Fairfield and Westport CT Real Estate Guide

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

Tag Archives: new home


by 1 Comment

Midlife Moves in Fairfield and Westport Connecticut: A Surprising New Beginning


At midlife, many of us begin to feel that our environment no longer aligns with who we’ve become. A relocation isn’t just about changing a street address—it’s about reshaping your way of being: where you live, how you work, and what you aspire to next. Research shows that moving at this life stage can open fresh habits, renewed purpose and better alignment between lifestyle and career.

Major Takeaways

Midlife is your moment. A move during this phase can serve as a strategic reset—offer a new home that fits your evolving self, pick a neighborhood that reflects your future rhythms, and make real estate decisions that support your personal and professional growth.

Real Estate & Lifestyle: Practical Considerations

To make the move count, choices matter. Consider:

● Location: Are you close to transit, nature, culture hubs? That daily rhythm will shape your life. Consider Fairfield, Connecticut, for example.

● Layout & maintenance: A single-level house, smaller footprint, less upkeep may support flexibility and freedom. Consider temporary storage to lighten the load when making a transition.

● Budget and tax clarity: Midlife moves often coincide with lifestyle shifts—know the cost of living, property taxes and long-term affordability.

● Neighborhood vibe & community: The place you land should match the values and habits you’re cultivating now—not just the past.

● Career & growth alignment: Whether you’re pivoting in job, returning to education, or consulting remotely, choose a home and locale that support those ambitions.

How-To Checklist: Mapping Your Midlife Move

● Clarify your “why” — write three reasons you’re relocating.

● Audit your current lifestyle — list what works, what doesn’t.

● Visit target neighborhoods — stay 1–2 nights, see the rhythm.

● Workout the finances — consult with a trusted lender to discuss down payment, taxes, HOA, cost of living.

● Match the home to your future self — list must-haves (structure, light, flexibility) vs nice-to-haves.

● Set a 90-day plan post-move — attend a class, volunteer, host a dinner.

● Review at 6 months — how’s it fitting? What tweaks are needed?

Real Estate Snapshot Table

FactorHome FocusNeighborhood Focus
Physical fitnessLayout, stairs, age-friendlinessWalkability, green space, access
Financial viabilityPrice, maintenance, taxesProperty tax rates, cost of living
Career/learningHome office, strong signal/broadbandNearby universities, co-working, hubs
Social/lifestyleSpace for hobbies, friendsCommunity events, cafés, clubs
Future flexibilityAdaptable rooms, resale potentialGrowing neighborhood, infrastructure

Education & Growth in the Mix

As part of your midlife relocation, consider re-entering education to sharpen your skills or redefine your career path. Whether you’re earning new credentials or deepening expertise, going back to school can reinforce the fresh start. Online degree programs make it easier to juggle your job and keep up with your studies.

FAQ

Q: Isn’t moving in midlife risky? A: It can feel risky, but many people in their 40s, 50s, and beyond are making thoughtful moves and finding new alignment—not just change. (Careerminds) (Next Chapter Magazine)

Q: Should I sell my current home first or buy then sell? A: It depends entirely on your market, finances, and emotional readiness. Some benefit from renting in the new area first to test the environment.

Q: How do I build new social ties in a new place? A: Actively show up. Volunteer, attend local events, join local clubs. Belonging is built by presence and connection, not by default.

Product Spotlight If you’re redesigning how you plan and live, consider using a LifePlanner, a customizable weekly/monthly planner that helps you track moving tasks, lifestyle goals and routines. It’s a fitting tool when you’re orchestrating a major life shift and want intentional structure.

Relocating in midlife isn’t about starting over—it’s about starting better. When you align where you live with who you are becoming—physically, socially, professionally—you unlock a lifestyle that’s more meaningful, manageable and exciting. Choose the right home in the right neighborhood, weave in your career or learning ambitions, and lean into the community you want to build. The address isn’t everything—but the right one can make all the difference!

By Guest writer, Sharon Wagner and Connecticut Realtor, Linda Raymond, William Raveis Real Estate

Orange bar, text: Thinking of moving in the next 12 months? Call for your free consultation, 203-912-4440

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Discover the charm of coastal living and stay ahead in the real estate market with expert insights from the Linda Raymond Real Estate Blog!

#ConnecticutRealtor #FairfieldCTRealEstate #WestportCTHomes #LindaRaymondRealtor #NewLifestyle #MidlifeMoves #BuyingAHome #SellingAHome #VacantHomeTips #RemoteHomeSelling #OutOfStateSeller #HomeSellingAdvice #CTRealEstateExpert #SellYourHomeSmart #HomeGoals #CTHomes #RealEstateTips #SellBeforeYouBuy


by Leave a comment

New Home! 4 Tips on How to Get There!

Click to view Instagram Reel! Linda & happy client who sold two condos in NY & bought a house in CT!

A new home would be great, but how do you get there?

Curious what your home is worth? If you’ve been thinking about the huge decision of making a move right now, you’re not alone, and I can relate to the challenges you and so many others are facing. You’re wondering how you can coordinate the timing between buying and selling, how you will find your new home, how you will be able to get your house ready for the market. And what about the shifting market trends and interest rates? Should you be waiting for a housing market crash?

It’s completely understandable to have concerns

Most people who decided to make a move had many of these worries when they started too. I went though a challenging home purchase myself before I was a Realtor. Believe me, I’ve been there! If you’re curious, you can see the story of my first home purchase as shared with the Fairfield Coastal Neighbors Magazine. The truth is that uncertainty is always going to be a reality, and we need to embrace that in order to move forward. It is impossible to time the market, but you can control your plans and goals. Here are four tips on how to get to your new home.

1: Focus on your why

If you’re thinking about selling your current home and buying a new one, you undoubtably have significant reasons that go far deeper just having a new house. Do you need more space and privacy to give yourself peace, focus, and privacy? Do you still work from home, or need to accommodate an extended family? Have your “little ones” gone off to college and now you want to scale down and invest your proceeds into other assets, or invest in the lifestyle your dreams? Maybe you’ve been dreaming about exciting travel plans! Do you need to be closer to your family? Closer to your job?

2. Commit to your quality of life

Once you are clear on your important reasons for making a change and that this is the ideal time for you to make this change, it is time to commit. It’s time to pursue this lifestyle that you yearn for and deserve. Once you commit in your heart and your mind that you want these changes for yourself and you want them now, everything else will fall into place!

3. Trust the process

When you talk through your dreams with your agent and explain your important why’s, they will have the resources and experience to guide you toward your destination. As I had mentioned during my interview with the Fairfield HamletHub, William Raveis has developed new tools to eliminate many of the roadblocks to being able to sell and move quickly in the current market. Here are some of my client’s stories. Kelly and Steve made the move from their childhood home after dreaming about it for years. Dave and Suzanne sold their home, then found their dream home, obtaining temporary housing and storage in the interim. Wolf and Marianna did some soul searching and then made the commitment to themselves to pursue their new lifestyle. They listed their house and got a contract on it while they shopped for their new one. They were able to coordinate their closings and step right into their new home and new beginning!

4. There’s no such thing as perfect, here’s how you don’t miss out!

People who have made a successful move have found the home that meets their top priority needs and wants. Once you’ve decided to move forward, the key is to find the new home that provides about eight out of 10 of your key wishlist items. These wishlist items should be tied to your most important reasons for moving, the ones that impact your quality of life. Be careful not to rule out homes due to things that can easily be changed over time, especially in a low-inventory market. Remember the real reasons you are pursuing this huge transition. If price is one of the items that extends beyond your wishlist, this would be the time to consult with your lender to see if extending your budget is realistic for you. Remember that home appreciation is forecast to continue for another five years at least, so you can gain equity right away. There is no such thing as a 100% perfect home. Believe it or not, even people who pay for a custom designed and built home find a list of things they would have done differently in retrospect. So use the 80% rule to zoom in on your key impact priorities so that you don’t miss out for the wrong reasons.

The rest is history

In my case, my husband and I had lost a few before landing what was ultimately our first choice. And, yep, we bought at the height of the market in 2004. But we never labored about the decision because it was a lifestyle choice, not a stock market trade or casino move. We have absolutely loved life here over the past 18 years! And as it turns out, our home has continued to grow in value. Our interest rate was higher, but we since refinanced. I then became a Realtor, and the rest is history…until we decide to move again to our next new home!

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨


by 2 Comments

Real Estate News: Westport and Fairfield CT August 2021

July numbers are in, and opportunity still knocks!

You, like many others have been ready to get out of your current home for quite a while, but you haven’t made the move yet. It’s a monumental decision for sure. You want to get the best ROI and the best terms when you sell and also be able to transition to the ideal new home for your next chapter.

But you are worried about how to prepare your house for sale, navigate the process, and manage the timing. This is all very understandable. This is also why you need an expert agent who understands the current market and who will implement a strategy for you that fits with your priorities and guides you toward achieving your goals.

How’s the single-family housing market in Westport and Fairfield Connecticut as we move into August?

Take a look at the stats below showing how the stats in July 2021 compare to July 2020.

In WESTPORT

  • Single-Family Homes Sales are DOWN 28.1.5% from 96 to 69 homes sold.
  • The Median Sale Price is UP 19% from $1,294,500 to $1,540,000.
  • Inventory is DOWN 18.4% from 244 to 199 homes for sale.
  • Months of Supply is DOWN 44.9% from 6 months to 3.51.
  • Market Time is DOWN 41.1% from 73 to 43 days.

In FAIRFIELD

  • Single-Family Homes Sales are DOWN 34.7% from 147 to 96 homes sold.
  • The Median Sale Price is UP 12.5% from $640,000 to $720,000.
  • Inventory is DOWN 42.2% from 396 to 229 homes for sale.
  • Months of Supply is DOWN 60.6% from 6 months to 2.37!
  • Market Time is DOWN 50.6% from 85 to 42 days.

The trends of low inventory, increasing median sale price, and short market time continue through July. Unit sales dipped in July, likely due to the continued reduced inventory in combination with “buyer fatigue”, and summer vacations. We will likely see reduced closings for the same reasons in August as well.

More homes are listed for sale each day, so despite the low inventory, there is an ever-changing selection to choose from, and you only need one to make your move!

As of the day of this writing, there are 68 newly listed single-family homes and condos in Westport and Fairfield.

Yet the buyer demand is still stronger than the supply which is keeping the inventory low, causing some continued multiple offer situations, though not as many as in earlier months, and pushing sale prices up in both towns.

Opportunities are here for both buyers and sellers in this dynamic marketplace, but we can all benefit from more homeowners listing their properties for sale!

Home appreciation is expected to continue according to the National Association of Realtors Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun. Interest rates are anticipated to rise slightly but are still expected to remain historically low.

So if you are seeking your perfect home, you may want to take the plunge and move forward with doing so now!

If you are thinking of selling in the next 12 months and would like to discuss how to buy and sell your home in the current or future markets, call me today 203.912.4440.

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

 


by 2 Comments

How’s the Housing Market in Westport and Fairfield CT at the Start of July 2021?

As far as the market is concerned, opportunity still knocks! So, why stay on the fence, when you can get a new one! 😉

You, like many others have been ready to get out of your current home for quite a while, but you haven’t made the move yet. It’s a monumental decision for sure. You want to get the best ROI and the best terms when you sell and also be able to transition to the right new home for your next chapter. You are worried about how to prepare your house for sale, navigate the process, and manage the timing. This is all very understandable. This is also why you need an expert agent who understands the current market and who will implement a strategy for you that fits with your priorities and guides you toward achieving your goals.

How’s the single-family housing market in Westport and Fairfield Connecticut as we head into July?

Take a look at the stats below comparing June 2021 to last June 2020:

In WESTPORT

  • Single-Family Homes Sales are UP 25.5% from 51 to 64 homes sold.
  • The Median Sale Price is UP 7.1% from $1,495,000 to $1,601,000.
  • Inventory is DOWN 22.6% from 283 to 219 homes for sale.
  • Months of Supply is DOWN 56.7% from 9 months to 3.72.
  • Market Time is DOWN 65% from 123 to 43 days.

In FAIRFIELD

  • Single-Family Homes Sales are UP 12.9% from 93 to 105 homes sold.
  • The Median Sale Price is UP 16.9% from $650,000 to $760,000.
  • Inventory is DOWN 42.9% from 434 to 248 homes for sale.
  • Months of Supply is DOWN 64.8% from 7 months to 2.46!
  • Market Time is DOWN 45.1% from 91 to 50 days.

The trends of extremely low inventory, increasing median sale price, and short market time continue through June. However, the market is not stagnant. Unit sales are up and we are seeing more homes listed for sale. In fact, as of the day of this writing, there are 71 newly listed single-family homes and condos in Westport and Fairfield. The buyer demand is still stronger than the supply which is keeping the inventory low, causing many multiple offer situations, and pushing sale prices upward in both towns.

Opportunities are here for both buyers and sellers in this dynamic marketplace, but we can all benefit from more homeowners listing their properties for sale!

As the summer temps rise, home appreciation as well as interest rates are anticipated to follow. Yet interest rates are still expected to remain historically low, and buyers continue to look for their perfect homes. If you are a homeowner on the fence, now is a great time to sell!

If you are thinking of selling in the next 12 months and would like to discuss how to buy and sell your home in the current market, call me today 203.912.4440.

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

 


by Leave a comment

How’s the Housing Market, June 2021? Is it Still Strong in Westport and Fairfield CT?

How’s the single-family housing market in Fairfield and Westport Connecticut at the end of May as we head into June? Take a look at the info below to see the comparison to last May, 2020, and take note of the opportunities. If we follow last year’s trend, we will see a spike in sales beginning in the next couple of weeks and extending through September!

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 in the form below for the link! Here are the specifics. 

In WESTPORT

  • Single-Family Homes Sales are UP 52% from 31 to 47 homes sold.
  • The Median Sale Price is UP 46% from $1,085,000 to $1,582,000.
  • Inventory is DOWN 29% from 306 to 217 homes for sale.
  • Months of Supply is DOWN 61% from 10 months to 4.
  • Market Time is DOWN 41% from 90 to 53 days.

In FAIRFIELD

  • Single-Family Homes Sales are UP 3% from 72 to 74 homes sold.
  • The Median Sale Price is UP 22% from $662,500 to $807,500.
  • Inventory is DOWN 39% from 421 to 257 homes for sale.
  • Months of Supply is DOWN 62% from 7 months to 2.6!
  • Market Time is DOWN 56% from 107 to 56 days.

The trends of extremely low inventory, increasing median sale price, and short market time continues through May, though we are seeing more homes come on the market. The strong buyer demand in the face of this limited choice is still causing frequent multiple offer situations and pushing sale prices upward in both towns.

Opportunities are here for both buyers and sellers, but the market can unquestionably benefit from more home owners listing their properties for sale! The summer is heating up, and me may see another spike in June through September like last year, depending on whether people are still wanting to escape the City. Interest rates remain low, and buyers are still out looking for their perfect homes. If you have been wondering, yes, now is the time to sell!

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!

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

 


by 1 Comment

How’s the Housing Market, May 2021? Is Now a Good Time to Sell in Westport and Fairfield CT?

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

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 DOWN 8% from 39 to 36 homes sold.
  • The Median Sale Price is UP 27% from $1,100,000 to $1,401,500.
  • Inventory is DOWN 35% from 271 to 177 homes for sale.
  • Months of Supply is DOWN 62% from 8 months to 3.
  • Market Time is DOWN 37% from 137 to 86 days.

In FAIRFIELD

  • Single-Family Homes Sales are UP 70% from 56 to 70 homes sold.
  • The Median Sale Price is UP 10% from $645,250 to $712,500.
  • Inventory is DOWN 46% from 426 to 231 homes for sale.
  • Months of Supply is DOWN 66% from 7 months to 2!
  • Market Time is DOWN 39% from 107 to 65 days.

The trend of extremely low inventory, increasing median sale price, and short market time continues through April into May, though we are seeing more homes come on the market. The strong buyer demand in the face of this limited choice is still causing frequent multiple offer situations and has even slowed the rate of sales in Westport compared to April 2020.

Opportunities are here for both buyers and sellers, but the market can unquestionably benefit from more sellers entering the market! Vaccines are here, spring is here, interest rates remain low, and buyers are circling. If you have been wondering, yes, now is the time to sell!

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!

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

 


by Leave a comment

How’s the Housing Market, April 2021? Is Now a Good Time to Sell in Westport and Fairfield CT?

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

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 29% from 31 to 40 homes sold.
The Median Sale Price is UP 29% from $1,375,000 to $1,774,500.
Inventory is DOWN 47% from 289 to 153 homes for sale.
Months of Supply is DOWN 70% from 9 months to less than 3!
Market Time is DOWN 49% from 132 to 67 days.

In FAIRFIELD

Single-Family Homes Sales are UP 69% from 54 to 91 homes sold.
The Median Sale Price is UP 20% from $587,450 to $703,000.
Inventory is DOWN 55% from 479 to 217 homes for sale.
Months of Supply is DOWN 71% from 8 months to 2!
Market Time is DOWN 19% from 96 to 78 days.

The trend of extremely low inventory, increasing median sale price, and short market time continues through March into April, though we are seeing more homes come on the market. The strong buyer demand in the face of this limited choice is still causing frequent multiple offer situations.

Opportunities exist for both buyers and sellers, but the market can unquestionably benefit from more sellers entering the market! Vaccines are here, spring is here, interest rates remain low, and buyers are waiting. If you have been wondering, yes, now is the time to sell.

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!

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

 


by 2 Comments

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!

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

 


by 3 Comments

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!

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

 


by 3 Comments

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!

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨