If you are one of many who received a letter from Aquarion Water Company about lead pipes, you probably have many questions.
These letters are required to be sent as part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR), to promote transparency and safety. Aquarion’s website assures us that the water they provide does not contain lead, there may be points within the service line to your home that contain lead. Their website says that homes built before 1988 could contain lead in their pluming systems. The company says it also adjusts the water’s pH levels and has introduced corrosion inhibitors, which coat the pipes and fixtures in homes.
Here are a few resources to help you determine if there is known lead in the service lines to your home and some things you can do to protect yourself from lead.
You can start by using the interactive map to check the pipe material on file for your address. If known, this will tell you whether the pipes on the utility side and your side are lead, non-lead, galvanized, or unknown material.
If you do have lead or galvanized pipes, they should be replaced. According to the CT Insider, there is some state funding available to offset the cost of these projects. If an Aquarion customer is thinking about replacing their lines, Fazekas recommends they call the company at 1-866-728-5023 to see if there is some state funding available.
When you’re handed the cranberry sauce assignment for Thanksgiving, it might seem like an easy win—but don’t underestimate this vibrant little side dish! Cranberry sauce is the unsung hero of the Thanksgiving table, balancing all those savory bites with a burst of sweet, tangy goodness.
As a lifelong fan of the classic version, I’ve kept it simple for years. But recently, I stumbled upon some mouthwatering twists that take this holiday staple to a whole new level. From boozy blends to citrusy surprises, these four cranberry sauce recipes will have your guests going back for seconds (and asking for the recipe). Get ready to become the cranberry sauce MVP of Thanksgiving dinner!
Plain or with Walnuts Recipe 🌰
Ingredients: 1 cup water, 1 12-ounce package of fresh cranberries, 1 cup sugar (or a little less)
Rinse cranberries in cold water.
Add all ingredients to a pot and bring to a boil. Boil for about 10 minutes until the cranberries pop.
Let the sauce cool. It will thicken as it cools.
Optionally, add chopped walnuts as desired.
Done!
Jalapeno Recipe 🌶️
Finely chop up ½ jalapeño (with seeds for extra spice)
Add to the pot and boil, following the steps in # 1 above.
Cinnamon / Spice Recipe 🫚
½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon all spice, ⅛ teaspoon ginger and ⅛ teaspoon cloves. Or if you prefer, just add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
Add to the pot and boil, following the steps in # 1 above.
Image: Elegant wood breakfast bar with metallic lamp
Looking to Forward to Warm November Gatherings and Beyond! 🦃🏡
As we anticipate the upcoming holidays and what’s next in local real estate, here’s what happened in October in our local Fairfield and Westport single-family housing markets compared to one year ago. If you want the exact details, check out the What Sold Reports.
October 2024
PRICE:Median Price Down. Homes Sold an Average of 102-103% of Ask.
Single-family sale prices averaged 103 percent of asking in Fairfield and 102 percent in Westport.
The median sale price in Fairfield was $828,000, down 4.8 percent from October 2023. The median sale price per square foot was also down slightly from a year ago, to $388. In Westport, the median sale price was $1,550,000, down 31.1% from last October. The median sale price per square foot was down 6.9% from the same time last year, to $577.
PACE: Shorter Average Market Time. Unit Sales Down. Hovering Around 3 Months of Supply
Market time was down more than 30% from than last October, averaging just 24 days to contract in Fairfield and 28 days in Westport.
Unit sales in Fairfield totaled 41, DOWN 6.8% from October 2023, and 23 in Westport, DOWN 8% compared to last year.
Inventory in Fairfield was up 23.4% from last October with 153 single-family homes for sale and down 16.1% in Westport with 78 homes for sale.
The months of supply metric remained in the low three-month range with levels of 3.34 and 3.21 months in Fairfield and Westport respectively. The inventory trend favoring sellers continued.
What does it mean?
The market slow down was not surprising given the longterm trend (since 1963!) of a seasonal drop in sales during October and November that’s even sharper during election years.
Yet on average, homes that sold went quickly and for above the asking price. Affordability pressures and mortgage rates, that headed north of seven percent despite anticipated cuts, likely encouraged more sales in lower price points and cash purchases. In fact, 27% of the sales in Fairfield and 43% in Westport were cash deals. The short market time demonstrated the high demand from buyers who were well-prepared and ready to commit to making competitive offers.
What can we expect going forward? History tells us that the real estate market picks up after election uncertainty has passed. Keeping Current Matters said that home sales went up after 9 of the last 11 presidential elections, referencing HUD and NAR.
What we do know is that demand continues to out-pace housing supply. There is additional pent-up demand from both buyers and sellers who have been waiting on the sidelines for changing interest rates and election results. Increased sales activity is in the 2025 forecast below.
These trends are national, and we know that real estate markets are hyper-local. No one knows for sure, but here is what AI has to say! What do you foresee? (Share your thoughts below).
Action Items.
We also know that every market offers opportunities. People have been buying and selling homes every month of every year since ‘real estate’ began. What’s important are your goals and the ideal timing for you. Reach out to your agent as soon as possible with your questions, concerns, and ideal outcomes so you can work together on a plan to get you where you want to go in the existing market.
As a seller, collaborate with your agent for the best marketing strategy and negotiations to maximize demand for your listing in the current market. If you’re concerned about where to go, consider this. Here’s an overview of what you can expect.
As a buyer in this market, preparedness and patience are the key! Your agent will help you navigate the market for a successful sale and/or purchase. Depending on the demand at any given moment for a particular property, there may or may not be flexibility on price and terms. There is still solid competition among buyers and a short window before most sellers receive and accept offers. However, there is a window right now heading into the holidays, where buyers may catch a break in leverage. As a buyer, you may be have a little more room for negotiation right now if a seller is motivated to close before the year ends and willing to make a deal!
You need to be ready to make an informed decision if you plan to secure your new home. This means you are ready to submit a competitive offer and your proof of funds or mortgage pre-approval are in your agent’s hands! Keep in mind if you are financing and enter a multiple-bid situation, you may be competing with cash offers, so you may need to have other terms that are attractive in order to be more competitive. Here’s a guide for what you can expect.
Are you planning a move this season? What dreams do you have for your newest lifestyle?
Follow the link above and make your selections. Pick from nine states including Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Vermont. Choose a county and any other filters you would like to drill down to the open houses that best suite your wishlist!
Reach out to me to request a showing or a referral to another state, 203-912-4440. I’ve got you covered!
I visited my client at her new home this week to see the all the improvements she made since her purchase. The house looks beautiful, but what surprised me was that she was outside planting 85 tulip bulbs in the middle of October! One of the most exciting things about buying a home is seeing what surprise blooms you have in the first spring! My client will be expecting 85 tulips, but she will still feel the joy when she sees them emerge! Tip: She said to visit WickedTulips.com. Visit the website or go there in person in Preston, CT for a complete zen experience!
Whether you’re a homeowner, or a home buyer or seller, a fabulous garden is always a plus. I remember a garden of fiery yellow and orange tulips caught my eye when looking for a home in Fairfield Connecticut twenty years ago, and that home has been ours ever since.
8 Garden Tips for October
Feeling inspired, I looked up some additional tips for what we should be doing this fall to ensure a magical garden next spring. Here are eight tips for both garden and landscape that thrive in cooler temperatures and set you up for a colorful spring!
1. Plant Spring Bulbs
Now is the perfect time to plant spring-blooming bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocuses. These bulbs need the winter chill to bloom beautifully in the spring.
2. Perennials for Long-Term Beauty
Planting perennials like peonies, hostas, and daylilies in October gives them time to establish roots before winter. They’ll return stronger each spring and offer lasting curb appeal.
3. Trees and Shrubs
Fall is ideal for planting trees and shrubs, like maples, oaks, and hydrangeas. Their roots will have time to grow before the ground freezes, ensuring healthy development for next year.
4. Cover Crops to Enrich Soil
Suggest planting cover crops like clover or rye in garden beds. These crops improve soil health and add nutrients, preparing the beds for the next growing season.
5. Divide and Replant Perennials
Early fall is an excellent time to divide overgrown perennials like irises and daylilies. Doing so rejuvenates them and can create new plants for other areas of the garden.
6. Start a Fall Herb Garden
Herbs like parsley, sage, and rosemary do well in the cooler months. They can be planted in pots or directly in the garden for fresh, home-grown flavor during the holiday season.
7. Add Cold-Hardy Annuals
Plant cold-hardy annuals such as pansies and snapdragons. These will bloom until the first hard frost and can brighten up flower beds and containers.
8. Mulch to Protect Plants
Remind your readers to apply mulch around plants. Mulching in the fall helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and protects plants from temperature fluctuations during winter.
These tips will keep your gardens vibrant and healthy through the colder months and get them ready for Spring!
Here’s what happened in September in our local Fairfield and Westport single-family housing markets. If you want the exact details, check out the What Sold Reports.
In September 2024–
Prices:Median Prices Varied By Town. Homes Sold for 100% or More On Averagewith a Wide Range
Single-family home sale prices averaged 100 percent of asking in Fairfield and 103 percent in Westport. There was a wide range of 84 to 111 percent in Fairfield and 91 to 125 percent in Westport.
The median sale price in Fairfield was $772,500, down 8 percent from September 2023. The median sale price per square foot was also down slightly from a year ago to $388. In Westport, the median sale price was $2,054,000, down 12.6% from a year ago. However, the median sale price per square foot was up 4.7% from last September, to $518.
Pace: Short Average Market Time. Unit Sales Up. Less than 4 Months Supply, Inventory Increased.
Market time averaged 27 days in Fairfield and 34 days in Westport which was more than 40 percent shorter than September 2023.
Unit sales in Fairfield totaled 46, UP 24.3% from September 2023, and 24 in Westport, UP 41.2% compared to last September.
Inventory in Fairfield was UP 43.6% from last September with 168 single-family homes for sale and DOWN 9.9% in Westport with 91 homes for sale.
The months of supply metric was UP 55.3% in Fairfield and slightly down in Westport compared to September 2023, with levels of 3.66 and 3.73 months respectively. This range still leaned towards a seller’s market and was below a balanced market with six months of supply.
What does it mean?
The sales volume and market time picked up compared to last September. The supply of inventory was about 3.7 months in both towns pointing to a continued seller’s market, but with a shift closer to more balance. Homes sold on average at full price or more but also spanned a wide range of well below- and well above the asking price. Market time overall was quick, averaging about one month to contract, but there was a wide range here too, with some homes selling quickly, some lingering, and some having price reductions.
There are numerous factors at play with expected interest rate reductions and economic factors, not to mention the election! What we do know is that there is still more demand than there is supply. What can we expect going forward? No one knows for sure, but here is what AI has to say! What do you predict? (Share your comment below).
Bottom line.
If now is a good time for you to pursue a new lifestyle, the current market always offers opportunities. Reach out to me anytime with your questions about the market and to discuss your plans.
When you are selling, your agent will guide you on the marketing strategy and negotiations to maximize the demand for your listing in the current market. If you’re concerned about where you can go, consider this. Here’s an overview of what you can expect.
If you plan to buy in this market, patience and preparedness will work in your favor! Your agent’s expert guidance will help you navigate this market for a successful sale or purchase. There may or may not be some flexibility with timing and price. It is on a house-by-house basis. There is still a predominance of solid competition and a short window before sellers receive and accept offers. It depends on how much competition exists for a particular home at the moment you want to pursue it. You need to be ready to make an informed decision if you really want to secure your new home. This means you are ready to submit a competitive offer, so your mortgage pre-approval or proof of funds should be in your agent’s hands! Keep in mind if you will be financing and enter a multiple-bid situation, you may be competing with cash offers, so you will need other attractive terms to be competitive. Here’s a guide for what you can expect.
What are your thoughts about the market and interest rates? Are you planning a move this fall? What new lifestyle dreams are you focused on? Share your thoughts in the blog comments or send me a note below.
The likelihood of reduced home values in the Fairfield and Westport, CT real estate markets over the next few years is relatively low, given current market conditions and historical trends. However, several factors could influence home values. Here’s an analysis of the key dynamics at play:
1. Strong Demand
Fairfield and Westport are highly desirable markets, thanks to their proximity to New York City, excellent schools, and quality of life. These factors have helped sustain high demand for homes, which has historically kept prices from falling significantly, even during broader market downturns. As remote and hybrid work arrangements remain popular, demand for homes in these suburban areas is likely to stay elevated.
2. Limited Inventory
Inventory shortages have been a defining feature of the market in recent years, driving up prices. While a drop in interest rates could lead to more sellers listing their homes, demand is likely to keep pace, keeping pressure on home values. Unless there’s a significant and sustained increase in new home construction or listings, inventory will likely remain tight, helping to maintain or even increase prices.
3. Interest Rate Movements
If interest rates fall, as suggested, it could spur increased buyer demand, which typically helps bolster home prices. Conversely, if interest rates rise unexpectedly or remain high for an extended period, affordability could become a more pressing issue, which might dampen demand and put downward pressure on prices. But even in that case, Fairfield and Westport’s premium market segments may prove more resilient than lower-priced regions.
4. Macro-Economic Factors
Broader economic trends, such as inflation, employment levels, and wage growth, will play a significant role. If the economy remains strong, home prices in Fairfield and Westport should remain stable or continue to grow modestly. A recession, on the other hand, could soften demand and lead to price reductions, though markets like these tend to recover faster than others due to their affluent base and attractiveness to well-funded buyers.
5. Luxury Market Resilience
The luxury real estate market, particularly in Westport, tends to be more insulated from broader market corrections. Wealthier buyers are less dependent on mortgage rates and more likely to invest in properties that retain value over the long term. This means that the high-end market is less likely to see significant price reductions, even in challenging economic conditions.
6. Migration Trends
Fairfield and Westport have benefited from migration out of cities like New York, especially post-pandemic. If these migration trends continue, home values could remain stable or rise, as new buyers enter the market. However, if urban living regains its appeal and migration slows, demand may soften, which could lead to price stagnation or mild declines.
7. Local Market Stability
Historically, home values in Fairfield and Westport have been quite stable, even during national downturns. These communities attract long-term homeowners who are less likely to sell in distress, reducing the likelihood of steep price drops. Additionally, local zoning and development restrictions tend to limit new construction, preventing an oversupply that could negatively affect prices.
8. Potential for Price Growth Moderation
While a steep decline in home values is unlikely, the rate of price growth could slow down over the next few years. After the rapid appreciation seen during the pandemic-driven real estate boom, a period of price stabilization or modest gains is more likely than a dramatic decrease in values.
9. Impact of Potential Economic Shocks
Significant economic disruptions, such as a deep recession or financial crisis, could lead to decreased demand and falling home values. However, given the affluent nature of the Fairfield and Westport markets, any value declines in such a scenario would likely be more moderate and short-lived compared to less affluent areas.
Summary
In the next few years, a significant reduction in home values in Fairfield and Westport is unlikely. Strong demand, limited inventory, and the desirability of these markets will likely keep prices stable or growing modestly. The most plausible scenario is a moderation of the price growth rather than a substantial decline. Factors such as interest rate trends, migration patterns, and the broader economic environment will determine the exact trajectory, but Fairfield and Westport are well-positioned to remain stable and resilient.
As we dive into ‘back to school’ mode, here’s a look at what happened at the end of summer in our local Fairfield and Westport single-family housing markets. If you’re curious which homes sold, take a look at the What Sold Reports.
Here’s what happened in August 2024.
Prices:Up in Both Towns Compared to August 2023. Homes Sold At or Above Asking On Average
Single-family home sale prices averaged 103 percent of asking in Fairfield and 102 percent in Westport.
The median sale price in Fairfield was $1,150,000, UP 23.7% compared to August 2023. The median sale price per square foot was UP 6.8% from a year ago to $448. In Westport, the median sale price was $2,450,000, UP 41.6% from a year ago, although there was a distinct dip in the median sale price during August 2023. The median sale price per square foot was $517, which was up slightly (1.7%) from last August.
Pace: Short Average Market Time, But Some Homes Lingered. Unit Sales Down. < 4 Months Supply, But Inventory Increased.
Market time averaged 23 days in Fairfield and60 days in Westport. Market time ranged from two days to 349 days, so the average contains a broad range.
Unit sales in Fairfield totaled 58, DOWN 21.6% from August 2023, and 37 in Westport, DOWN 7.5% compared to last August. Inventory in Fairfield was UP 12.8% from last August with 141 single-family homes for sale and UP 4.7% in Westport with 89 homes for sale.
The months of supply metric was UP 28.9% in Fairfield and 26.4% in Westport compared to August 2023, with levels of 3.13 and 3.75 months respectively. Though still below a balanced market with six months of supply, inventory levels did rise in both towns. Within the previous seven days of this post, there were 49 New and Coming Soon Single-Family MLS listings in Fairfield and Westport combined, almost double that of last month.
What does it mean?
The market volume was slower than last August, but the seller’s market continued with low inventory, high prices, and short market times. Some homes sold for full price or more than asking, and some sold for less. Many homes sold quickly, but some lingered on the market and required price reductions. There was also seasonal slowing due to vacations and back-to-school preparations. But now that we are in ‘back to school mode’, it’s expected that people will be focused on the inventory that we are seeing increase, lower interest rates, with jumbo loans in the 5s, and increased activity due to all the pent up demand!
Bottom line.
If now is a good time for you to pursue a new lifestyle, the current market always offers opportunities. Reach out to me anytime with your questions about the market and to discuss your plans.
When you are selling, your agent will guide you on the marketing strategy and negotiations to maximize the demand for your listing in the current market. If you’re concerned about where you can go, consider this. Here’s an overview of what you can expect.
If you plan to buy in this market, patience and preparedness will work in your favor! Your agent’s expert guidance will help you navigate this market for a successful sale or purchase. There may or may not be some flexibility with timing and price. It is on a house-by-house basis. There is still a predominance of solid competition and a short window before sellers receive and accept offers. It depends on how much competition exists for a particular home at the moment you want to pursue it. You need to be ready to make an informed decision if you really want to secure your new home. This means you are ready to submit a competitive offer, so your mortgage pre-approval or proof of funds should be in your agent’s hands! Keep in mind if you will be financing and enter a multiple-bid situation, you may be competing with cash offers, so you will need other attractive terms to be competitive. Here’s a guide for what you can expect.
What are your thoughts about the market and interest rates? Are you planning a move this fall? What new lifestyle dreams are you focused on? Share your thoughts in the blog comments or send me a note below.
Welcome home to your Nantucket-style masterpiece on one of the most coveted streets in the Fairfield Beach area. This home offers the ultimate lifestyle, blending New England coastal charm, luxury, and ideal location. Penfield Beach, the downtown train, chic eateries, shops, and theaters are steps from home!
Live and Entertain in Style
The nearly 4,000 sq ft interior exudes style and comfort with high ceilings and great flow. The grand foyer with a soaring ceiling, leads to an elegant living room/study with a fireplace. The stunning dining room, with its curved wall of windows, overlooks the back patio—perfect for gatherings.
The heart of the home is the spacious kitchen with an oversized granite island open to the dining area and great room with a second fireplace. A butler’s pantry with a wine chiller connects the kitchen to the formal dining room. Enjoy effortless indoor-outdoor entertaining with access from the dining area and great room to the patio.
Have Fun and Decompress!
Outside, have fun and decompress in your private oasis. The sellers invested nearly $500K in fabulous lifestyle enhancements. They built a new heated saltwater pool with an automatic cover, fire bowls, and App-controlled heat, color lights, and fountains. Add to that a new spa and dramatic stone fireplace—ideal for year-round enjoyment.
Room for Everyone
This charming luxurious home is ready to accommodate all your needs with five spacious bedrooms and four and a half baths, including the sumptuous primary suite with a tray ceiling, sitting area, forth fireplace, double walk-in closets, and a spa-like bath. Two of the bedrooms and a full bath are separate from the others offering in-law suite potential. Additional highlights include a private bonus room/office on the third floor and a walk-in attic.
The home is FEMA-compliant and energy-efficient with natural gas, and city water and sewer.
Rare Vibrant Fairfield Connecticut Neighborhood Brings It All: Beach, Downtown and Train!
Whether hosting large gatherings or seeking a retreat, 115 Lalley Boulevard in Fairfield Connecticut (click address to view listing) offers unparalleled style, character, comfort, and convenience. Enjoy the vibrant neighborhood events year-round like the Memorial Day Parade, Free concerts on the Green, Sunday Farmers Markets, Sidewalk Sales, Mombies Halloween Performance (right on the street), Easter Egg Hunts, and Holiday Tree Lighting on the Green. In between, relax at the beach or go for a walk along the tidal marsh. Hop on the train and spend a weekend in New York City, just a little over an hour away.
You won’t want to be away for too long though. Here you have more than just a home—it’s your ultimate STAYCATION!
Send a note below for more information or to schedule a showing.
Fairfield and Westport CT Real Estate Guide 
