Fairfield and Westport CT Real Estate Guide

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

Tag Archives: fairfield


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Matchmaker Mystery: Do You Have What I’m Looking For? 🏡❤️

Let’s work on this matchmaker mystery together!

One of the challenges buyers are facing, along with would-be sellers, is that they can’t find what they are looking for on the market.

Many agents are sharing the criteria their buyers are looking for with the hope that someone who is thinking of selling may have a match to add to the market.

Here is my urgent buyer wish list,

  1. Westport – New or contemporary style, ~4,000 square feet, 4+ bedrooms, $1,500,000-$1,800,000, (Need two of these!)
  2. Westport – Renovation project or tear-down, 1+ acres, preferably with no wetlands, price flexible.
  3. Westport – Renovation project or tear-down, any property size, preferably with no wetlands, price flexible.
  4. Fairfield – Beach, town, Southport, or University areas, new or like-new home, 4,000 square feet, up to $1,700,000.
  5. Fairfield – Home with charm and character, preferably in the beach area, but open to anywhere in town, 3+ bedrooms, at least 1,400 square feet or room to expand, $700,000-$850,000.
  6. Fairfield – Home with charm and character, high ceilings, preferably in the beach area, center of town or Stratfield areas, 3+ bedrooms, at least 1,400 square feet or room to expand, finishable basement and/or attic, office space, level yard of .16 acres or more, $500,000-$640,000.
  7. Fairfield – Beach area, near Penfield, .23+ acres on which to renovate or build new, under $700,000.
  8. Fairfield – Town center, new or move-in ready 2-bedroom condo for rent, or sale up to $350,000.
  9. New Canaan – Walk-to-train location, 3 bedrooms, preferably new or move-in ready, high ceilings, up to $1,500,000.

If a matching property is found for the buyer needs above, the following new listings will in turn be added to the market,

  1. Westport – Gorgeous new construction home, likely with 4,000+ square feet and 5 bedrooms.
  2. Westport – ANOTHER gorgeous new construction home, likely with 4,000+ square feet and 5 bedrooms.
  3. Westport – Lovely 4-bedroom, move-in-ready home with lovely property in the Greens Farms area.
  4. Fairfield – Charming cape in the beach area.

The lack of inventory is limiting the market despite the opportunity of very low interest rates and an excellent time to sell for all interested home owners.

So if you have something, say something! 😃 If you know of something, say something! 😃 Want to talk options? Say something. I’m here to help, 203.912.4440.

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How’s the Local Housing Market Right Now? Westport and Fairfield CT – February 2021

How’s the single-family housing market in Fairfield and Westport Connecticut as of February? Take a look at the bullets and graphs below to see how things have changed dramatically this February compared to last February, 2020.

If you would like access to our William Raveis Local Housing Data tool and run your own graphs like the ones below, just send me a note for the link!  Here are the specifics. 

In WESTPORT

Single-Family Homes Sales are UP 68% from 25 to 42 homes sold.
The Median Sale Price is UP 44% from $1,115,000 to $1,600,000.
Inventory is DOWN 48% from 308 to 159 homes for sale.
Months of Supply is DOWN 71% from 10 months to less than 3!
Market Time is DOWN 55% from 155 to 70 days.

 

In FAIRFIELD

Single-Family Homes Sales are UP 39% from 36 to 50 homes sold.
The Median Sale Price is UP 33% from $525,000 to $697,500.
Inventory is DOWN 60% from 474 to 191 homes for sale.
Months of Supply is DOWN 73% from 8 months to 2!
Market Time is DOWN 32% from 113 to 77 days.

 

The trend of extremely low inventory, increasing median sale price, and short market time continues through February. The pace of Fairfield’s market appears to be limited even more than Westport’s by the severe decline in inventory. The strong buyer demand in the face of this limited choice is causing multiple offer situations at nearly every turn.

Opportunities exist for both buyers and sellers, but the market can unquestionably benefit from more sellers entering the market! Vaccines are here, spring is coming, buyers are waiting….

If you would like to discuss how to buy and sell your home in the current market, you can create your own home search to check out the market, visit my website, give me a call, 203.912.4440, or send me a note below. I’m here to help!

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Should I Sell My House?

Your home has been just perfect with plenty of space for you and all your needs…until now.

But since the pandemic you may be finding that you, and possibly your family members, have very different needs. This challenging time has certainly given you opportunity to test and evaluate how well your home is serving your changing demands. If you have transitioned to working from home, and may even be alongside your students doing the same, your need for extra space may have become increasingly obvious.

Now you may be wishing you had extra rooms for his and her offices, a homework space, and room for a home gym. If you’re coming from the Manhattan or Brooklyn areas, you are likely craving not just interior rooms, but outdoor space, beauty, privacy and peacefulness. The vicinity to downtown centers and train stations may not be as important as it once was now that the need for frequent commuting is likely a thing of the past.

On the flip side, perhaps your family has college students who have been off to school or will soon be graduating and leaving extra un-wanted space. This would be a prime time to make a move to a better-fitting home. Selling your too-much-space house would also free up your larger home for the many of you who in dire need of more space.

Whether you are feeling too close for comfort or a need to scale back, the current housing market with ultra-low inventory and high demand is beyond prime for sellers, and the current low interest rates also offer a huge opportunity to make a purchase. Feel free to set up your own search here if you would like to peek at market activity near you. Reach out to me anytime if would like to know your options for making a move and want to know what your home is worth in the current market.

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How’s the Local Housing Market in Fairfield and Westport CT – January 2020 vs 2021?

So how did our single-family housing markets in Fairfield and Westport Connecticut do this January compared to January 2020? As you’d probably expect, it’s been a chilly market for buyers! In a nutshell, sales and prices were UP, market time and inventory were DOWN. If you would like me to send you the link to the William Raveis Local Housing Data tool so you can run graphs like the ones below, just send me a note!  Here are the specifics from William Raveis. 

In FAIRFIELD

Single-Family Homes Sales Increased 77% from 35 to 62.
The Median Sale Price Increased 1.4% from $639,000 to $648,000.
Market Time Decreased 43% from 114 to 65 days.
Inventory Decreased 53% from 425 to 207 homes for sale.

 

In WESTPORT

Single-Family Homes Sales Increased 50% from 22 to 33.
The Median Sale Price Increased 31% from $1,187,500 to $1,555,000.
Market Time Decreased 44% from 156 to 87 days.
Inventory Decreased 51% from 296 to 146 homes for sale.

 

Of particular note is that the number of homes for sale began to decline in June 2020 in both towns at the same time that sales were rising. Unit sales spiked in July through September in Fairfield and July and August in Westport. This trend is self-limiting by the lack of homes on the market. Inventory is now at an all time low, and new listings have been dripping into the market very slowly. There is not nearly enough choice to satisfy the current buyer demand and the added buying incentive of low interest rates. The series of snow storms during the past few weeks has also contributed to discouraging would-be sellers.

However, as of the third week of February, the pace of new listings entering the market appears to be picking up. With vaccine distribution on the rise and a much anticipated spring around the corner, things may be heating up very soon!

If you would like to discuss how to buy and sell your home in the current market, you can create your own home search to check out the market, visit my website, or send me a note below. I’m here to help!

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At What Price Would You Consider Selling Your House?

Buyers are waiting. Home sale prices are up. Interest rates are outrageously low. Is there a price at which you would consider selling your house? If there is a price that motivates you, are there other barriers?

It sure appears to be the perfect storm for owners to want to sell their homes, right? Sure, except for two major roadblocks- As a potential home seller, where do you move with the limited choice in the market? And if you could work through these details, do you really feel ready?

If you are one of these homeowners, here are three things you can do to manage the logistical challenge.

  1. You can list your home with a published contingency to find suitable housing. This relieves the pressure of not having your destination pre-determined by letting potential buyers know up-front that you reserve the right to take the time to find a new home. It also gives you an ‘out’ if you cannot find a suitable solution. You can reach out to me and also select a real estate attorney to learn more.
  2. Alternatively you can put your home on the market and negotiate a long closing period, such as a few months, when you receive an offer- or multiple offers. Many buyers are flexible with timing, especially if they are buying a second home. This will give you time to look around.
  3. A temporary housing plan is another key option. Are you aware that you may even be able to sell your home and rent it back from the buyers for a period of time! This can be an excellent solution for bridging the gap until you find your new home. Even if this is not doable, there are other options. If it is feasible to stay with family, go to a second home or vacation home, or get a short term rental, and put things in storage for a while, this is a great way to take the timing pressure off. It may not be convenient, but it may still be worth it in order to capitalize on the opportunities of this market and move to the home that truly satisfies your current needs and desires.
  4. Get creative! At William Raveis, we are here to get creative with solutions to our clients’ challenges. We understand the complexities of the current market and in bridging the gap between buying and selling. So we have an entire array of services that can enable you to become a cash buyer before you sell, fix up any issues with your house without paying until it’s sold, and bridge the financial gap as well. Call me today to discuss your ideal outcome, and let’s discuss how to get you there!

All that being said, what if the above solutions are all well and good, but you still feel hesitant? It is even more important than strategizing the logistics to be sure your heart is really in it. You must be sure you are ready to sell before going on the market. Here’s the journey one home seller went through to get ready to ultimately make her dream come true.

Keep in mind that even though the inventory of homes for sale is low, the market time is also short, so the choices of homes to purchase is constantly refreshing and there are always new homes to choose from if you want to make a move.

Imagine if all you homeowners who would love to sell but have been sitting on the sidelines decide to go for it using some of the safeguards and creative solutions above? The market would be rich with choice for everyone searching (yourselves included!), and many more home buyers and sellers would be on the move toward making their dreams a reality!

You can browse around and set up some searches for yourself here if you would like to get a feel for the markets as you think about your plans. Call me today to discuss your options, 203-912-4440. We will have a brief consultation to understand your goals, the market, and how I might be able to help.

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How’s the Housing Market Right Now – January 2021?

What’s the pulse of the local single-family housing market in Fairfield and Westport, Connecticut in the first three weeks of January 2021? How many accepted offers? Where are they? What are the price categories? Days on market? Inventory levels and new listings? Here’s an update from the SmartMLS.

FAIRFIELD ACCEPTED OFFERS AND INVENTORY

Fairfield CT locations of accepted offers

69 New Year accepted offers!

Offers are located all over town

PRICE BREAKDOWN?
64% Priced < $1 million
36% Priced > = $1 million

69 Median days on market

At the end of December 2020, Fairfield inventory levels were at historic lows, as illustrated by the graph below from William Raveis Real Estate.

There have been 25 new listings since January 1, ranging in price from $285,000 to $4,295,000.

 

WESTPORT ACCEPTED OFFERS AND INVENTORY

18 New Year accepted offers!

Westport CT locations of accepted offers

Offers appear to be concentrated near the downtown area and the Post Road

28% Priced < $1 million
72% Priced >= $1 million

18 Median days on market

At the end of December 2020, Westport inventory levels were at historic lows, as illustrated by the graph below from William Raveis Real Estate.

There have been 26 new listings in Westport in all price points, ranging from $699,000 to $12,000,000!

So it’s fair to say that the Fairfield and Westport housing markets have been ramping up following the lull of the December holidays and there is a good amount of activity. Despite the new listings that have been trickling onto the market though, there is not enough choice to satisfy the current buyer demand and the added purchasing incentive of low interest rates.

If you would like to discuss how to buy and sell your home in the current market, you can create your own home search to check out the market, visit my website, or send me a note below. I’m here to help!

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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 in Review: December 2020

Quick Request:  If you received a postcard of the picture below and/or saw it on Facebook, please let me know in the comment form at the end of this post! Thanks!   

Market Activity on
Fairfield Beach Road, Pine Creek Avenue, & Old Dam Road

What’s On the Market?

Active Beach Listings

Fairfield Beach Road

  • 10 single-family homes are for sale.
  • Three are new construction listings priced from $1,495,000 for a creekside property to $2,995,000.
  • Four properties have a dock on the Pine Creek waterway.
  • Three of the properties have a dock on the creek.
  • The highest-priced home listed for $4,9999,000 sits on the beach and has a large guest house.
  • The lowest-priced home has a non-buildable lot on the beachfront with a cottage on the creek across the street from it.

There is one active listing on Pine Creek Ave but no active listings on Old Dam Road.

What Has Sold Since Mid-October?

Sold on the beach 2020

  • Eight single-family homes sold at the beach from October 15 through December 8 including two on Pine Creek Avenue.
  • One condo sold on Fairfield Beach Rd across from the beach for $728,000.
  • Single-family sale prices ranged from $985,000 to $4,150,000.

What About Accepted Offers?

  • There are currently two accepted offers on Fairfield Beach Rd between $2,000,000 and $3,000,000.
  • There is one accepted offer on Pine Creek Avenue for a home priced at $1,650,000.

In stark contrast, last year in 2019 during the same timeframe from October 15 through December 8, there was only one beach sale, 296 Pine Creek Avenue for $2,900,000!

So the word on the street is that the holidays are right around the corner, and there is a lot of merry and bright activity at the beach!

Click here to set up your own search.

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 , visit my website, or using the form below.  I’m here to help!

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Fairfield Beach in Review: October 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.
  • Five are new construction listings priced from $1,495,000 to $2,995,000. Two have not been built yet.
  • Of note is that there are three new construction listings priced at $2,995,000. One is on more than a third of an acre and sits across from Penfield Beach and the other two are on small lots on the beachfront near the very end of the peninsula.
  • Four properties have a dock on the Pine Creek waterway.
  • Two of the properties have a guest house.

There are no active listings available on Pine Creek Ave or Old Dam Road.

What Sold, Mid-August to Mid-October?

Sold & Accepted Offers

  • Five single-family homes sold at the beach from August 15 through October 15.
  • Two condos sold, one on Fairfield Beach Rd across from the beach for $715,000 and a penthouse on Pine Creek Avenue for $1,125,000.
  • Single-family sale prices ranged from $1,560,000 to $5 million.

What About Accepted Offers?

  • There are currently six accepted offers on Fairfield Beach Rd with prices ranging from $728,000 for a non-beachfront condo to $4,495,000.
  • There is one accepted offer on Pine Creek Avenue for a home priced at $995,000.

Interestingly, compared to last year, the same sales activity occurred during this timeframe.  Five homes sold and two condos sold, one condo on Fairfield Road, and one on Pine Creek Avenue.  However, the sale prices for the single-family beach houses were quite a bit lower, ranging from $700,000 to $1,750,000 last year, mid-August  to mid-October.

So the word on the street is that air may be getting cooler, but the waterfront market remains quite warm!  Who is ready to take a dip? 🙂

 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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My Three Favorite Videos of Serene Seaside Homes

Relax and enjoy some calm shoreline beauty to soothe your soul.

Since now is a time of stress for many, I wanted to share my three favorite videos of beach properties that are serene and beautiful to watch.  So click on an image to start the video, sit back, and let them take you away. Enjoy!

Twilight tour on the creek…

Lovely Creekside Home

Glide through this stunning antique home on the creek side of Fairfield Beach Road as dusk approaches.

Soar over the Long Island Sound…

Soak in the beauty of this beachfront and creekside home with jetty views.

A peek at the peninsula…

Soar over and through this delightful home on the peninsula of Fairfield Beach Road.

Feel free to reach out to me with any questions or comments using the form below, and I will respond quickly.

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