Testimonials

Westport_MT, September 2018

Weston

September Property sales were 16, up 100.0% from 8 in September of 2017 and -20.0% lower than the 20 sales last month. September 2018 sales were at a mid level compared to September of 2017 and 2016. September YTD sales of 129 are running 0.8% ahead of last year’s year-to-date sales of 128.

Average sales price: $813,282 (-5%)

Westport_MT, September 2018

Wilton

September Property sales were 23, up 27.8% from 18 in September of 2017 and -20.7% lower than the 29 sales last month. September 2018 sales were at their highest level compared to September of 2017 and 2016. September YTD sales of 167 are running -7.7% behind last year’s year-to-date sales of 181.

Average sales price: $891,752 (+5%)

Wilton_MT, September 2018

Fairfield

September Property sales were 52, down -28.8% from 73 in September of 2017 and -46.4% lower than the 97 sales last month. September 2018 sales were at their lowest level compared to September of 2017 and 2016. September YTD sales of 592 are running -7.2% behind last year’s year-to-date sales of 638.

Average sales price: $790,246 (+9%)

Fairfield_MT, September 2018

Norwalk

September Property sales were 54, up 3.8% from 52 in September of 2017 and -22.9% lower than the 70 sales last month. September 2018 sales were at a mid level compared to September of 2017 and 2016. September YTD sales of 519 are running equal to last year’s year-to-date sales of 519.

Average sales price: $622,668 (+1%)

Norwalk_MT, September 2018

Darien

September YTD sales of 203 were down -20% from last year’s sales of 254.

Average sale price: $1,721,190 (+2%)

Market Report – Darien Oct2018

Real Estate Market Activity Reports: Westport, Weston, Wilton, Fairfield, Norwalk, Darien – through August 2018

September 11, 2018/in Blog /by Barbara Sweeney

Summary

YTD Sales (SF) through August 2018 vs. 2017 were down in Westport (-1.6%), Weston (-5.8%), Wilton (-11.7%), Fairfield (-5.7%), Norwalk (-0.6%) and Darien (-17%).

YTD Average Sales Price through August 2018 vs. 2017 was down in Westport (-6%), Weston (-7%), up in Wilton (+5%), Fairfield (+6%), the same in Norwalk (0%) and unchanged in Darien (+5%).

Westport

August Property sales were 58, down -1.7% from 59 in August of 2017 and 34.9% higher than the 43 sales last month. August 2018 sales were at a mid level compared to August of 2017 and 2016. August YTD sales of 304 are running -1.6% behind last year’s year-to-date sales of 309.

Average Sale Price: $1,473,918 (-6%)

Westport_MT, August 2018

Weston

August Property sales were 20, equal to 20 in August of 2017 and -25.9% lower than the 27 sales last month. August 2018 sales were at their lowest level compared to August of 2017 and 2016. August YTD sales of 113 are running -5.8% behind last year’s year-to-date sales of 120.

Average sales price: $803,536 (-7%)

Weston_MT, August 2018

Wilton

August Property sales were 29, up 31.8% from 22 in August of 2017 and 26.1% higher than the 23 sales last month. August 2018 sales were at their highest level compared to August of 2017 and 2016. August YTD sales of 144 are running -11.7% behind last year’s year-to-date sales of 163.

Average sales price: $893,993 (+5%)

Wilton_MT, August 2018

Fairfield

August Property sales were 90, up 4.7% from 86 in August of 2017 and 9.8% higher than the 82 sales last month. August 2018 sales were at their highest level compared to August of 2017 and 2016. August YTD sales of 533 are running -5.7% behind last year’s year-to-date sales of 565.

Average sales price: $773,629 (+6%)

Fairfield_MT, August 2018

Norwalk

August Property sales were 69, up 3.0% from 67 in August of 2017 and -15.9% lower than the 82 sales last month. August 2018 sales were at a mid level compared to August of 2017 and 2016. August YTD sales of 464 are running -0.6% behind last year’s year-to-date sales of 46.

Average sales price: $616,112 (0%)

Market Report – Darien Sept2018

Norwalk_MT, August 2018

Darien

August YTD sales of 191 were down -17% from last year’s sales of 232.

Average sale price: $1,709,001 (0%)

Real Estate Market Activity Reports: Westport, Weston, Wilton, Fairfield, Norwalk, Darien – through July 2018

August 10, 2018/in Blog /by Barbara Sweeney

Summary

YTD Sales (SF) through July 2018 vs. 2017 were down in Westport (-1.6%), Weston (-9%), Wilton (-18.4%), Fairfield (-7.7%), Norwalk (-1.5%) and Darien (-20%).

YTD Average Sales Price through July 2018 vs. 2017 was down in Westport (-9%), Weston (-8%), up in Wilton (+6%), Fairfield (+7%), down in Norwalk (-1.5%) and up in Darien (+5%).

Westport

July Property sales were 43, equal to 43 in July of 2017 and -2.3% lower than the 44 sales last month. July 2018 sales were at a mid level compared to July of 2017 and 2016. July YTD sales of 246 are running -1.6% behind last year’s year-to-date sales of 250.

Average Sale Price: $1,492,321 (-9%)

Westport_MT, July 2018

Weston

July Property sales were 25, up 78.6% from 14 in July of 2017 and 92.3% higher than the 13 sales last month. July 2018 sales were at their highest level compared to July of 2017 and 2016. July YTD sales of 91 are running -9.0% behind last year’s year-to-date sales of 100.

Average sales price: $787,589 (-8%)

Weston_MT, July 2018

Wilton

July Property sales were 23, down -11.5% from 26 in July of 2017 and 4.5% higher than the 22 sales last month. July 2018 sales were at their lowest level compared to July of 2017 and 2016. July YTD sales of 115 are running -18.4% behind last year’s year-to-date sales of 141.

Average sales price: $891,257 (+6%)

Wilton_MT, July 2018

Fairfield

July Property sales were 81, down -10.0% from 90 in July of 2017 and -26.4% lower than the 110 sales last month. July 2018 sales were at their lowest level compared to July of 2017 and 2016. July YTD sales of 442 are running -7.7% behind last year’s year-to-date sales of 479.

Average sales price: $771,144 (+7%)

Fairfield_MT, July 2018

Norwalk

July Property sales were 81, up 15.7% from 70 in July of 2017 and -10.0% lower than the 90 sales last month. July 2018 sales were at a mid level compared to July of 2017 and 2016. July YTD sales of 394 are running -1.5% behind last year’s year-to-date sales of 400.

Average sales price: $615,755 (+3%)

Market Report – Darien Aug 2018

Norwalk_MT, July 2018

Darien

July YTD sales of 156 were down -20% from last year’s sales of 196.

Average sale price: $1,743,476 (+5%)

Real Estate Market Activity Reports: Westport, Weston, Wilton, Fairfield, Norwalk, Darien – through June 2018

July 10, 2018/in Blog /by Barbara Sweeney

Summary

YTD Sales (SF) through June 2018 vs. 2017 were down in Westport (-1.5%), Weston (-23.3%), Wilton (-20%), Fairfield (-8%), Norwalk (-6.1%) and Darien (-17%).

YTD Average Sales Price through June 2018 vs. 2017 was down in Westport (-9%), Weston (-15%), up in Wilton (+5%), Fairfield (+4%), down in Norwalk (-1%) and up in Darien (+2%).

Westport

June Property sales were 44, down -20.0% from 55 in June of 2017 and 18.9% higher than the 37 sales last month. June 2018 sales were at their lowest level compared to June of 2017 and 2016. June YTD sales of 203 are running -1.9% behind last year’s year-to-date sales of 207.

Average Sale Price: $1,481,522 (-9%)

Westport_MT, June 2018

Weston

June Property sales were 13, down -60.6% from 33 in June of 2017 and -7.1% lower than the 14 sales last month. June 2018 sales were at their lowest level compared to June of 2017 and 2016. June YTD sales of 66 are running -23.3% behind last year’s year-to-date sales of 86.

Average sales price: $738,108 (-15%)

Weston_MT, June 2018

Wilton

June Property sales were 22, down -29.0% from 31 in June of 2017 and 15.8% higher than the 19 sales last month. June 2018 sales were at their lowest level compared to June of 2017 and 2016. June YTD sales of 92 are running -20.0% behind last year’s year-to-date sales of 115.

Average sales price: $906,639 (+5%)

Wilton_MT, June 2018

Fairfield

June Property sales were 107, down -16.4% from 128 in June of 2017 and 78.3% higher than the 60 sales last month. June 2018 sales were at a mid level compared to June of 2017 and 2016. June YTD sales of 358 are running -8.0% behind last year’s year-to-date sales of 389.

Average sales price: $762,636 (+4%)

Fairfield_MT, June 2018

Norwalk

June Property sales were 87, down -8.4% from 95 in June of 2017 and 50.0% higher than the 58 sales last month. June 2018 sales were at a mid level compared to June of 2017 and 2016. June YTD sales of 310 are running -6.1% behind last year’s year-to-date sales of 330.

Average sales price: $601,623 (-1%)

Market Report – Darien July2018

Norwalk_MT, June 2018

Darien

June YTD sales of 118 were down -17% from last year’s sales of 143.

Average sale price: $1,759,254 (+2%)

Real Estate Market Activity Reports: Westport, Weston, Wilton, Fairfield, Norwalk, Darien – through April 2018

May 11, 2018/in Blog /by Barbara Sweeney

Summary

YTD Sales (SF) through April 2018 vs. 2017 were up in Westport (+15.2%), Weston (+2.7%), down in Wilton (-21.5%), up in Fairfield (+4.4%), down in Norwalk (-7.3%) and Darien (-20%).

YTD Average Sales Price through April 2018 vs. 2017 was unchanged in Westport (0%), down in Weston (-4%), Wilton (-8%), Fairfield (-1%), up in Norwalk (+1%) and Darien (+4%).

Westport

April Property sales were 37, equal to 37 in April of 2017 and 12.1% higher than the 33 sales last month. April 2018 sales were at a mid level compared to April of 2017 and 2016. April YTD sales of 121 are running 15.2% ahead of last year’s year-to-date sales of 105.

Average Sale Price: $1,574,788 (0%)

Westport_MT, April 2018

Weston

April Property sales were 15, up 15.4% from 13 in April of 2017 and 66.7% higher than the 9 sales last month. April 2018 sales were at their highest level compared to April of 2017 and 2016. April YTD sales of 38 are running 2.7% ahead of last year’s year-to-date sales of 37.

Average sales price: $749,912 (-4%)

Wilton

April Property sales were 17, down -19.0% from 21 in April of 2017 and 41.7% higher than the 12 sales last month. April 2018 sales were at their lowest level compared to April of 2017 and 2016. April YTD sales of 51 are running -21.5% behind last year’s year-to-date sales of 65.

Average sales price: $828,035 (-8%)

Weston_MT, April 2018

Fairfield

April Property sales were 59, up 3.5% from 57 in April of 2017 and 28.3% higher than the 46 sales last month. April 2018 sales were at a mid level compared to April of 2017 and 2016. April YTD sales of 190 are running 4.4% ahead of last year’s year-to-date sales of 182.

Average sales price: $759,915 (-1%)

Wilton_MT, April 2018

Norwalk

April Property sales were 56, up 21.7% from 46 in April of 2017 and 51.4% higher than the 37 sales last month. April 2018 sales were at a mid level compared to April of 2017 and 2016. April YTD sales of 164 are running -7.3% behind last year’s year-to-date sales of 177.

Average sales price: $560,959 (+1%)

Market Report – Darien – May2018

Norwalk_MT, April 2018

Darien

April YTD sales of 64 were down -20% from last year’s sales of 81.

Average sale price: $1,645,414 (+4%)

Real Estate Market Activity Reports: Westport, Weston, Wilton, Fairfield, Norwalk, Darien – through March 2018

April 10, 2018/in Blog /by Barbara Sweeney

Summary

YTD Sales (SF) through March 2018 vs. 2017 were up in Westport (+23.5%), down in Weston (-4.2%), Wilton (-22.7%), up in Fairfield (+3.2%), down in Norwalk (-20.6%), Darien (-22%).

YTD Average Sales Price through March 2018 vs. 2017 was down in Westport (-2%), Weston (-3%), Wilton (-10%), Fairfield (-1%), up in Norwalk (+13%), down in Darien (-7%).

Westport

March Property sales were 33, up 26.9% from 26 in March of 2017 and 43.5% higher than the 23 sales last month. March 2018 sales were at their highest level compared to March of 2017 and 2016. March YTD sales of 84 are running 23.5% ahead of last year’s year-to-date sales of 68.

Average Sale Price: $1,535,516 (-2%)

Westport_MT, March 2018

Weston

March Property sales were 9, equal to 9 in March of 2017 and 125.0% higher than the 4 sales last month. March 2018 sales were at their lowest level compared to March of 2017 and 2016. March YTD sales of 23 are running -4.2% behind last year’s year-to-date sales of 24.

Average sales price: $728,930 (-3%)

Weston_MT, March 2018

Wilton

March Property sales were 12, down -33.3% from 18 in March of 2017 and 20.0% higher than the 10 sales last month. March 2018 sales were at their lowest level compared to March of 2017 and 2016. March YTD sales of 34 are running -22.7% behind last year’s year-to-date sales of 44.

Average sales price: $834,908 (-10%)

Wilton_MT, March 2018

Fairfield

March Property sales were 45, down -6.3% from 48 in March of 2017 and 21.6% higher than the 37 sales last month. March 2018 sales were at their lowest level compared to March of 2017 and 2016. March YTD sales of 129 are running 3.2% ahead of last year’s year-to-date sales of 125.

Average sales price: $773,543 (-1%)

Fairfield_MT, March 2018

Norwalk

March Property sales were 33, down -26.7% from 45 in March of 2017 and 10.0% higher than the 30 sales last month. March 2018 sales were at their lowest level compared to March of 2017 and 2016. March YTD sales of 104 are running -20.6% behind last year’s year-to-date sales of 131.

Average sales price: $567,512 (+13%)

Market Report – Darien-Apr2018

Norwalk_MT, March 2018

Darien

March YTD sales of 39 were down -22% from last year’s sales of 50.

Average sale price: $1,507,487 (-7%)

Real Estate Market Activity Reports: Westport, Weston, Wilton, Fairfield, Norwalk, Darien – through February 2018

March 9, 2018/in Blog /by Barbara Sweeney

Summary

YTD Sales (SF) through February 2018 vs. 2017 were up in Westport (+21.4%), down in Weston (-6.7%), Wilton (-15.4%), up in Fairfield (+9.1%), down in Norwalk (-17.4%), Darien (-12%).

YTD Average Sales Price through February 2018 vs. 2017 was down in Westport (-8%), up in Weston (+10%), down in Wilton (-12%), up in Fairfield (+19%), Norwalk (+15%), down in Darien (-.02%).

Westport

February Property sales were 23, up 35.3% from 17 in February of 2017 and -17.9% lower than the 28 sales last month. February 2018 sales were at a mid level compared to February of 2017 and 2016. February YTD sales of 51 are running 21.4% ahead of last year’s year-to-date sales of 42.

Average Sale Price: $1,507,526 (-8%)

Westport_MT, February 2018

Weston

February Property sales were 4, down -60.0% from 10 in February of 2017 and -60.0% lower than the 10 sales last month. February 2018 sales were at their lowest level compared to February of 2017 and 2016. February YTD sales of 14 are running -6.7% behind last year’s year-to-date sales of 15.

Average sales price: $725,393 (+10%)

Weston_MT, February 2018

Wilton

February Property sales were 10, down -9.1% from 11 in February of 2017 and -16.7% lower than the 12 sales last month. February 2018 sales were at a mid level compared to February of 2017 and 2016. February YTD sales of 22 are running -15.4% behind last year’s year-to-date sales of 26.

Average sales price: $934,131 (-12%)

Wilton_MT, February 2018

Fairfield

February Property sales were 37, up 5.7% from 35 in February of 2017 and -21.3% lower than the 47 sales last month. February 2018 sales were at their highest level compared to February of 2017 and 2016. February YTD sales of 84 are running 9.1% ahead of last year’s year-to-date sales of 77.

Average sales price: $817,184 (+19%)

Fairfield_MT, February 2018

Norwalk

February Property sales were 30, down -9.1% from 33 in February of 2017 and -26.8% lower than the 41 sales last month. February 2018 sales were at their lowest level compared to February of 2017 and 2016. February YTD sales of 71 are running -17.4% behind last year’s year-to-date sales of 86.

Average sales price: $587,810 (+15%)

Norwalk_MT, February 2018

Darien

February YTD sales of 28 were down -12% from last year’s sales of 32.

Average sale price: $1,552,679 (-.02%)

Market Report – Darien – Mar2018

Home Ownership – Five important questions to ask yourself.

January 24, 2018/in Buyers Services /by Barbara Sweeney

Planning on purchasing a home? Do you have a plan for what comes after? Five questions that will help you look ahead to home ownership.

Buying a home comes with a huge financial stake, a lot of responsibility, and even more fine print. While investing in the American dream is exciting, it’s important to reflect on your current and future plans before buying. Here are five questions to consider:

What are your goals for the next 5 – 7 years?

Are you happy with your job and feeling content with how life is going? Do you anticipate any career, family, or financial changes in the next few years? If you’re considering growing your family or changing careers, factor into your budget any anticipated changes, such as extra room for a baby or an income cut. That’s better than taking a financial loss by having to turn around and sell your property.

What will it cost to both purchase and own your new property?

A general rule of thumb is to keep your PITI (principal, interest, taxes and insurance) costs below 28% of your gross monthly income, while your overall debt-to-income ratio should be no more than 36%. Are you buying a bigger space than what you currently have? Don’t forget to factor in increased heating and cooling costs. Also, plan for homeowner’s association dues if applicable. In addition to the funds you have for your down payment, don’t overlook the following expenses you’ll incur once you purchase your home:

Moving costs
Closing costs
Home repairs
Painting
New Appliances
Fixtures
Furniture

I recommend opening a separate savings account in addition to your down payment fund to save for these expenses.

What’s your credit score?

Your credit score is your financial report card, except it will follow you long after college. This number can either save or cost you thousands of dollars when it comes to locking in an interest rate on your mortgage. The lower your score, the higher your interest rate and the more you’ll pay to borrow from a lender. The higher your credit score, the lower your interest and the more money you’ll keep in you pocket. If you have any issues on your credit report, tackle them as soon as possible.

How will you handle home repair and maintenance?

Is there a lawn to mow or pool to clean? Do you enjoy fixing things around the house? Consider if you’ll do that work yourself or hire a contractor/trades person if so, make sure there’s room in your budget.

How will your ideal location affect your monthly nut?

It’s important to consider more than just the home price in your desired community. Will you be farther from or closer to work? How will your home’s location affect your commuting costs? In addition to transportation costs, consider whether your food and utility costs will increase or decrease, and whether you’ll enroll kids in the local school district or opt for private schooling.

Buying a home is a complex undertaking, please take the time to do your due diligence. Enjoy the process and you’ll be happy with the outcome.

The secret to selling your home faster!!

January 24, 2018/in Sellers Service /by Barbara Sweeney

Selling your home – Why is home staging so important!

That’s a really valid question with a pretty simple answer. Let’s put it this way: you dress for success, don’t you? Well, shouldn’t you do the same for your home when you’re selling it? Because that’s essentially what home staging is: dressing up your home so that it goes from house for sale to house sold as quickly and profitably as possible. So, why is home staging important? Basically, you want your house to looks it’s best for potential buyers.

Homes that are staged for sale sell faster!

Statistics show that houses for sale that are staged, sell for the list price or very close to it, and sometimes even more. This can happen if there’s a bidding war or a seller wants to make sure that the buyers come in with the highest offer so they come in high just in case other offers come in. Why is that, you ask? Because by staging a house, you’re transforming it into an object of desire! That’s why I work with professional home stagers, because it’s not about fixing the leaky ceiling or caulking the bathtub. It’s about taking that plain Jane house for sale and turning it into “Wow”.

Staged homes take a lot of work, but it’s worth the effort!

It takes a lot of work to stage a house properly, which is why it’s usually left in the hands of experienced professionals who know how to bring out the best in every room. By using various accessories, like plants, rugs, lighting, artwork etc., a professional home stager can transform a relatively uninspired house for sale into a warm, comfortable and desirable home for sale. A house for sale that’s not staged may stay on the market for much longer than one that is.

Some other good reasons to stage a house for sale include:

Staged homes look better on the Internet… most buyers look on the Internet first before they contact a real estate agent.
Staged homes make a great first impression on buyers. If potential buyers don’t like what they view online… they will not come visit your home in person…..hence no sale.
Staged homes come across as better maintained.
Agents know that staged homes show better and are more likely to have these homes shown by several brokers/agents.
Staging a home makes it easier for potential buyers to image living in the home themselves.

Expensive…. Staging is not cheap, it’s money well spent (depending on how much staging/prepping your house needs), but it’s not nearly as expensive as that big price reduction, or several price reductions later. If your home is staged correctly, it does really work. Making your home attractive to potential buyers and helping them visualize themselves in your home is essential. If your house is for sale (and you haven’t had many showings or offers) speak to your real estate agent about staging your home and see who they might be able to recommend.

Real Estate Market Activity Reports: Westport, Weston, Wilton, Fairfield, Norwalk, Darien – Year End 2017 vs 2016

January 24, 2018/in Blog /by Barbara Sweeney

Here are the year end numbers for the towns I cover. If you have any questions about the reports or anything else related to the real estate market, please feel free to contact me.

Barbara Sweeney, basw@optonline.net, 203.451.6522

Summary

Sales (SF) for 2017 vs. 2016 were up in Westport (+17.5%), Weston (+2.3%), Wilton (+0.4%), Fairfield (+4.2%), down in Norwalk (-6.8%), up in Darien (+15%).

Average Sales Price for 2017 vs. 2016 was unchanged in Westport (0%), down in Weston (-5%), Wilton (-6%), up in Fairfield (+6%), Norwalk (+6%) and Darien (+1%).

Westport

December Property sales were 36, up 24.1% from 29 in December of 2016 and -7.7% lower than the 39 sales last month. December 2017 sales were at their highest level compared to December of 2016 and 2015. December YTD sales of 437 were 17.5% ahead of last year’s year-to-date sales of 372.

Average Sale Price: $1,523,732 (0%)

Westport_MT, December 2017

Weston

December Property sales were 25, up 150.0% from 10 in December of 2016 and 127.3% higher than the 11 sales last month. December 2017 sales were at their highest level compared to December of 2016 and 2015. December YTD sales of 176 were 2.3% ahead of last year’s year-to-date sales of 172.

Average sales price: $856,048 (-5%)

Weston_MT, December 2017

Wilton

December Property sales were 17, down -5.6% from 18 in December of 2016 and -10.5% lower than the 19 sales last month. December 2017 sales were at a mid level compared to December of 2016 and 2015. December YTD sales of 229 were 0.4% ahead of last year’s year-to-date sales of 228.

Average sales price: $825,002 (-6%)

Wilton_MT, December 2017

Fairfield

December Property sales were 50, down -13.8% from 58 in December of 2016 and -12.3% lower than the 57 sales last month. December 2017 sales were at their lowest level compared to December of 2016 and 2015. December YTD sales of 800 were 4.2% ahead of last year’s year-to-date sales of 768.

Average sales price: $736,673 (+6%)

Fairfield_MT, December 2017

Norwalk

December Property sales were 47, down -28.8% from 66 in December of 2016 and 11.9% higher than the 42 sales last month. December 2017 sales were at their lowest level compared to December of 2016 and 2015. December YTD sales of 669 were -6.8% behind last year’s year-to-date sales of 718.

Average sales price: $617,649 (+6%)