Quick Sale and Challenging Search, but the Dream Home is Theirs!

After an exhaustive home search, my clients finally came upon the historic home of their dreams in Rowayton and put in an offer. But the pandemic effect was strong and so was the buyer competition.

We closed many weeks earlier on the sale of their home in Southport and had been targeting a new home in Darien. We sold their home to capture the sellers market and hoped to find their new home shortly thereafter. Searching for a special antique home with character and history, it took longer than expected, so they hunkered down in a hotel as their temporary residence and put their furnishings in storage while focusing on the hunt.

However, after losing a home they loved to multiple offers, nothing seemed to stack up to the benchmark my clients now had in their minds. Or nothing lasted on the market long enough for them to see with their busy work schedules. Or nothing matched the price they felt it was worth. After months of looking in Darien, we tried a new focus on Greenwich… and then Rowayton.

A day in the life of a Realtor in Rowayton….

It turns out that this was the special day when the one-of-a-kind gem they had been searching for was found, AND their offer was accepted. After touring dozens of homes across three towns, this historic antique near the Long Island Sound, previously a sea captain’s home, was about to begin a new chapter. This vintage home was number 62 of their home search, but for them, it was new and exciting, and number one!

Thinking of buying or selling in the area? Set up your own MLS search here. Call me today 203-912-4440, or send a note in the form below. We will have a brief consultation about your goals, the market, and if I can help.

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When’s the Last Time You Had Your Dryer Vent Cleaned?

Raise your hand if the last time you had your dryer vent cleaned was… never!  I would be raising my hand if it weren’t for the call I finally made last week.  Little did I know I was taking a key step in home fire safety and prevention.

Does your dryer take too long to get a load of towels dry, or even require more than one cycle?  Is there more lint around the lint filter compartment than there used to be?  If you go outside and look at the vent while the dryer is on, are the flaps barely open?  Any of these signs can mean that your dryer vent is long past due for a cleaning!

After seeing excessive loose lint around the lint filter, I began to worry that more lint must be collecting somewhere else behind the scenes. I started thinking this was a fire waiting to happen. Our dryer is upstairs near the bedrooms which made me especially concerned about fire risk. So I called Firesafe Chimney Service to ask if they clean dryer vents, and sure enough, this is one of their standard services. So they came out the next day to take a look.

Tom Butkier, the business owner and licensed servicer for the company was on the job.  First, he checked the hose attachment behind the dryer, and then cleaned the lint from the dryer hose to the wall. He removed a good amount of lint there. Next, he turned the dryer onto the air-fluff setting to send air circulating outward and went to check the vent outside.  He climbed up with a ladder and took the vent cover off to look inside. To my disbelief, not only was the vent jam-packed with a trash-bag full of lint, there was also an entire old bird’s nest in there!  It’s amazing that any air was venting through the system at all!

According to the U.S. Fire Administration,

• 2,900 home clothes dryer fires are reported each year and cause an estimated 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss.
• Failure to clean the dryer (34 percent) is the leading cause of home clothes dryer fires.
• More home clothes dryer fires occur in the fall and winter months, peaking in January.

It is recommended by the USFA and FEMA to clean your lint filter after every dryer use and to have your dryer vent ductwork cleaned every year.  

Tom also told me about an excellent wifi-enabled product now available that can alert you via an app on your phone and also send an alert to Firesafe Chimney when your dryer venting is showing signs of being clogged. It can also send alerts for dangers from your washing machine.  This is a key tool for added safety and peace of mind, especially for anyone with rental properties or vacation homes. Simply contact Firesafe Chimney to find out more, then just order it, plug it in, and download the app!

And now that ‘after shot’ I’m sure you’ve been waiting for- Here it is, a spic-and-span dryer duct!

So, if it’s been more than a year… (or 10!) since you’ve had your dryer ductwork cleaned, and assuming you do laundry, I suggest you wait no longer. Free your dryer ducts from the debris accumulation that’s sure to be stuck in there, and eliminate this fire risk from your home.

Give Tom at Firesafe Chimney a call to clean your dryer vents and your chimney as well, (203) 270-9400 and tell him Linda sent you. You’ll be happy you did! 🙂

For questions about this article, properties, or any real estate needs, feel free to send me a note using the form below, and I will get right back to you.

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Nothing Like a Great Back Yard on a Holiday Weekend!

My own backyard in the Fairfield beach area is one commonly referred to as a ‘postage stamp’, though it still manages to accommodate our trampoline and numerous get-togethers.  However, some good friends of mine in Westport have a much more spacious backyard with abundant space for fun, games and big-time bashes.  We’ve been to quite a few, with the latest one being Memorial Day weekend 2016!

It turns out, these friends have just moved their social agenda to another gorgeous yard (and home) nearby.

The good news for all of you readers out there is that the wonderful backyard my friends have left now has a brand new house on it that will be ready to support a new source of festivities!

Tucked away just off Turkey Hill South, a new home sits on a quiet country lane cul-de-sac. Carefully designed and finished on four levels, this home will feature elegant transitional style with open flow and ethereal light. Romantic landscaping and plantings surround the level property making it super for entertaining, fun in the sun, and peaceful relaxation.  It is the Hillandale House.

6 Hillandale Lane, Westport CT

The builder, Coastal Construction Group, has fine-tuned the art of quality home construction by providing careful attention to site design, layout, architecture, craftsmanship and the right property location. As we all know, a home is more than just the place we live, it’s the foundation for everyday living.  Added bonus?  This home is located four minutes from Green’s Farms station and under an hour from Manhattan!

Take a look at the sneak peek video, and visit the listing online and check out a snapshot of the progress!  Perhaps you know someone who has been weighing the options of renovation versus new construction and this may be a consideration?  If you or a friend may be interested, reach out to me at 203-912-4440 or send a note below.

In the meantime, whether it’s Memorial Day, Father’s Day, a graduation party, or just plain summer fun, here’s to a great backyard barbecue!

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What are the Hot Technology Trends in Real Estate?

Six Hot Trends that are Super Cool for Consumers!

Consumer-Friendly Tech Trends in Real Estate

1. Virtual Experiences – The trend is to showcase properties while delivering consumers

an engaging experience that also saves them time. In addition to creative videos, this includes 3D touring, virtual reality, drone photography, virtual staging and even hologram projection of furniture into rooms.  3D tours enable viewers to virtually walk through a property while using their computer mouse to “go” anywhere in the home.  The tool also creates a virtual doll house that lets buyers float through the floors and get an overall feel for the layout, orientation, and flow. Inman News recently talked about virtual reality tours that use special goggles to create an experience close to being there in person as well as gear that projects holograms of furniture into a space to visualize it “for real”.  Last, but not least, busy or far-away consumers can benefit from a live virtual tour via Skype.

2. Social Media Exuberance – Okay you might have guessed this one, but it shouldn’t be underestimated. Social media can provide a much richer perspective and bring added value beyond what a typical website can offer when evaluating a potential Realtor.  Does the agent share useful information and resources? Do they have a strong presence on multiple platforms including a blog? Do they leverage this presence to promote client listings for maximum internet exposure? Are they creative, resourceful, knowledgeable, personable?  Do they share insights from past customers?  What do they do in their spare time? Many consumers are looking into these types of questions with a simple online search or searches within social media platforms.

3. Mobile Optimization – Everyone’s on the go! The trend is for people to consume web content on their mobile devices.  Statista.com predicts a 57% increase in global mobile web traffic per year through 2019.  The most recent click reports I received from my e-newsletter show that readers opening the email on a mobile device versus a computer range between 50-70%.  So more and more real estate websites and blogs are becoming mobile friendly and optimizing for the best mobile experience. Mobile apps are also on the rise.  William Raveis provides a comprehensive Real Estate App. The company has also released a Mortgage App that enables home buyers to start their pre-approval process right from their phone! And hot off the press is the Raveis Open House App that lets guests type in their name, phone, and email and then request a complimentary home value report, mortgage pre-approval and Local Housing e-Newsletter for the town of their choice!

4. Mortgage Magic – Instead of misery. The complex process is now streamlined with new technology that gives consumers the efficiency and transparency they need and deserve. William Raveis Mortgage addresses the first critical step by providing buyers with a certified loan pre-approval followed by electronic milestone tracking of their loan process that also keeps all the players on track. Borrowers view a bold graphic showing a clear progression of the steps and status across their screen.  The icing on the cake? Sign documents electronically from wherever you are!

5. Accurate Value Estimates – We’ve all heard of the Zestimate, and most of us are well aware of the frustrations with inconsistent results, incorrect data and inability to correct errors.  “What is my home worth?” is the question people are always asking. Savvy consumers want a quality tool to help them estimate the market value of their property.  William Raveis recently launched the RAVestimate. The interactive technology lets consumers  input specific home improvements and then work with comparable sales data that they select.  The company tested the tool and documented extraordinary accuracy.

6. Predictive Marketing – Advanced intelligence and predictive modeling to help buyers before they ask are up and coming. Consumer data and predictive analytics will be used to anticipate home buying goals, preferences, and timing.  So in the not-too-distant future, Realtors, lenders, and perhaps the perfect home may be finding the buyer before they even know they are going to buy!
   

 

Which trends to you think have the most promise?  What other trends are you seeing that are consumer driven?  From a consumer perspective, what new technology services would you like to see?

For more information or questions about your moving plans, contact me using the form below.

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Get to the First Beachfront Open Houses in 2016!

Well, the winter weather was balmy for awhile, but we’re off to a brisk start for the New Year.  It’s a perfect time to dream about summer, so mark your calendars for some great beachfront open house events you can look forward to!

Birdhouse by Russian Beach, Lordship

Lordship Lifestyle at Russian Beach
OPEN HOUSE: Sunday, January 24,  1-3 PM

Visit this better-than-new colonial with a new price of $859,000 and water views from every room!  Enjoy an open flow, high ceilings, ample light and a private fenced yard for relaxing and entertaining.

See the Listing
Take a Quick Tour

Kensie Point on the Sound
OPEN HOUSE: Sunday, February 28,  1-3 PM

Come to the beach in Fairfield to see this turnkey beachfront condo priced at $845,000 and enjoy the fabulous water views!

Sunset at Pine Creek Beach, Fairfield

See the Listing
Take a Quick Tour

Come to the beach and make an offer that can change your life!

Contact us with any questions or to request more info-

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Annie and Andrew’s Story

A seasoned recruiter for a financial firm on Merritt 7 in Norwalk Connecticut, Annie knew a good candidate when she saw one.   The perfect asset for the current position was one she had already recruited once before, and that would be her husband!  Given their relationship, Annie’s boss had to step in and seal the deal, but Andrew was on board in no time.

The next step was to move from their home in Avon to a town closer to Norwalk that was affordable and had good schools.  Annie’s boss lived in Fairfield and was a strong advocate.  She convinced Annie and Andrew that this town would fit the bill.

So Annie and Andrew’s agent in Avon called me to help them find a new home in Fairfield.  We spoke on the phone, and I set up their online search.   Immediately Annie saw something she liked and came to see it the next day.  Andrew couldn’t get free until the weekend, and by then the house was gone.  Three more times, the timing was too late or multiple bids got in the way, and three more homes were lost. Homes in their price range in the Fairfield university area were in extremely high demand and flying off the shelf!

Although Andrew liked the homes he had seen, he was still having a little trouble understanding the value for the prices in Fairfield compared to Avon.  Annie and I gushed about the treasured amenities in Fairfield such as the gorgeous beaches, convenient train stations, chic eateries, vicinity to Manhattan and the fantastic vibrant community. I wish I had this video tour of Fairfield at the time! Still, Andrew just shrugged his shoulders and went with the flow, primarily motivated by a quick commute.  

Finally, a lovely pricier home had a price reduction.  We immediately went to see it and this time lucked out.  Annie and Andrew landed a beautiful expanded Cape on a pretty university area street.  They lost no time starting to make memories with their little son George, their new neighbors and all the block parties scheduled for the year.

A short time later, Annie sent me a note that said, “Hi Linda, we love the house, and we have fallen in love with Fairfield.  We have only been in the house a little over a month, but it truly feels like home, and I would say George agrees!  We cannot thank you enough for all of your help. You were terrific to work with, patient and helped us every step of the way. Relocating to a new area is overwhelming, and you really made us feel at ease throughout the whole process.  Thanks again for everything.  We hope to see you around town!”

So we welcome Annie and Andrew to Fairfield and the university area along with some of our other recent new neighbors, Ping and Danian and Rich and Chris.  Annie and Andrew’s story is all about taking that leap toward the next chapter of exciting new beginnings- A new love. A new job. A new town. A new home.  Follow your dreams, and the rest is history in the making!

For questions about your next move, contact me any time!

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Dust and Pet Allergies? You Better Clean Your HVAC System!

I moved into my house 10 years ago and was wondering if getting all the dust and dirt out of the air ducts right out of the gate would be a good idea.  I always had allergies to dust and animals, and the previous owners had a cat.   After finding cat hair in the refrigerator, I figured there must be plenty in the air ducts!

But the days turned into months…. and 10 years later I’ve been thinking that cleaning my HVAC system is surely well past-due.   Then just as I was about to take action, I heard someone say that duct cleaning can actually loosen dust and make air quality worse.  I wanted to do whatever was likely to keep my surrounding air clean while spending as little money possible.  This article from House Logic had some helpful information that allowed me to be more comfortable with my decision to hold off again.

However, after several lousy nights of interrupted sleep due to clogged sinuses, I had to do something!

Air vent returns Before & After cleaning

So I started by taking a quick look at the air vents and returns and the air filter even though it had been changed two month prior.  I was appauled by what I saw!  Filthy returns and a black air filter! No wonder dust was accumulating daily on every surface!  So I immediately changed the air filter and got on a ladder with my vacuum. What a difference this made!  Without cleaning my air ducts, the surfaces actually stayed clean, the air was cleaner, the furnace surely was running much more efficiently and as you may have expected, I had a great night’s sleep!

Feel free to comment or ask a question below.

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Family Finds New Home in Old Hill

The journey was long for Eric, Roberta and their young son and a new puppy.  Of course, it would be a big lifestyle change from an apartment in Manhattan to a house in the suburbs. First of all, when you could routinely have any nationality of cuisine delivered to your doorstep within 20 minutes, anything less seemed quite inconvenient.  Add to this the perspective of coming from a classic doorman building on the Upper West Side near parks and subways with magnificent pre-war details and 11-foot ceilings, and you were starting with high expectations… as you should!  There was no pressure to move, but it was time for a new experience, a home to spread out in with a yard, an active town, and excellent public schools.

Roberta was drawn to the open space and pastoral scenery in upper Westchester County, New York.  Eric wanted a town with direct train service to Grand Central to make the commute to his Park Avenue office as painless as possible.  The family began their search in Westchester, but after evaluating the homes, amenities and property taxes there decided that Fairfield County Connecticut would be a better fit.

So they set their focus on Westport and rented a summer house there to get to know the town.   Their wish list included a neighborhood with a country feeling and a location on a quiet street, but not too far from the train.  The home needed to be something special- an older house with charm and good bones, or maybe a new construction with timeless style.  There needed to be at least an acre of property with bucolic surroundings.  The ceilings had to be high, and the flow had to be practical as well as aesthetically pleasing.  The architecture had to be true to its form and consistent throughout. High-quality details such as wide plank wood floors and large windows for ample natural light and pretty views were key. A front porch was a plus, and so was a pool.  Last but not least,  the chemistry had to be there.

So we looked.   And we looked.   Over time, we found that the Greens Farms and Old Hill neighborhoods had the location and feeling that Eric and Roberta were looking for.  We saw many, many homes that had many great features. But finding the perfect blend was not easy- as a typical suburban home would not do.   See what Eric, as well as other clients, thought about the process.

Finally, after two an a half years, the winning home was found!  It was gorgeous.  It was custom built and designed by talented architect, John Fifield.  It had the special combination of flow, uniqueness, proportions,  elegance and setting.   It had a romantic wrap around porch and a pool.   It had the chemistry!

And that’s how the story begins.   A family’s quest leads to their new castle in Old Hill.

…a few months later, all is well!

2013 Fall Housing Market: Westport & Fairfield CT

1284 Fairfield Woods Rd, Fairfield CT Sold for $445,000 on September 17, 2013

It’s safe to say that our local single family housing markets have been doing well this year compared to September 2012!  Sales and prices are up, and inventory is down.

In Westport, the number of homes for sale through September decreased 11% from 364 last year to 324 this year.  Sales jumped 29.4% from 279 to 361homes sold this year.  The median sale price increased 3.5% from $1,225,000  to $1,268,000 at the same time this year.

In Fairfield, we also saw inventory down from 501 last year to 482 this fall, a reduction of 3.8%.  Unit sales were up 18.4% from 479 to 567 homes sold.  And the median sale price was also up 4.7% from $549,000 to $575,000.  Take a look at the chart for more detail.

Please contact me with questions, comments or new business opportunities!

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Look for Me on HGTV

HGTV’s, House Hunters Renovation will be moving east for the first time this coming spring. Until now, the show has focused on the west coast, but the new season will be showcasing homes, buyers and their agents in our neighboring areas as well as right here in Fairfield! 

The show is a spinoff of the popular series, House Hunters, and this is how the premise of the show is described on HGTV.com,

“Ever wonder what happens AFTER House Hunters choose? In House Hunters Renovation, our buyers look for a new home that is anything but turnkey. Watch as they tour three potential homes and ultimately choose the one that’s waiting for their special touch. Then stay as they renovate and decorate, ultimately revealing their new space!”

Keep your eyes open for a new episode featuring me and my clients Michael and Ella.  After a quick sale of the home they bought with me four years ago in Black Rock, they have fast-tracked their Fairfield search and found three properties that will meet their main goal of getting their kids into good schools.

The final search narrows to a home on Samp Mortar Drive, Sterling Street and Hunyadi Avenue.   I tour Michael and Ella through each and help them weigh the pros and cons relative to their priorities.  Once the big choice is made, the HGTV design team meets with the couple to brainstorm and envision how this house can become their dream home.  Watch HGTV’s designers and contractors transform the home, and see this family get ready to live happily ever after!   Check HGTV.com regularly for opportunities to win cash for remodeling your home, and stay tuned for the date of the show-

The above photo was taken at Sweet Basil in Fairfield.  I am seated across from Michael and Ella and next to HGTV director Andrea and project manager, Andrew.  The camera man and sound guy are sitting at the back right of the table.