Linda Raymond Real Estate Blog, Fairfield, Westport & More

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Category Archives: Financial Stress


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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 the Current Real Estate Landscape: Waiting for Interest Rates to Return to 2.85%

In the dynamic world of real estate, interest rates hold a significant sway over homebuyers’ decisions. Likewise, rates have an impact on homeowners’ ability to sell. As memories of the desirable 2.85% interest rate linger, the current market fluctuations have left potential homeowners pondering their next move. Of course, the unspoken value proposition in all of this is the impact that ‘home’ has on your lifestyle and quality of life. Each person needs to weigh how much they value their lifestyle relative to what they are willing to invest in a new home. In this discussion, we’ll delve into some strategic approaches that can help you navigate this uncertainty while awaiting the (unlikely) return of the coveted 2.85% interest rate.

1. Exploring Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs) for Lower Rates: Consider opting for an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) in a higher interest rate climate. ARMs often begin with a lower rate than fixed-rate mortgages, potentially offering more affordable initial payments. As interest rates are expected to fluctuate, ARMs can be a prudent choice if you anticipate rates to decrease in the future. It’s crucial to understand the terms and associated risks of ARMs before making a decision.

2. Seizing Opportunity: Buying Now and Refinancing for Lower Rates: Rather than endlessly waiting for the ideal 2.85% rate, consider purchasing a home now and exploring refinancing opportunities later. By securing a home at current rates, you can build equity and enjoy the benefits of homeownership. Keep a vigilant eye on market trends to identify the optimal time for refinancing to secure a more favorable rate.

3. Negotiating Seller Concessions for Reduced Costs: Leverage negotiation skills when making an offer on a home by requesting a seller concession. This concession can be used to buy down the interest rate or cover closing costs. Keep in mind, that sellers typically have more leverage than buyers in the current market, but if a home has been lingering on the market longer than the average market time, the homeowner might be willing to work with you for a win-win agreement. This approach provides a means to mitigate the impact of higher interest rates, enhancing short-term affordability and financial flexibility.

4. Diversifying Investment Strategies: Exploring Real Estate Investment: For those hesitant about primary homeownership due to interest rates, diversifying into real estate investment can be an attractive alternative. Options like rental properties and real estate investment trusts (REITs) allow you to benefit from market dynamics while potentially bolstering your investment portfolio. Thorough research is essential to navigate each avenue’s nuances and risks.

5. Seeking Expert Guidance: Partnering with Financial Professionals: To effectively navigate the intricate interplay of interest rates and real estate, consult financial advisors, mortgage experts, and real estate professionals. Their insights and tailored advice can help you make informed decisions aligned with your financial goals and market projections.

Conclusion: In the pursuit of the elusive 2.85% interest rate, remember that the real estate market’s complexity extends beyond rates alone. By exploring ARM options, capitalizing on current opportunities and planning for future refinancing, negotiating for seller concessions, and diversifying investment strategies, you can confidently navigate today’s real estate landscape. Stay informed, seek professional counsel, and make choices tailored to your financial situation and aspirations.


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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.


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Ticket to Ride!

Like so many others, you’re tired of shelling out money for taxes, maintenance, insurance, and a mortgage for a home that is no longer best serving your needs. Maybe you’ve been waiting on your move due to uncertainty about changing market conditions or your own personal or professional landscape.

You, like many others feel it doesn’t make sense to continue living in a house that is no longer aligned with your lifestyle and current priorities. Your opportunities and needs have changed. Maybe you don’t have the rooms you need for peace, quiet, focus, exercise, or whatever it may be. You’re stressed by the interruptions from kids or dogs. Or maybe you have wasted space that you no longer use. Your commuting needs have changed, and you need or long for different surroundings. Maybe you are simply in need of something new. You have hopes and dreams about a new home but, you are not sure about the path for how to make it happen.

Your home is your ticket to ride!

As a homeowner, you may be surprised to find out how much equity you have available to you. At the end of 2021 homeowners with a mortgage across the United States gained an average of $57,000 in equity since the end of 2020, with some homeowners gaining $90,000 or more!

Click image for quick video

A jump in equity means you can cash out and go where you have been yearning to be!

But you’re thinking, “Why would I want to buy now when there is nothing available, and home prices are up?”.

While it is true that the inventory of homes for sale is at an all time low, what most people don’t realize is that this inventory is made up of mostly new listings! The average market time is short, so there is a fresh selection of homes on the market every day.

Appreciation is forecast to continue for years to come.

More good news: Appreciation is predicted to continue, offering continued equity growth in your new home. Experts forecast additional equity gains of 24 to 63 percent by 2026. So it makes sense to get into your new home ASAP and start enjoying your equity growth there while you embrace your new lifestyle.


You don’t want to sell when the 10-year Treasury and inflation are going up? History shows that home value appreciation has consistently stayed ahead of inflation since the 1970s.

Homeownership has been a hedge against inflation for decades.

But like most would-be home sellers right now, you’re worried about the craziness of the current market, the stress of preparing your home for sale, and the question of where to go once you sell and cash out. This is totally understandable, and everyone who has recently sold and achieved their goals had the same concerns.

This winter provides the perfect storm for you to sell!

Yet this winter market actually presents the perfect storm for you to sell. Not only is your equity at a high, but so is the buyer demand for your house. There are many serious buyers looking for a home right now. At the same, time you will benefit from the low interest rates seeming to have already peaked and buyers getting used to the ‘new normal‘. Add to this the perk of having almost zero competition for your house!

Your qualified agent is here to get you the best terms on your sale and the smoothest process.

That’s what your agent is here for, to find the right strategy for your priorities and wishlist and guide you through the path of least resistance. I have the tools for helping to get your house de-cluttered, spruced-up, repaired, and/or staged. Whatever is needed, I have the resources to manage what it takes to get it done. I can enable you to enjoy the best terms for your sale, the most seamless transaction possible, and the path to your dream-come-true!

If I Sell My Home, Where will I go?

My clients have done a variety of things. Take a look here for some scenarios that worked out great! I am prepared to discuss your plans and how to get you there. Call me today for a no-obligation consultation.

The real question is where do you want to go? Because you have your ticket to ride!


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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.