May 2026 photo collage with spring flowers and optimism!
It’s May! 🌷 Here’s a summary of the Fairfield and Westport CT single-family markets in April 2026 compared to a year ago.
April 2026 Takeaways 📝
Low inventory continues, making it a competitive market for buyers, and giving sellers an advantage, in general.
On average, homes sold over the asking price, but this average reflects a wide variation.
There were a combination of bidding wars along with listings that sat on the market, and listings that reduced prices.
Buyers need to work with their agents to determine the market competition and other factors specific to the home they want to bid on to inform a strategic offer.
Sellers cannot take the low inventory situation for granted and must approach the market strategically as well in order to capitalize on buyer demand along with buyer fatigue.
As much as 42% of sales were cash deals.
In Fairfield, sluggish sales and increased inventory caused the housing supply to increase to 2.34 months-worth in April. These factors favored buyers, though prices were still up due to greater buyer demand than housing supply. Sellers signed contracts in an average of 34 days, though many accepted offers within a week. Other homes sat on the market and had price adjustments before securing an offer.
Homes sold for an average of 5% above the asking price. This reflected a wide range though, from 93% to 121% of the list price. Most homes sold close to full price, with 97% of homes selling at or above 95% of the list price. Cash deals accounted for 42% of the sales.
Unit sales were up in Westport, despite a 22% drop in inventory from the prior year bringing down the months of supply. The seller’s advantage continued. Days to contract averaged 50, which was an increase from the prior year.
Sale prices averaged 104% of asking. There was also a wide variation here, with a low of 93% up to as high as 122% of the price! Eighty-six percent of the sale prices were at or above 95% of the asking price. Thirty-two percent of the of the buyers in April reported using cash. A number of buyers withheld this information, so the percentage was likely higher.
Fairfield and Westport CT single-family markets in February 2026 compared to 2025.
February sales were lack-luster compared to the same time in 2025, likely due to the frigid temperatures and ample snow in January. However, as ‘winter’ headed toward the rearview mirror, more sellers began to enter the market causing a rise in inventory. Competition among buyers remained stiff with many homes selling above the list price.
Contact your agent to help you plan for your new home this Spring! 🏡 🌱☀️
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Photo collage depicting spring onset with the welcome warmth of the sun!
Welcome Spring! 🌱 Here’s a summary of the Fairfield and Westport CT single-family markets in March 2026 compared to a year ago.
March2026 Takeaways 📝
In Fairfield, the sellers’ market continued, with just 96 single-family homes for sale and two months of supply despite a small increase in inventory from the prior year. The average time on market was a little over a month to contract. The median sale price and price per square foot was also higher than a year ago. Sales activity was up nearly 9% from March 2025, suggesting that more people are ready to get into the market and commit to their lifestyle goals.
Homes sold for an average of 4% above the asking price. This reflects a wide range though, from 83% to 124% of the asking price. Most homes sold close to full price, with just 13% of sales below 95% of the list price. Cash deals accounted for 37% of the sales.
Unit sales were also up In Westport, despite a dip in inventory from the prior year. The seller’s advantage continued here as well. Housing inventory was down 4% from the previous year with 74 houses for sale, and there were just under three months worth of supply. Days on market averaged 80, a nearly 67% increase over the prior year.
Sale prices averaged 102% of asking. There was also a wide variation here, with a low of 78% of the list price up to as much as 134% of the price! Interestingly though, 26% of the sale prices were under 95% of the asking price. So this average is made of extremes, and each sale is unique depending on the demand and perceived value for that particular property at the time it hits the market. A significant 62% of the sales in March were made with cash!
Sales Were Up
Sales activity was up in both towns compared to a year ago. Inventory was still low but appeared to be starting to trend upward. The spring market was delayed by extreme winter weather conditions this year, but more homes were beginning to arrive on the market.
The Opportunities… ✅
Rates areholding steady with the 30-year fixed conforming mortgage rateat 6.125% and the jumbo rate at 6.000% at the time this was written. William Raveis Mortgage also offers adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) with rates in the low-five percent range.
Sellers, if you enter the market now, you still benefit from low competition.
Concerned about coordinating a purchase with your home sale?
If you are looking to buy and worry about coordinating your sale with finding your new home, you can protect yourself in the transition when you list your house “subject to finding suitable housing”. This means you are under no obligation to sell your house until you have found the new home.
Another option is to sell your house and rent it back until you’re ready to move. This puts cash in your pocket and positions you as a strong buyer.
You can also request a long closing to give you time to find and close on your new home.
You can opt for a short term bridge loan for your purchase that you pay back when you sell your house.
Talk to your agent and mortgage broker about a strategy that works best for you. Putting your house on the market enables you to be a competitive buyer while expanding the housing choices for everyone out there shopping for a home!
Buyers, depending on the competition for the home you are bidding on, you may face multiple offers or you could have leverage to negotiate. Remember to have your budget set, down payment saved, and credit score in good order. Avoid taking out other loans or financing other large purchases before and during a mortgage application process! If you see something you like, be prepared to have your agent submit a complete and competitive offer including your pre-approval or proof of funds. If you need to sell your house first, talk to your agent as soon as possible to determine your strategy.
Contact your agent to help you plan for your new home this year! 🏡 🌱☀️
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I pulled up my own credit report on camera and walked through every factor live 😅. Here’s exactly what goes into your score — and why each one matters when you’re buying or selling a home.
Your credit score is calculated using five specific factors, each weighted differently. Understanding the breakdown doesn’t just satisfy curiosity — it gives you a roadmap to improve your score strategically before you enter the real estate market.
Below is the exact framework the major credit bureaus use, paired with what it means for home buyers and sellers here in Fairfield County.
This is the most heavily weighted element in your score for good reason: lenders want to know, above everything else, whether you pay your bills on time. Every on-time payment builds your score. Every missed or late payment damages it — and that damage lingers on your report for up to seven years. Even one 30-day late payment can drop a good score by 60–110 points.
🏡 Realtor Tip: If you’re planning to buy in Fairfield County in the next 6–12 months, set every account to autopay minimum payments today. One forgotten bill can cost you thousands in mortgage interest.
FACTOR 2 · 30% OF YOUR SCORE
Amounts Owed — Your credit utilization ratio
This factor measures how much of your available revolving credit you’re currently using. It’s expressed as a percentage — if you have a $10,000 credit limit and carry a $3,000 balance, your utilization is 30%. Lenders want to see this number below 30%, and ideally below 10% for the strongest scores. Maxed-out cards are a major red flag, even if you pay them off monthly.
🏡 Realtor Tip: Paying down balances before applying for a mortgage is one of the fastest ways to boost your score. Unlike late payments, utilization improvements can show up on your report within 30 days of paying down a balance.
FACTOR 3 · 15% OF YOUR SCORE
Length of Credit History — Time is on your side
The longer your credit accounts have been open and active, the better. This factor considers the age of your oldest account, your newest account, and the average age of all accounts. This is why financial advisors often caution against closing old credit cards — even ones you no longer use. Closing an old account shortens your average credit age and can ding your score.
🏡 Realtor Tip: Don’t close unused credit cards in the months before buying a home. Keep them open with a small recurring charge (like a streaming subscription) paid automatically each month.
FACTOR 4 · 10% OF YOUR SCORE
Credit Mix — Variety shows responsibility
Lenders like to see that you can manage different types of credit responsibly. A healthy mix includes revolving credit (credit cards), installment loans (auto, student, personal), and ideally a mortgage. You don’t need one of every type — and you should never open new accounts just to diversify. But if you only have credit cards, adding a small installment loan over time can gradually help your mix.
🏡 Realtor Tip: This factor matters least in the short term. Don’t make major financial decisions — like taking out a new loan — just to improve your credit mix before buying a home.
FACTOR 5 · 10% OF YOUR SCORE
New Credit — Every application leaves a footprint
Each time you apply for new credit, the lender performs a “hard inquiry” on your report. One inquiry typically costs you 5–10 points and stays on your report for two years. Multiple applications in a short window — outside of rate shopping for a single mortgage — can signal financial stress to lenders. The good news: mortgage-related inquiries within a 45-day window are typically grouped and counted as just one.
🏡 Realtor Tip: Avoid opening any new credit accounts — cards, car loans, store financing — in the 6 months before applying for a mortgage. Even a single new account can raise lender questions at underwriting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is my credit score updated?
Your credit score updates whenever your lenders report new information to the bureaus — typically once a month. This means improvements from paying down balances or making on-time payments can show up relatively quickly, usually within 30–60 days.
Which credit score do mortgage lenders use?
Most mortgage lenders use FICO scores — specifically FICO 2, FICO 4, and FICO 5 — pulled from all three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). They typically use the middle of the three scores. This may differ from the score you see on free monitoring apps, which often use VantageScore.
How much can I realistically improve my score before buying?
It depends on what’s holding your score down. Paying off high balances can produce significant improvement in 30–60 days. Clearing up errors through a dispute can take 30–45 days. Recovering from a late payment or collection takes longer — typically 12–24 months of clean history. Most buyers can meaningfully improve their score in 3–6 months of focused effort.
Should I check my own credit report before talking to a lender?
Absolutely — and you should do it at least 3–6 months before you plan to buy. This gives you time to dispute errors, pay down balances, and address any surprises before a lender sees your file. You can access your free report from all three bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com.
Want to know where your credit stands before buying in Fairfield, Southport, Westport and beyond? I work alongside William Raveis Mortgage to help buyers understand their credit picture before they ever start touring homes. Reach out and let’s talk about getting you — and your score — ready to compete.
Romantic photo collage depicting a warm, cozy, and aspirational lifestyle for the months to come!
Happy February! Here’s a summary of where we are in the Fairfield and Westport CT single-family markets in January 2026 compared to a year ago.
January2026 Takeaways 😉
In Fairfield, the market still favored sellers due to very low inventory with just 85 houses for sale and less than two months of supply. The average time on market was 30 days to contract. Ninety-three percent of the homes sold for at least 95% of asking, and sale prices averaged 101% of the list price showing sustained buyer demand.
In Westport, the seller’s advantage also continued, though increased inventory and market time hinted at a potentially more balanced market to come. Housing inventory was up 32% from the previous year, and the months of supply was more than 34% higher than in January of 2025. Days on market averaged 34, a nearly 80% increase over the prior year. Sale prices averaged 102% of asking. Eighty-seven percent of homes sold for an average of 95% or more of the asking price.
Sales Were Up
January 2026 sales were up 15% from January 2025. This is in response to the drop in interest rates from the seven percent range to the low-mid six percent range, coupled with pent up buyer demand, and a bit more choice coming to the market.
The Opportunities… ✅
Rates are down with the 30-year fixed conforming mortgage rateat 6% and the jumbo rate at 5.875% at the time this was written. William Raveis Mortgage also offers adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) with rates in the low-five percent range.
Chief economist for the National Association of Realtors, Lawrence Yun, emphasizes that the current interest rates are the lowest in three years.This means mortgage affordability is up!
Sellers entering the market now still benefit from low competition. The spring market begins to escalate after the Super Bowl!
If you are looking to buy and worry about coordinating your sale with finding your new home, you can protect yourself in the transition when you list your house “subject to finding suitable housing”. This means you are under no obligation to sell your house until you have found the new home.
Another option is to sell your house and rent it back until you’re ready to move. This puts cash in your pocket and positions you as a strong buyer.
You can also request a long closing to give you time to find and close on your new home. Additionally, it’s possible to buy before your sell with a bridge loan. Talk to your agent about a strategy that works best for you. Putting your house on the market enables you to be a competitive buyer while expanding the housing choices for everyone out there shopping for a home!
Buyers, depending on the competition for the home you are bidding on, you may face multiple offers or you could have leverage to negotiate. Remember to have your budget set, down payment saved, and credit score in good order. Avoid taking out other loans or financing other large purchases when preparing to finance a home! If you see something you like, be prepared to have your agent submit a complete and competitive offer including your pre-approval or proof of funds. If you need to sell your house first, talk to your agent as soon as possible to determine your strategy.
Contact your agent to help you plan for your new home this year! 🏡 💫
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If only I had a nearby home office that could double as a guest space… I want my parents to downsize and live near us, but there just aren’t many options…. We need a smart retirement plan that reduces net living expenses and allows us to travel! I wish we had an income-producing opportunity on our existing property…
What is an ADU?
An ADU is a permanent living space that sits on the property of an existing home and includes its own entrance, sleeping quarters, a bathroom, and a parking space. It can be attached, detached, or even within the existing home. The ADU shares utility connections from the main house and is a fixed structure that is subject to all local zoning and permitting regulations. It can be as small as under 300 square feet or as large as around 1,000 square feet or more, depending on the town regulations. ADUs are permanent residences, unlike mobile homes or tiny homes, that are temporary in nature.
Cool Features
State of the art ADU construction emphasizes sustainability, accessibility, clever design, and excellent use of space. Some even have basements as a relatively inexpensive way to add utility within the footprint.
Accessibility features may include an elevator, barrier-free shower access (walk or roll right in!), shower grab bars, and easy handles in the kitchen.
Solar panels and insulated panel construction are examples of sustainability features
To maximize space, hanging toilets are often used, where much of the unit sits behind the wall. A spiral stair case or mini elevator can be great space-savers, and rooms with Murphy beds enable multi-purpose use. A design that allows for ample natural light is key in maximizing the feeling of spaciousness.
What Are the Benefits of an ADU?
Referred to as “the perfect housing solution” by expert and author of several books on the subject, Sheri Khoones, ADUs can serve many purposes. They can be a great solution, for blended families, adult children, live-in care-givers, vacation space, guests, office space, aging in place near family, earning rental income, and adding value to your property.
How Long Does it Take to Add an ADU?
You are essentially building a home, though small, so all of the same steps apply. These include a survey, feasibility determination, site work, permitting and approval process, design, material orders, utility connections, and inspections. It can take three to six months for the materials to arrive after town approvals. Therefore, the timing can range from six to 12 months.
How Much Does it Cost?
The cost can range from $250,000 to $450,000 for a detached ADU in Fairfield County. The key variables are size, whether it’s attached or detached, the site work, utility requirements, building methods, such as pre-fabricated or not, customization, and finishes. Other areas in Connecticut may cost less. A converted garage would also cost less.
=> Inspiration – For more information and inspiration about ADUs in Connecticut and across the country, local author, Sheri Koones has written a number of books.
=> Town Regulations
Zoning regulations vary by town, and ADUs fall under the Affordable Housing department. CoThese are some of the key regulations for ADUs in Fairfield:
Ownership: The principal owner must occupy either the main house or the ADU.
Size: The ADU cannot exceed 40% of the floor area of the existing house or 1,500 square feet, whichever is less.
Attached: An ADU must be attached to the primary residence in R-2, A, B, and C zones, unless a variance is approved.
Detached: An ADU can be detached in AAA, AA, and R-3 zones.
Occupancy: Maximum of 2 people for standard ADUs, or 3 people if designated as affordable housing.
Parking: At least one off-street parking space is required.
Rental Period: Units cannot be rented for less than 60 consecutive days.
Design & Location: Detached or attached ADUs are allowed, including garage conversions.
Approval Process: The Town Plan and Zoning and Health Departments must approve all projects, which often includes submitting an A-2 survey.
Conforming: Lots must be conforming, or a variance would be needed.
Affordable Housing: ADUs can qualify for affordable housing subject to town and Connecticut 8-30g regulations.
The links below provide more information on zoning regulations in nearby towns and how to proceed if you want to add an accessory apartment to your home.
Image: Nostalgic collage of romantic flowers, family photos, and a cozy home in the snow.
Happy Holidays! 🎁 Enjoy adding the December market update to your wintery mix!
As we embrace cherished memories and prepare to make new ones with family and friends, now is also a great moment to reflect on our local markets and the opportunities ahead! Here’s a summary of the Fairfield and Westport CT single-family markets in November 2025 compared to a year ago. Do you think a shift is happening?
November2025Takeaways 🤓
In Fairfield sales were up and so were the inventory and months of supply. The median sale price and price per square foot were also up compared to last year, while the market time was unchanged. Ninety-two percent of the homes sold for at least 95% of asking, with sale prices averaging 101.5% of asking (up slightly from 100% last year).
Westport
In Westport sales were down from a year ago, while the inventory, months of supply, and market time were up. The median sale price was down from a year ago, and also down from last month. Sale prices averaged 95% of asking, down from 100% last November. Seventy-two percent of homes sold for 95% or more of the asking price (same as last month).
November sales reflect activity in October, when many try to complete their moves before the holiday season approaches. Fairfield’s market did reflect a flurry of activity, while the market in Westport slowed both in unit sales and market time, which averaged a month and a half. The months of supply in both towns remained well below six, indicating a market still in favor of home sellers. Although many sellers still enjoyed top sale prices and multiple offers, many buyers were able to negotiate prices below the list price.
The Opportunities… 🥳
Rates are down with the 30-year fixed conforming mortgage ratedown to 6.125% and the jumbo rate at 5.750% at the time this was written. William Raveis Mortgage also offers adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) with rates in the 4-5% range. This means mortgage affordability is up!
Sellers entering the market now still benefit from home appreciation and relatively low competition. If you are also looking to buy but worry about finding your new home, you have options to protect your transition when you list your house for sale. You are protected when you list your house for sale “subject to finding suitable housing”. This means you are under no obligation to sell your house until you have found the new home to move into. Another option is to sell your house and rent it back until you’re ready to move. This puts cash in your pocket and positions you as a strong buyer. You could also request a long closing to give you time to find your new home. It is also possible to buy before your sell with a bridge loan. Talk to your agent about a strategy that works best for you. Listing your house soon will enable you to be a competitive buyer and add one more home to choose from for everyone out there shopping for a home!
Buyers, depending on the competition for the home you want to pursue, you may face multiple offers, or you may have leverage to negotiate. Increased inventory and longer market times work in your favor. If you see something you like, be prepared to submit a complete and competitive offer including your pre-approval or proof of funds. If you need to sell your house first, talk to your agent as soon as possible to prepare your strategy.
Contact your agent if you’re dreaming of a new home this season! 🎁 🏡
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Image: Warm and festive long table extending away toward a tall stone fireplace
Happy November! 🦃 What will you be thankful for and what’s on your wishlist this season?
Take a look at this summary of the Fairfield and Westport CT single-family markets this October compared to a year ago and the opportunities ahead. Spoiler alert: The broad theme is “UP“!
Key Takeaways from October2025 🧐
In Fairfield sales were up. Inventory, the months of supply and market time were up. The median sale price and price per square foot were up too. Ninety-five percent of the homes sold for at least 95% of asking with an average sale price of 102% of asking.
Westport
Likewise, in Westport sales were up. Inventory, the months of supply, and market time were up. The median sale price also jumped up a whopping 87% from last October due to a number of very high-priced sales. However, just 72% of homes sold for 95% or more of the asking price with an average sale price of 100% of list.
The markets in Fairfield and Westport were dynamic with stronger buyer and seller activity than a year ago. Many sellers still enjoyed top sale prices, while many buyers were able to negotiate prices below the list price.
The Opportunities… 🥳
Rates are down with the 30-year fixed conforming mortgage ratedown to 6.125% and the jumbo rate at 5.750% at the time this was written. William Raveis Mortgage also offers adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) with rates in the 5s. This means affordability is up for those considering a mortgage!
Sellers entering the market now have a continued competitive advantage due to appreciation and relatively low inventory. If you are also looking to buy but worry about finding your new home, you have options. You can list your home “subject to finding suitable housing”, sell and rent back until you’re ready to move, negotiate a long closing, or buy first with a bridge loan. Talk to your agent about a strategy that works best for you. Listing your house now will enable you to be a competitive buyer while providing more choices for everyone shopping for a new home!
Buyers, despite some continued multiple offer situations, your options and negotiating power are UP now with increased inventory and longer market times. If you see something you like, be prepared to submit a complete and competitive offer including your pre-approval or proof of funds. Now’s the time to make your offer, as sellers are likely motivated to close before the holidays. You may have some great leverage for a win-win deal!
Reach out to your agent if you wish to be grateful for a new home this season! 🍂 🏡
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I have to ask: What’s the One Thing your next home must have?
Here’s a summary of what happened last month in our Fairfield and Westport CT single-family markets compared to a year ago and the opportunities for making your next move.
✅ Get updates here for new listings, price changes, local market insights, and mortgage rates.
September 2025 Fairfield
Westport
Key Takeaways from September 🧐
In Fairfield there was more inventory, more months of supply, and there were more new listings this September compared to last year. However, there were fewer sales and pending sales. For the homes that did sell, the median sale price was up, market time averaged a brisk 20 days (down from 32 last year), and sales averaged 103% of asking, compared to 99% last September. This shows that, although there was more choice for buyers, the competition for some of the listings was still fierce.
In Westport the inventory and months of supply also increased year over year, to 4.16 months of supply, where five to six months is considered a balanced market. Unit sales increased by 24 percent. However, there were fewer new listings, longer market times (averaging 42 vs 33 days), and sale prices averaged just below asking. The median sale price also dipped slightly to $2,175,000. Perhaps a more balanced market is gradually approaching.
And the Opportunities Are… 🥇
The 30-year fixed conformingmortgage rate was 6.325% and the jumbo rate just at 6.000% at the time this was written. William Raveis Mortgage also offered adjustable rate mortgages (ARM) at 5% for jumbo, and 5.750% for conforming. This improves affordability for everyone considering a mortgage!
Sellers entering the market now still have a competitive advantage due to relatively low inventory. If you are also looking to buy, you can list your home “subject to finding suitable housing” to protect yourself until you find something you love. You can also have your agent negotiate timing to coordinate your move, such as a delayed closing date.
The market is still leaning toward sellers, and listing your house will provide more choices for everyone trying to make a move! There is a nice window for sellers list their homes and buyers to get in before the holiday season shifts into high gear.
Buyers, if you see something you like, be prepared to act with a complete offer including your pre-approval or proof of funds. If you’ve been watching a listing that’s been on for a while, now’s the time to make your offer. You might have some leverage to strike a good deal!
Will you be stepping into a new home this fall? 🍂 🏡
Fairfield and Westport CT Real Estate Guide 