2010 Brownie Delivery Responses

My annual Brownie Delivery is just beginning. I always enjoy your responses. I hope you don't mind my sharing them!

Thanks so much!!! I created 2 LBS brownie addicts within 2 mins after u handing them to me

They are almost gone. Thank you so much. They are amazing. Can't wait until next year.

The kids found them, which I guess is good since I won’t eat the whole tin myself.

If you see my kids in town...don't tell them you already delivered them. I don't want to share!

Yummy!!!

Thanks for the brownies. They were a great surprise when we arrived home from vacation last night.

So delicious, so thoughtful, and with sincere thanks - your brownies are such a tasty treat and really make the holiday time so much more festive

My kids LOVE you!!!!!

Thanks you so much!! xo

The kids will be psyched

When you go to heaven, God is going to ask you for your brownie recipe!

Can't wait! Thanks!

Thank you thank you thank you!!!!!! There goes the diet AGAIN!

My kids are going to be so PSYCHED!! Thank you, dear!! xoxo

Yay!!

Thanks so much for the incredible brownies.......hope you and your family have a happy and healthy holiday season and great 2011!

Thank you Linda,but I have to hide it. It is deeelicious.

Thanks so much Linda!!
As delish and decadent as always!
Happy holidays!!

Thanks for the brownies, they didn't even last 12 hours in my house!!

I denied that we received them to my husband!!

Thanks so much for the brownies! We were away, my neighbor got my mail, ate some, and froze the rest! She was very jealous!!! Anyway, can't wait for them to thaw....... xo

Mmmm! Thank you.
Can't wait to get home. En route from HK.. No brownies over there like yours!!

you're the best!!! thank you thank you thank you!!

Can’t wait. Always a treat. Thanks.

Current Mortgage Lending Rates December 2, 2010

According to Jeff Jensen of Connecticut Home Mortgage, current mortgage lending rates for 12/2/10 are as follows:

30 year fixed rate - 4.75-4.85%
Jumbo 30 year fixed rate - 5.125%
5/1 ARM- 3.50%
5/1 Interest Only - 3.75%
Jumbo 15 year fixed rate - 4.125%

Get Ready for Winter

As the days are getting shorter and nights colder, it is clear that winter is fast approaching. Make sure your home is prepared for the lower temperatures with some simple preventative maintenance.
Roof, Gutters and Downspouts
Make sure gutters are well cleared of leaves, sticks and other debris. Once gutters are emptied, run water through downspouts to ensure there is no blockage. If left undone, a simple obstruction could cause water to back up and seep through walls and ceilings causing serious and expensive damage. A wise investment would include either gutter guards or screens that lessen or entirely prevent the debris that accumulates in the gutters in the first place.
Water Heater
It would be awful to have your hot water heater malfunction on a cold winter day. As part of your annual service call, have your hot water heater tested. This should include testing the tank’s pressure and temperature relief valve while also removing sediment from the bottom of the tank by draining 2 gallons of water. This will help improve the efficiency and heat transfer of your unit.
Heating and Cooling System
Book your annual service with your oil company before it gets too cold or you will find yourself on a long wait list. If you do not have a service contract, or prefer to do it yourself, change the disposable filters, vacuum lint and dirt from blower blades and motor and clean air passages. Check or replace fan belts if needed.
Doors and Windows
By making sure doors and windows are properly sealed, you can help control heating costs. Weather stripping should be repaired or replaced around window frames and door bottoms and jams. Install storm windows and doors if available.
Water Pipes
Major damage from frozen or burst pipes can be easily prevented with advance preparation.. Before the cold weather sets in, add insulation to your pipes located in unheated areas. Simply wrap the pipes with blanket insulation or heating tape or completely incase them with preformed foam. Check for leaks and cracks and correct any minor problems.
Fireplace
Call a reputable fireplace sweep company. Do not fall for the phone calls claiming they are already working on homes in your area. Your chimney flue should be cleaned annually. Have the seal on your flue inspected to keep out drafts. Check for loose masonry and ensure your fireplace is in good working order.

Inexpensive quick fixes now will help you avoid expensive and time consuming troubles later.

Make Your Offer Stand Out Every Time !

Unless you have had your head in the sand at Compo Beach, you already know that it is a “Buyer’s Market” when it comes to home sales. Reduced asking prices, coupled with historically low mortgage lending rates, have sparked an enthusiasm into Westport’s residential market. A properly priced home in the right location is once again creating a frenzy and even bidding wars. An educated buyer should be prepared to put their best foot forward to ensure they will obtain an accepted offer from their bid.

Price - Clearly, price is one of the primary considerations when a seller is reviewing your offer. If you find yourself in a bidding war, consider offering the seller a premium of a set dollar amount above their highest offer.

Financing – Before you prepare an offer, it is important to meet with a mortgage lender. It doesn’t matter to the seller if you speak with a Mortgage Broker or The Lender directly, as long as you are prequalified. However, a “pre-qualification” will only take you so far. This shows that you can afford the property based on the information that you have given the lender. However, a “pre-approval” goes a few steps further. A pre-approval verifies your employment and your credit history. You can be cleared for a pre-determined maximum loan, allowing you to make a “mortgage contingency” free offer, which reduces the seller’s risk greatly, in essence making your offer more appealing.

Good Faith Deposit – When a potential buyer offers a larger than the customary 1% earnest money deposit with an offer, it will certainly gain a seller’s attention. It can demonstrate the buyer’s motivation and their ability to accumulate funds quickly.

Contingencies – Minimizing contingencies and clauses that make it harder for the buyer to cancel the contract once inspections and financing is secured will go a long way to prove to a seller the buyer’s desire to make the transaction continue smoothly. Certainly a first time buyer or renter is extra appealing to a seller, so the sale of their current house does not complicate the timing or ability to close.

Build a Relationship – Try connecting with the seller on some level. Of course price, terms and contingencies are always going to prevail, but if all else is comparable, a seller tends to like accepting an offer from people that they have met, and who they believe will take good care of their home.

Trust your seasoned Realtor to know the best way to position your offer. Whether you are planning to purchase your dream home or an investment property, knowledge, skill and your agent’s expertise will help you facilitate making a sound offer that, when realistic, will lead to an accepted offer.

Current Mortgage Lending Rates October 21, 2010

According to Jeff Jensen of Connecticut Home Mortgage, current mortgage lending rates for 10/21/10 are as follows:

30 year fixed rate - 4-4.25%
Jumbo 30 year fixed rate - 5%
5/1 ARM- 3.50%
5/1 Interest Only - 4.125%
Jumbo 15 year fixed rate - 3.99%

Mortage Lending Rates 10/14/10

According to Jeff Jensen of Connecticut Home Mortgage, current mortgage lending rates for 10/14/10 are as follows:

30 year fixed rate - 4.125-4.25%
Jumbo 30 year fixed rate - 5%
5/1 ARM- 3.50%
5/1 Interest Only - 4.125%
Jumbo 15 year fixed rate - 4.125%

Current Mortgage Interest Rates October 7, 2010

According to Jeff Jensen of Connecticut Home Mortgage, current mortgage lending rates for 10/7/10 are as follows:

30 year fixed rate - 4-4.275%
Jumbo 30 year fixed rate - 5%
5/1 ARM- 3.50%
5/1 Interest Only - 4.125%
Jumbo 15 year fixed rate - 4.125%

Ready your Home for the Fall

October rolled in along with colder mornings. The shorter days are an early reminder to get our homes in shape as autumn arrives. Routine maintenance is the inherent responsibility of a conscientious homeowner. Many underestimate the importance of it, but well organized planning can save you thousands later. Ensure you schedule these important tasks before the first freeze of the season.

• Gutters and Downspouts – One of the least expensive maintenance tasks that should never be missed is clearing your gutters and downspouts. Once the debris has been removed from your gutters, make sure your downspouts direct water away from your house and are free of clogs. This simple task can help save your home from roof, foundation and structural problems.
• Remove Dead Tree Limbs – With all the damaging storms we have survived in 2010, it has become clear that removing dead limbs from your trees may prevent large branches with more disastrous results from falling on wires and structures.
• Clear your Clothes Dryer Vent - Always ensure that you unplug your dryer and clear out the buildup of lint in the dryer duct to allow better air flow. Left un-emptied, the vent and duct lint areas can damage your dryer and increase the risk of fire.
• Repair Roof Leaks – Touch up flashing and replace damaged and broken or rotted shingles. Simple fixes can save you from embarrassing and expensive interior ceiling and wall leaks.
• Inspect your Chimney – A professional can check and remove animal nests, creosote and debris buildup which left unchecked could cause fire and smoke damage in your home.
• Vacuum Refrigerator Coils – Not only will this help the efficiency of your refrigerator, but it will also help its longevity. Simply locate the coils on the bottom or back and use the long nozzle of your vacuum to clear out the dust and dirt.

With inexpensive preventative tasks, you can keep your winter expenses down, appliances more efficient and your family safer. Sounds like a no-brainer to me!!

Current Mortgage Interest Rates September 22, 2010

According to Jeff Jensen of Connecticut Home Mortgage, current mortgage lending rates for 9/22/10 are as follows:

30 year fixed rate - 4.125-4.375%
Jumbo 30 year fixed rate - 5.125%
5/1 ARM- 3.75%
5/1 Interest Only - 4.125%
Jumbo 15 year fixed rate - 4.125%

7 Reasons to Use a Realtor for New Construction

Traditionally, when potential homeowners decide to search for a new home, they call they Realtor. However, often when new construction is the plan, buyers often go it alone. But don’t be short sighted, your Realtor can be exceptionally helpful and well worth his or her commission.

New construction often boasts great floor plans with large family rooms and a wide array of special features and appointments. Energy efficient products are standard while new building materials often help reduce future utility bills. In addition, the roof and most appliances have many years until replacement will be necessary.

Although you may not deem it necessary to involve your Realtor when working directly with a builder, it could prove to be quite prudent. By enlisting a Real Estate agent you are hiring a professional who will help guide you through the process and protect your interests.

7 advantages to consider when using a Realtor during the building process:

1. Builders differ greatly. Some are known for being able to build at a “great” price, while others typically build with only the finest materials. It’s important to depend on reputation and previous clients. Your broker’s experience can provide these references.
2. Brokers know the market well, and can help you negotiate an appropriate price that does not place your cost above market value.
3. As a buyer, you are most likely only constructing a new home once with a builder. However, your Realtor may work with the builder many times over the years. Since repeat business is imperative to most businesses, your builder is more likely to go above and beyond to impress your Realtor and you.
4. Agents deal with mortgage brokers, appraisers and banks regularly. Your loan process tends to move along smoother when your agent oversees the progression.
5. Even the best buyer-builder relationships can have kinks during the building course. Your Realtor can be the voice of reason and well versed on industry standards.
6. If you are relocating to a new area, your agent can provide local area information. He or she can also be your eyes and ears periodically at the construction site.
7. Lastly, typically the builder agrees to pay the sales agent’s commission, so you are receiving support and attention at no additional cost to you.

Building a new home can be a tough journey. Having a Real Estate professional on your team can help smooth the bumps and tackle the hurdles so you can enjoy the ride.

Is Your Home Not Selling? It’s Not Personal

As home sellers look to move out of their “American Dream”, many are facing a new reality in today’s market. Sellers are finding a lack of options due to limited equity in their properties, especially if purchased after 2003. Some are numbed by deflated prices and are finding it tough to justify new realities.

While hoping not to lose any additional ground, some homeowners have dug in their heels regarding pricing. Others are letting emotions stand in the way of good analysis and end up taking current market conditions personally. Buyers are centered on getting abundant amenities at a maximum value. Both sides need to be realistic and take into account fair market value over what they want to pay or receive for the property.

There are many compelling reasons to make your move now. Interest rates continue to be at record lows. No one can accurately predict when they will go back up. In addition, if you are selling for less, you will be able to capitalize on your next purchase by buying for less while taking advantage of lower borrowing rates.
Your Realtor, your local expert, can provide fair market value information, comparables and personal knowledge to enable you to make an educated decision. Pricing your home for sale just below market value will attract buyer’s and agent’s attention, while overpricing it will most certainly turn them away. Even if an overpriced home is later adjusted down, it is often too late, and tough to recapture interest.

Keep in mind the following conditions:

• Appearance and overall condition. – Do not rely on a buyer to have a great imagination. Make your for sale home appear light and bright. De-clutter by removing furniture. A good realtor can advise you how to best rearrange your space to be the most appealing to a buyer. Remove clutter and excess knick-knacks and create an overall feeling of openness. Have a discerning eye review your exterior. Are bushes trimmed back or are they blocking the walkway? A freshly painted front door does wonders without much capital expense.
• Terms – Although you may have properly price your home, insure that your terms are reasonable too. Be open minded on what it will take to “get the deal done”, without giving up on what you need!

• Incentive - Offering an allowance to paint or re-carpet may be very appealing to an overwhelmed buyer. Or, consider purchasing a home warranty for the buyer, to help with unforeseen expenses. What incentive will a buyer have to buy your house over another? There are a lot of options on the market, make sure yours shines brightest.
You have heard this from me before, but the market still has great opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Be educated and put your best foot forward from the beginning. Align yourself with a top well informed realtor who will keep you up to date and informed while still realistic on pricing and current market conditions. Please feel free to contact me Linda@GoAskLinda.com if I can help you.

Mortage Lending Rates 9/9/10

According to Jeff Jensen of Connecticut Home Mortgage, current mortgage lending rates for 9/9/10 are as follows:

30 year fixed rate - 4.375-4.50%
Jumbo 30 year fixed rate - 5.125%
5/1 ARM- 3.875%
5/1 Interest Only - 4.125%
Jumbo 15 year fixed rate - 4.25%

Scoop on the Westport Market - August 2010

What is really happening in Westport’s Real Estate market? Buyers seem to believe that prices are still going down while sellers are sure prices are on their way up. Of course, without a crystal ball, no one can truly tell the future, however, based on the first 8 months of 2010, the market is definitely improving. Interest lending rates continue to be historically low and sellers have become more negotiable.

Presently there are 352* houses on the market in Westport, with an average list price of $2,231,331, and an average market time of 128 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 $24,900,000., and located on Beachside Avenue, offering 6.62 acres, a 10,500 square foot house, included are 3 building lots with 600 feet of water frontage a main house with a pool and pool house, and a second home with a pool and tennis court. The least expensive home on the market in Westport is priced at $329,000. on Hiawatha Lane with 3 bedrooms, 1 bath in 1104 square feet. The total dollar value of available homes in Westport is $785,428,472.

The average list price for 3 bedroom homes is $1,184,119, 4 bedroom homes - $1,543,475 and 5 bedrooms or more $3,123,632. There are 62 homes available for in the most saturated price range $1,500,000 – $1,999,000.

Year to date, 233 homes have closed (sold) with an average market time of 95 days, an average list price of $1,469,928., and an average sales price of $1,378,877. The most expensive home to date sold in 2010 in Westport closed for $8,187,500 . It is located on North Avenue Extension with a pool and tennis court. The least expensive sale was $358,500., located on Oakview Circle. The most active price range for homes sold in Westport for 2010 is $1,000,000 - $1,499,000 with 51 sales year to date.

There are currently 45 homes that are considered “pending”, which means contracts are executed and they are awaiting closure. The most active price range for pending homes is $1,000,000 - $1,499,000 with 7 homes due to close in the range.

In 2009, during the same time period, 148 homes sold in Westport. Average market time was 117 days with an average list price of $1,517,043., and an average sales price of $1,393,020. The most expensive home sold during this time period last year closed for $6,500,000 on Beachside Avenue and the least expensive home sold on Cedar Road for $340,000.

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 as of August 24, 2010.

A Final Inspection is Always Necessary

You’ve found the perfect home to purchase. The sellers have even agreed to your offer. The mortgage loan has been approved and you are ready to close. Don’t forget the simple but imperative next step before your actual closing…the final walk thru!
Firstly, along with your Realtor, insure that everything that the sellers were supposed to leave, they actually left. If the window treatments were included in the contract, you are entitled to them. If the sellers forgot, and accidently removed them, they need to bring them back or replace them before closing. This may seem obvious, but simple mistakes like this happen more often than one would imagine.
Next, check that the repairs that were negotiated after the initial building inspection were actually completed. Obviously, for any major repairs, your attorney should receive copies in advance of the paid work orders. However, small repairs should be inspected and approved. If promised repairs are not completed, they should to be handled before closing, while the seller still the motivation to correct them quickly.

Look for damage that may have occurred after your contract signing. Did the movers damage the wood floors or gauge the wall during the move out? Are the locks working the same as when you inspected the home?
Bring a portable hairdryer and spot check as many electrical outlets as you have time to. Flush every toilet and run all sinks and showers to insure proper pressure and hot water .Believe it or not, I once found a homeowner that changed a shower head before closing, but we uncovered it simply by running the shower and observing low pressure.

Run the dishwasher, washer and dryer. Put on the stove and oven. Make sure all are heating at expected rates. Trust me, a small amount of time well spent will save you problems and frustrations later.
Your Realtor does this type of walk thru many times a year. He or she will work with you to complete all these visual and physical inspections. Your attorney can help negotiate any “surprises”.

The earlier you can do your final walk thru before closing, the better. It will give your agent and attorney time to track down the sellers and their agents to correct any issues. Never do the final inspection before the seller has completely moved out. The process of the actual move is often where the greatest damage occurs.

Current Mortgage Lending Rates 8/8/10

According to Jeff Jensen of Connecticut Home Mortgage, current mortgage lending rates for 8/12/10 are as follows:

30 year fixed rate - 4.25-4.35%
Jumbo 30 year fixed rate - 5.125%
5/1 ARM- 3.875%
5/1 Interest Only - 4.125%
Jumbo 15 year fixed rate - 4.25%

Westport's Current Market Conditions March 2010

At least a few times each day I am asked the same question. “How’s the Real Estate Market?” Most are surprised when I answer that it is good, at least for buyers! It is clearly their market. Many of the homes that are presently available for sale have been on the market before for substantially more money. It is not unusual to see a home listed for less than what the current seller paid only a few years ago. Those are the more motivated sellers. The sellers who are expecting to receive more than they paid for their home if originally purchased from 2003 to present will be surely disappointed. Our buyers are well educated, and they can easily access previous sales and compare values on the internet or with their sales agent. They are not willing to overpay. 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 is Westport faring in 2010 so far?


Presently there are 326* houses on the market in Westport, with an average list price of $2,246,180 and an average market time of 131 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 $30,000,000., and located on Beachside Avenue, offering 4 acres, a 10,000 square foot 6 bedroom main house, a 2 bedroom guest house and a 2 bedroom gate house. There is space for 9 cars in the garages and 215 feet of direct beachfront property. The least expensive home on the market in Westport is priced at $375,000., a 3 bedroom 1104 square foot ranch located on Crescent Park.

Year to date, 34 homes have closed (sold) with an average market time of 116 days, an average list price of $1,637,4501., and an average sales price of $1,510,309. The most expensive home sold in 2010 in Westport closed for $8,187,500 on North Avenue Extension featuring a pool and tennis court. 33 homes have fully executed contracts and are awaiting closure.

In 2009, during the same time period, 16 homes sold in Westport. Average market time was 136 days with an average list price of $1,649,300., and an average sales price of $1,465,835. The most expensive home sold during this time period last year closed for $3,215,000 on Manitou Road.

The bottom line, it’s a buyers market. If you have nothing to sell, you will surely be able to enjoy the better prices of homes available in Westport. If you are selling and trading up, you may need to accept less on the sale of your current home, but you will be able to reap the benefit of the savings on your purchase of a more expensive home. The only one that gets hurt is the seller who is trading down. That seller has to either “suck it up” or “get out”. Price according to real marketvalue, and you will get offers. 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 as of March 1, 2010

Current Mortgage Lending Rates 3/4/10

According to Jeff Jensen of Connecticut Home Mortgage, current mortgage lending rates for 3/4/10 are as follows:

30 year fixed rate - 5-5.25%
Jumbo 30 year fixed rate - 5.625%
5/1 ARM- 4.125%
5/1 Interest Only - 4.375%
Jumbo 15 year fixed rate - 4.5%