See the clip! Fairfield Police came to speak to Realtors today during the Greater Fairfield Board of Realtors meeting hosted by the wonderful Audubon Society, and the @raveisfairfieldsouthport office had a strong presence! Officers, Tony Granada and Ed Nook shared crime trends, gave safety recommendations, and answered questions. They also emphasized how the police are here to help the community.
The TOP CRIME TRENDS in town were “opportunity crimes” like theft of cars left unlocked with keys in them 😳 and identity theft, as well as people stealing checks from mailboxes, “washing them” adding to the amount, and making the check out to themselves.
We also learned that the police are not permitted to chase stolen vehicles!
So the top🔝tips are:
1) LOCK 🔐 YOUR CAR 🚘 AND TAKE YOUR KEYS 🔑! 2) Avoid mailing a check, but if you have to, take it directly to the post office. 3) Be sure to report 📣any signs of a crime asap to the police department. If you can’t get through, call 9-1-1. There are officers at the ready and on patrol around town, and they can get to a scene quickly if given the alert ‼️ 4) Neighborhood Watch 👀 is recommended. DM me to learn more.
Join me and Near and Far Aid for the highly anticipated Designer House Tour on June 2nd! Be part of this impactful fundraising charity event that promises an unforgettable experience. Together we can all help to target poverty and support healthy thriving communities!
After the wonderful afternoon, mix and mingle with the designers, architects, and sponsors.
Click the image on the right for a quick preview! =>
Yes, definitely reach for the hot chocolate! But first make sure you are proactive about protecting your pipes, especially those that are most vulnerable to freezing. Think about your exterior pipes, pool plumbing and any uninsulated pipes.
Our regional insurance expert, Robert Reade of William Raveis Insurance just sent out the important bulletin below that I wanted to share it with you, especially if this is the first winter you are in a new home or have a new pool.
Good Afternoon, With the temps dropping here in CT this weekend to -35 degrees with the wind chill in some areas I thought it would be good to send a reminder on how to prevent frozen pipes.
Homeowners everywhere in the Northeast need to consider the risks of frozen pipes in their homes. Water damage and freezing claims were the second-most frequent type of claims filed in the United States between 2016 and 2020.
Water damage and freezing claims were the second-most frequent type of claims filed in the United States between 2016 and 2020.
Homeowners who file these claims lose an average of $11,650. About one in 62 insured homes make a claim related to water damage or freezing each year.
Though these are troubling statistics, you can avoid frozen pipes and water damage claims by learning how pipes freeze, taking preventative action, and investing in some tools.
You can avoid frozen pipes and water damage claims by learning how pipes freeze, taking preventative action, and investing in some tools.
No matter where you live, these four types of pipes tend to be the most vulnerable to freezing:
Uninsulated pipes
Pipes on the exterior of the home
Pipes located in attics, garages, basements, crawl spaces, or other uninsulated areas
Copper or galvanized steel pipes
There are other areas in homes that are susceptible to freezing, as well. The connectors and hoses on washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters are vulnerable to freezing as they can become brittle and break. Sinks and showers also pose potential hazards.
Outside, spigots, sprinkler systems, and swimming pool lines might not be as well insulated as indoor plumbing and could be the first points to collapse during a hard freeze.
How to prepare your pipes for colder weather:
Drain, remove, and store outdoor hoses to keep them from becoming fragile or tripping hazards after a snowfall or freeze. Also, drain water from outdoor lines, such as those connected to swimming pools and sprinklers.
Open outdoor hose spigots but close the inside valves that supply them with water.
This process causes the water to drain and—in the event of a freeze—expand without bursting a pipe.
If you go on an extended vacation, turn off the water to the home and open all the faucets to drain any water remaining in the pipes.
Insulate water supply lines and pipes in the garage, basement, attic, and other unheated areas with foam, heating cables, or pipe sleeves. Do the same for pipes under kitchen and bathroom sinks.
Make sure your home is enclosed and insulated.
Find and seal any cracks, drafts, and holes in the home’s exterior. Even small openings can welcome cold air inside, which impacts pipes and heating bills.
Enclose crawlspaces and insulate the attic. The added layer of insulation keeps warm air in and cold weather out.
Close the garage door to keep heat inside, especially if it closets water supply lines, the water heater, or a washing machine.
Keep the thermostat at a consistent setting—no lower than 60º Fahrenheit—during the day, night, and when you’re on vacation.
You might see a higher utility bill, but it’s cheaper than water damage costs.
Open the cabinet doors when temperatures fall below 32º Fahrenheit.
Opening cabinets allows warm air to circulate around kitchen and bathroom plumbing.
Let hot and cold water trickle through your pipes during frigid nights to help prevent them from freezing.
Find a local plumber. In the worst-case scenario, you should have the number of a trusted plumbing professional on hand.
There are products out there to help prevent frozen pipes and protect pipes against bursting. The Resideo Wi-Fi Leak & Freeze Detector can be purchased on Amazon for only $80. It can sense your homes moisture, temperature and humidity changes. It’s an early warning system when weather changes and pipes are in danger of freezing. There are many other products out there that can help aid in preventing substantial damage from burst pipes, such as pipe heating cables for vulnerable pipes, insulated pipe tape, outdoor faucet/spigot covers, just to name a few.
If the pipes freeze, it’s tempting to head to the nearest hotel for some running water, but don’t be hasty. Follow these steps to keep a freeze from becoming a disaster:
Shut off the main water valve.
Call a plumber if the frozen pipe is in an area you can’t reach—like underground or in an interior wall.
Use warm air to help thaw the pipes if you can access the frozen pipe. You can use a hair dryer, heat tape, or a quality space heater, but don’t leave it unattended—they can catch on fire.
Slowly turn the water back on, watching for leaks. You may need someone to assist you with this step.
Repeat steps three and four if the water doesn’t resume flowing immediately.
If a pipe bursts before you can thaw it, immediately shut off your water to prevent a flood. Mop up any mess you can reach and contact a plumber. Once the plumber assesses the damage, get started on an insurance claim.
Be safe and stay warm! Let me know if you have any questions, 860-690-5052.
During a recent meeting of the Greater Fairfield Board of Realtors, a panel of town officials from several departments presented updates and information for discussion among the group. I was struck by the new Conservation Director’s announcement that the volume of inland wetland violations has skyrocketed recently with all the new homeowners moving into town and being unaware about the presence and importance of wetlands. He asked if we could help him get the word out to people.
So (on an unseasonably hot day in November!) I met with Fairfield’s new Conservation Director, Tim Bishop over coffee to talk about how I can help homeowners in town learn how to protect our precious wetlands. Tim is an expert environmentalist with almost two decades of experience. He is an excellent resource for our town and truly wants to collaborate with homeowners to help them get their home improvements done while protecting our fragile natural resource, the inland wetland areas.
When meeting with Tim, I learned that most people are not aware of the importance of protecting wetlands. I learned that protecting our inland wetlands is critical to controlling flooding and stormwater run-off, maintaining our water quality, and preserving natural ecosystems that need still (vs. flowing) water to breed and live. Healthy wetland areas hold onto water which allows a natural cleaning process to occur and provides the environment necessary for wildlife survival, while controlling flooding.
People don’t realize that their actions could be permanently destroying this critical natural resource, and they don’t realize that what they do in their yard impacts other people. So I assembled the information below to address the key issues and also put it in a handout for people to use and share.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY PROPERTY IS REGULATED?
Call the Conservation Department. Ask your REALTOR® to check your deed.
Your property may have a water course, wetland soils, a buffer zone from adjacent wetlands, or a conservation easement to preserve another fragile natural resource.
Your property may have wetlands and be regulated even if it appears to be dry. Regulated activities include any “digging” (even 1 inch down) and “dumping” (depositing any material in wetland areas)
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF ACTIVITY ON MY PROPERTY IS REGULATED?
Call the Conservation Department to learn what impact your future plan would have on the environment and how it can be done safely. They will tell you if your project needs a “staff level permit”, a “commission level permit”, or no permit at all.
Be sure to come in for a Concept Review before submitting a permit application online! After your Concept Review, you can submit your online permit application.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?! Water Quality: Healthy wetlands hold onto water & enable a natural cleansing process for clean water. Flood Control: Healthy wetlands control flooding & prevent storm run-off.
Ecosystems: Healthy wetlands hold onto water that is critical to wildlife’s ability to breed & survive. Prevent Permanent Loss: Once a natural wetland area is damaged or destroyed, it can never be restored to its original natural integrity. Prevent Violations: Conservation violations are costly to the department, to you, and to the environment.
Resource to Help You: The Conservation Department is led by expert director, Tim Bishop who is here to help you plan your project and protect our inland wetlands.
Just Give Them a Call!
CALL BEFORE YOU START. Learn whether your property is regulated, what you can do, and where you can do it.
Tim Bishop, NEW Conservation Director 203-256-3071
FAQS:
Q. I’ve heard horror stories about getting Conservation involved in any projects. Why should I jump through hoops and pay the town extra money?!
A. Good news! There is a NEW director of conservation and new staff, all of whom are experts at protecting the inland wetland environments. They want to collaborate with Fairfield residents to ensure we can all enjoy the benefits of preserving healthy wetlands. They are very reasonable and are streamlining pricing, guidelines, and the way they work with homeowners. They truly want to connect with you to help you get your project done in a way that is safe for the environment and protects it for generations to come.
Q. Why would activity on my property be regulated by the Conservation department?
A. There are three possible conditions: 1) There are watercourses or wetland soils on your property. 2) There are wetlands or wetland soils on a nearby property with a protective buffer zone extending onto your property. 3) There is a conservation easement on your property deed (I.e. to protect a meadow). If any of these conditions exist, activity on your property is regulated by Conservation. This does not mean you will always need a permit or that you can’t implement your plans. It means that the experts in the department need to work with you on a plan that is safe for the environment.
Q. Why does conservation regulate my land?
A. The department only regulates activity that has an impact on the environment in regulated areas. It does not regulate your land. What you do in your yard impacts other people and the environment.
Q. What activities are regulated?
A. Any activity that involves digging (even an inch down) and dumping (depositing material in a wetland area) that disturbs wetlands. Some examples are: Installing pools, fences, patios, generators, sprinklers, koi ponds, dumping branches, brush, animal waste, etc.
Q. Can I plant stuff?
A. Check with conservation first if you have a regulated property to learn which species are native vs invasive. A permit will be needed for anything requiring trucks or heavy equipment, but manually planting native species might not even need a
Q. How long will it take to get a permit?
A. There are two types of permits, the CWC (Certificate of Wetland Conformance), and IWP (Inland Wetland Permit). CWC is a “staff level” permit which takes 1 to 1.5 months. It includes a 15-day waiting period for the public to weigh in on the applicant’s posting in the newspaper regarding their proposed activity. The template for the post is provided by conservation.
IWP is a ”commission level” permit which takes 3 to 4 months. The inland wetland commission is a self-managed group that adheres to regulations from the state. They meet monthly. Some projects may need discussion in more than one meeting.
Q. How much will it cost me to get conservation involved?
A. The new director, Tim Bishop is in the process of revamping the fees to make them much more cost effective. There will be a simple menu of activities, each with a very reasonable associated fee.
Q. How can I stay informed about inland wetland information?
A. Tim posts new information each month on the department homepage at Fairfieldct.org/conservation. But you can always call and ask your questions directly. Tim says, “Just give us a call!” Of course you can also stop in during office hours and visit the wetlands map.
If you are thinking of buying and/or selling a property and have questions, you can reach out to me below.
Did you ever think that grain-free, lectin-free/gluten-free, and nearly sugar-free (don’t tell your guests!) cookies could taste like cinnamon donuts?
Well these Snickerdoodles do just that! To put icing on the cake, so to speak, this recipe is super easy too. The most time consuming part is simply putting the cookie dough on the baking sheet.
Full disclosure: To give them a festive look for the holidays, I did roll them in gold sugar sprinkles along with the cinnamon. The photo also shows some green sprinkles, but I recommend using only the gold ones, if any. Another note, is that you can also substitute the butter for clarified butter, known as ghee, and some coconut oil. Ghee has had the lactose removed, and some brands are from grass-fed cows.
and join us for music and fun on October 11, 2022 to help fund the innovative research for a cure for cancer! Tickets sold out for last year’s event, so go online and get them today!
Meet Colton Johnston, hear his promo for the event!
Join Raveis Fairfield/Southport of William Raveis Real Estate for a fun evening fundraising event in support of the DamonRunyonCancerResearchFoundation & Dana-FarberCancerInstitute
October11th6pm-10pm at the Fairfield Theatre Company 70 Sanford St, Fairfield CT 06824
Food Trucks, Two Roads Beer Tasting, Cash Bar, Raffle Tickets and Live Music by Clear Blue Soul! *Foodanddrinksaren’tincludedwithentryticket*
We all showed up in the neighborhood at different times. We each arrived during the appropriate chapter for our individual story lines. As usual, we each had our own priorities, pursuits, and interests.
Our dear neighbor, Linda, (pictured above center with the orange lei), has lived on our street since 1995. She has seen many neighbors come and go.
If there ever was a perfect neighborhood role model, Linda would be it!
She knew everyone, and we all knew her. Not only did she know everyone, she pretty much knew the back story of each neighbor’s entire family tree including their pets!
Whenever she saw you, she would ask how you were doing, how your children were doing, your mother, brother, your pets. She genuinely cared and wanted to know. In the winter time, she would march right to your door with a shovel and begin a conversation while clearing your front porch of snow. If anyone needed the name of a contractor or a cup of sugar, Linda was our go-to.
And as a bonus to her model behavior, Linda was not shy about going the distance during our summer block parties with spirited festivities that lasted well into the night. 🙂
But when Linda decided to move away to be closer to her family and friends, it became very clear how meaningful she had been to the fabric of our neighborhood.
I went door to door to invite each neighbor to a surprise party for Linda. Everyone had the same reaction. They expressed loss at the thought of her leaving, well wishes for her next chapter, and a sincere desire to send her off with good spirit and a proper celebration. So we had a lovely gathering for Linda, which helped to bring us all a little closer together too.
It truly made me feel the impact of having a great neighborhood.
When you feel connected to those around you, it gives a sense of comfort, support, positive energy, and a feeling of belonging. In fact, this is why National Neighborhood Day was created! The mission is to inspire the fostering of neighborhood relationships that in turn build stronger and more caring and effective communities. The dedicated website says, “Communities work better ( students perform better, crime rates are lower, kids are safer, people live longer) when neighbors know one another better. Knowing your neighbor on a first-name basis, as National Neighborhood Day suggests, is a surprisingly effective first step toward a better America.”
Loving your neighbors sure makes a lot of sense, right?!
I hope this post inspires you to be a good neighbor and love your neighbors, even if they don’t live right on your street. This will make you feel more at home and do your part to help build a culture of kindness and acceptance that will enhance our communities in the future for generations to come! In fact, you can start here and now by taking the Good Neighbor Pledge!
If you are ready to join a new neighborhood, send a note below so that we can discuss your plans!
Special thanks to our guest writer, Sharon Wagner for this article! As a senior herself, Sharon Wagner understands that an older body and mind impacts the daily lives of many seniors. She created SeniorFriendly.info to offer advice geared specifically toward seniors to help them make healthier choices and enjoy their golden years.
After experiencing the painful loss of a parent, partner, sibling, friend, or another loved one, you may feel as if you’ll never fully recover from the grief — especially if nearly everything in your home or everyday life reminds you of the loved one you’ve lost. And while it’s best to delay any major life decisions within six to twelve months of losing a loved one, according to Psychology Tools, moving into a new home and/or relocating to a new city or state could be the change you need in order to cope with the grief you’re experiencing.
Moving provides a fresh start, and in some cases, it allows you to be closer to friends and family during an emotionally challenging time in your life. But whatever your reasons may be for moving after the loss of a loved one, this guide from real estate pro Linda Raymond will help you to make the change of scenery you need in order to move on with your life — as painful as it may be.
Get Ready to Move
If you lived with the loved one you’ve lost, selling the home you shared can be an incredibly painful experience. You’ll need to sort through your loved one’s belongings, decide which items to keep or donate, and handle the logistics of buying and selling a home. And when preparing to list your home, you’ll need to make any necessary repairs or improvements, such as fixing cracked windows, leaking pipes, or anything that could turn away potential homebuyers. You’ll also need to start saving for a down payment on a new home unless you plan on renting.
As time-consuming as moving can be, the process can be a much-needed distraction when you’re grieving the loss of a loved one. Just refrain from getting rid of your loved one’s belongings too soon, or you may regret it later. You can always move everything into your new home and sort through them at a later time. Consider storing them in a garage, basement, or rented storage space, and sort through them when you’re ready.
To reduce stress on moving day, you may also wish to hire professional movers. As Consumer Affairs notes, movers can help with packing, loading, and unloading your belongings, allowing you to focus more on creating a fresh start.
Connect With Friends, Your Community, and an Online Therapist
Whether you’re moving into a new area where you don’t know anyone, or you’re looking to connect with others who’ve experienced grief, resources are available to help you navigate your grief. Some ways to meet people in a new area include:
● Volunteering in the community.
● Attending Meetup events in your new city.
● Finding a roommate with similar interests as you.
● Connecting with friends on social media.
For most, therapy is key to working through the various phases of grief. Busy lifestyles, however, may not make it possible to attend regular therapy sessions. Instead of forgoing time with a counselor until you can carve out a few hours, there’s now telehealth options, which allow you to meet with a mental health professional from your computer or smartphone. And when it comes to costs associated with therapy, online therapy is more affordable. What’s more, you can find a therapist who fits your needs and schedule a same-day appointment.
Make Your New House Feel Like Home
As you settle into your new residence, incorporating old memories, decor, and keepsakes can help to make your new house feel like home. Try turning some of your loved one’s clothing into a memory quilt, creating a photo collage to display in your new house, or repurposing furniture from your former home. Doing so will allow you to start anew while keeping your loved one with you as you enter the next chapter of your life.
Moving for a change of scenery isn’t the right choice for everyone who’s coping with grief, but it could be a good option for you if remaining in your home feels unbearable after the passing of a loved one. Selling your home and starting over in a new city, state, or country isn’t a step you should take immediately following the death of a loved one, but it’s something to consider several months or years down the road. Everyone copes with grief in their own way – including finding emotional support via online therapy – and for you, that may mean selling your home and starting anew in an unfamiliar place.
Linda Raymond’s real estate blog is loaded with insights and advice on the home-buying and selling process. Reach out to Linda today for more info! 203-912-4440.
Good news in our local housing markets: Fresh New Listings to Choose From!
17 homes 🏡 Sold last week in Fairfield and Westport! There are 207 Available listings, 65 of which are New (less than 14 days old), plus 10 more are Coming Soon 🏃♀️, offering the opportunity for more people to find a new dream home 🎉!
You are invited to partner with Near & Far Aid as we celebrate our 26th Gala on May 6, 2022(TONIGHT!) at Mitchells of Westport. The annual Gala is our largest fundraising event and attracts wide-ranging support from many stake holders in our community Your support through auction purchasing makes it possible for us to fundraise with outstanding results. Merchants, both near and far, have played a critical role by donating to our auction which has a reputation for offering a well-curated catalog of highly desirable experiences and impossible to get items.
Last night, volunteers came together again to help with the auction set-up while professional teams worked to creatively transform our local Mitchells store into a glorious Gala setting on the French Riviera for the guests tonight. Here is a glimpse behind the scenes.
Near and Far Aid is an all-volunteer fundraising and fund-granting organization dedicated to eliminating the causes and effects of poverty in Fairfield County, Connecticut. We accomplish our mission by finding and funding programs that provide life’s most basic necessities, as well as those that seek to achieve lasting change. Our history of funding spans 68 years and since the year 2000 we have granted more than $19 million to community programs that work to support and create opportunities for underserved individuals and families in our community. For more information on the work we do and our events, please visit www.NEARANDFARAID.org.
Near and Far Aid is grateful for your participation in their efforts and are proud to partner with you to target poverty and change lives in Fairfield County.
Warmest Regards,
Linda Raymond, Volunteer
Near & Far Aid is a registered 501c(3) non-profit organization, Federal Tax ID #23-7036523.
Please send a note below or call me if you have questions or would like to contribute.
Linda Raymond Real Estate Blog, Fairfield, Westport & More 