Linda Raymond Real Estate Blog, Fairfield, Westport & More

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From Corporate Wellness to Home Sweet Home: Navigating the Fairfield County Real Estate Journey

Linda Raymond’s Journey to Becoming a CT Realtor: From Westport to Worcester and Back


I came to Fairfield County when moving to Westport, Connecticut from New Jersey just before entering the eighth grade.

After attending Staples High School in Westport, I went to Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts and graduated as a biology major before returning to the area for my first job as a research assistant at Yale.  I continued school part time and earned a Masters degree in exercise science from Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven.  My career then moved to corporate health and fitness in Stamford, Connecticut where I worked for corporate consulting firms that served companies seeking to improve the health of their employees. I worked closely with the employees of our corporate clients.

From there, I evolved into program design and management for employee health and productivity in large companies like IBM with dispersed national populations. I worked with my team to develop and deliver innovative programming with a range of delivery strategies to engage employees through their benefits and occupational health departments.  After 13 years of facilitating programming and data management on a population-scale basis, I began to feel the need to re-connect with people on an individual basis.

At the same time, my husband, young daughter and I decided to pursue our first home purchase in the Fairfield and Westport Connecticut areas where the schools are excellent.

This changed everything, my home, my career, and my lifestyle!

What Does the Journey to Your New Home Look Like?

Navigating the competitive Fairfield County home buying market in 2004 just before the housing bubble burst, I learned first-hand that the strategy of home buyers and home sellers had to adapt to the existing market conditions.

The Emotional Rollercoaster of Home Buying

As a first-time home buyer looking in Fairfield and Westport Connecticut, I was amazed by how intense, emotional, and complicated buying a home and making a move really was. 

Your Castle, Your Asset: Understanding the Home as an Investment

Your home is one of your largest assets. It requires a huge financial commitment. Your homeownership, is a critical investment in your future. You invest in it to gain equity, and you want it grow. Unlike most other investments, your home also holds tremendous emotional value. Your home is your castle. It’s where you live, love, grow, work, and play. It’s where go to be safe and sound, to feel peace and joy.


Making Informed Decisions: My Approach to Real Estate Assistance

So it’s not surprising that making a move is a monumental endeavor. Add to this the challenges of housing market conditions and the complex process, and the stress can be over the top! When you’re preparing to move to a home that better suits your current needs, you need an expert guide to navigate both the challenges and the opportunities, and to help set your mind at ease. You need to feel you are best positioned and on the right track to your new home!

Your Castle. My Mission: How I Can Help You Move with Confidence

So my current passion is to guide you as my client through the process of moving from one home to another while focusing on achieving the best terms and outcomes to meet your priorities and help you enjoy the process with peace of mind at the same time.


The focus on science in my education drives my reliance on data and facts to inform sound decisions. Decades in the business sector serving results-focused corporate clients drives my focus on strategy, planning, and accountability in the customer service I provide to my clients. And most of all, my genuine passion for understanding you and your priorities and my end-goal of making you a very happy client, are the forces that drive me!

Since May of 2005, I have been back to working one-on-one with home buyers and home sellers here in Fairfield, Southport, Westport, and surrounding areas to guide them through the huge decision to transition to the home sweet home.

Providing Input, Insights, and Resources

Putting my business skills and experience to work for each client, my focus is to provide the insights, information, and resources my clients need to feel confident in making informed decisions and to ensure they are thrilled with their end result. 

My strategic approach to helping my clients reach their goals integrates the key elements of listening, understanding, strong communication skills, facilitating collaborative relationships, a customer service focus, effective negotiations, market intelligence, leveraging technology and creativity, creative and strategic marketing, and business collaborations.

I specialize in helping people pursue their plans for downsizing, resale, first-time home buying, home sale and home buying.

What Is Your Ideal Lifestyle?

Some of my passions include dogs (we have a Havanese from a breeder, and a Terrier mix from Pet Finders!) dance, swimming, skiing, travel, family, and crafts. I love the ease of making these things a part of my life in my home. Are you in the right home to support your current lifestyle passions?

The Perfect Next Step!

If you are thinking of making a move now or in the future, I encourage you to start with a conversation now, and you will be well on your way. Give me a call today or send a note below and tell me what your ideal Castle looks like!


My blog is here to provide informative insights into the home buying and selling process and fun information about the local community.  Comments, questions, and suggestions are always welcome!

#FairfieldCountyHomes #HomeBuyingJourney #RealEstateDreams #WestportLiving #StamfordHomes #HomeSweetHome #CastleForSale #FairfieldBeachLiving #HomeownershipJoy #MoveWithConfidence #YourCastleMyMission


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Navigating Life’s Transitions: My Gratitude 🙏 for Your Trust and Patronage

Dear Clients and Community,

As a Realtor, I’ve been entrusted with the pivotal task of handling the sale and purchase of homes, recognizing that these spaces are not just assets but repositories of pride, emotions, and life’s stories. Your trust in me for this crucial responsibility is something I deeply cherish and am profoundly grateful for.


One of the most fulfilling aspects of my role is facilitating not just a change of residence but guiding people from one chapter of their lives to the next. This journey, often intertwined with significant life transitions, is laden with emotions. 


My commitment goes beyond being a real estate professional; it’s about being a compassionate guide, ensuring a seamless transition through each stage of the process. This journey involves a meticulous focus on several key elements:

  • Transparent Expectations: I ensure my clients are well-informed, eliminating surprises throughout the process.
  • Open Communication: A regular flow of communication is maintained to keep you informed and to encourage your thoughts and concerns to be expressed freely.
  • Collaboration: I give you the information you need to make informed decisions that best meet your priorities. I then work with you to implement the steps toward your desired results.
  • Emotional Support: I act as a shield against stressors, offering reassurance during the most challenging times.
  • Efficient Coordination: Managing all the players involved in the transaction—attorneys, agents, inspectors, appraisers, lenders, and contractors—is crucial to maintaining a smooth journey.

The validation of my approach is mirrored in the abundance of positive online reviews, surpassing 85, and the honor of receiving the Five Star Professional Award for nine consecutive years.


Your trust and appreciation fuel my dedication to continuous service and building enduring relationships. I am genuinely grateful for the opportunity to be part of your life’s transitions and look forward to working with you in the future.

Warm regards,
Linda


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Dreaming of Barbie’s castle? Now, let’s make the savvy grown-up choice!

See Instagram Reel!

If you’re dreaming of Barbie’s Castle, now’s the time to make the practical, savvy, grown-up choice! 🙂

Step into History and Luxury: Discover 6 Crockett Street, Rowayton’s Charming Victorian Gem! Welcome to this enchanting home on coveted, historic Oysterman’s Row along the harbor. It boasts a walk-to-everything location, charming wrap-around porch, idyllic gardens, new stone walkways, & delicate wrought iron gates. Bright & airy with 9-ft ceilings & tall windows, the gracious foyer leads to a spacious family room & elegant fireplace. Save energy with propane, tankless hot water, spray foam insulation, new Anderson windows upstairs, & maintenance-free Azek on the porch. Gaze at the water from upstairs before exploring the charming maritime community. Walk to the beach, quaint eateries, & Pinkney Park. Explore bustling SONO, or hop on a train to NYC in under an hour. Enjoy covered parking for 2 cars in the garage & carport. Experience the joy of history, luxury, & serenity in this one-of-a-kind home.

Call for more information. Linda Raymond, Realtor®
2 0 3 – 9 1 2 – 4 4 4 0
William Raveis Real Estate 2525 Post Rd – Southport, CT 06890

In the meantime, there’s no harm in channeling your inner Barbie! An enthusiastic group from our Southport office sure did! ….We saw the movie too! 🙂


#BarbieDreamsToReality
#GrownUpSavvyLiving
#PracticalLuxuryChoice
#RowaytonCT
#Rowayton
#CTRealEstate
#HomeForSale
#VintageHome
#ComingSoon
#DowntownMarina
#HistoricHome
#DreamHome
#HomeSweetHome
#HouseHunting
#RealEstate
#HomeBuyers
#HomeDecor
#RowaytonLiving
#VintageCharm
#HomeInspiration
#HouseGoals
#DreamHouse
#RowaytonLife
#Yourcastlemymission
#LindaRaymondRealtor


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If I Sell My Home, Where Will I Go?

Like the majority of homeowners right now, you are sitting tight even though you would prefer to be living somewhere else. Yet your current home no longer meets your needs or desires. You have hopes and dreams about a new home but, you don’t see a path for how to make it happen.

What if a path and a plan could be created?

My clients have done a variety of things. I’ll share a few of their stories to get the juices flowing! Those serious about finding their new home have been able to find it. Some bought a new home before they sold. Some found their next home during the process of selling their current one. Others sold their house and created an interim plan of temporary housing and storage, (okay, not convenient, but if you ask them now, they will tell you it was worth it 100 times over!). And my most recent seller cashed out and followed her long-time dream of traveling overseas for six months before returning to shop for her new home. So there are many ideas, options, and solutions.

Everyone who’s selling knows exactly where they’re going, right?

Here’s an interesting observation I made after going on the broker tour in Fairfield last week. Click the image below to listen!

Click to hear my surprise discovery.

Okay, I might have some options on where to go, but there are more things to consider.

I know there are concerns about interest rates, high prices, and inflation. Take a look at this post for some additional insights from the experts. Once you feel you are ready to make a purchase, here are the key steps to consider.

I am prepared to discuss your plans and how to get you there. Call me today for a no-obligation consultation.


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Fairfield CT Real Estate Report – September 2021

Despite all the obstacles from this pandemic, you may very much want to make a move to a home that is better suited to your current needs and desired lifestyle. Like so many others, you want the right amount of space for privacy, focus, relaxation, and recreation. Problem is, you’re worried about the monumental stress of actually making it happen, and this is completely understandable.

For most of the population, real estate transactions are the biggest and most difficult financial endeavors 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 the top things to know about the Fairfield real estate market right now:

Click for the digital magazine.

Featured Property: Direct Beachfront
Looking for Beach Homes? Fabulous Beachfront Property For Sale, 963 Fairfield Beach Road, Fairfield CT!

View from deck at 963 Fairfield Beach Rd

Send a request below if you would like to receive the hard copy newsetter in the mail.


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Real Estate News: Westport and Fairfield CT August 2021

July numbers are in, and opportunity still knocks!

You, like many others have been ready to get out of your current home for quite a while, but you haven’t made the move yet. It’s a monumental decision for sure. You want to get the best ROI and the best terms when you sell and also be able to transition to the ideal new home for your next chapter.

But you are worried about how to prepare your house for sale, navigate the process, and manage the timing. This is all very understandable. This is also why you need an expert agent who understands the current market and who will implement a strategy for you that fits with your priorities and guides you toward achieving your goals.

How’s the single-family housing market in Westport and Fairfield Connecticut as we move into August?

Take a look at the stats below showing how the stats in July 2021 compare to July 2020.

In WESTPORT

  • Single-Family Homes Sales are DOWN 28.1.5% from 96 to 69 homes sold.
  • The Median Sale Price is UP 19% from $1,294,500 to $1,540,000.
  • Inventory is DOWN 18.4% from 244 to 199 homes for sale.
  • Months of Supply is DOWN 44.9% from 6 months to 3.51.
  • Market Time is DOWN 41.1% from 73 to 43 days.

In FAIRFIELD

  • Single-Family Homes Sales are DOWN 34.7% from 147 to 96 homes sold.
  • The Median Sale Price is UP 12.5% from $640,000 to $720,000.
  • Inventory is DOWN 42.2% from 396 to 229 homes for sale.
  • Months of Supply is DOWN 60.6% from 6 months to 2.37!
  • Market Time is DOWN 50.6% from 85 to 42 days.

The trends of low inventory, increasing median sale price, and short market time continue through July. Unit sales dipped in July, likely due to the continued reduced inventory in combination with “buyer fatigue”, and summer vacations. We will likely see reduced closings for the same reasons in August as well.

More homes are listed for sale each day, so despite the low inventory, there is an ever-changing selection to choose from, and you only need one to make your move!

As of the day of this writing, there are 68 newly listed single-family homes and condos in Westport and Fairfield.

Yet the buyer demand is still stronger than the supply which is keeping the inventory low, causing some continued multiple offer situations, though not as many as in earlier months, and pushing sale prices up in both towns.

Opportunities are here for both buyers and sellers in this dynamic marketplace, but we can all benefit from more homeowners listing their properties for sale!

Home appreciation is expected to continue according to the National Association of Realtors Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun. Interest rates are anticipated to rise slightly but are still expected to remain historically low.

So if you are seeking your perfect home, you may want to take the plunge and move forward with doing so now!

If you are thinking of selling in the next 12 months and would like to discuss how to buy and sell your home in the current or future markets, call me today 203.912.4440.

 


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How’s the Housing Market in Westport and Fairfield CT at the Start of July 2021?

As far as the market is concerned, opportunity still knocks! So, why stay on the fence, when you can get a new one! 😉

You, like many others have been ready to get out of your current home for quite a while, but you haven’t made the move yet. It’s a monumental decision for sure. You want to get the best ROI and the best terms when you sell and also be able to transition to the right new home for your next chapter. You are worried about how to prepare your house for sale, navigate the process, and manage the timing. This is all very understandable. This is also why you need an expert agent who understands the current market and who will implement a strategy for you that fits with your priorities and guides you toward achieving your goals.

How’s the single-family housing market in Westport and Fairfield Connecticut as we head into July?

Take a look at the stats below comparing June 2021 to last June 2020:

In WESTPORT

  • Single-Family Homes Sales are UP 25.5% from 51 to 64 homes sold.
  • The Median Sale Price is UP 7.1% from $1,495,000 to $1,601,000.
  • Inventory is DOWN 22.6% from 283 to 219 homes for sale.
  • Months of Supply is DOWN 56.7% from 9 months to 3.72.
  • Market Time is DOWN 65% from 123 to 43 days.

In FAIRFIELD

  • Single-Family Homes Sales are UP 12.9% from 93 to 105 homes sold.
  • The Median Sale Price is UP 16.9% from $650,000 to $760,000.
  • Inventory is DOWN 42.9% from 434 to 248 homes for sale.
  • Months of Supply is DOWN 64.8% from 7 months to 2.46!
  • Market Time is DOWN 45.1% from 91 to 50 days.

The trends of extremely low inventory, increasing median sale price, and short market time continue through June. However, the market is not stagnant. Unit sales are up and we are seeing more homes listed for sale. In fact, as of the day of this writing, there are 71 newly listed single-family homes and condos in Westport and Fairfield. The buyer demand is still stronger than the supply which is keeping the inventory low, causing many multiple offer situations, and pushing sale prices upward in both towns.

Opportunities are here for both buyers and sellers in this dynamic marketplace, but we can all benefit from more homeowners listing their properties for sale!

As the summer temps rise, home appreciation as well as interest rates are anticipated to follow. Yet interest rates are still expected to remain historically low, and buyers continue to look for their perfect homes. If you are a homeowner on the fence, now is a great time to sell!

If you are thinking of selling in the next 12 months and would like to discuss how to buy and sell your home in the current market, call me today 203.912.4440.

 


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How’s the Housing Market, June 2021? Is it Still Strong in Westport and Fairfield CT?

How’s the single-family housing market in Fairfield and Westport Connecticut at the end of May as we head into June? Take a look at the info below to see the comparison to last May, 2020, and take note of the opportunities. If we follow last year’s trend, we will see a spike in sales beginning in the next couple of weeks and extending through September!

If you would like access to our William Raveis Local Housing Data tool and run your own graphs like the ones below, just send me a note in the form below for the link! Here are the specifics. 

In WESTPORT

  • Single-Family Homes Sales are UP 52% from 31 to 47 homes sold.
  • The Median Sale Price is UP 46% from $1,085,000 to $1,582,000.
  • Inventory is DOWN 29% from 306 to 217 homes for sale.
  • Months of Supply is DOWN 61% from 10 months to 4.
  • Market Time is DOWN 41% from 90 to 53 days.

In FAIRFIELD

  • Single-Family Homes Sales are UP 3% from 72 to 74 homes sold.
  • The Median Sale Price is UP 22% from $662,500 to $807,500.
  • Inventory is DOWN 39% from 421 to 257 homes for sale.
  • Months of Supply is DOWN 62% from 7 months to 2.6!
  • Market Time is DOWN 56% from 107 to 56 days.

The trends of extremely low inventory, increasing median sale price, and short market time continues through May, though we are seeing more homes come on the market. The strong buyer demand in the face of this limited choice is still causing frequent multiple offer situations and pushing sale prices upward in both towns.

Opportunities are here for both buyers and sellers, but the market can unquestionably benefit from more home owners listing their properties for sale! The summer is heating up, and me may see another spike in June through September like last year, depending on whether people are still wanting to escape the City. Interest rates remain low, and buyers are still out looking for their perfect homes. If you have been wondering, yes, now is the time to sell!

If you would like to discuss how to buy and sell your home in the current market, you can create your own home search to check out the market, visit my website, give me a call, 203.912.4440, or send me a note below. I’m here to help!

 


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How’s the Housing Market, May 2021? Is Now a Good Time to Sell in Westport and Fairfield CT?

How’s the single-family housing market in Fairfield and Westport Connecticut as of the end of April? Take a look at the bullets and graphs below to see how things have changed dramatically this April compared to last April, 2020, and look at the opportunities.

If you would like access to our William Raveis Local Housing Data tool and run your own graphs like the ones below, just send me a note for the link! Here are the specifics. 

In WESTPORT

  • Single-Family Homes Sales are DOWN 8% from 39 to 36 homes sold.
  • The Median Sale Price is UP 27% from $1,100,000 to $1,401,500.
  • Inventory is DOWN 35% from 271 to 177 homes for sale.
  • Months of Supply is DOWN 62% from 8 months to 3.
  • Market Time is DOWN 37% from 137 to 86 days.

In FAIRFIELD

  • Single-Family Homes Sales are UP 70% from 56 to 70 homes sold.
  • The Median Sale Price is UP 10% from $645,250 to $712,500.
  • Inventory is DOWN 46% from 426 to 231 homes for sale.
  • Months of Supply is DOWN 66% from 7 months to 2!
  • Market Time is DOWN 39% from 107 to 65 days.

The trend of extremely low inventory, increasing median sale price, and short market time continues through April into May, though we are seeing more homes come on the market. The strong buyer demand in the face of this limited choice is still causing frequent multiple offer situations and has even slowed the rate of sales in Westport compared to April 2020.

Opportunities are here for both buyers and sellers, but the market can unquestionably benefit from more sellers entering the market! Vaccines are here, spring is here, interest rates remain low, and buyers are circling. If you have been wondering, yes, now is the time to sell!

If you would like to discuss how to buy and sell your home in the current market, you can create your own home search to check out the market, visit my website, give me a call, 203.912.4440, or send me a note below. I’m here to help!

 


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How’s the Housing Market, April 2021? Is Now a Good Time to Sell in Westport and Fairfield CT?

How’s the single-family housing market in Fairfield and Westport Connecticut as of the end of March?Take a look at the bullets and graphs below to see how things have changed dramatically this March compared to last March, 2020, and look at the opportunities.

If you would like access to our William Raveis Local Housing Data tool and run your own graphs like the ones below, just send me a note for the link! Here are the specifics. 

In WESTPORT

Single-Family Homes Sales are UP 29% from 31 to 40 homes sold.
The Median Sale Price is UP 29% from $1,375,000 to $1,774,500.
Inventory is DOWN 47% from 289 to 153 homes for sale.
Months of Supply is DOWN 70% from 9 months to less than 3!
Market Time is DOWN 49% from 132 to 67 days.

In FAIRFIELD

Single-Family Homes Sales are UP 69% from 54 to 91 homes sold.
The Median Sale Price is UP 20% from $587,450 to $703,000.
Inventory is DOWN 55% from 479 to 217 homes for sale.
Months of Supply is DOWN 71% from 8 months to 2!
Market Time is DOWN 19% from 96 to 78 days.

The trend of extremely low inventory, increasing median sale price, and short market time continues through March into April, though we are seeing more homes come on the market. The strong buyer demand in the face of this limited choice is still causing frequent multiple offer situations.

Opportunities exist for both buyers and sellers, but the market can unquestionably benefit from more sellers entering the market! Vaccines are here, spring is here, interest rates remain low, and buyers are waiting. If you have been wondering, yes, now is the time to sell.

If you would like to discuss how to buy and sell your home in the current market, you can create your own home search to check out the market, visit my website, give me a call, 203.912.4440, or send me a note below. I’m here to help!