Things to do in Weston
Weston Weston has been designated “Best Small Town” in Connecticut for several years. It is a unique town that derives its beautiful rural atmosphere from natural beauty that has been protected by excellent town planning that cherishes “open space” and 2-acre zoning. Approximately one-third of the town is dedicated to open space in perpetuity. Weston has retained its rural character even through it is only approximately an hour from Manhattan;... [Read More...]
Things to do in Westport
Westport: Renowned as one of the nation’s most desirable residential areas, Westport is a sophisticated beach community with an international flair; yet it retains its heritage as a charming New England village. The Town is primarily residential, with commercial activity limited to the central portion of town. A cultural Mecca, the arts thrive in this area because of community support and involvement. [Read More...] Read More →
10 Appraisal Tips that Will Save You Time and Money
RISMEDIA – Mortgage rates are at near-historic lows, but sinking home values are often lowering appraisals as well. If you are considering refinancing your home, what do you need to know about the appraisal process to help ensure you get the best possible appraisal on your home? [Read More...] Read More →
6 Ways to Get Your Home in Tip-Top Shape
Understandably, the goal for any home seller is to sell their property quickly, while investing as little as possible in renovations. With a limited budget and a little effort, you can greatly increase your home’s appeal by focusing on what prospective buyers can see on their first visit. [Read More...] Read More →
How to Rent Your Vacation Property … Fast
If you have a second home or vacation property you’re looking to sell, this market may prove to be exceptionally tough. That’s why leasing your property, at least for now, is something you should seriously consider. With the winter months upon us, now is the perfect time to start marketing your property for the summer season. [Read More...] Read More →
Be Market-Smart: Do’s and Don’ts for Home Sellers and Buyers
November 1, 2010—It would be unrealistic to say that the real estate market is utterly rosy right now, but neither is it thorn-filled by any means. In fact, things are decidedly looking up: [Read More...] Read More →
10 Ways to Make a Small Room Look Larger
RISMEDIA, October 25, 2010–Most people have one: that room in the house that they wish was just a little larger. What many don’t realize is that with a little work and some TLC, they could have exactly what they’re looking for. [Read More...] Read More →
Mortgage Shopping 101 – Making Sense of the Mortgage Market
RISMEDIA, October 4, 2010 – Shopping for a mortgage can be time-consuming and difficult for homebuyers, especially in today’s market where many buyers don’t know where to begin. The Federal Reserve Board has put together the following tips so that you can make sense of the mortgage market and be sure you are getting the mortgage that is right for you. [Read More...] Read More →
Homeowners: Beware of Common Home Problems
Here are some tips I want to share with you about common home problems to be aware of when you are buying, selling or just maintaining your home. It addresses issues such as Rotted Wood, Inadequate Ventilation, Amateur Repairs, Poor Drainage, Controlling Water, Loose or Missing Hand Rails, Roof Problems and Storm Damage. [Read More...] Read More →
What are my options as a home seller when my property is in or heading toward default?
In the event that you have been delinquent in paying your mortgage or anticipate that you will not be able to make payments moving forward, your options will vary, based upon several factors that are specific to you and your property. [Read More...] Read More →
When is a short sale the bank’s better option, with regard to the disposition of the loan on my property?
When a lender deems that all other options are either too costly or carry with them a high level of financial uncertainty, the short sale represents closure and finality. [Read More...] Read More →
So is now the best time to buy a home?
It depends on personal situations. Home buyers certainly have a lot of factors working in their favor right now- low interest rates, plenty of marked-down homes for sale and an extended and expanded federal tax credit that will expire in the spring. [Read More...] Read More →
Are mortgage rates expected to stay this low?
It’s hard to tell, but don’t count on it because the real estate lending landscape is likely to change next year. In September 2009, the Fed said it would gradually wind down the purchase program, ending it by March 30, 2010. [Read More...] Read More →
How can I improve my credit score?
As I am sure you have all heard over and over again, consumer credit plays an important role (if not the most important role) in determining whether or not you will be approved for a mortgage. Given that there is still heaps of negative and misleading news being distributed about the “difficulty” of getting approved, I wanted to make sure I passed on this information to all of you. [Read More...] Read More →
Top FAQ on the changes to the Homebuyer Tax Credit
Question: Existing homeowner credit: Must the new house cost more than the old house? Answer: No. Thus, for example, individuals who move from a high cost area to a lower cost area who meet all eligibility requirements will qualify for the $6500 credit. Question: I am an existing homeowner. On October 25, 2009, I signed a contract to purchase a new home. I have lived in my current home for more than 5 consecutive years and am within the new income... [Read More...]
Open House & Silent Auction to Benefit The Domestic Violence Crisis Center
Gail Lilley Zawacki, one of Weston’s premier real estate professionals, is hosting an open house to showcase 73 Lords Highway in Weston. The event will include a silent auction to benefit the Domestic Violence Crisis Center (DVCC), and is open to the public. [Read More...] Read More →
Sell Now or Wait For Prices To Recover?
If you can’t decide whether to put your house on market, you’re probably confronting two options: (1) Hold onto your property and wait for the market to recover or (2) Sell now, take the loss and move on. [Read More...] Read More →
Is there any indication of a price rebound in the Fairfield County real estate market?
Fairfield County is still in a declining market. In general, 5-6 months inventory is considered a balanced market, where neither the buyer nor the seller has a distinct advantage. The current market in Fairfield County has a relatively high number of homes for sale, with an approximate two year inventory. When comparing sales for the first half of 2008 to the first half of 2009, unit sales are down on average approximately 33.5%. The market is... [Read More...]
Which price points have been most severely affected by the pricing downturn?
Fairfield County, with the majority of the upper end inventory in the state, has been the most affected by the downtown in the real estate market. The upper end price point, which is over approximately $2m, has been more adversely affected than the first time home buyer market, which is under approximately $700k. This is primarily due to first time home buyers not having to sell an existing home in order to buy another home. Therefore, the upper... [Read More...]
Are there any towns where prices have been relatively stable or even risen?
We have not yet seen any appreciation of homes in Weston, Westport, Easton or Redding. [Read More...] Read More →
Awarded the Coldwell Banker International President's Premier, a distinction achieved by only the top 1% of all Coldwell Banker sales associates accross the country.