Although the housing market typically slows down during the winter months, we can assure you that there are still many ready buyers out there right now looking for a home. This is the perfect time to list your property and get ahead of the spring market. With less inventory now in the winter months, your property will get more attention from active and ready buyers. Buyers looking this time of year are typically more determined to make strong offers to secure a home and close quickly. These buyers understand the need to act before the more competitive spring market takes off. And selling in the winter months generally means less time and money dedicated to improving curb appeal.
Call me today if you’re considering selling. We can offer valuable insight on buyer preferences and worthwhile improvements.
Interest rates seem to be coming down. In the last quarter of 2023 many buyers purchased with rates in the 7s and almost 8%. Rates will continue to ebb and flow, but strong applicants could see their rate in the 6% range. This is a good time to buy and take advantage of the lower interest rates. We can get you in contact our mortgage partners at Guaranteed Rate Affinity, for more information.
As always, reach out if you are thinking of buying or selling. I would love to hear about your real estate goals and discuss creative buying and selling strategies or answer any questions you may have. Or just reach out to say “hi”. I would love to catch up.
We are still in a market with record low inventories across all towns in Fairfield County compared to 2020, and home prices are still appreciating. Properties that are prepared and priced properly continue to close above asking price. The pace of the market has slowed a bit, which is normal for this time of year.
We are seeing Relocation buyers this time of year who would like to buy and be ready for the new year with their new job. This is a good time to buy and take advantage of the decreased competition from other buyers. Sellers, even if you’re just beginning to think about selling, we can offer valuable insight on buyer preferences and worthwhile improvements. Let our team help you get your home
looking its best.
The rental market is transitioning. In Fairfield County the average lease price has decreased 5.1%, while the number of properties leased has risen 9.7% compared to one year ago. Both Fairfield and Westport saw a decrease in average lease price (12.2% and 12.5%, respectively).
As always, reach out if you are thinking of buying or selling. I would love to hear about your real estate goals and discuss creative buying and selling strategies or answer any questions you may have. Or just reach out to say “hi”. I would love to catch up.
The market feels slower, as it does each year at this time. We are still in a market with record low inventories across all towns in Fairfield County compared to 2020. Units sold in Easton are down 50% from 2020, and down 53% from 2020 in Fairfield.
Our team is having several conversations with clients who are thinking about selling in 2024. If you’re considering selling, we can offer valuable insight on buyer preferences and worthwhile improvements. This is a good time to buy and take advantage of the lower interest rates and decreased competition from other buyers who may put their search on pause from holiday time until spring. Beating the rush can be a great idea!
As always, reach out if you are thinking of buying or selling. We would love to hear about your real estate goals and discuss creative buying and selling strategies or answer any questions you may have. Or just reach out to say “hi”. We would love to catch up.
We are still in a market with record low inventories across all towns in Fairfield County compared to 2020, and this has contributed to a swell in home prices. Properties are still closing above asking price. Despite this market appreciation, 25% of properties in Fairfield County have taken a price reduction in the last 60 days – 36% took reductions in Easton and 33% in Fairfield. Are we transitioning? Are properties not being priced correctly? Probably a little of both.
Buyers are looking for homes that are move-in ready, and those that are not, are eventually taking price reductions. Sellers that prepare their home for sale and price it properly when it initially goes on the market are attracting the most interest and getting top dollar for their homes. Sellers, even if you’re just beginning to think about selling, I can offer valuable insight on buyer preferences and worthwhile improvements. Start planning how to get your home looking its best. Presentation matters!
There is still time to purchase a home and move-in for the holidays. Buyers, let me help you see the opportunities in this market instead of the obstacles. Sellers, this is a good time to put your house on the market and take advantage of the decreased competition.
As always, reach out if you are thinking of buying or selling. I would love to hear about your real estate goals and discuss creative buying and selling strategies or answer any questions you may have. Or just reach out to say “hi”. I would love to catch up.
We are still in a market with record low inventories across all towns in Fairfield County compared to 2020, and this has contributed to a swell in home prices in our area. It seems buyers have accepted the 7% interest rates as the new normal and are re-calibrating their expectations for buying power. Despite the higher rates and lower inventory, we still have an extremely active and competitive buyer environment! It’s important for serious buyers to update mortgage pre-approval letters, as your buying power may have changed. Buyers, let us help you see the opportunities in this market instead of the obstacles. I can help you get creative so you can compete. I have strategies for buyers!
Sellers that prepare their home for sale and price it properly when it initially goes on the market are attracting the most interest and getting top dollar for their homes. Sellers, even if you’re just beginning to think about selling, start planning how to get your home looking its best. Presentation matters! I’m happy to consult with you on things you could do to get your home ready for the market.
As always, reach out if you are thinking of buying or selling. I would love to hear about your real estate goals and discuss creative buying and selling strategies or answer any questions you may have. Or just reach out to say “hi”. I would love to catch up.
The Northeast still leads the country in recent home price growth. We seem to be insulated in our local market from the national narrative. The July average sales price for homes in Fairfield was $1.36M, an increase of 20% since this time last year, and in Easton was $1.09M, an increase of 14% from this time last year. Inventory is down 68% in Easton, and actually up 12% in Fairfield compared to last year. Properties are trading around 5% over asking on average in Fairfield, and just under asking in Easton (-1.9%). Despite the interest rates, it’s still an extremely active and competitive buyer environment. Open House and showing traffic is robust, and many homes are still receiving multiple offers (many over asking) and are under contract within days.
Buyers, let us help you see the opportunities in this market instead of the obstacles. We can help you prepare to compete. Make sure your mortgage preapproval is current and consider putting it through underwriting to be more competitive. Work with a local agent and mortgage lender who understands the market, and don’t give up on finding the home you’ve been dreaming of. Stay in the game and let us know how we can help. We have strategies for buyers!
It’s still a great time to sell and get top dollar for your home. Sellers, even if you’re just beginning to think about selling, start planning how to get your home looking its best. Presentation matters! I’m happy to speak with you about ways to present your home in its best possible light and price it to get the most eyes on your property. My marketing plan is exceptional!!
As always, reach out if you are thinking of buying or selling. I would love to hear about your real estate goals and discuss creative buying and selling strategies or answer any questions you may have. Or just reach out to say “hi”. I would love to catch up.
The Northeast leads the country in recent home price growth. Prices are still high in our local market and inventory is slowly increasing. The average sale prices for homes in Fairfield increased 12.9% since this time last year, and in Easton increased 3.1% from this time last year. Days on Market in Fairfield have decreased 11.1% since last year, and 8.3% in Easton since last year. It’s an extremely active and competitive buyer environment. Open House and showing traffic is robust, and many homes are receiving multiple offers (many over asking) and are under contract within days. The 7% interest rates don’t seem to be affecting our local market activity!
Buyers, let us help you see the opportunities in this market instead of the obstacles. We can help you prepare to compete. Make sure your mortgage preapproval is current and consider putting it through underwriting to be more competitive. Work with a local agent and mortgage lender who understands the market, and don’t give up on finding the home you’ve been dreaming of. Stay in the game and let us know how we can help. We have strategies for buyers!
It’s still a great time to sell and get top dollar for your home. Sellers, even if you’re just beginning to think about selling, start planning how to get your home looking its best. Presentation matters! We are happy to speak with you about ways to present your home in its best possible light and price it to get the most eyes on your property. Consider Coldwell Banker’s RealVitalize program to prep your home for the market with no upfront cost. I’m here to help!
Prices are still high in our local market and inventory is starting to pick up. Easton’s inventory is up 33% with 16 homes listed for sale on May 1st as compared to 12 in April. Until recently, there were NO homes on the market in Easton for under $1MM, and that is starting to change with 7 of the 16 homes listed being under $1MM. Fairfield’s inventory has increased 10% with 77 homes for sale, as compared to 70 last month. It’s an extremely competitive buyer environment. Many homes are receiving multiple offers and are under contract within days.
Buyer fatigue is a living breathing thing right now. Buyers need to be ready in order to compete, so stay on top of things. Make sure your mortgage preapproval is current and consider putting it through underwriting to be more competitive. Make sure you are working with a local agent and mortgage lender who understands the market, and don’t give up on finding the home you’ve been dreaming of. Stay in the game and let us know how we can help. We have strategies for buyers!
It’s still a great time to sell and get top dollar for your home. Sellers, even if you’re just beginning to think about selling, start planning how to get your home looking its best. Presentation matters! We are happy to speak with you about ways to present your home in its best possible light and price it to get the most eyes on your property. Check out the RealVitalize link below for information on how you can prep your home for the market with no upfront cost. I’m here to help!
As always, reach out if you are thinking of buying or selling. I would love to hear about your real estate goals and discuss creative buying and selling strategies or answer any questions you may have. And I wish you a very happy holiday!
The question I hear the most from friends and people I meet is “When are prices and interest rates coming down?” I wish I could tell you when interest rates are coming down, but nobody can say for sure. Many economists are predicting lower mortgage rates later this year and I’m hoping that’s going to happen.
Prices are still high due mostly to lack of inventory. Right now there are only 12 homes for sale in Easton, compared with pre-pandemic figures of 69 in March 2020 and 77 in March 2019. Fairfield has 70 homes for sale at the time of this writing, compared to 518 in March 2020, and 439 in March 2019. So why isn’t there inventory? Many homeowners refinanced their homes in the last three years with interest rates in the 3-4% range and aren’t motivated to purchase again for a rate between 6 and 7%, and a much higher monthly payment. Because many are waiting on the market to change, homes aren’t turning over and inventory has stalled. Lack of inventory combined with a high demand for housing results in escalating prices. We don’t see this changing anytime soon – economic change takes time – but that doesn’t mean you should give up on finding the home you’ve been dreaming of. Stay in the game and let me know how I can help. Our team has strategies for buyers!
If you’re a seller thinking of listing your house, the time is now! Inventory is still low, so this is a great time to list your home, as we have an abundance of motivated buyers and not much competition from other sellers. If homes are priced correctly, they often receive multiple offers over asking. I would love to give you an opinion on your home, so please contact me if you are considering selling.
Looking to spruce up your garden in the Connecticut area? We’ve got plenty of suggestions that will make the perfect addition to any gardener’s flower beds, with many of the best flowers we list below growing natively right here in our area.
1. Trumpet Honeysuckle
This native plant makes a great alternative to the invasive species of Japanese honeysuckle that is prevalent in our area and beyond. Twining vines that spread quickly make this the perfect plant to add a bit of greenery anywhere, with beautiful orange-red tubular flowers that are known for attracting hummingbirds.
2. Blue-Stemmed Goldenrod
Another beautiful flower that is native to our area, blue-stemmed goldenrod sports beautiful flowers and is a great pollinator. There are over 25 native varieties of this flower available, allowing for some variety that will make this plant fit in just about anywhere. And don’t let goldenrod’s reputation for being a cause of hay fever put you off, as that is simply a myth.
3. Allium
The beautiful, colorful bulbs that are characteristic of the allium plant make this another popular choice among gardeners in our area. Plant this bulb in the spring and you’ll see the tall stalks and globes of flowers form that summer, attracting plenty of hummingbirds and butterflies to your garden for you to admire.
4. Petunia
These annual flowers thrive in the heat, so you’ll notice more plentiful blossoming during especially warm summers. They are low maintenance and can grow just about anywhere regardless of light exposure, making this a versatile plant that will fit in anywhere in your garden.
5. Dahlia
A unique shape and striking multicolored petals make dahlias another popular option among gardeners in our state. They grow bests in a container and require little water to thrive, making this a great low-maintenance plant that won’t require too much work on your part.
6. Eastern Red Columbine
Blooming in the spring with vibrant colors and distinctive “nodding’ petals” eastern red columbine makes a wonderful addition to any garden. You’ll love the eye-catching appearance of this flower almost as much as the birds and butterflies who will frequent your garden will, with finches, in particular, being one type of bird that is attracted to this flower.
7. New England Aster
One of our region’s most iconic flowers, New England Aster blooms late in the season but is well worth the wait. They’ll bring much-needed color to your garden when other plants begin to fade for the season, showing off the vibrant purple petals that make this flower so popular among gardeners.
8. Pearly Everlasting
Relatives of the sunflower, this perennial flower will keep coming back to treat you to the beautiful sights of its blossoms. The white and yellow coloration will add a nice touch in any part of your garden, and this drought-resistant plant needs minimal water to flourish.
9. Swamp Milkweed
So many lovely plants are native to our local area, with swamp milkweed being another name on that long list. The large, showy blossoms are instantly recognizable and will look great in any garden, reaching heights of two to five feet in height and showing off violet and white flowers along with purplish-green leaves.
10. Common Witch Hazel
Our state is known by some gardeners as the witch hazel capital of the world, making this another leading choice for anybody looking for a new addition to their garden. The flowers are recognizable for their distinctive yellow color and unique shape, and some medicinal properties can also be derived from the plant.
11. Marigold
This iconic flower features a beautiful color that will liven up your garden, with blooms that can last for between six and eight months. They’ll attract plenty of pollinators to benefit your garden even more and also thrive in either the heat or the cold to give you a durable plant that lasts through the seasons.
12. Lily
These beautiful flowers bloom perennially, giving you something to look forward to every time the summer comes around. Their vibrant colors bloom throughout the summer so that you can enjoy this flower’s attractive looks year-round. They are one of the rare flowers that grow completely vertically, making them a good flower to fill in any small spaces in your garden.
13. Coneflower
Named for the distinctive shape of its blossoms, coneflower is another terrific choice that can be planted anywhere in your garden. There are 24 different varieties of this flower to let you find the aesthetic that you like the best, coming in varied colors like yellow, pink, purple, or white.
14. Tulip
Out of all the many flowers that blossom in the spring, tulips may just be the most attractive, as seen by their popularity among so many gardeners. Coming in shades of white, black, purple, orange, pink, yellow, and a variety of others, this flower can thrive in any soil and with any amount of sunlight.
15. Black Eyed Susan
Deriving their name from the black center that sits amid the beautiful golden petals of this flower, black-eyed susan thrives in low-water conditions to give you a minimal need for maintenance and upkeep. They’re perfect for any part of your garden because of their ability to thrive in any type of soil.
16. Daffodil
Looking for an easy addition to your garden? Daffodils are low-maintenance plants that require very minimal care, and they thrive in both hot and cold weather. They can survive through periods of inclement weather, attacks by garden pests, as well as different plant diseases and fungi, making them one of the most durable flowers on our list.
17. Turtlehead
With beautiful blooms, usually in white or pink colors, that really do resemble a tortoise’s head, the turtlehead is one of the most distinctive flowers that you can add to your garden. Since they naturally thrive in marshy land, they need a bit more water than your average plant, requiring moist to wet soil in order to properly grow.
18. Pale-Leaved Sunflower
Also known as the woodland sunflower, this stunning golden plant is sure to draw plenty of attention when it blossoms in your garden. They grow up to three feet high, showing off their signature bright yellow blooms that come in between July and October.
19. Cardinal Flower
Another native plant that will look right at home in your garden, cardinal flower gets its name from the red color of its blossoms that resemble the feathers of a cardinal bird. The long, tubular flowers are known to attract feeding hummingbirds, letting you catch a glimpse of these amazing creatures in your garden.
20. Blue Vervain
Last on our list but far from least, blue vervain sports beautiful blossoms that range in color from blue to violet. Also known as birdsfoot violet, this flower is known to be very beneficial to birds and butterflies, as well as adding its lovely appearance to your garden.
Want to add some color to your yard? We can put you in touch with landscapers that will help you with your gardening or any other outdoor project you want to get done. Start your search on Landscaper Locator today!
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