In this tough economic time, a good value is paramount. I asked my fellow Westporters what they thought the best deal in Westport is. Here are their answers. (Thanks Mary Hoffman for the idea!)
Jamie Camche - The best deal in Westport is buying a home through Linda Skolnick. You get a tin of "FREE BROWNIES"
Julie Migliaccio (owner of Evolution Fitness)- Simple, in these tough economic times a class at evolution sports and fitness will get you fit and the reality is that only those who are in shape will be able to handle the stress
Andrew Nevas- The library. It's got books, magazines, newspapers, movies, speakers, activities for the kids - and it's all free!
Mary Hoffman - Catering Chicken Marsala (no garlic) from the Sherwood Diner
Janet Samuels – A French Manicure by Mila (Nails by Mila 454-5755) that lasts 2 full weeks
Martha Ellinwood - the Staples “Players” productions – are the best deal in town for entertainment!
Bonnie Adler- the deal you get when you stop running around and stay home and appreciate what you already have *with a Robek’s drink at your side)Ceila Campbell Mohn - is winter walks at Compo beach!
Neil Becker – My house (yes…it is available for rent!)
Tom Greenwald - Walking the dogs at the beach? Last I checked it's free.
Randi Lehrman- Cooking every night and cleaning your own house (ok I am lying about cleaning the house! ) so that you can pool your resources for " upkeep Wednesdays".
Allyson Juvilier - Free therapy from Randi!
Richard Fogel (Dr. Grout) - to appreciate the value of your family,friends,and a great community where everyone is accepted.
Larry Bartimer- Big tasty hot dog, soda and free refill-$1.50 at Costco
Randi Kessler- Seeing a "Bruce" concert on a warm summer night at Bobby Q's (with lots of Steaz), school plays, Westport Country Playhouse, Longshore, Levitt Pavilion, hidden "Antique Roadshow" finds at tag sales (only kidding) and the best deal in Westport is laughter and good times with family and friends.....Priceless!
Nancy Marshall - A COLONIC. It takes less than an hour to lose a few pounds, flatten your stomach.....Ready for the New Year!
Tracey Lev - The Westport schools. They are free, they provide a quality education Staples was ranked # 1 in Ct)… and best of all they keep our kids for the entire day!!!
Joyce Backman - The best deal is World Champion Taekwondo in Fairfield/Westport. For one fee you can attend as many classes as you want, you get to wear a baggy "uniform" (no need to purchase work out clothing) and you are so busy trying to do the kicks and punches correctly that you don't even realize that you are working out.
Jill Halper - Same day delivered flowers from Primrose (free delivery if you mention Linda), Rafaella the tailor (she's great) kids size Carvel cone (for adults), and of course nonstop laughs with my friends (that's totally free!)
Cathy Holligan – the micro peace sign necklace at JL Rocks
Cindy Levi - The free coffee at Mitchells
Michael Lubell - Houses, Mortgages-STOP BOTTOM FISHING…We’re still an hour from NYC- WHAT A TIME TO BUY!!!, Golf at Longshore- what a steal, Trader Joe’s – Reasonable price; Happy Helpers, Border Grill and the Falafel Inn.
Tracy Boyce – A hamburger, fries at Calise's ( don't know the price but definitely a deal) and the three pack of bread at Stop N Shop.
Jeanne Burris - the phenomenal quality and service our family gets from Margaret, Joe and Diana at the Optical Shop of Westport and Andrea Itin and her husband at Mirabelle Cheese shop, both tucked away in a cute little corner at the top of Main Street. Sometimes, you really DO get what you pay for!
Karen Wingate - Fantastic mark-downs at lululemon ... everyone needs to exercise through these stressful times - and you might as well look good and feel good working out in a luxury brand product! Way cool place to hang. And free yoga classes in the store every Sunday morning from 11:00 - 12:00 before the store opens .. taught by the most experienced teachers around Westport
Pete Agnes - Call your garbage collection guy and have him reverse the "fuel surcharge" they imposed mid 2008 (they whined, but said they couldn't afford to lose our business). Dump AT&T and go with the optimum phone from Cablevision. When we called to ask us how much it would cost they told us that because of our package, they could give us a new package PLUS the phone and it would cost less - this seems like bad business to me, but who am I to argue! Make sure you "plow guy" is "on market" our old guy was charging $110 for the driveway and shovelling the side walk, the new guy does it all for $60!
Clair Mason - The Fitness and Tennis Club in Norwalk – it’s like “home from home” - It’s the friendliest club in town with the best members.The babysitting is the hottest deal in town with it’s own schedule of activities in a very homely setting – the kids are asking their parents to play tennis and work out everyday!
Nadja Streiter - the priceless, but free parenting advice I've gotten from my good friends. You know who you are!
Nancy Landauer - A walk in Winslow Park ALONE with my dog - talk about cheap therapy!
Monday, December 22, 2008
The Scoop on the Westport Market
Everyone seems to be talking about current value of Real Estate. Will the Fed’s continued rate cuts help surge the housing market? How does this year’s market compare to last year? Are there deals to be had….or…..are homeowners just overpricing their homes, expecting them to still be worth what they were a year ago and sitting with them longer? Certainly market conditions have changed. But, Westport is still a very desirable community. Now, more than ever, pricing correctly can mean the difference between a quick sale and living with a key box on your front door for a long time! So…how did Westport fare in 2008 after all?
Presently there are 290* houses on the market in Westport, with an average list price of $2,349,114 and an average market time of 140 days(which doesn’t mean much, since homes could have be re-listed and the market time than restarts at 0). The most expensive home listed for sale is priced at $37,900,000., and located on Beachside Avenue, offering 3 separate lots on 6.62 acres a 10,500 SF main house with a pool and a pool house, a guest house with its own pool and tennis court and a combined 600 feet of Long Island Sound frontage. It has been on the market for 589 days. The least expensive home on the market in Westport is priced at $449,000., a 3 bedroom 960 square foot home located on Crescent Park Road.
In 2008, 261 homes have closed (sold) with an average market time of 105 days, an average list price of $1,824,992., and an average sales price of $1,712,448. The most expensive home sold in 2008 in Westport closed for $9,825,000 although it was listed for $10,950,000. It is located on Saugatuck Avenue on 2.44 acres with a pool and tennis court, 12,000 square feet located directly on the Sound. The least expensive sale was $397,500., a 1 bedroom 750 SF cottage located on Compo Road South. The most active price range was $1,000,000 to $1,499,999 with 52 homes available, 5 under contract and 46 sold.As of December 16, 2008, the median list price in Westport is $1,242,000. There is a total of $686,643,598 worth of available inventory. Total sales volume in 2008 equals $397,455,350.
In 2007, 395 homes sold in Westport. Average market time was 108 days with an average list price of $1,737,607., and an average sales price of $1,665,730. The most expensive home sold during this time period last year closed for $7,500,000 on Saugatuck Avenue and the least expensive home sold on Crescent Park Road for $384,000.
The bottom line, the Westport Market is alive! Properties at all price points are selling when priced correctly. Our buyers in Westport are well educated. They know the market, and are not willing to overpay. The market will not allow you to under price your home (the price will be bid up by savvy buyers), but the market will allow you to hold on to your overpriced listing for years! Price it right and be ready to negotiate.
*These statistics are based on the homes listed for sale through the Greater-Fairfield County Multiple Listing Service
Presently there are 290* houses on the market in Westport, with an average list price of $2,349,114 and an average market time of 140 days(which doesn’t mean much, since homes could have be re-listed and the market time than restarts at 0). The most expensive home listed for sale is priced at $37,900,000., and located on Beachside Avenue, offering 3 separate lots on 6.62 acres a 10,500 SF main house with a pool and a pool house, a guest house with its own pool and tennis court and a combined 600 feet of Long Island Sound frontage. It has been on the market for 589 days. The least expensive home on the market in Westport is priced at $449,000., a 3 bedroom 960 square foot home located on Crescent Park Road.
In 2008, 261 homes have closed (sold) with an average market time of 105 days, an average list price of $1,824,992., and an average sales price of $1,712,448. The most expensive home sold in 2008 in Westport closed for $9,825,000 although it was listed for $10,950,000. It is located on Saugatuck Avenue on 2.44 acres with a pool and tennis court, 12,000 square feet located directly on the Sound. The least expensive sale was $397,500., a 1 bedroom 750 SF cottage located on Compo Road South. The most active price range was $1,000,000 to $1,499,999 with 52 homes available, 5 under contract and 46 sold.As of December 16, 2008, the median list price in Westport is $1,242,000. There is a total of $686,643,598 worth of available inventory. Total sales volume in 2008 equals $397,455,350.
In 2007, 395 homes sold in Westport. Average market time was 108 days with an average list price of $1,737,607., and an average sales price of $1,665,730. The most expensive home sold during this time period last year closed for $7,500,000 on Saugatuck Avenue and the least expensive home sold on Crescent Park Road for $384,000.
The bottom line, the Westport Market is alive! Properties at all price points are selling when priced correctly. Our buyers in Westport are well educated. They know the market, and are not willing to overpay. The market will not allow you to under price your home (the price will be bid up by savvy buyers), but the market will allow you to hold on to your overpriced listing for years! Price it right and be ready to negotiate.
*These statistics are based on the homes listed for sale through the Greater-Fairfield County Multiple Listing Service
Linda's Brownie Delivery Response
All my previous and current clients receive "Brownies for Life" ! If you live in Westport, CT, you know that means that you get these decadent fudgey brownies delivered to your home every year during the holidays. Many of you have decided to hide them from your children. I understand! I got a big kick out of many of your email responses to the delivery, so I cut and pasted them below. Thought you would enjoy what others said too!
My stomach thanks you -- my jeans aren't quite so sure.
Maybe this year I should share them. Maybe not.
Thanks a ton (ha ha)~they are so yummy
thanks
How about a side brownie business until real estate picks up? I'll be your first customer.
Ours our gone--Fred got one and Emma got one. As for the rest, well.....brownies were great - almost all gone already!
You're the best!We are over the moon with delight!
It wouldn't be the holidays without your unbelievable brownies!
Thank you!What a lovely surprise to come home this evening and find Linda's famous brownies!
Thank you so very much
Thank you so much for the brownies. They are even better than last year. (I'm not sure if I'll leave any for Mark or the kids.)
If you ever get tired of real estate.....
You're a doll.
The kids will be thrilled.
xoxothanks for the delicious brownies!!!!
Awesome – thank you soooo much. Have a GREAT holiday!
YUM!
Thank you soooooo much-i am so psyched!!
Yummy Brownies!
Last year I ate them all (I blame that on the pregnancy), so maybe this year I will share :). Do you make these? They are absolutely sinful!Thank you!!!!
My kids love you, the mysterious Linda who magically delivers brownies each year!
Linda Skolnick, you rock!
They're awesome.Thank you!You're the best!
I'm going to eat them on the way to the gym?
Merry chrismakah!Yumm yumm thank you SO much!
Wow, what a really fun surprise.Thanks!
Kids are psyched!!Can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!
You are too amazing!!!!!!
Delicious, as always
More reasons to go to the gym.
Godbless you Linda !
My stomach thanks you -- my jeans aren't quite so sure.
Maybe this year I should share them. Maybe not.
Thanks a ton (ha ha)~they are so yummy
thanks
How about a side brownie business until real estate picks up? I'll be your first customer.
Ours our gone--Fred got one and Emma got one. As for the rest, well.....brownies were great - almost all gone already!
You're the best!We are over the moon with delight!
It wouldn't be the holidays without your unbelievable brownies!
Thank you!What a lovely surprise to come home this evening and find Linda's famous brownies!
Thank you so very much
Thank you so much for the brownies. They are even better than last year. (I'm not sure if I'll leave any for Mark or the kids.)
If you ever get tired of real estate.....
You're a doll.
The kids will be thrilled.
xoxothanks for the delicious brownies!!!!
Awesome – thank you soooo much. Have a GREAT holiday!
YUM!
Thank you soooooo much-i am so psyched!!
Yummy Brownies!
Last year I ate them all (I blame that on the pregnancy), so maybe this year I will share :). Do you make these? They are absolutely sinful!Thank you!!!!
My kids love you, the mysterious Linda who magically delivers brownies each year!
Linda Skolnick, you rock!
They're awesome.Thank you!You're the best!
I'm going to eat them on the way to the gym?
Merry chrismakah!Yumm yumm thank you SO much!
Wow, what a really fun surprise.Thanks!
Kids are psyched!!Can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!
You are too amazing!!!!!!
Delicious, as always
More reasons to go to the gym.
Godbless you Linda !
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Avoid Seller Mistakes
The media has been reporting for the last few years that Real Estate investments are suffering. For a long time, Westport was completely resilient to what the rest of the Nation was experiencing. Unfortunately, Westport has begun to catch up with the National trend. It is becoming a buyer’s market after many fruitful years of a seller’s market. But, this doesn’t mean you can’t sell your home. It just means you have to be smarter and more efficient with the process. Therefore, it’s important that you make the right moves at the very beginning of your home selling process to remain competitive. Here are some common traps that many homeowners fall into and how to avoid them.
1. Over-pricing — It is easy to think your home is worth more than the current market may support, particularly after the long run-up in home prices. Since home prices have cooled in markets around the country, home sellers must be prepared to negotiate on price and terms, and stay flexible to other stipulations benefiting the buyer. Sellers must also keep their emotions in check during the process. After all, your home is special to you and your family, and you’re proud of the improvements you’ve made over the years. But, how does your home really stand up to the others? And are those improvements important to a potential buyer?To determine a reasonable listing price have a top producing agent produce sales statistics on homes in town, including listing prices and actual sales prices, how long it took for the homes to sell, and how it actually compares to your property. You’ll also want a market appraisal on your property. Visit homes for sale in your area and compare what you see in terms of sales appeal. Be careful not to have your home priced based on only active homes on the market (or as I call them, homes that failed to sell), but more importantly, compare to recently sold homes.
2. Negligent Housekeeping — Buyers need to be able to envision themselves living in your home. Take a good, objective look at the condition of your home. Clean, well-kept homes with an updated appearance always stand out, and a little decorating appeal can go a long way. You don't have to buy new furniture to create charm, but you can put toys and clutter away, freshen up paint and carpet, make the most of window coverings, and add a few key accessories in order to send out welcoming signals. If your Real Estate Agent has access to a stager, even better…..their well trained eye will help decipher what should stay or go.
3. Failing to Fix-It — Buyers, unless they are looking for a fixer-upper, would prefer to move into a home that is in perfect or near-perfect condition. If they have to fix the roof, a broken tile floor, the garage door, worn carpet or just about anything, this may give them pause about buying. At the very least, it may lower the value of the home (even below what the cost of the repair would be) in the prospective buyer's mind.
4. Not Identifying Exclusions — This can be a cause of contention just at a critical point in the sale. Be sure to specify any special sales considerations or exclusions from the fixtures and furnishings list. Generally, anything permanently fixed to the house is an asset that stays with the home after the sale. So if you intend to take your grandmother's antique chandelier that’s hanging in the dining room, clearly specify that the chandelier is not included in the sale price.
5. Not Understanding the Agent Agreement — Your sales endeavor will go smoothest when all parties have a clear understanding of what is expected. Understand the types of agency agreements when you sign with a real estate professional or company.Be sure to check on fees, commission percentages, marketing plans and timeframes. Most importantly, hire a top notch agent that specializes in the Westport. If your Aunt Ethel is a Realtor in Bethel she may not end up saving you as much as you expect. A well trained and respected agent local to the area knows all the idiosyncrasies specific to Westport…which may not be true in other parts of Connecticut.
If you need help buying or selling your home, feel free to contact me at (203)246-0088 or Linda @GoAskLinda.com. Visit my Website GoAskLinda.com
1. Over-pricing — It is easy to think your home is worth more than the current market may support, particularly after the long run-up in home prices. Since home prices have cooled in markets around the country, home sellers must be prepared to negotiate on price and terms, and stay flexible to other stipulations benefiting the buyer. Sellers must also keep their emotions in check during the process. After all, your home is special to you and your family, and you’re proud of the improvements you’ve made over the years. But, how does your home really stand up to the others? And are those improvements important to a potential buyer?To determine a reasonable listing price have a top producing agent produce sales statistics on homes in town, including listing prices and actual sales prices, how long it took for the homes to sell, and how it actually compares to your property. You’ll also want a market appraisal on your property. Visit homes for sale in your area and compare what you see in terms of sales appeal. Be careful not to have your home priced based on only active homes on the market (or as I call them, homes that failed to sell), but more importantly, compare to recently sold homes.
2. Negligent Housekeeping — Buyers need to be able to envision themselves living in your home. Take a good, objective look at the condition of your home. Clean, well-kept homes with an updated appearance always stand out, and a little decorating appeal can go a long way. You don't have to buy new furniture to create charm, but you can put toys and clutter away, freshen up paint and carpet, make the most of window coverings, and add a few key accessories in order to send out welcoming signals. If your Real Estate Agent has access to a stager, even better…..their well trained eye will help decipher what should stay or go.
3. Failing to Fix-It — Buyers, unless they are looking for a fixer-upper, would prefer to move into a home that is in perfect or near-perfect condition. If they have to fix the roof, a broken tile floor, the garage door, worn carpet or just about anything, this may give them pause about buying. At the very least, it may lower the value of the home (even below what the cost of the repair would be) in the prospective buyer's mind.
4. Not Identifying Exclusions — This can be a cause of contention just at a critical point in the sale. Be sure to specify any special sales considerations or exclusions from the fixtures and furnishings list. Generally, anything permanently fixed to the house is an asset that stays with the home after the sale. So if you intend to take your grandmother's antique chandelier that’s hanging in the dining room, clearly specify that the chandelier is not included in the sale price.
5. Not Understanding the Agent Agreement — Your sales endeavor will go smoothest when all parties have a clear understanding of what is expected. Understand the types of agency agreements when you sign with a real estate professional or company.Be sure to check on fees, commission percentages, marketing plans and timeframes. Most importantly, hire a top notch agent that specializes in the Westport. If your Aunt Ethel is a Realtor in Bethel she may not end up saving you as much as you expect. A well trained and respected agent local to the area knows all the idiosyncrasies specific to Westport…which may not be true in other parts of Connecticut.
If you need help buying or selling your home, feel free to contact me at (203)246-0088 or Linda @GoAskLinda.com. Visit my Website GoAskLinda.com
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