Fairfield and Westport CT Real Estate Guide

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

Tag Archives: Interest rates


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Fairfield and Westport Real Estate Market Report October 2024 🎃

Image: Blazing outdoor fireplace at 115 Lalley Blvd, Fairfield CT


October Chill is in the Air! 🎃🏡

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 Average with 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.

William Raveis Local Housing Data

FAIRFIELD SINGLE-FAMILY – JULY 2024


WESTPORT SINGLE-FAMILY – JUNE 2024


To review last month’s market report.

Want a quick online home estimate?

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

William Raveis Local Housing Data


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Fairfield and Westport Real Estate Market Report September 2024 🪻

Photo of twilight pool with fountains and firebowls at 155 Lalley Blvd, Fairfield CT. Text overlay" Hello September, what happened in August, and castle logo for Realtor, Linda Raymond
Image: Twilight pool at 115 Lalley Blvd, Fairfield CT


September is in Full Swing! 🪻🏡

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.

William Raveis Local Housing Data

FAIRFIELD SINGLE-FAMILY – JULY 2024


WESTPORT SINGLE-FAMILY – JUNE 2024


To review last month’s market report.

Want a quick online home estimate?

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

William Raveis Local Housing Data


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Navigating the Current Real Estate Landscape: Waiting for Interest Rates to Return to 2.85%

In the dynamic world of real estate, interest rates hold a significant sway over homebuyers’ decisions. Likewise, rates have an impact on homeowners’ ability to sell. As memories of the desirable 2.85% interest rate linger, the current market fluctuations have left potential homeowners pondering their next move. Of course, the unspoken value proposition in all of this is the impact that ‘home’ has on your lifestyle and quality of life. Each person needs to weigh how much they value their lifestyle relative to what they are willing to invest in a new home. In this discussion, we’ll delve into some strategic approaches that can help you navigate this uncertainty while awaiting the (unlikely) return of the coveted 2.85% interest rate.

1. Exploring Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs) for Lower Rates: Consider opting for an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) in a higher interest rate climate. ARMs often begin with a lower rate than fixed-rate mortgages, potentially offering more affordable initial payments. As interest rates are expected to fluctuate, ARMs can be a prudent choice if you anticipate rates to decrease in the future. It’s crucial to understand the terms and associated risks of ARMs before making a decision.

2. Seizing Opportunity: Buying Now and Refinancing for Lower Rates: Rather than endlessly waiting for the ideal 2.85% rate, consider purchasing a home now and exploring refinancing opportunities later. By securing a home at current rates, you can build equity and enjoy the benefits of homeownership. Keep a vigilant eye on market trends to identify the optimal time for refinancing to secure a more favorable rate.

3. Negotiating Seller Concessions for Reduced Costs: Leverage negotiation skills when making an offer on a home by requesting a seller concession. This concession can be used to buy down the interest rate or cover closing costs. Keep in mind, that sellers typically have more leverage than buyers in the current market, but if a home has been lingering on the market longer than the average market time, the homeowner might be willing to work with you for a win-win agreement. This approach provides a means to mitigate the impact of higher interest rates, enhancing short-term affordability and financial flexibility.

4. Diversifying Investment Strategies: Exploring Real Estate Investment: For those hesitant about primary homeownership due to interest rates, diversifying into real estate investment can be an attractive alternative. Options like rental properties and real estate investment trusts (REITs) allow you to benefit from market dynamics while potentially bolstering your investment portfolio. Thorough research is essential to navigate each avenue’s nuances and risks.

5. Seeking Expert Guidance: Partnering with Financial Professionals: To effectively navigate the intricate interplay of interest rates and real estate, consult financial advisors, mortgage experts, and real estate professionals. Their insights and tailored advice can help you make informed decisions aligned with your financial goals and market projections.

Conclusion: In the pursuit of the elusive 2.85% interest rate, remember that the real estate market’s complexity extends beyond rates alone. By exploring ARM options, capitalizing on current opportunities and planning for future refinancing, negotiating for seller concessions, and diversifying investment strategies, you can confidently navigate today’s real estate landscape. Stay informed, seek professional counsel, and make choices tailored to your financial situation and aspirations.

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