They say good things come to those who wait, and this treasure is now here for you in Rowayton! 😍
A stunning, romantic antique Victorian home nestled on enchanting 6 Crockett Street is now available to see after its windows were restored to their original glory! 🪟🔨 Added bonus: It is now sporting its best festive Halloween 🎃 decor.
Imagine sipping your morning coffee on the charming front porch or blue stone patio, surrounded by the fall blooms and the promise of exceptional views for every season! 🌞🍁 Or stroll down a block and relax in the cafe downtown.
✨ What to expect: 🏡 Timeless Victorian charm and history 🪟 Restored original glass windows for authentic charm, light, and energy efficiency 🌳 Lush and colorful garden spaces 🛌 5 bedrooms & 4 and a half baths 🌊 Steps to the harbor & water view glimpses upstairs! 🏞️ Prime downtown Rowayton location
📆 Arrange for a showing this week and a chance to make this dreamy Victorian 💫 your forever home. Your slice of Rowayton heaven is just within reach! 🏡 🤩
🎶 Join us for an unforgettable night at our Music For A Cure event! 🎗️ This Thursday, from 6-10 pm at @warehouseatfFTC, we’re turning up the volume to make a difference. 🌟
🎤 Groove to the sensational beats of Clear Blue Soul, and prepare to be surprised by and amazing guest singer! 🤩
🥂 Sip on your favorite drinks at the cash bar, savor delicious bites from food trucks, and get ready for an evening of fun and passion for the cause! 🚀
🎁 Jump into the raffle action because our raffle prizes are amazing, and the best part is that your participation contributes to innovative cancer research. 🧬 Together, we can make a difference!
🍰 Save room for free desserts because we believe in sweetening the deal for all our supporters! 🍰
Let’s unite to fight cancer through the power of music, dance, and community. 🌍💪 See you on Thursday! 🗓️ Don’t miss your chance to be part of the cure. 💖
Greetings, Fairfield and Westport homeowners. I know many of 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 September 2023 compared to August and to September 2022. You can also view the What Sold Reports to see all the single-family homes that sold in September 2023 in Fairfield and Westport Connecticut.
If you don’t like charts, skip to the summary below! 🤩
FAIRFIELD SINGLE-FAMILY – SEPTEMBER 2023
WESTPORT SINGLE-FAMILY – SEPTEMBER 2023
William Raveis Local Housing Data
Low inventory and strong buyer demand continue to maintain some upward pressure on prices.
Yes, mortgage rate increases have sidelined some buyers, but not enough to offset the low inventory. Here are five key points to understand about the market in September this year vs last year.
INVENTORY WAS DOWN 21% in Fairfield and 1% in Westport.
UNIT SALES WERE DOWN 37.9% in Fairfield and 55.3% in Westport.
MARKET TIME averaged 48 days in Fairfield and 58 days in Westport.
MEDIAN SALE PRICE was down slightly (1.1%) in Fairfield and UP 17.4% in Westport.
SALE PRICES AVERAGED 102.3% in Fairfield and 96.6% of asking in Fairfield and Westport respectively, (so pretty close to asking).
SOLD OVER ASKING: 74.3% in Fairfield and 18.8% in Westport.
When you are buying in this market, there is still a good amount of competition and a relatively short window of time before sellers are accepting offers. So it is important that you are ready to make an informed decision and have everything you need to submit a competitive offer. This means that you have your mortgage pre-approval or proof of funds in your agent’s hands, because an offer is not complete without this critical piece!
When you are selling, the market’s 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. In September, homes sold close to the asking price on average and went under contract in 48-58 days. Your agent will guide you on the strategy to maximize the demand for your listing in the current market.
Bottom line: There is a very nice window right now to sell your home. We are after the back-to-school rush and before the holiday craziness, after the summer heat and before the wintery mix. Buyer demand remains higher than the supply, and the inventory is still low.
People buy and sell in every market, so embrace your dream lifestyle and go for it, if now is right for you! The expert guidance of your agent will help you navigate this market 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!
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.
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!
It can’t hurt to check out a quick online home estimate to see what your house is worth, right?
Yes, and no.
Quick estimates from websites such as Zillow can be helpful as well as very misleading😳. As long as you understand that the number you get is a broad estimate based on an algorithm with limited capabilities you’re all good 🤩!
So what are four ways your agent’s analysis differs from a quick online estimate from Zillow?
Market Timing – The recommended list price from your agent is based on the most recent sale activity near your home as well as the current potential competition (active listings). Sites like Zillow may or may not use the most current market data. They pull from tax records, which may have errors, might not be up to date, and don’t account for market conditions.
Home Improvements – Your agent tours your home with you and takes detailed notes about all the assets you have and improvements you have made. Has Zillow come for a visit lately..? 🧐
Location, Location, Location – Your agent knows if your home is on a quiet street with incredible views, and close to all the local amenities, as well as if there are location challenges we need to strategically account for. The online algorithms do not have a way to assess value based on the characteristics of each home’s location.
Presentation – Your agent knows that when your home shows well, this usually results in a faster sale and more money in your pocket. Furthermore, your agent will help guide you on ways to boost your home’s presentation so you can secure top dollar. The online algorithms don’t have eyes into anyone’s living room.
If you’re dreaming of Barbie’s Castle, now’s the time to make the practical, savvy, grown-up choice! 🙂
Step into History and Luxury: Discover 6 Crockett Street, Rowayton’s Charming Victorian Gem! Welcome to this enchanting home on coveted, historic Oysterman’s Row along the harbor. It boasts a walk-to-everything location, charming wrap-around porch, idyllic gardens, new stone walkways, & delicate wrought iron gates. Bright & airy with 9-ft ceilings & tall windows, the gracious foyer leads to a spacious family room & elegant fireplace. Save energy with propane, tankless hot water, spray foam insulation, new Anderson windows upstairs, & maintenance-free Azek on the porch. Gaze at the water from upstairs before exploring the charming maritime community. Walk to the beach, quaint eateries, & Pinkney Park. Explore bustling SONO, or hop on a train to NYC in under an hour. Enjoy covered parking for 2 cars in the garage & carport. Experience the joy of history, luxury, & serenity in this one-of-a-kind home.
Call for more information. Linda Raymond, Realtor® 2 0 3 – 9 1 2 – 4 4 4 0 William Raveis Real Estate 2525 Post Rd – Southport, CT 06890
In the meantime, there’s no harm in channeling your inner Barbie! An enthusiastic group from our Southport office sure did! ….We saw the movie too! 🙂
Prices went down a little bit in July… Because the rates are high, and all the buyers left the market, right? 🤨
-Ah…No. Prices were up again in July and we still have an imbalance ⚖️ of supply
and demand.
Why are Prices Still Going Up when buyers are sidelined due to interest rates?!
I want to read a quote to you from Lawrence Yun, who’s the Chief Economist
for NAR. This puts it in perspective He says, “We need 50% more listings to reach pre-pandemic
2019 housing inventory levels. And we need 100% growth in listings to reach an adequate
supply.”
So as a result, the average sale price was 104 to 105% of the listing price in Fairfield
and Westport in July. And the accepted offers compared to the total available listings were
also way higher than pre-pandemic levels. It has gone down a little bit from the past two years,
but compared to 2019, accepted offers accounted for 27% of the active listings in Fairfield,
which was DOUBLE what it was in 2019 (13%), and 15% of the available listings had accepted
offers in Westport, which was TRIPLE what it was in 2019 (5%). So there is still extreme demand relative to the supply.
What’s the Good News?
🏡 The GOOD NEWS is that rising prices mean that, on the sale side, you
enjoy a high sale price. On the buy side, when you get into your new home, you can enjoy equity
from the continued appreciation ↗️ in prices.
🏡 New listings 🎉 are also coming on the market each day. We have 46 new listings on the market in Fairfield and Westport as we speak.
🏡 And the market time ⏰ is a little bit longer. Instead of just a few weeks before something flies off the shelf with an accepted offer, now listings are staying on the market for an average of one to two months before going to contract, so you have a little bit more time to make decisions 😅.
🏡 And who knows, MAYBE RATES WILL COME DOWN at the end of this year or next year 🙏!
So, send me a note now, and when you come back from your summer vacation, think about making your move! You can also see all the July stats here.
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.
I am seeing some buyer resistance to prices due to the added expense of current interest rates. However, the imbalance of supply and demand still keeps us in a seller’s market despite the rising rates. Here’s the latest market update.
The charts below show a summary of what happened in July 2023 compared to last July. My What Sold Reports include a list and summary of all the single-family homes that sold in July 2023 in Fairfield and Westport Connecticut.
FAIRFIELD SINGLE-FAMILY – JULY 2023
WESTPORT SINGLE-FAMILY – JULY 2023
William raveis Local Housing Data
Low inventory and strong buyer demand continue to push prices of many homes higher and also limit the overall market pace in Fairfield and Westport.
Here are six key points to understand about the market in July this year compared to last July.
INVENTORY WAS DOWN 13 – 14% in the two towns.
UNIT SALES WERE DOWN 39% in Fairfield and UP 6% in Westport.
SALE PRICES AVERAGED 104% – 105% of asking in both towns.
ACCEPTED OFFERS COMPARED TO ACTIVE LISTINGS REMAINED HIGH at 27% of active listings in Fairfield and 15% in Westport. Although these are lower percentages than in July of 2020 through July 2022, the accepted offer levels were still significantly higher than those of July 2019 pre-pandemic; double in Fairfield (13%) and triple in Westport (5%)!
MARKET TIME INCREASED to a range of 36 – 50 days to contract.
CASH DEALS comprised 36% and 38% of the sales in July in Fairfield and Westport respectively.
When you are buying in this market, you want to be prepared to come in with a competitive offer. This includes being prepared with a mortgage pre-approval or proof of funds in hand so you can make an offer quickly when you see a home you want! Remember, there’s a 36-38% chance you may be competing with cash offers, so you will want to do everything you can to present a competitive offer. The good news is that new listings are coming to the market each day.
If you are selling a home that you paid cash for, you can look forward to a high sale price and maximum equity!
There are multiple offers on some properties, while others receive just one, and some will even have a price reduction if the initial price was too ambitious. Homes on average were still selling above the asking price in July. Some are selling for full price, some above, and some are selling below. It depends on the demand for the individual property.
Bottom line: Now is a still a great time to sell! Buyer demand remains high. 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. Rates may also come down enabling you to refinance. Committing to the process will get you to your new home!
Reach out to me anytime with your questions about the market and to discuss your plans.
Not ready to think about your move yet? Please refer your friends to me using the form below. Referrals are a win-win!
If you are like many people I know, you would like to make a move but are trying to figure out the best timing for your goals. We are still in a seller’s market, and here’s the latest market update.
The charts below show a summary of what happened in June compared to June 2022. And my What Sold Reports list all the single-family homes that sold in June 2023 in Fairfield and Westport Connecticut.
FAIRFIELD SINGLE-FAMILY – JUNE 2023
WESTPORT SINGLE-FAMILY – JUNE 2023
Low inventory and strong buyer demand continue to push prices of many homes higher and also limit the overall market pace in Fairfield and Westport.Here are four key points to understand about the marketin June this year compared to June 2022.
UNIT SALES WERE DOWN in both towns (20% in Fairfield, 30% in Westport).
THE SELLING PRICE AVERAGED 103% – 105% of asking in both towns.
MARKET TIME DECREASED to a range of 22 – 32 days to contract!
CASH DEALS comprised 31% and 39% of the sales in June in Fairfield and Westport respectively.
If you are buying a home, there’s a 30-40% chance you may be competing with cash offers, so you will want to do everything you can to present a competitive offer.
If you are selling a home that you paid cash for, you can look forward to a high selling price and maximum equity!
There are multiple offers on some properties, while others receive just one, and some will even have a price reduction if the initial price was too ambitious. Homes on average, are selling above the asking price based on June numbers though. Some are selling for full price, some above, and some are selling below. It depends on the demand for the individual property.
Bottom line: Now is a still a great time to sell! Buyer demand remains high. Inventory is still low. But new listings are still coming to the market each day, so committing to the process will ultimately land you your new home!
Reach out to me anytime with your questions about the market and to discuss your plans. Not ready to think about your move yet? Please refer your friends to me using the form below. Referrals are a win-win!
Fairfield and Westport CT Real Estate Guide 