Fairfield and Westport CT Real Estate Guide

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

Tag Archives: William Raveis


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My Home is My Castle.

What is a castle?  In its most basic form, it’s a place that gives us security and privacy.

Home Sweet Home.  It’s the place we cherish, where we feel safe and sound, sometimes happy, other times sad; where we celebrate, gather together, share, work, create, cook, decorate; where we can love and be loved; where we live, grow, rest, dream, and at times sort through the chaos that life often throws at us!  After all, there’s no place like home !

Em 1st day 1st grade 8-30-07Home is a most important place and a most significant asset.   This is why I love to join my clients in the chapter of their lives when it’s time for their next castle.   It is a critical business transaction and a complex process, but most important, it’s an emotional, exciting and monumental time!  I am honored to share this time with my clients, buffer the anxiety,  guide the course and share the joy!

2012 Thanksgiving Dad Kids & CakeOur castles assume all shapes and sizes.   And in the grandest form, a castle is…. well big and grand! Enjoy this one in Darien, Connecticut.

Please share  a comment or image of a precious moment, space or place showing the essence of home for you!  I’ve posted a few of my own.

2011 The Black & White Crew

 

2011-05-31 09.28.10To see more about how I serve my clients, visit my websites at LindaRaymondRealEstate.com and Raveis.com/LindaRaymond .  Please send me a note below if I can assist you with the home of your dreams.

Sincerely,
Linda

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Question: Which June Housing Market was Better, 2013 or 2014?

What’s the answer?

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Featured property for sale in Fairfield, CT: $379,000. Click image for more info!

Let’s see how the towns did in June this year as we were having fun in the sun…

It helps to look at the rate that homes are selling, known as the “absorption rate”.  It’s calculated by dividing the sales per month by the number of homes on the market at the end of that month.   The higher the percentage, the faster homes are selling and the stronger the market.

At the end of June in Fairfield, there were 90 sales with 622 homes on the market.  So 90/622 is an absorption rate of 14%.  Last June, there were 79 sales with 556 homes for sale equating to the same absorption rate of 14% indicating little change in the pace of the market in Fairfield.

In Westport however, 39 homes sold with 405 on the market and an absorption rate of 39/405 = 10%.  Last June there were 49 sales and 346 active listings, or a rate of (49/346) 14%, showing a weaker market so far this summer.

In Weston 19 homes sold in June with 191 for sale, and a ratio of 19/191, or 10%. Last June, Weston saw 29 sales and 183 homes for sale, an absorption rate of 29/183 =16%.  So the Weston market has slowed as well.

An absorption rate below 15% is considered to be a good market for buyers with greater months of supply and slower sales, whereas a rate above 20% is typically a faster-selling market favoring sellers.

Take a look at the town numbers for June 2013 versus 2014 here: 2014 June Real Estate Fairfield, Westport, Weston

The second half of 2014 is expected to be stronger than the first half according to researchers at Redfin brokerage as reported by RealtorMag.   Click here for the article and to find out why, and let’s get ready for the pace to pick up as we enjoy the breezes of the remaining summer!

Featured home for sale in Fairfield, CT $1,395,000. Click image for more info!

Featured home for sale in Fairfield, CT $1,395,000. Click image for more info!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more answers…or more questions, feel free to submit a request below.

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Open House this Sunday July 20th,1-3pm ~ Come to the Beach!

Deep beach, double jetties, high sand dunes,
view of Penfield Lighthouse, mature trees, multi-million dollar neighbors!

Come to 845 Fairfield Beach Road this Sunday July 20, 1-3pm,
enjoy a little sunshine, some great tunes,
and see for yourself!

Rare beachfront property with summer cottage. $1,395,000

Rare beachfront property with summer cottage. $1,395,000

 

Feel free to contact me for more information
or to request a private showing in the meantime.

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How’s the Winter 2014 Real Estate Market Fairfield in County CT?

We sure have been hit hard with winter extremes since the New Year with everything from sub-zero temperatures to multiple blizzards and some freezing rain mixed in for good measure! No doubt the weather has been keeping our spring real estate market at bay, but how did sales look in our neighborhood markets in January after the holidays?
Let’s take a look at a few measures across three towns, and see how they relate to last year. Comparing the number of homes on the market, total sales and the average market time in January, we see some promising numbers.  View or print charts here.
 
In Weston, Westport and Fairfield inventory of homes for sale was up between nine and twenty-two percent suggesting stronger seller confidence in the market this year.   Sales in fact, were way up in Weston (50%) and Fairfield (42%) compared to January 2013. Westport sales were down twenty-two percent, but there had been a big spike in the December sales.  The average days on market was way down (-40%) in Westport, though up a bit in Weston and Fairfield (5% and 12% respectively).
 
Overall, the increased inventory and sales in addition to average market time as low as 80 days in Westport, suggest to me that there is pent up demand on both the buy and sell sides of the market.   It would be great to see the market jump up to the pace noted in my post from last June.   I expect to see a flurry of activity in the housing market instead of snow as soon as Mother Nature decides to get the weather under control!
 
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Family from Scotland Comes Overseas to Live in Connecticut

Greg, a client of mine that worked in the landscaping business referred a new client to me that was being recruited all the way from Scotland to join the landscaping company he worked for called Michael Bellantoni located in White Plains, New York.

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So Andew began the process of relocating with his wife Kirsty and three daughters from overseas to join the firm.  They wanted to buy a home in a town with good schools and great prices, and focused in on Bethel, Connecticut.   Despite their stellar credit in Scotland, they could not apply for a mortgage here in the States without any credit history in the US.   So we found them a rental to enable them to establish their credit here while looking for a new home.   After a long search, Andrew and Kirsty found the perfect home, and as Andrew is now well established with his new company, the happy family is enjoying a new life here in Bethel Connecticut!

…Fast forward five years to the family’s move date anniversary, and Kirsty posts her feelings on Facebook, and we have an online exchange,

“Well….today is our 5th Anniversary of moving to the States. It’s been a rollercoaster so far with a couple of highs, but also some lows. I have made life long new friends here, but also miss my besties back home and often long to be able to just jump in the car and go visit them, especially when they’re sick or not doing too well. Our oldest daughter has gotten married and bought her own place with our lovely son-in-law, our middle daughter is in her last year of high school and the youngest will be moving up to become a junior after the summer. I don’t know what the next five years holds, or even the next year. Anyway, here’s to five years in the good old US of A.”

  • Hi Kirsty, I know there’ve been some tough times getting settled here. I wish it was a smoother transition for you and your family. I hope there are many more happy memories to be made here going forward!
    February 16 at 7:48pm
  • Kirsty: Bless you Linda, yes, it has been tough at times. But still here five years on…thank you for everything you have done for us, and if I ever need a Realtor in the future, there’s only one person I would trust!  
    If I can help you with any of your moving plans, here or overseas, just let me know!

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Home Buyers & Sellers Unite!

When Mike called me to take a look at his house after seeing my name on a For Sale sign nearby, I was happy to oblige. After touring the house, I returned a few evenings later to meet with him and his wife Kagin to discuss their plans for moving to Florida and how we could work together to make this happen.   Within two weeks, Mike and Kagin were ready to put their house up for sale!

1000 Burroughs (69)

Hitting the market in pristine condition with fabulous photos and a price based on comparable sales- we had instant interest, and a lot of it!   Within the first week we had multiple offers including one at full price.    Mike and Kagin went with the offer with the best terms for them.

It’s a win-win for everyone when they can work together in a positive and productive way.   I truly enjoyed working with my clients to unite them in this successful sale!

Mike & Kagin 11-22-13       
If you would like a complimentary market valuation for your home or have a question or comment about this post, please use the form below.

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Live in Downtown Fairfield- Commuter’s Dream Home!

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Live in Downtown Fairfield- Commuter's Dream Home!

Charm Central: 34 Glover Street, Fairfield, CT 06824
NEW PRICE: $499,000
MLS# 99039689


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Cash is King- But So Is Excellent Credit!

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Sharing her wisdom as a guest speaker at our sales meeting this month was Tracy A. Becker, President of NorthShoreAdvisory, a Credit Education & Restoration Company.  This company is one of the very reputable firms out there to help us understand the credit mysteries and improve our scores.  Tracy is a Certified FICO Professional, author of two books on credit and is the “Credit Expert” on the Eye on Real Estate radio show on WOR AM.

She began the meeting by announcing that, “If your credit score is not 740 or higher, it is not excellent and you should call me.”  I was thinking, what’s wrong with Very Good, Impressive, or Decent?   Anything short of excellent is no good these days?  Apparently it best be excellent or you can potentially lose thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars on a mortgage with higher interest rates.  Some sources even say that insurance premiums are linked to credit scores.

We all know that we should pay our bills on time, but there is a lot more that most of us are unaware of that impacts our credit score.

Here are the top 5 tips from Tracy that I was surprised to learn,

1. “Seasoned” credit (over 2 years old) is excellent for your scores, and the older the better.  So don’t go closing your old credit card accounts!
2. A variety of credit is good for your score such as credit cards, auto loans, student loans and a mortgage.
3. Your credit can be pulled by third parties up to 5 times in a 12-month period with little impact to your score, but beyond this, your score can drop 30-40 points.  You can pull your own credit score as often as you wish with no negative consequences.
4. A new late payment can drop your score over 100 points.
5. The higher your FICO score, the bigger the hit your score will take if new negative information is added.

If you are getting ready to apply for a mortgage or other financing in the near future, Tracy says to go to Credit.com and pay to get your FICO score.  If it’s below 740, her company may be able to help save you big bucks!  She gives free consultations by phone to determine whether her company can effectively help you, and there is no charge unless you hire her.

To receive pdf via email of Tracy’s expanded list of “Tips on Credit” send a request below.

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Look for Me on HGTV

HGTV’s, House Hunters Renovation will be moving east for the first time this coming spring. Until now, the show has focused on the west coast, but the new season will be showcasing homes, buyers and their agents in our neighboring areas as well as right here in Fairfield! 

The show is a spinoff of the popular series, House Hunters, and this is how the premise of the show is described on HGTV.com,

“Ever wonder what happens AFTER House Hunters choose? In House Hunters Renovation, our buyers look for a new home that is anything but turnkey. Watch as they tour three potential homes and ultimately choose the one that’s waiting for their special touch. Then stay as they renovate and decorate, ultimately revealing their new space!”

Keep your eyes open for a new episode featuring me and my clients Michael and Ella.  After a quick sale of the home they bought with me four years ago in Black Rock, they have fast-tracked their Fairfield search and found three properties that will meet their main goal of getting their kids into good schools.

The final search narrows to a home on Samp Mortar Drive, Sterling Street and Hunyadi Avenue.   I tour Michael and Ella through each and help them weigh the pros and cons relative to their priorities.  Once the big choice is made, the HGTV design team meets with the couple to brainstorm and envision how this house can become their dream home.  Watch HGTV’s designers and contractors transform the home, and see this family get ready to live happily ever after!   Check HGTV.com regularly for opportunities to win cash for remodeling your home, and stay tuned for the date of the show-
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The above photo was taken at Sweet Basil in Fairfield.  I am seated across from Michael and Ella and next to HGTV director Andrea and project manager, Andrew.  The camera man and sound guy are sitting at the back right of the table.


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From Southport CT to Southport CT – Success Story

Some happy clients left their Southport home behind for a gorgeous new home in none other a wonderful place than… Southport!

921 Kings Hwy W w gift

Mom gave 100% approval and even supported the endeavor as a partner. They got a great deal on a bank owned new construction, and the bank even hired a new builder to complete the house and provide custom finishes.

Here’s to a new chapter and a new home. – Cheers!

921 Kings Hwy W