1) Have a Signature Cocktail! This makes your guests feel like they’re on vacation when you hand them one on the way in, and you can make a large batch up front instead of trying to accommodate drink requests on the fly.
2) Create a DIY Photo Booth! Create your own themed frame with a hula hoop and some craft supplies, add some props, and let your guests create some serious history!
3) Try a “More is More” Centerpiece! Make an impressive centerpiece using a grouping of small pretty vintage or themed pieces like a creamer, sugar bowl, shot glasses, or apothecary bottles, and fill them with fresh blooms from your own garden.
What are your favorite party tricks that make the magic when supported by your amazing kitchen?
Share your ideas below! If you are thinking of making a move in the near future, reach out as well. Is your kitchen living up to your standards? Curious what your home is worth in the current market?
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.
Most home inspectors I’ve seen use binoculars or a ladder to get a good look at the roof, but today was a roof inspection by drone kind of day! It’s a safer, more effective approach, don’t you think?
Providing high quality 4K photographs and video of your roof covering, siding, chimney and roof penetrations, this is offered as a complimentary addition to each inspection. Call us to schedule today, 860-205-5972 !
July 2022 Numbers are in! How does July compare to the previous month, and WHAT SOLD?!
Find out what happened in our local markets by downloading your free WHAT SOLD report with everything that sold in Fairfield and Westport in the previous month here. If you would like the report for another town, send me a request in the form below, and I will get it to you.
So, what are the numbers, Linda?!
In Fairfield, unit sales and market time were up a bit, and the median sale price compared to the asking price was down slightly compared to June. In Westport, unit sales were down from June, and the percentage over asking was also not as high as it was in June. The median days on market were almost the same. If you glance at the two graphs below, you will see the continued trend of upward appreciation of home values in both towns.
FAIRFIELD – July 2022 (vs. June)
Single-Family Homes
Units Sold: 89 (vs. 84)
Median Sale Price: $899,000 (vs. $935,500)
Average Sale vs. Asking Price: 104% (vs. 105%)
Median Days to Contract: 35 (vs. 22)
Fairfield Median Sale Price Trend: 3-Month Averages
WESTPORT – July 2022 (vs. June)
Single Family
Units Sold: 44 (vs. 61)
Median Sale Price: $2,080,000 (vs. $2,076,500)
Sale vs. Asking Price: 103% (vs. 108%)
Median Days to Contract: 20 (vs. 21)
Westport Median Sale Price Trend: 3-Month Averages
Wondering if now’s a good time to make a move? (Mark, pictured above, sure is!)
For monthly charts showing more market parameters in you towns of interest, take a look at the Raveis Local Housing Data, and contact me to discuss the market and your plans.
If you’re thinking of making a move in the next 12 months or have any questions, call directly or send a note to Linda Raymond below.
Every market brings uncertainties, risks, rewards, and opportunities.
People always ask me if they should sell in the winter, or wait until the spring. Some say they think they should wait for various numbers to go up, or come down.
Should I Wait Until Spring?
The truth is, seasonal opportunities exist year-round. Yes, more sales typically occur in the spring, but there are also many more people simply browsing around for fun, and there’s much stiffer competition for sellers. Whereas in the winter, things may be cooler, but the buyers out looking are very focused and serious. People, in fact, have always moved all year-round!
I Think I’ll Wait Until the Numbers Change
Yes prices are high right now and interest rates have ticked upward. But rates are still historically low, and both prices and rates are forecast to increase further. Is it better to sit and wait to see if prices continue to appreciate over the next five years or more along with potentially higher rates? Or is it better to buy now, get into the home with the place and space that suit your current lifestyle, and enjoy the equity gains that have been predicted? The market will always fluctuate upward and downward, but real estate has proven to be a wise investment in the longterm. What is your quality of life worth?
It’s Too Overwhelming to Start Now
I may have given you more questions than answers here, but hopefully I’ve given you something to think about! If part of your concern is feeling overwhelmed with how to begin and all the steps to take, rest assured, I’ll be there for you to help make it all happen. In the meantime, here is a Buyer’s Guide and Seller’s Guide to answer many of your questions upfront. But don’t worry, you don’t have memorize it all, I’ve got your back!
So if you have the chance to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance! Joy and opportunity await! 🕺🏡 💃🏻🏡 🪩🏡 🩰
Dreaming of fishing, boating, private beach, summer camp, wood harvesting, barn, hay loft…?
NEW PRICE, $649,000!
The very special property pictured here has been in the same family for 101 years and is finally available for sale to the right buyer! Look at what the youngest family members have to say below.
Morning Friends and Family,
Attached is the “sell sheet” for our Maine property, which is for sale for the first time in more than 100 years. We’re told that one of the best ways to help find the right buyer is networking. So please share the attached with anyone you know or who they may know who might be interested in this wonderful place to enjoy life. We have for 30 years and the family has owned the property for 101 years, where they founded two prestigious summer camps using the main house as headquarters (one of which currently employs our granddaughter Hannah as its dance director) and hosted countless high-level fishing and business meetings with well-known people, both military and political, from around the world.
It’s been a great run and we’re eager to find the right buyer who will take care of the house and private beach as we have and accept stewardship of East Pond, the area’s most precious asset. As for the lake, four years ago we produced a video that helped successfully reclaim its clarity that you might like to see. The visuals will give you a good feel for the area and its people. Here’s a link to the East Pond Association’s site. Scroll down to the video and click on play. Alum / Watershed Plan | East Pond Association
Listed by Daniel McCarron, Lakepoint Real Estate, Maine
For all the photos and information, please submit your request below.
Wonder what your Realtor is doing for you behind the scenes?
Click to view Instagram Reel, sound on!
No worries, I always have your back providing the info you need to make informed decisions and get past road blocks, and answering questions that you may, or may not have asked yet! Curious what your home is worth?
Rest assured, even when I’m not meeting with you to list your house or show you homes, I am working for you behind the scenes! Here are just a few examples of the things I do when you don’t see me…
◦Stay current on the market data ◦Share market data and trends ◦Explain why Zillow is incorrect ◦Make sure there’s no in-ground oil tank ◦Check for wetlands ◦Find out what can be done despite wetlands ◦Find out if that chicken coop’s legal! ◦Determine if there are missing permits ◦Research comparable sales ◦Confirm legal obligations ◦Check the deeds ◦Check the liens ◦Find solutions ◦Think out of the box ◦Give price opinions ◦Problem solve client roadblocks ◦Research property potential ◦Run mortgage calculators ◦Call the lenders ◦Create Google Guides for out of state clients ◦Find a great referral agent for clients ◦Negotiate with other agents ◦Discuss basement space with appraisers ◦Coordinate with the attorneys ◦Recommend attorneys, lenders, inspectors, contractors ◦Zoom meetings ◦Plan and implement marketing ◦Schedule social media posts to market listings and provide information ◦Call the seller or other agent to make sure the walkthrough goes smoothly ◦Get closing gifts
I’m happy to answer any questions, so feel free to reach out any time. I’ll be there for you!
Believe it or not, this was my very first book club meeting! I was invited as a guest to this special event, because @janegreenauthor of Sister Stardust, came to speak to us about how she created the story and all the research she did to bring it to life! It was a fascinating meeting and so great to meet Jane and all the other ladies!
The rate of appreciation is slowing. That is not the same thing as depreciation. Home values are up and appreciation ↗️ is forecast to continue for years 📆 to come. Home prices are expected to increase an average of 9.3% by the end of 2022, and continue increasing 3-4% each year following through at least 2026 according to industry experts from the Home Price Expectation Survey.
What is your wishlist?
Would you like to sell for top dollar 🤑? Would you like to gain equity 💸 from your purchase as well? Does your current home suit your needs? Would you be excited to be on your way 🏃🏻♀️🏃🏃🏿♂️to your new home that matches your lifestyle now 🏡 ? Are you wondering where you would go?