Linda Raymond Real Estate Blog, Fairfield, Westport & More

Fairfield & Westport Living- homes, fun stuff & more!


Leave a comment

Love Where You Live- Southport CT Success Story

The day we met, she had flown from California to her second home on Long Island and taken the ferry across to visit open houses along the coast all the way from Westchester to Fairfield!

My open house in the Fairfield Beach area may have been town number five in her trek starting in New York, then Greenwich, Westport, and Norwalk.

… someone along the way told her she needed to take a look at Fairfield because it’s a great town.

From talking with her, I could tell she valued the charm and character of the cute cape. She also mentioned that she had never been to this town before, but someone along the way told her she needed to take a look at Fairfield because it’s a great town.

She was immediately drawn to the bustling yet easy vibe. The other major attraction was that the downtown, train, and water were all located in the beach-center area of town. How fabulous to be able to walk to all the cafe’s, shops, train, and beach!

After her day of researching homes and towns, she headed back to Long Island and then to LA where her primary home was. But she made arrangements to return and look at some other homes in the Fairfield Beach Area and Southport. She saw some new construction that was open, airy, spacious, and attractive, and also an incredibly adorable little vintage Victorian home in Southport. It was in Southport Village, a charming and picturesque historic district in Fairfield with its own train station, many old churches, and a beautiful harbor. All of these assets are also within walking distance in the Village.

The romantic charm of Southport Village, with the church bells and train sounds evoked such a nostalgic and comforting feeling, she was hooked.

She adored the antique home in the historic village, but it was small, so she revisited the new homes again and a few others. But the romantic charm of Southport Village, with the church bells and train sounds evoked such a nostalgic and comforting feeling, she was hooked. The renovated antique home fit right in, with its charm, history, character, and quality updates. This was the one!

So she listed her house for sale in California, got it sold, and made a successful offer. She researched storage facilities near Fairfield, got a mover, went on a few business trips, had a friend go to the inspection for her, made plans to drive her car from California to New York with her son, and then head to Connecticut. She wired funds for the house from her bank while en-route cross-country and arranged to stay at a nearby friend’s house for a night so she would be ready for the walkthrough and closing the next day. She got it done and couldn’t be happier!

When you fall in love with a home, anything’s possible!

If this little lady can come east to go house hunting a few times in Connecticut, sell her house in California, drive cross country, nail a purchase in a seller’s market, find the best storage in the area for her extra stuff, stay overnight at a friend’s house, and be ready to move-on-in on closing day…you can too!

Congratulations to my client who is thrilled to be one of the newest residents of Southport Village. 💕


Leave a comment

Tips for Planning a Move After the Loss of a Loved One

Image via Unsplash

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.


1 Comment

FAIRFIELD REAL ESTATE REPORT – JULY 2021 – PLUS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW NOW

Dear Neighbor,

Some of you may have also received this newsletter in the mail. If you did not and would like to receive one, please send me a note below with your name and the address where you would like it sent with my compliments!

Like so many others, you probably want to make a move to a home that is better suited to your current needs and desired lifestyle. You want the right amount of space for privacy, relaxation, and recreation. But the problem is, you’re worried about the monumental stress of actually making it happen. This is completely understandable.

For most of the population, real estate transactions are the biggest and most difficult financial transactions of their lives. There are so many moving parts and potential roadblocks. That’s why understanding the market you’re in is so important for making the best decisions. From there, working with a well-qualified real estate expert can help you lock down your hard-earned equity. As you consider your next move, here the top things to know about the Fairfield real estate market right now: 

Sales are Up

The inventory remains low, yet the volume of sales is up. One hundred and five (105) sales closed this June, despite some buyer fall out, compared to just 93 single-family home sales last June 2020. This shows that the market is very dynamic. Many homeowners are listing and selling their homes, yet the current demand is still exceeding the supply.

Sellers who seek the guidance of a real estate expert to market their home and manage the turbulent activity are able to navigate this opportunity for a successful sale.

Supply is Way Down

In June this year, there are only 2.46 months of housing supply, whereas in June of 2020 we saw seven months worth of homes for sale. A balanced market has about six months of inventory.

Homes that show beautifully, are well-priced, and marketed strategically continue to sell quickly.

Since the start of the pandemic, I have worked with many clients to successfully reach their goals and accomplish over $15M in sales. The market continues to be fast-paced, yet tricky with the need to navigate multiple offers, coordinate timing, and be in tune with what’s happening up to the minute. Buyers are looking for beautiful turnkey homes, and with my strategic listing preparation, solutions for sellers, and marketing plan, my clients are well positioned to get the highest possible price and best possible terms for their priorities.

As a homeowner, what does this mean for you? If you’re thinking of selling in the next 12 months, it’s time to start preparing for market.

What if you could off-load all the complicated worrisome steps to me and coast through a seamless, collaborative, positive, maybe even a bit fun, experience with peace of mind while you achieve your desired goal of capturing your ROI in as few days as possible? You deserve the utopia of the perfect home and lifestyle that you’ve worked so hard to enjoy.

If you are thinking of selling your home in the next 12 months, call me today for your Strategic Marketing Consultation → 203-912-4440

We’ll discuss your goals and timeline, briefly cover my unique approach to getting you the highest possible price and best terms for you in the fewest days on market, and if we seem like a match, we’ll discuss the next steps from there.

Call Today → 203-912-4440

To Your Success,

Linda Raymond
License # 077359
William Raveis Real Estate
LindaRaymond.raveis.com
Linda.Raymond@raveis.com
203-912-4440


3 Comments

FAIRFIELD REAL ESTATE REPORT – JUNE 2021 – PLUS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW NOW

Dear Neighbor,

Like so many others, you want to make a move to a home that is better suited to your current needs and desired lifestyle. You want the right amount of space for privacy, relaxation, and recreation. Problem is, you’re worried about the monumental stress of actually making it happen. This is completely understandable.

For most of the population, real estate transactions are the biggest and most difficult financial transactions of their lives. There are so many moving parts and potential roadblocks. That’s why understanding the market you’re in is so important for making the best decisions. From there, working with a well-qualified real estate expert can help you lock down your hard-earned equity. As you consider your next move, here are two top things to know about the Fairfield real estate market right now: 

Inventory Remains Historically Low

You’ve probably heard that the number of homes for sale has been declining. Well, this overall trend has continued despite some more homes for sale in the last couple of weeks.  At the end of May, there were just 257 single-family homes on the market in Fairfield—a 39% decrease from 421 in May 2020 and a 59% decrease from 627 in May 2019. Buyer demand is still high, so it’s no wonder sellers who correctly market their homes are receiving multiple offers! Homeowners that seek the guidance of a real estate expert can be sure to navigate this opportunity for a successful sale.

Mortgage Rates are Low, But May Rise

Due to inflation reported in May, and the growing percentage of fully vaccinated adults in the US, most economists and investors are expecting a boom in the economy. Since mortgage rates increase with these factors, they’re expected to increase but also fluctuate throughout the summer—potentially making home-buying more expensive. 

Housing and financial agencies are predicting rates to be in the low to mid 3s in the later part of 2021; but, according to The Mortgage Reports Editor, Tim Lucas, buyers are just as likely to find comparable rates by shopping around as they are by trying to time a rate lock later this year.  No matter what the market is doing, working with a real estate professional to properly price and position your home can have you getting multiple offers in a short period of time. 

Time on Market is Down

The average number of days a single-family home in Fairfield is on the market before entering into a contract dropped 56% since May 2020. It took an average of 107 days to go to contract last May, and just 47 days in May 2021. Homes that show beautifully and are well-priced continue to sell very quickly.

I have worked with buyers and sellers since the start of the pandemic to successfully reach their goals and accomplish over $15M in sales.  The market continues to be fast-paced, yet tricky with the need to navigate multiple offers, coordinate timing, and be in tune with what’s happening up to the minute. Buyers are looking for beautiful homes to bid on, and with my strategic listing preparation and marketing plan, my clients are positioned to get the highest possible price with the best possible terms for their priorities.

As a homeowner, what does this mean for you?

If you’re thinking of selling in the next 12 months, it’s time to start preparing for market.

What if you could off-load all the complicated worrisome steps to me and coast through a seamless, collaborative, positive, maybe even a bit fun, experience with peace of mind while you achieve your desired goal of capturing your ROI in as few days as possible? You deserve the utopia of the perfect home and lifestyle that you’ve worked so hard to enjoy.

If you are thinking of selling your home in the next 12 months, call me today for your Strategic Marketing Consultation → 203-912-4440

We’ll discuss your goals and timeline, briefly cover my unique approach to getting you the highest possible price and best terms for you in the fewest days on market, and if we seem like a match, we’ll discuss the next steps from there.

Call Today → 203-912-4440

To Your Success,

Linda Raymond
License # 077359
William Raveis Real Estate
LindaRaymond.raveis.com
Linda.Raymond@raveis.com
203-912-4440


Leave a comment

Grateful for Our Positive Work Culture at William Raveis Real Estate!

Pictured below are scenes from a fabulous elegant lunch hosted by Bill Raveis and his wife Candy at their Fairfield Connecticut home to celebrate 🎊 the careful selection of our new Southport office manager, Tammy Fenelstein (after Amy Arnheim retired), and getting back to “normal” after the pandemic!  The festivities began earlier in the day at the weekly morning sales meeting in our Southport office where Tammy was introduced to us. The meeting adjourned with a group photo outside the building.

At Willliam Raveis the company’s mission is to be laser-focused on supporting the agents as their customers. So everything they do is driven by the goal of ensuring our success in serving you. This means providing the best cutting-edge technology, a family of companies to support seamless transactions, key solutions to solving the challenges you face when moving to a new home, the best agent training, and the best local, national, and global marketing resources. So we work hard, play hard, and celebrate our happy clients as we go.

You are right to want to work with the agent who’s company has a supportive, joyful, family culture which we are so grateful to have at William Raveis Real Estate, because this positive force 🌅 supports everything we do, and I bring that great energy along with all our resources to work for you! ❤️

If you are thinking of selling in the next 12 months, now is the time to start planning. Call me at 203.912.4440 or reach out using the form below.


1 Comment

Financial Stress: 6 Strategies Seniors Can Use to Find Relief

Thank you to our guest writer, Jim Vogel from eldersinaction.org for this article!

Photo by Unsplash

Financial stress is a never-ending problem that can lead to physical and mental health challenges for older adults. While research shows seniors aren’t the group most stressed by finances, they often have unique challenges when it comes to money. Mainly, they have fewer options for finding relief.

If you or a senior loved one is experiencing financial stress, there are some big and small ways to manage the situation. 

1. Get better healthcare and insurance rates.

Now is the time to shop around for your insurance options. You may be paying more than you should or for services you don’t need. Healthcare is a complicated system and can be challenging to navigate alone. You may find ways to save money by talking to an agent. 

We also recommend looking at the costs of other kinds of insurance, like life and homeowners insurance, to see if there are more affordable options out there.

2. Downsize.

The costs of maintaining a larger home can add up. If you’ve got sky-high utility bills and more space than you need, it may be time to consider downsizing. By selling your current home, you may be able to purchase a new home outright and use the remaining money to help fund your retirement. Take a look at this informative Guide to Downsizing for Retirement as you weigh your options. Before putting your home on the market, research how much you can expect to earn from a sale, and make sure you consult an experienced realtor in your area. 

3. Explore alternative transportation.

If you are a senior who is driving less and less, you might be able to save money by changing your transportation methods. If driving isn’t necessary, consider selling your car. This will not only give you quick cash on hand but also save you monthly car insurance payments, as well as routine car maintenance and upkeep. 

Senior support website Daily Caring notes that seniors have many transportation options — some can get everywhere they need to by bus or through a family member, while others take advantage of rideshares or senior-specific public transportation options.

4. Shop at secondhand stores.

Seniors can save a great deal of money by purchasing gently-used items at secondhand stores. There are many upper-end consignment stores that allow seniors to purchase high-quality clothes, furniture, appliances, kitchenware, and other household goods at even greater discounts. Be sure to look and see if there is a certain day or time of day where seniors can take advantage of additional discounts. There are even online secondhand options like Thred-Up and Poshmark. 

5. Take advantage of senior deals and discounts.

Many businesses offer seniors special deals and discounts to help make their goods and services more accessible and affordable. People over 65 can get anything from meals to groceries, entertainment to investments, at special rates and discounts. The Senior List provides one of the most comprehensive lists of senior deals and discounts. These deals can help you enjoy a quality of life that is fun and exciting without worrying excessively about costs.

6. Share meals with neighbors and friends.

Senior isolation can be a serious health condition for people over 65, especially those concerned with finances. They may go out less for fear of spending too much money. However, sharing meals with neighbors and friends can relieve both burdens. You’ll share the financial cost of cooking, while also spending quality, social time with loved ones. Even cooking together can be a social occasion. Seniors who share meals two or three times a week often report a social and financial benefit.

Any health issue can be exacerbated by financial stress and strain, which makes seniors particularly at risk. That’s why exploring these free or low-cost activities can help both the mind and body cope with financial hardships. 

If I can be of assistance to you, please feel free to reach out.


3 Comments

At What Price Would You Consider Selling Your House?

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.


15 Comments

She Finally Decided to Sell Her Home, and It Was a Dream Come True!

The seed was planted years ago that maybe someday 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!

Linda
203.912.4440


Leave a comment

Summer 2020: 5 Things You Should Know About the Real Estate Market Right Now!

It’s a very dynamic time right now in real estate and a great time for anyone interested to jump into the action.  Here are five things you should know.

  1. Inventory Is Low! – There are fewer homes for sale resulting in a limited choice for buyers right now which creates competition for the homes on the market and can push up the selling price. May Inventory is Down!Look at the difference in the number of homes for sale in Fairfield and Westport in May compared to May of 2019! The marketplace is in need of more homes for sale. This creates a huge opportunity for sellers!
  2. Interest Rates are at an All Time Low!Mortgage Rates At an All Time Low!Although there has been daily fluctuation in interest rates, they have remained extremely attractive.  In fact, this week the rate for a conforming loan up to $510,400 has dipped to 2.85% for purchasers with high credit scores and a twenty percent downpayment. So there’s an excellent opportunity for buyers to finance a purchase at an amazingly low rate. This is great news for sellers as well because these low rates make their homes more affordable! Click the image from your phone and download the mortgage app!
  3. Summer is the New Spring! Summer is the New Spring!The real estate marketplace is very busy right now for a few key reasons. Realtors and everyone else in the industry have adapted to working in safe mode, there is pent up demand from the initial pandemic slowdown, and it’s a great time to buy and sell! If you are thinking of buying a home and want to take advantage of the low interest rates and increased home affordability, reach out to me so I can help you get that perfect new home.  Sellers, take note of the sample prep list above and the new Raveis Refresh program that’s here to help you with it. Reach out to me, and I will help you to make the process seamless!
  4. Raveis Refresh Is Here for You!

    Linda Raymond Explains Raveis Refresh

    Quick Video explaining Raveis Refresh

    If you have thought about selling but feel overwhelmed by what needs to happen to get your house ready, fear not! Raveis Refresh is a new service that is here to provide you with nearly anything you need, from help packing, to staging, painting, kitchen or bathroom renovations, and repairs, small to large.  The cost is completely deferred until closing, so no worries about that either.

  5. Real Estate is Expected to Drive Economic Recovery! Did you know that a recent study by the National association of Realtors indicates that the sale of just one home in the US results in an economic boost of $88,416?  Because of this, many experts are predicting real estate to lead to the country’s economic recovery.

Economic Impact of One Home Sale - NAR

So there are exciting opportunities for everyone right now, and you can even boost the economy when you make a move to help yourself.  Reach out to me anytime so I can help you with your next steps.

 

 

 


1 Comment

Hiking Trails, Water Park, Lake Mohegan- Take Tours!

One of the many super amenities in the town of Fairfield is Lake Mohegan and all the great stuff right around it.  Take tours around the park with our friendly Portuguese Water Dog, Splash.  He will preview some of the fun for you, and then you should come and see for yourself!

The park is open for year-round enjoyment.

Splash in for a swim!There are short and long hiking trails offering gorgeous natural scenery and great exercise for both you and your dogs. The long trail goes all around the lake and takes about an hour to complete.  There are many dramatic views along the way including a deep stream where dogs can jump in from the rocks above.
Splash jumps from a rockThe terrain varies from level to steep and smooth to rocky with exposed tree roots, so don’t go in your flip-flops!

People watching Splash Jump

The short trail doesn’t go as far into the woods and more or less follows the edge of the lake.  It leads to a wonderfully entertaining swimming beach for dogs.
Whether you come with a dog or not, just standing there and watching the action will ensure you witness an upbeat social dynamic among our four-legged friends!

During the summer, the official public swimming beach is open, complete with lifeguard, sandy beach, and marked off swimming areas with ropes at different depths.  Lake Mohegan SummerThere are picnic tables, swings, a snack bar, and restrooms. For the little ones, there is also a water park area to supplement the beach.  It’s an exciting fountain playground with multiple intermittent water-sprays that are sure to delight and surprise its guests.

Splash on trail in winter

The lake and surrounding area comprise 170.4 acres managed by Fairfield’s Conservation Commission and the Parks and Recreation department. Lake access and the parking entrance are at 960 Morehouse Highway.  The park is easily accessed from exit 44 off the Merritt Parkway. Parking is free, and there is a small entry fee for the swimming beach in the summer.

 

Looking to move into this area? Check out another nearby Neighborhood Secret, the Lake Hills Association! Click the next link to view a lovely home on the market just around the corner from the Lake Mohegan neighborhood at 345 Steiner Street.  Or send an inquiry in the form below for more information about the lake, more Fairfield amenities or other homes for sale nearby!

345 Steiner Street, Fairfield

Cul-de-Sac Charmer! Click image for video

 

Splash Photos Courtesy of Karen Kallins

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave