Westport, Connecticut Moves

Back in May, I wrote a tongue-in-cheek summary of another scam e-mail, I had just received.  That e-mail was signed by Miss Rita Linus.  Well now, in an amazing coincidence, that exact same tragedy has befallen another young university student.  This time her name is Miss Jessica.   For those of you who missed the first letter, here is her sad story.

Really, the perpetrators of this garbage should at least keep a database of which scams they send to which targetsrecipients, so as not to duplicate their appeals.  Up until now, I have been congratulated on the release of funds which were programmed into my Bank of America (yes, they used one of the largest American bank names) ATM card.  I have been asked to expedite the transfer of funds from another country.  I have been requested to act as an agent for valuable imports.  These are just a sampling of the "beyond belief" nonsense, I've received.  

Most of these messages come to my own e-mail.  However, the two identical "tragic" e-mails, both came through my AR contact.  The IP address of this latest one, shows it originating in Ebene, on the island of Mauritius.  The first one originated in Amsterdam, Netherlands.  No matter which country is mentioned, they are usually all part of the Nigerian Scams.  And yes, people do fall for them, to the tune of millions of dollars.  With all the information shared on this network, however, we seem like unlikely dupes, to fall for these scams.  I don't know if the AR powers that be, can filter these e-mails or take some other action to stop them.  I guess all we can do is shake our heads, ignore them and hope some other "tragic" soul doesn't get taken in by them.

 

Copyright © 2008 Marilyn Katz, All Rights Reserved, Westport, CT- Amazing Coincidence - Identical tragedy strikes twice

After a disappointing spring, single family homes sales, in Westport Connecticut, provided an encouraging note, for the housing market.  When compared with the previous year, July sales posted gains in average sold price, median sold price and overall dollar volume.  Number of transactions was flat, with 38 units sold in July 2008, compared with 39, in 2007.  During the previous four months, unit sales had posted losses between 44 and 57 percent.

While the increased number of monthly transactions was good news, it does not necessarily mean that the market has rebounded.  One possible explanation for the surge in sales may have to do with the psychology of the market. 

During the traditionally strong spring months, March through June, the public was being told about the fantastic opportunities in the "buyer's market."  There were reports of sales at 30, 40 or even higher percentages off asking price.  These reports, however, reflected national averages.  In Westport, there was some softening, but average sales price never collapsed.  Buyers stayed on the sidelines, waiting for prices to come down.  As the summer approached, those families that wanted to be in place, before the new school year, realized that prices were remaining fairly steady and it was time to pull the trigger.

It will be interesting to see if Westport can continue to match last year's pace, in the coming months.

Copyright © 2008 Marilyn Katz, All Rights Reserved, Westport, CT- July home sales - Best month year-to-date

During the 2nd quarter, the housing market, in Westport, CT, continued to be soft.  Although not a dramatic drop, average sale price, of a single family home, fell 6%, compared with the comparable period, a year ago.  Unit sales slowed to less than half the 2007 pace.  Condominiums maintained their selling price, actually climbing 3 percent,  Unit sales, however, dropped a whopping 67 percent. 

There are currently 23 condominium units for sale in Westport.  The average asking price remains steady, at $825,957.  If buyers are looking for bargains, they are not finding it in the Westport condominium market.  Perhaps, that, in part, explains the precipitous drop in unit sales.  If the current unit sales rate continues, there is more than a years supply of inventory.

Westport, CT Sales,  Closed  April 1 - June 30 *

    Single Family Home                                                   

                                       2007                        2008

Number Sold                   152                            74                

Average Sale Price     $1,750,867             $1,654,203

Days on the Market         101                           104     

                                              Condominiums

                                       2007                         2008

Number Sold                    15**                          5**                 

Average Sale Price     $808,700                 $832,000

Days on the Market         104                             98                          

 

** MLS data reflect 17 sales in 2007 and 6 sales in 2008.  Those sales figures include condominiums with Westport addresses and Norwalk amenities. 

For additional Westport market statistics, please visit my website at http://WestportCTProperties.com

*LISTING INFORMATION COMES FROM VARIOUS SOURCES AND MAY NOT ALWAYS BE ACCURATE. NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY IS MADE AS TO THE ACCURACY OF THIS INFORMATION. YOU SHOULD VERIFY ANY INFORMATION THAT IS IMPORTANT TO YOUR BUYING DECISION.

 

 

Mention the beach, in Westport, and everyone knows you're referring to Compo Beach.  During the Revolutionary War, it was where the British landed, as they prepared to march on Danbury.  In 1920, it was where F. Scott and Zelda chose to enjoy their summer.  Today, it is where Westporter's go to enjoy the sand and surf of Long Island Sound, to picnic or explore the playground, to try out the skate park or the ballfields, to windsurf or launch their boats.  But, Compo is not the only beach in Westport. 

Just up the road, you will find Old Mill Beach.  Old Mill Beach is open to the public, but, in-season parking is restricted to local residents.  If you need a place to rest, after enjoying a walk along Hillspoint Road, there are benches, from which you can enjoy the scenery.  However, swimming is at your own risk.  There are no lifeguards, on this stretch of beach.

Just off of I-95, exit 18, you will find Connecticut's oldest state park, Sherwood Island State Park is open to the public, but charges a daily fee for parking, from Memorial Day to Labor Day.  The park encompasses one and a half miles of beach.  There are also fishing areas, picnic grounds and a concession stand. 

Perhaps, the least known beach in Westport, is Burying Hill Beach.
 

The beach is in the Greens Farms section, of Westport.  Access to the beach is down a narrow, inconspicuous road, situated along a salt marsh. 

Burying Hill Beach offers a quiet spot, away from the hustle and bustle, usually associated with the beach.  The beach is small, but there is a lifeguard, on duty, in season. 

 

Burying Hill offers a tranquil spot to picnic, observe the wildlife, and enjoy the scenery.  Adjacent to the seawall, there is also a wonderful pebbly beach, to explore. 

Who knows, you may even be able to catch a couple of the local crabs (crusteans, that is.)