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.
You only need one powerhouse to get the best real estate company and services, and you just found it with William Raveis Real Estate, Mortgage, & Insurance. As your agent for this company, I want to share the top three reasons why we are the best real estate company for you, which are the same reasons why I chose to work with this company over all the others 16 years ago!
Private Family-Owned Company – Because William Raveis is owned by Bill, Chris, and Ryan Raveis, it is an agile family-based company that is one hundred percent focused on its customers with no stockholder distractions or obligations. The company’s mission is to serve its agents as their customers to ensure we are poised to be the best at serving you!
Leader in Real Estate Innovation – Our company leads the industry with forward strategic and competitive thinking, cutting-edge technology, and cultivating, training, and by empowering the best agents. Our family of companies also provides our clients with premier mortgage, insurance, and closing services for a seamless transactactifon.
Well-Connected, Next Door & Overseas – Our 4,000 regional agents have you covered here and abroad. Our luxury listings are represented by over 565 premier brokerages across 70 countries. This same network also enables me to connect you to your next purchase overseas.
These three high-level value propositions are key to why we are the best, but there is ample detail beneath, including new tools for us to leverage on a regular basis. And now, the best just got better with our new Raveis Essential and Raveis Premium service packages listed below.
I am grateful for the extensive resources William Raveis continuously provides for me to utilize on your behalf. When it rains, it pours with the ever-new and cutting edge resources I have at my disposal. I even received a new umbrella 🙂 !
In all seriousness, my goal is to understand your real estate plans and priorities and to curate a custom solution for reaching your goals. If you would like a deeper understanding of how I can meet your real estate needs, I would love to have a conversation with you. Please feel free to visit my website and company page, give me a call at 203.912.4440, or send me a note below.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The seed was planted years ago that maybesomeday they would leave their comfortable bubble in Westport, Connecticut, and follow one of their dreams. They knew they would love to go abroad for a while, pursue the adventure of a live-aboard, or follow their passion for waterfront living.
He was excited to go for it, but she, not so much. Selling their home would allow them to be untethered for a while but the emotional consequences of leaving their home and hometown of 17 years with deep connections to friends, the community, and their love of Westport, was not lost on them.
For starters, the limited choice of homes on the market made homelessness seem a clear outcome. The process of having to show the house day after day during a pandemic and having to deal with the whole listing, selling, and the moving process felt daunting. How could she argue with her grown daughters who rightly said they should keep the beautiful home they had made perfect over the years by putting their hearts and soles into it?
But, wasn’t this the perfect time? Wasn’t now the time to sell your home, especially in Westport with properties flying off the shelf at record speed for top dollar?
As it turned out, the low inventory and logistical barriers were really not the problems.
Becoming emotionally ready for adventure and following the dream was what she needed to take the leap out of her comfort zone. Only once she was at peace with letting go, moving on, and embracing the adventure, had all the pieces, one at a time, fallen into place.
I had come to see their home and discuss their hopes, dreams, plans, and concerns. Following that, we met via Zoom due to the pandemic. I explained the market, the recommended listing price, options for giving them flexibility for their timing, and shared my custom comprehensive marketing plan which included an added detailed walk-through video for buyers to watch before requesting a showing.
Still, for weeks she struggled with the decision. But as they explored their ideas for their next chapter, she shared their dreams with their daughters who became very supportive of their vision. The response from several friends was also positive and supportive of their decision to sell, and in fact many even said they too had been considering making changes of their own and following their dreams.
So they gave me the green light and I put the house on the market while they went to Boston for the weekend to visit family. During that weekend, I managed 25 showings and multiple offers. They chose a buyer who paid more than their asking price and who was agreeable to a long closing period to give them time to find a new home.
They researched their options and visited potential new homes in various areas. Sure enough, they came upon a fabulous waterfront home further north with breathtaking views that they absolutely loved!
So you may want to ask yourself- Does your home truly satisfy your current needs, wants, and, desires? Can you brace yourself to stretch your comfort zone for some adventure? If so, then now is the time to trust the process, and make it happen!
There are numerous logistical options for making your dream a reality. And there happens to be a jackpot of opportunity presenting itself to sellers right now, with buyers from the New York City area searching in droves, low inventory to compete with, and low interest rates to help you and your buyer with your purchase.
A great way to inspire your journey is to explore our Raveis Escapes website with destination locations featured by local Realtors and browse those areas. Set up searches for yourself in any areas that intrigue you get a feel what’s available there. 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 or send a note below, and let me lead the way!
Want a break from politics, pandemics, and gift returns? Here’s my Winter Word on the Street! Let me know if you would like to be added to the quarterly distribution.
If you’re considering a move to or from this area, you can set up your own MLS search here and check out the market. Feel free to reach out to me any time via phone, 203.912.4440, my website, or a note in the form below. I’m always here to help.
If you’re in the market for a new home in Westport Connecticut but aren’t sure which one’s right for you, here are the top 10 reasons this may just be the best new construction in town!
6 Hillandale Lane, Westport CT
Location, location, location! (Okay, that’s three, but we’ll only count it as one!). Situated just around the corner from the Post Road and right off prestigious Turkey Hill South near Martha Stewart’s previous residence, 6 Hillandale Lane is a prime location. A protected wooded space buffers the property from any sites or sounds from the Post Road, yet the convenience to all the local amenities is there. The home is also just four minutes from Greens Farms Station and 10 minutes from Saugatuck Station. It is minutes from renowned Greens Farms Academy, Burying Hill Beach and the vibrant downtowns of both Westport and Fairfield.
Greens Farms Station
Neighborhood – The homes on Hillandale Lane each have a unique character and style. Each is sited differently on its lot with attractive complimentary landscaping. The neighborhood is lovely with residents of all ages and includes numerous multi-million dollar homes.
Schools – People relocate to Westport from many places for the sought-after top-notch schools.
Setting – Hillandale House is truly the centerpiece of the cul-de-sac on Hillandale Lane. It has a commanding yet gracious presence from both Hillandale Road and Hillandale Lane. At the same time, the home is tucked into the scenic private property and graced by a blend of skillfully designed and nature’s best landscaping that delivers the feel of country living.
Views – This special romantic setting extends its bonus to the indoors, offering stunning views of natural beauty from every room!
Design – The home exhibits transitional style maintaining a timeless traditional silhouette while adding an upscale modern edge. Windows are positioned to invite maximum natural light and scenic views. Materials are top of the line and state of the art, such as Caesarstone countertops that are virtually indestructible, and epoxy flooring in the garage that resists dust, protects the slab, and looks super cool!
Construction Team – Coastal Construction has been building homes in Westport since 2003 and has built more than 80 luxury homes in Fairfield County. They have fine-tuned the art of quality home construction by providing careful attention to site design, layout, architecture, craftsmanship and the right location.
Use of space – The design team knows how people like to live. So they incorporated the perfect blend of open-flow, separate private areas, and spaces for convenience. That’s why the Kitchen with large island with seating is open to the Great Room and the Breakfast Area. The Breakfast area is spacious enough to fit a dining room sized table and looks out to the backyard and patio. This open-flow area offers many options for casual dining and entertaining. The Formal Living and Dining Rooms offer a more intimate ambiance. The Mudroom features a walk-in pantry, walk-in closet and Powder Room for additional utility. Four bedrooms reside on the second floor, and an additional bedroom with full bath is situated on both the third floor and walk-out lower level. This provides privacy for various sleeping quarter arrangements. The walk-out lower level also includes a private zen-like Garden Terrace offering another separate sanctuary. If a pool is added, this terrace also serves as access to the full bathroom downstairs. The well-thought-out design offers something for everyone and every occasion.
Garage – Perfect for organizing your extra toys, furniture, bonus fridge, etc. this garage offers an extra half-bay for all your stuff. With a door into the Mudroom off the Kitchen and a door straight to the backyard, this is the ideal hub to keep the fun times coming. Did I mention the super cool epoxy floor?
Great backyard – If you crave a property that has both utility and undisturbed beauty, this is your place. The backyard is wide, level, dry and fabulously scenic with a lovely wooded barrier, unlike the contrived, rigidly rectangular yards that snugly abutt their neighbors. The pool can go just outside the walkout lower level with full bath. The patio is the platform for enjoying a meal or watching the backyard happenings. Whether you invite your friends or keep it to yourself, this is the perfect backyard for playtime and relaxation time alike.
If you would like more information about this property, please submit an inquiry below.
Within convenient driving distance from Fairfield and Westport is the Bridgeport-Port Jefferson Ferry, which runs year-round from Bridgeport Harbor to Long Island.
Many commuters use the ferry and enjoy its Internet access while traveling daily to and from work. But the ferry also makes for a fun ride across the Sound: and Port Jefferson on the other side offers a host of great restaurants and shops for an entertaining afternoon. Plus, kids ride free. If you have family across the water, as I do, you may already be a frequent sailor!
And now for a word on our local real estate market –
“The market’s not that bad!” Bill Raveis CEO of William Raveis Real Estate said recently.
Westport sales year to date at the end of Q3 showed some improvements compared to last year even though the median price dipped a bit to $1,090,000 from $1,125,000. Sales increased by almost three percent and the months of supply dropped twenty-two percent from 15.5 down to 12 months.
In Fairfield the median sale price improved by more than seven percent by the end of Q3. The months of supply also improved, moving to 10.8 months from 12.4. Unit sales were down almost eleven percent as was the inventory.
The percentage of homes for sale with an accepted offer (binder) gives an idea of the activity to come and also a good reference to compare to the previous year. Accepted offers at the end of October were at the same level as in 2010 in both towns.
Four percent of the listings had binders in Westport and five percent in Fairfield. Binders peaked at nine and thirteen percent in Westport and Fairfield going into the spring market in early April. So binder activity was consistent last month with what we saw last year, and we should expect another spike before April next year. Take a look at the attachments to see the numbers and a list of third quarter sales.
As we approach the holiday season, we don’t expect to see peak numbers typical of springtime quite yet, but overall, sales and prices have been holding relatively steady. In support of a good season to come, Fairfield just earned second place ranking behind Greenwich in Connecticut Magazine’s “Rating the Towns” issue that was recently released. Westport is sure to follow suit in the next issue that ranks smaller towns. So it’s likely that sellers will find their buyers this season, and buyers will find their new dream home for the coming year!
Source: Raveis.com Local Housing Data, CMLS
Originally Posted on Fairfield Patch November 10, 2011 at 5:20 am
Word on the Street! 
Let me know if you would like to be added to the quarterly distribution. 
Fairfield and Westport CT Real Estate Guide 