Westport, Connecticut Moves

Westport, CT - Not All New Constructions are McMansions - Some are Castles!

Sat, 15 May 2010 16:38:44 -0400

Westport, CT - Not All New Constructions are McMansions - Some are Castles!

Saturday, May 15th, turned out to be a picture perfect day for the 9th Annual Castles in the Sand, at Compo Beach, in Westport, CT.

The sun was shining and temps were in the 70's, as participants competed, to create the best sand sculpture.

Masterpieces could be constructed on "Big" building lots of 10' by 10', selling for $100 or "Really Big" lots, 20' by 20', going for $300.

The competition is an annual fundraiser for Homes with Hope. The organization was originally founded in 1984, as the Interfaith Housing Association of Westport and Weston.

Homes for Hopes provides food, emergency shelter, affordable housing and social services to homeless men, women and families, in the community.

Of course, not all entries were castles!

Westport, CT - Silver is the New Black

Wed, 12 May 2010 15:55:29 -0400

The other day, as I pulled into my office parking lot, two thoughts struck me. First, for a change, I was not looking at a lot filled with SUV's. Second, the car color of choice was clearly silver.

A few minutes on the computer, confirmed at least one of my astute, if extremely belated, observations. According to PPG Industries, a leader in automotive coatings, silver has indeed been the most popular car color choice, for the past nine years.

Digging a bit further, I found a chart of sales data, by car size segments, sourced from Autodata Corporation's, MotorIntelligence.com website. Indeed, YTD, overall car sales were increasing at twice the rate of SUV sales (18.4% vs 9.3%.) Among the car sales segments, Mid-sized car sales were up 25.8% vs YTD, April 2009. Interestingly, Luxury SUV sales soared 37.6%, during the same period, while the only car segment to post a decline was small SUV's, down 21.8%.

I wondered if this downsizing trend would carry over to home sales. While I have not looked up the statistics, empirical data would suggest that sales by median home size has declined during the current housing downturn. Some obvious factors contributing to this decline would include:
* The higher percentage of 1st time homebuyers, as repeat buyers wait for the market to improve.
* For homeowners choosing to make a move, reduced equity from the sale of their current homes impacting the choice (i.e. size) of their next home.
* Increased maintenance costs, as energy prices rise, making larger homes considerably more expensive to heat and cool.

In Westport, 20% of the single family homes, currently for sale, are 6,000 s.f., or more. Only 13% of the YTD sales were for those "McMansions." Compared with previous YTD sales, 6,000+ s.f. homes accounted for 15%, 16% and 11%, respectively, for 2007, 2008 and 2009.

As the economy recovers, it will be interesting to see if builders modify the size of new construction or consumers resume their demand for larger homes.

Classic 4-Bedroom Colonial, Fairfield, CT

Sat, 03 Apr 2010 17:38:05 -0400

Marilyn Katz | Prudential CT Realty | 203-429-1041

790 Fairfield Woods Road, Fairfield, CT

Classic 4-Bedroom Colonial with Fenced-In Play Yard

4BR/2+2BA Single Family House

offered at $732,000

Year Built 1984 Sq Footage 2,391 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 2 full, 2 partial Floors 2 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 16,245 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Just beyond the stone wall, the circular driveway
creates an inviting entrance to this classic four bedroom colonial. This home offers lots of space for play and entertaining, from the fenced-in back play yard to the finished lower level with den and game room, complete with pool table and built-in bar. Many recent improvements makes this a worry free home. Move in and enjoy.
see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C - Central heat - Fireplace - Hardwood floor - Tile floor - Family room - Living room - Bonus/Rec room - Dining room - Breakfast nook - Dishwasher - Refrigerator - Stove/Oven - Attic - Basement - Washer - Dryer - Laundry area - inside - Balcony, Deck, or Patio - Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Finished Basement

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front

Living Room

Dining Room

Kitchen

Family Room

Fenced-In Play Yard

Contact info:

Marilyn Katz

Prudential CT Realty

RES.0768593

203-429-1041

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Apr 3, 2010, 2:10pm PDT

Silent Sunday: Spring Has Sprung on Jennings Court, Westport, CT

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 17:54:12 -0500

Photograph taken with a Point and Shoot Nikon, Coolpix S1. Photo has not been enhanced in any way. Photo displayed taken by Marilyn Katz and is covered by Copyright, all rights reserved and may not be reproduced without express written permission,

Cyber Sale Promotion - January 21-31

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:00:25 -0500

Cyber Sale Promotion - January 21-31

Furniture, home appliances and white sales are some of the traditional items that go on sale, in January. This year, Prudential Connecticut Realty is adding a new category to the sales item list - real estate!

Homes that have been reduced at least 5% from their current list price (as of January 19) will be featured in the Prudential Connecticut Realty "Cyber Sale" Promotion. The promotion will run from January 21 through January 31. After that, listings may revert back to their pre-sale price. Properties taking part in the sale will be featured in a Cyber Sale section of the Prudential CT website. "Cyber Sale" homes will be identified with a special logo, signifying inclusion in the program.

26 Dorset Road, in Norwalk, CT is one of the properties taking part in the sale. This home features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, central air conditioning, on .3 acres, on a quiet cul-de-sac, in the Cranbury section of Norwalk.

The home can be seen at a Public Open House, on Sunday January 24^th, between 1 PM. and 4 P.M. For more information visit a tour of this home.

Other "Cyber Sale" listings can be found by searching homes on the PrudentialCT website.

Happy Hanukkah!

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:30:40 -0500

Happy Hanukkah!

It seems that Jewish Holidays are never on time. They are either early or late. This year, I hear people saying that Hanukkah is early, although the Holiday can actually begin as early as late November.

The first night of Hanukkah began this evening. Since it is a Friday, the first candle was lit before sundown, when the Sabbath begins. A second "helper" candle, the Shamash, was also lit and is used to light the other Hanukkah candles.

The "Festival of Lights", as it is also known, commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem and the "miracle of the oil.". When the Maccabees entered the Temple, they only found enough "pure" oil to light the eternal flame for one day. Miraculously, it burned for eight days, until the oil could be re-supplied.

Westport, CT - Staples Advances to 2nd Round of State Tournament

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:17:58 -0500

Staples High School Boys Soccer advances to 2nd round of State Tournament

The final scoreboard said it all. Staples Boys Soccer successfully advanced through the first round of the State LL (extra large school) Tournament, besting West Hartford's Conard High School, 4-1.

The team started the game still pumped up from the adrenaline rush of capturing their 26^th Fairfield County Interscholastic Conference (FCIAC) title, last week. Fourteen minutes into play, they scored their first goal and settled into their game, never relinquishing the lead.

Just before the end of the half, Staples converted a penalty kick for a 3-0 lead

The large crowd enjoyed the glorious fall weather as they came out to support the team. Fans will again have the opportunity to "fill the hill", on Thursday, when Staples meets Newtown, in the round of sixteen.

Westport, CT: Code Red Emergency Notification System in Action

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:59:27 -0500

Westport, CT: Code Red Emergency Notification System in Action

It was just a year ago that Westport First Selectman, Gordon Joseloff, announced that the Town of Westport had contracted with Emergency Communications Network, Inc. for its Code Red emergency notification system. The system sends out emergency notifications based on geographic locations. Home addresses are used to select which phones receive alerts.

Although the town maintains a database of residential and business numbers, Westport residents were encouraged to register their home phones. They could also register their cell phone numbers, if they wanted mobile notification.

At the time, my husband registered our phones and I never gave the system another thought. So, I was quite surprised, Friday afternoon, when my cell phone displayed a call from "Westport Code Red." It was even more startling when the call started out "a missing person alert.." Who was missing? Why was I getting the call?

The message continued...a 74 year old woman, suffering from dementia, wandered away from her home. Some details were provided of her description and where she was last scene.

Shortly after relatives notified the police, the town wide Code Red alert was issued. A resident who received the call noticed someone matching the woman's description, walking along the road. The police found her, a few minutes later, and brought her home.

A second message was issued, announcing the prompt and positive results.

The system was also effectively used a week ago, when shoreline residents were warned of possible flooding and urged to move their vehicles. The warning helped avert potential damage to their cars.

Westport, CT - There's a New Market in Town

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:54:16 -0400

Westport, CT - There's a New Market in Town

Wednesday, October 14, 2009 brought the much anticipated opening of "The Fresh Market", in Westport, CT. Local residents filled the parking lot, as they waited for the doors to open, at 9:00 A.M. Throughout the morning, shoppers were offered free samples of coffee, sushi, flavored tea and other treats. The first 1000 customers were invited to enter the Grand Opening TFM Pantry Giveaway, for a prize valued at approximately $500.

Corporate executives were available throughout the store, to speak to customers, listen to first impressions and answer questions about The Fresh Market and its products. The store is positioned as an upscale specialty market. The philosophy is to offer the service of an "Old Fashioned Grocery Store." The store is designed to evoke the feeling of open European style markets. Perishable items are available unpackaged for individual selection. Store departments include meat, seafood, produce, cheese, bakery, coffee, grocery, dairy and floral.

The company is based in Greensboro, North Carolina. There are currently 92 Fresh Market stores, in 18 states. Westport is the first New England store. The next store will be opened in Boston, in April or May, 2010.

Norwalk, CT - Raised Ranch on Quiet Cul-de-Sac

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:23:15 -0400

Marilyn Katz | Prudential CT Realty | 203-429-1041

26 Dorset Road, Norwalk, CT

Quiet Cranbury Area Cul-de-Sac

4BR/2.5BA Single Family House

offered at $499,000

Year Built 1963 Sq Footage 2,212 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 2 full, 1 partial Floors 2 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 13,068 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Wonderful location, on quiet cul-de-sac in desirable Cranbury area. Contemporized Raised Ranch with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, CA. Main level paneled den with cathedral ceiling opens to private patio deck. Lower level family room with fireplace. Lots of storage. Oversized, attached, 2-car garage. Convenient commuter location.
see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C - Fireplace - High/Vaulted ceiling - Hardwood floor - Tile floor - Family room - Living room - Office/Den - Dining room - Dishwasher - Refrigerator - Stove/Oven - Attic - Washer - Dryer - Laundry area - inside - Balcony, Deck, or Patio - Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front

Living Room

Den

Kitchen

Family Room

Patio/Deck

Contact info:

Marilyn Katz

Prudential CT Realty

203-429-1041

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Sep 30, 2009, 12:38pm PDT

Quintessential Connecticut Country Colonial - Fairfield, CT

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 10:08:19 -0400

Marilyn Katz | Prudential CT Realty | 203-429-1041

126 Rolling Hills Drive, Fairfield, CT

Quintessential Connecticut Country Colonial

4BR/3BA Single Family House

offered at $890,000

Year Built 1980 Sq Footage 3,095 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 full, 0 partial Floors 2 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 87,120 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month

DESCRIPTION

A home for all seasons. Two fireplaces offer cozy spots to warm the winter evenings. Beautiful flowering shrubs welcome the spring. Enjoy summer dinners on the deck, overlooking the peaceful back yard. Come home, this fall, to your charming colonial on a quiet tree-lined street, yet only minutes away from shopping, H. Smith Richardson Golf Course and the Merritt Parkway.
see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C - Fireplace - Walk-in closet - Hardwood floor - Family room - Living room - Dining room - Dishwasher - Refrigerator - Stove/Oven - Microwave - Granite countertop - Attic - Basement - Washer - Dryer - Laundry area - inside - Balcony, Deck, or Patio - Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Golf course

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Special financing incentives available on this property through SIRVA Mortgage.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front

Living Room

Dining Room

Kitchen

Master Bedroom

Back Yard

Contact info:

Marilyn Katz

Prudential CT Realty

203-429-1041

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Sep 11, 2009, 6:53am PDT

First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit - Time is Running Out

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 10:56:19 -0400

First-Time Home Buyers - Time is Running Out to qualify for your $8,000 Tax Credit

This past month, I've seen headlines proclaiming "120 days left", "115 days left", "95 days left" for the $8,000 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit. Sure, this program is in effect through the end of November, but those headlines are misleading.

To qualify for the credit, the IRS defines a first-time home buyer as someone who has not owned a principal residence during the past three years. The full credit is available for single taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples, with incomes up to $150,000. The credit phases out to zero, at incomes of $95,000 and $170,000, respectively.

In order to receive the credit, you must close on your home purchase no later than November 30, 2009

As of July 30, the Federal Reserve Board made effective the final changes to the Mortgage Disclosure Improvement Act of 2008 (MDIA). The final rules revise the disclosure requirements for mortgage loans made under the Truth in Lending Act (TIL), and apply to all local banks, major lenders, mortgage bankers and brokers. As a result, it can now take 45 and possible 60 days (FHA loans) from the time you finalize the contract on your home, until the closing.

Once you agree to a price on your new home purchase, you need to allow time to conduct inspections, possibly renegotiate the price, finalize your contract and secure your mortgage. Allowing for that time means you only have until the end of September, or certainly no later than mid-October, to find your new home and finalize your purchase contract.

Don't miss out on this opportunity. Interest rates remain relatively low, prices have softened and the government is offering you an incentive to buy.

Wordless Wednesday - Westport Prudential Office - Flip Flop Party

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 20:54:48 -0400

Photograph taken with a Point and Shoot Nikon, Coolpix S1. Photo has been cropped but not otherwise enhanced in any way. Photo displayed taken by Marilyn Katz and is covered by Copyright, all rights reserved and may not be reproduced without express written permission,

Easton, CT - Charming 4-Bedroom Antique Farmhouse

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 11:07:35 -0400

Marilyn Katz | Prudential CT Realty | 203-429-1041

85 Beers Road, Easton, CT

Charming 4-Bedroom Antique Farmhouse

4BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $498,600

Year Built 1915 Sq Footage 1,665 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 2 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 56,628 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Best of Both Worlds!! Enjoy the character and charm of yesteryear in this early 1900's farmhouse cape, with updated amenities for energy efficient living. Appreciate the quiet country setting on pastoral 1.3 acres, yet only minutes to the Merritt Parkway, for a convenient commuter location.
see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Hardwood floor - Living room - Office/Den - Dining room - Dishwasher - Refrigerator - Stove/Oven - Basement - Washer - Dryer

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front View

Living Room

Dining Room

Den

Bath

Side Yard

Contact info:

Marilyn Katz

Prudential CT Realty

203-429-1041

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Aug 10, 2009, 8:53am PDT

Weston, CT - Great Rental on Private Country Setting

Sat, 01 Aug 2009 21:13:41 -0400

Marilyn Katz | Prudential CT Realty | 203-429-1041

96 Old Easton Turnpike, Weston, CT

Weston, CT Rental with new kitchen, 4 bedrooms, 2 fireplaces, large
private backyard

4BR/3BA Single Family House

$2,900/month

Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 full, 0 partial Sq Footage 2,312 Parking 2 dedicated Pet Policy No pets Deposit $2,900

DESCRIPTION

Great rental opportunity in Lower Weston. New kitchen features granite countertops, SubZero refrigerator, Bosch D/W, Thermador cooktop and double wall oven. Private setting abuts 16 acres of open space.
see additional photos below

RENTAL FEATURES

- Fireplace - Hardwood floor - Family room - Living room - Dining room - Dishwasher - Refrigerator - Stove/Oven - Granite countertop - Stainless steel appliances - Attic - Basement - Washer - Dryer - Laundry area - inside - Balcony, Deck, or Patio - Yard - Cable-ready

LEASE TERMS

Owner will consider flexible terms, up to one year, through August 31, 2010. Tenant pays all utilities, liability insurance and snow removal. Owner will cover lawn maintenance.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front entry

Living Room

Kitchen

Porch

Deck

Back Yard

Contact info:

Marilyn Katz

Prudential CT Realty

203-429-1041

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Aug 1, 2009, 5:38pm PDT