Should I buy now or will real estate prices fall further?

The only way to truly know when the market has hit bottom is when you look at it in your rear view mirror. [Read More...]  Read More →

Are real estate market conditions different for different price points?

According to the National Association of Realtors®, existing-home sales rose in April with strong buyer activity in lower price ranges. First time buyers continue to influence the market, but there is also a seasonal rise in repeat buyers. Most sales today are taking place in lower price ranges and while activity is beginning to pick up in the mid-price ranges, higher priced home sales remain sluggish. [Read More...]  Read More →

Have your clients had difficulty getting mortgage approvals?

Yes and no.  The mortgage approval process has reverted back to a more traditional state, which is to verify employment, income and assets.  Gone are the days of no income verification mortgages.  [Read More...]  Read More →

Have banks and lenders become more conservative with appraisals?

Yes, they have. With refinances, a good amount of homeowners in recent years used their homes as “piggy banks” and kept taking out equity through Home Equity Lines of Credit, because the value of their home kept going up. With the recent market correction in home values, homes do not have as much equity, so the banks/lenders are less likely to refinance a property where there is little equity remaining. With purchases, lenders have been... [Read More...]

Government Programs to Stimulate the Housing Market

The Government’s stimulus package was geared to the first time home buyer and has a deadline date of this year. Are there any other programs in the works that could help the economy? [Read More...]  Read More →

Forclosures in Fairfield County

I keep seeing news stories on TV about foreclosure sales that are real bargains. Is that happening in Westport, Weston, Easton, or Redding? And how do I find out about their availability? [Read More...]  Read More →

How can I figure what percent of my home purchase to finance?

Good question, but hard to answer. Many variables go into this calculation, such as your income, short and long term debt obligations, interest rate on your mortgage, whether the mortgage is fixed or variable, taxes and insurance, HOA fees, etc. [Read More...]  Read More →

Should I put my home on the market now or wait until the market turns?

That depends on your situation. First and foremost should be that we keep in mind a home purchase is more than just “housing” or an investment. It is a lifestyle and sometimes the direction your life takes dictates the best time for you to buy or sell a home. [Read More...]  Read More →

Home with the flu. Do we cancel showings?

My daughter is home with the flu. My broker called and wants to show the house. I really don’t want to expose anyone to the flu, but I don’t want miss out on a potential buyer. What do you suggest? [Read More...]  Read More →

Is well water equipment a red flag to buyers?

My house is on well water. I have all kinds of above ground equipment, water softeners, etc., and I’m concerned the equipment will be a red flag that we have a water problem. Your thoughts? Water treatment equipment is usually a sign that you have properly cared for your home and are a conscientious homeowner. Buyers can be rest assured that during the inspection process, a water sample will be taken to determine if there are any issues with... [Read More...]

What should I do about banging pipes?

The pipes in my house make so much noise in the winter. It sounds like Buddy Rich is playing drums in my walls. I’ve had it checked out, but it never seems to get corrected. Should I wait till the spring/summer to put my house on the market so I can avoid putting the heat on? Banging pipes usually means that the air needs to be purged from them. I recommend having your service contractor let the air out; he or she can also determine if other... [Read More...]

Can I send the vet and rug cleaning bill to the broker?

My listing clearly states: Do Not Let The Dog Out Of The Basement! There’s even a big sign on the basement door! A broker insisted on showing the basement. Buster got out and ate the entire dish of M&Ms on the coffee table in the family room and then threw up all over the Persian rug. Can I send the vet and rug cleaning bill to the broker? It is a challenge for brokers to follow every request from a homeowner, as they vary from house to... [Read More...]

Shouldn’t there be a “no perfume” rule for brokers?

I love my broker but HATE her perfume. I have to keep my head out the window when we’re out looking at houses. Shouldn’t there be a “no perfume” rule for brokers? I am sure your REALTOR® would like you to have the most pleasant experience possible. A simple request, will probably resolve this issue quickly.  Read More →

Can I request that brokers and their clients take off their shoes when they look at my house?

I have my house on the market and every time it snows we have to put sand and salt on the walkways. Can I request that brokers and their clients take off their shoes when they look at my house? I don’t want the salt and sand ruining my floors. Absolutely. If you find that potential buyers are complaining about having to remove their shoes, you may also purchase surgical booties and place them at the door for those who don’t want to remove... [Read More...]

Should my home smell like fresh baked pie?

I was out looking at houses the other day and went into a house that had the most fantastic aroma of freshly baked apple pie. Do you think it’s an attempt to create a home with a Martha Stewart feel to entice potential buyers? Yes, the smell of “home,” whether chocolate chip cookies, vanilla candles, apple cider or a freshly baked apple pie, is very welcoming.  Read More →

Can I keep my asking price out of the newspaper?

I don’t want people to read the selling price of my house. Is there any way to keep it out of the newspaper? Yes, it is your decision whether or not to include the asking price, but why not? Potential buyers are often frustrated by homes that do not release an asking price and often times this results in the buyer assuming that the home it is not within their price range. You want to draw qualified buyers to your home and publishing an asking... [Read More...]

Are brokers responsible if a valuable is missing?

A broker showed my house this morning and there’s a necklace missing from my dresser drawer. Are brokers responsible if a valuable is missing? Most listing contracts state that brokers/agents are not responsible for missing or broken items. That being said, most real estate professionals will advise you to put away jewelry, prescriptions and other valuables while your home is being shown. However, I recommend that you check your homeowners... [Read More...]

What if I’m disappointed with the photo of my home?

I’m disappointed with the photo of my house in the newspaper. Can I have the photographer come back and show him a different angle that makes the house look much bigger? [Read More...]  Read More →

Will Pamela Anderson jeopardize the sale of my house?

I am very embarrassed by the Pamela Anderson posters on the walls in my son’s room. We’re putting the house on the market and my son refuses to take them down and my husband supports his decision. Will Pamela Anderson jeopardize the sale of my house? [Read More...]  Read More →

Should I take my home off the market for the holidays?

Showing your home in tip top condition during the holidays is another stress you may not want to add to your list of shopping, decorating, charity work, pageants and jobs. It is normal to consider withdrawing your property from the market during this busy time. [Read More...]  Read More →

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