out below.
What’s going on in our local Connecticut housing markets as 2022 comes to a close? What’s UP, what’s DOWN? Join me in following this weekly update of what happens in Fairfield and Westport, and you will know first hand!
FAIRFIELD Single-Family
Nov 28 – Dec 4
Dec 5 – 11
Dec 12 – 18
Dec 19 – 25
Dec 26 – Jan 2
NEW
6
REDUCED
2
ACCEPTED OFFERS
3
SOLD
17
AVG % OF ASK
99%
YTD MEDIAN SALE PRICE
$820,000
WESTPORT Single-Family
Nov 28 – Dec 4
Dec 5 – 11
Dec 12 – 18
Dec 19 – 25
Dec 26 – Jan 2
NEW
5
REDUCED
6
ACCEPTED OFFERS
2
SOLD
7
AVG % OF ASK
98%
YTD MEDIAN SALE PRICE
$2,011,000
Source: SmartMLS
DID YOU KNOW that people move all year long and in every market?
Last year in November and December of 2021, 195 people successfully bought or sold a single-family home in Fairfield and Westport, and in 2019 there were 159 single-family sales during these two months. So you shouldn’t feel like you have to wait around for spring if you want to be in your ideal home now.
The best time to sell is when the timing matches your life goals. You can absolutely do it any time of year and in any market!
If you’re feeling concerned about the market conditions but wish you could move on to the home that truly matches your needs and lifestyle, reach out to me now, and let’s have a conversation.
What’s really going on in our local Connecticut housing markets? Does it all boil down to supply and demand? Join me in following this weekly update of what happens in Fairfield and Westport, and you will know first hand! (Click each image below to view a quick Reel on Instagram.)
FAIRFIELD Single-Family
Oct 17 – 23
Oct 24 – 30
Oct 31 – Nov 6
Nov 7 – 13
Nov 14 – 20
Nov 21 – 27
NEW
14
14
8
8
8
1
REDUCED
11
12
7
11
7
2
ACCEPTED OFFERS
11
11
9
9
6
12
SOLD
22
9
13
6
9
9
AVG % OF ASK
98%
97%
98%
97%
98%
97%
YTD MEDIAN SALE PRICE
$810,000
$810,000
$820,000
$817,000
$815,000
$815,000
WESTPORT Single-Family
Oct 17 – 23
Oct 24 – 30
Oct 31 – Nov 6
Nov 7 – 13
Nov 14 – 20
Nov 21 – 27
NEW
8
9
15
6
5
1
REDUCED
4
5
3
5
4
1
ACCEPTED OFFERS
4
6
4
2
7
2
SOLD
3
5
8
1
6
4
AVG % OF ASK
98%
94%
96%
95%
98%
99%
YTD MEDIAN SALE PRICE
$2,050,000
$2,032,500
$2,050,000
$2,050,000
$2,050,000
$2,015,000
Source: SmartMLS
Nov 28: No one made a move in the middle of Thanksgiving and Black Friday, right? Actually they did! 27 happy parties made a big move with 14 accepted offers and 13 sold homes last week! Sale prices averaged 97% in Fairfield and 99% in Westport, so homes are selling close to asking price. Take a look at my quick video update.
Nov 21: Nothing happening the week before Thanksgiving, right..?
Observations: There was actually an UPTICK in accepted offers last week! The median sale price has been pretty steady in both towns in the last five weeks. It’s actually UP a bit in Fairfield from five weeks ago. Sale prices have been averaging 98% of asking, which is what we typically see in strong markets. New listings have been trickling in though.
So my takeaway is that we need more new listings!
DID YOU KNOW that people move all year long?
Last year, in November and December 2021, 195 people successfully bought or sold a single-family home in Fairfield and Westport, and in 2019 there were 159 single-family sales. So you shouldn’t feel like you have to wait around for spring if you want to be in your ideal home now.
The best time to sell is when the timing matches your life goals. You can absolutely do it any time of year and in any market!
If you’re feeling concerned about the market conditions but wish you could move on to the home that truly matches your needs and lifestyle, reach out to me now, and let’s have a conversation.
Oct 13: Observations: The biggest things that jump out at me right now are the price reductions and the ratio of the sale price to the asking price.
We saw ZERO price reductions for quite some time, but in the last four weeks we saw some. I still think these happened when sellers priced too optimistically versus pricing conservatively with comparable sales in the current market.
At the height of the frenzy, the sale/list ratio ran between 103% to 105%. In the last four weeks this ratio moved to the 95%-97% range which is closer to what we see in a more balanced market. Buyers had some opportunity to negotiate again in some cases. However, keep in mind there were still multiple offers and sales at and above the asking price as well.
The median sale price has been fairly consistent in both towns over the last four weeks.
Fairfield and Westport CT Real Estate Guide 